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:  P0417232
JOURNEY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
3127 PONTCHARTRIAN DR
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000

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

ASSEMBLY 300 OCCUPANTS OR LESS
BUSINESS
	
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 a change in occupancy of an 11,814 square foot portion of an existing building from mercantile to mixed, non-separated assembly Group A-3 and business Group B, (church and Sunday school classrooms).
	a)  This review applies to new work indicated in the drawings and does not apply to existing non-conforming conditions. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

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

2.	101:12.2.2.2 and IBC 1008.1.10  Doors in a required means of egress serving the Auditorium may be provided with a latch or lock only if it is panic hardware. 

3.	Modifications to the existing sprinkler system shall be in accordance with NFPA 13.
	a)  LRS 40:1574 and LAC 55:V:303  Submit automatic sprinkler system shop drawings with plan review application and fee prior to installation of any work to this system.
Sprinkler shop drawing submittals are required to be reviewed by the professional of record/owner before being submitted to the Office of State Fire Marshal plan review section. Shop drawings reviewed by the professional of record shall bear his/her shop drawing review stamp indicating reviewed/no exceptions taken. See Interpretive Memorandum 2011-02. In order to expedite the review process, requests by the SFM reviewer for additional information will be sent both to the professional of record/owner and the sprinkler contractor. Contractor will be permitted to respond back to the SFM reviewer and copy the professional of record/owner with their response. Additional information will not require a shop drawing review stamp. Note: this does not include the response sent as a result of Request for Information letter.
NFPA 13:4.3, 22.1.4 (2007 edition) Complete and submit owner's information certificate to system designer in order to identify special occupancies and commodity classifications before start of design. Form can be found in the SFM website/Building Safety/Sprinklers (http://sfm.dps.louisiana.gov/). 

4.	LRS 40:1574 and LAC 55:V:303  Submit fire alarm system shop drawings with plan review application and fee prior to installation of any work of this section.  Such work shall not commence until shop drawings have been found to be in compliance with applicable codes by this office.  The submittal shall include a copy of this letter and shall be in accordance with the submittal requirements outlined in the memorandum dated June 24, 1993 which was distributed from this office to all state licensed fire alarm contractors, architects and engineers.  Specify the "Type of Signaling System" to be utilized, identify the monitoring station, describe the evacuation system ("zoned" or "general"), and include information concerning the means of protecting fire command centers, circuitry, and other essential equipment, such as may be required for high-rise buildings, as applicable.
	a)  101:12.3.4.3.7 and IBC 907.2.1.1  The Fire Alarm System shall automatically provide evacuation or relocation instructions via an approved system.  Horns and bells are not allowed in assembly occupancies. 
	
5.	As per 28 CFR Part 36.102(e)  of the September 15, 2011 Federal Register:  Exemptions and exclusions. (Accessibility codes shall) not apply to any religious entity or public entity.  It appears that the facility is operated by a religious entity, therefore a review for compliance with the ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines has not been performed on this submittal.  Please return ALL reviewed documents with a written request for full ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines compliance review, if the exemption does NOT apply.  A separate plan review application and fee will NOT be necessary. 

6.	101:12.7.9.3  Occupant capacities will be set and posted by the inspecting officer upon final inspection.
	a)  101:12.2.5.9  The layout plan(s) furnished and stamped as reviewed by this office shall constitute the ONLY ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENT(S) FOR OCCUPANCY, unless the plans are revised, submitted for review, and approved by this office.  Temporary deviations shall be permitted by the District Office identified at the bottom of this letter, if the occupant load is not increased and the intent of 12.2.5.9 is maintained. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

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)

7.	Building Planning:
	a)  Proposed Occupancy/Use Group Classification:
The occupancy is mixed non-separated Assembly Group A-3 and Business Group B per IBC Section 302.
	b)  Classification of Work:
The scope of work is classified as Alteration-Level 2 and Change of Occupancy per IEBC Sections 404 and 406.
	c)  Special Occupancy Areas:
There are no special detailed requirements per IBC Chapter 4.
	d)  Incidental/Accessory Use Areas:
There are no incidental use areas or accessory occupancies per IBC Section 508.
	e)  Construction Type/Building Limitations:
The existing construction type is indicated to be Type IIB per IBC Section 602. 
The proposed existing construction is within the allowable height and area limitations of Table 503 for the proposed change with the allowable area increases. 

8.	Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction and Interior Finishes:
	a)  Fire partitions complying with IBC Section 709 shall separate the corridor from other areas. (See item 10 below). 
	
9.	Fire Protection Systems:
	a)  Refer to Life Safety Code review above for fire protection system requirements. 
	
10.	Means of Egress:
	a)  Refer to Life Safety Code review above for means of egress requirements. 
	
11.	Structural:
	a)  The structure is existing. No apparent modifications are indicated.  There is no increase in gravity loads beyond 5% per IEBC 907.1 exception. 
	
12.	Mechