STATE OF LOUISIANA
Department of Public Safety and Corrections
Office of State Fire Marshal Code Enforcement and Building Safety
8181 Independence Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana  70806
225-925-4920

H “BUTCH” BROWNING
FIRE MARSHAL

BUILDING REHABILITATION

ROBERT WILTSE
DAMMON ENGINEERING INC
554 OLD SPANISH TRAIL
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000	
RE:  P0413375
COURER DE VILLE APARTMENTS
2021 BAYOU LANE APT C
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000

NFPA 101, 2009
IBC, 2009 (CHAPTERS 9 & 10)

APARTMENT

Dear Applicant:

This is to advise that we have reviewed the drawings and specifications for the subject proposed construction and have determined that they appear to satisfactorily comply with the adopted laws, codes, rules and regulations of The State Fire Marshal subject to the following requirements:

1.	Scope of Work: This review is for the work to repair fire damage to an existing, 1.024 sf, two story apartment in an existing, 3,072 sf, three story building with three apartment units. 

2.	This review applies to new work indicated in the drawings and does not apply to existing non-conforming conditions. 

3.	101:4.6.11.1  Buildings or portions of buildings shall be permitted to be occupied during construction, repair, alterations, or additions only if all means of egress and all fire protection features are in place and continuously maintained for the portion(s) occupied. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE:  THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS IDENTIFY ISSUES FOR INFORMATIONAL AND CAUTIONARY PURPOSES OR ISSUES THAT COULD NOT BE VERIFIED IN THE SUBMITTED DOCUMENTS.

4.	101:30.3.7.1  Separate living units from each other with one hour fire resistance rated construction.
	a)  101:8.2.2.3  Fire compartments shall be formed by fire barriers that are continuous from foundation through all intervening construction to the roof deck or floor deck, from outside wall to outside wall or from fire barrier to fire barrier, including continuity through all concealed spaces, such as those found above a ceiling, including interstitial spaces. 
	
5.	LAC 55:305  Insulation and insulation assemblies shall meet the requirements of Section 719, International Building Code, 2009 Edition. 

6.	LRS 40:1711  Provide safety glazing in hazardous locations. 

7.	101:30.3.3  Interior walls and ceilings shall have a flame spread of 0-200 and a smoke development rating of 0-450. 

8.	101:7.2.1.2.3.2, 101:7.1.5.1, and IBC 1008.1.1  A doorway in a means of egress shall provide at least 32" in clear width (consider installing 36" wide doors) and at least 6'-8" in nominal height.  Where a pair of doors is provided, at least one leaf shall comply with clear width requirement. 

9.	101:7.2.1.3.1, 101:7.1.6.3, and IBC 1008.1.5 through 1008.1.7  The floor elevation shall not change by more than 1/2" from one side of a door to the other.   

10.	101:8.3.5  Penetrations through rated construction shall be sealed by approved firestop systems or devices tested in accordance with ASTM E-814 or ANSI/UL 1479 or by assemblies of firestopping materials capable of preventing the passage of flames and hot gases when tested and rated in accordance with NFPA 251. (This requirement applies for elevator controls on shaft walls, electrical outlets, light switches, etc.).

	a)  Notify the District Office identified at the end of this letter for inspection of all completed fire and/or smoke barrier walls before any construction is installed that would conceal such construction and prevent a proper inspection.  Access to randomly selected areas may be required by the inspector at time of final inspection if this notification is not given.
	b)  Provide detailed instructive cut sheets of the fire penetration sealing system used to the inspector at time of inspection.  Random selective sampling by the contractor will be observed by the inspector. 
	
11.	101:7.2.1.5 and IBC 1008.1.9  Locks on doors in means of egress shall not require the use of a key, special device or special knowledge to open in the direction of egress.

Submit a "REQUEST FOR EXEMPTION" for special locking arrangements in accordance with Interpretive Memorandum 2009-03 available on our website at http://www.dps.louisiana.gov/sfm/ under the PLAN REVIEW / FORMS section.  Also see Interpretive Memorandum 2009-04 for clarification regarding "Magnetic Lock Releasing Devices & Electrified Locks/Latches", or Interpretive Memorandum 2009-05 for clarification regarding Special Healthcare Locking Arrangements.

NOTE:  The "Life Safety and Property Protection Licensing Law" (LRS 40:1664 et seq.) requires locksmiths to be licensed.  Contact the licensing section of this office at 225.925.7047 for guidance and assistance. 

12.	101:7.2.1.5.9 and IBC 1008.1.94 through 1008.1.9.5  Doors shall be openable with ONLY one releasing operation.  A two-step release, such as a knob and an independent slide bolt, is NOT acceptable.

	a)  101:24.2.3  Means of escape path of travel shall not be through a room subject to locking.
	b)  101:24.2.4.4  Every closet door latch shall be such that it can be opened from the inside.
	c)  101:24.2.4.6  No door in any means of egress shall be locked against egress when the building is occupied. 
	
13.	LAC 55:V:303.D  Provide listed portable fire extinguishers in accordance with NFPA 10.  (Refer to Appendix E for distribution information.) 

	a)  NFPA 10:5.2  Classifications for fires:  

Class A fires-fires in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics.  
Class B fires-fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars. oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases.  
Class C fires-fires that involve energized electrical equipment.  
Class D fires-fires in combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium. 
Class K fires-fires in cooking appliances that involve combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats.) (FOR USE ONLY AFTER ASSOCIATED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM HAS ACTIVATED AND ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE COOKING APPLIANCES HAS SHUNTED) 

14.	Compliance with the 2008 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), is mandated by RS 40:1730.28.A(7). Contact the local Building Official of the applicable local political subdivision or a Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council registered third-party provider to verify plan review and inspection requirements of the proposed electrical work. 

15.	HVAC system shall be constructed in accordance with 101:9.2. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE:  THE FOLLOWING IS A REVIEW FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOUISIANA STATE UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACT 12 OF THE 2005 FIRST EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE. THIS REVIEW IS PERFORMED AT THE REQUEST OF, AND ON BEHALF OF THE JURISDICTION IN WHICH THIS PROPOSED PROJECT IS LOCATED.
This office will not be responsible for inspections to certify compliance with applicable requirements. Contact the local Building Official or a Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code Council certified third-party provider to arrange for inspections.

Codes Referenced: 	
	2009 International Building Code (IBC) not including Chapters 1, 11, 27, and 29;
	2009 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) not including Chapter 1;
	2009 International Mechanical Code (IMC);
	2000 Louisiana State Plumbing Code (LSPC);
	2009 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC);
	2008 National Electric Code (NEC)

16.	Building Planning:
	a)  Proposed Occupancy/Use Group Classification:
The occupancy is  Group R-2 per IBC Section310.
	b)  Special Occupancy Areas:
There are no special detailed requirements.
	c)  Incidental/Accessory Use Areas:
There are no  incidental use or accessory occupancies per IBC Section 508.
	d)  Construction Type/Building Limitations:
The construction is existing.
	e)  Classification of Work:
The scope of work is classified as Alteration-Level I  per IEBC Section 403. 

17.	Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction and Interior Finishes:
	a)  Fire partitions complying with IBC Section 709 shall separate Dwelling Units.
	b)  Fire barriers shall extend from the top of the floor/ceiling assembly below to the underside of the floor or roof slab or deck above and shall be securely attached thereto.  These walls shall be continuous through concealed spaces such as the space above a suspended ceiling.  Hollow vertical spaces within the fire barrier wall shall be fireblocked at every floor level, per IBC Section 707.5.
	c)  Interior walls and ceiling finishes shall be Class C : Flame spread 0-200; smoke-developed 0-450. 
	
18.	Fire Protection Systems:
Refer to Life Safety Code review above for fire protection system requirements.
	a)  The existing building is  not provided with an automatic sprinkler system. The system is not required by IEBC Section 603.1.
	b)  The building is existing building is not  provided with a fire alarm system. The system is not required by IEBC Section 603.1. 
	
19.	Means of Egress:
	a)  Refer to Life Safety Code review above for means of egress requirements.
Additional requirements of the building code that are in excess of those cited above are as follows: 

20.	Structural:
The building is existing to remain. 

21.	Mechanical Systems:
	a)  The ventilation air distribution system shall be provided with means to adjust the system to achieve at least the minimum ventilation airflow rate required.  Ventilation systems shall be balanced by an approved method. Such balancing shall verify that the ventilation system is capable of supplying the airflow rates required by Section 403, per IMC 403.7.
	b)  Smoke detectors shall be installed in return air systems greater than 2000 cfm, in the return air duct or plenum upstream of any filters, exhaust air connections, outdoor air connections, or decontamination equipment and applications, per IMC 606.2.1.  Where fire alarm system is required, duct detectors shall be connected to building alarm system. 
	
22.	Plumbing Systems:
Review for compliance with the requirements of the Louisiana State Plumbing Code [Part XIV (Plumbing) of the State Sanitary Code] is performed at the request of the jurisdiction in which this proposed project is located AND on behalf of the State Health Officer.  In accordance with R.S. 40:4.A(7), R.S. 40:5, and R.S. 40:1730.28.A(5), the State Health Officer and the Office of Public Health of the Department of Health and Hospitals holds the exclusive jurisdiction, control, and authority over Part XIV (Plumbing) of the State Sanitary Code.  Interpretations and/or adjustments to the requirements contained in this code should be directed to that department for ruling. 

23.	Fuel Gas:
None indicated. 

24.	Electrical Systems: 
Appears to comply. 

25.	NOTE:  Please mail all correspondence related with this project to:

	NEW ORLEANS PLAN REVIEW
	Office of State Fire Marshal
	1450 Poydras St.
	Suite 1500
	New Orleans, LA   70112
	
Contact the reviewer at 504.568.8509 (fax: 504-568-8511), if you have any questions regarding this project. 

Changes to construction in the field which are not consistent with the reviewed documents are not authorized unless reviewed by this office for compliance with Code.  Modifications to reviewed plans must be submitted to this office by the Architect/Civil Engineer for review prior to final inspection.  If an Architect or Civil Engineer is not required by RS 37:155, revisions shall be submitted by the Owner.  Submittals shall include plans, completed application, a minimum $55.00 review fee, and a copy of the most current plan review letter.

Compliance with code requirements for fire protection systems, such as Fire Alarm, Sprinkler and Suppression Systems, is determined by separate shop drawing submittal and is not included in this review.

This review applies to work indicated in the drawings or specifications.  Existing portions of the facility or building unaffected by the new work shall comply with LAC 55:103B.

This review shall in no way permit and/or authorize any omissions or deviations from the specific requirements of the adopted codes, rules and regulations in accordance with R.S. 40:1574.1(B).

This review is valid for 180 days from the date of this letter.  Construction permits must be issued and/or construction must commence within this time period.

This office requires certification of the completed project in accordance with the approved documents (certificate enclosed).

Occupancy of the project will not be permitted until we receive the completed certificate and a satisfactory inspection of the completed construction has been made by this office.

To arrange for inspection of the project, please contact the District Office at the phone number below two (2) to three (3) weeks in advance.  The plans stamped reviewed by this office must be available on job site at time of inspection.  Certificate of completion must be provided to the inspecting Deputy for final inspection.

REVIEWED BY:
JULIE LITTLE
ARCHITECT

CC:
Courer De Ville
St Tammany Fire Protection District No 1*
City Of Slidell*
New Orleans District*     5045688506
City Of Slidell*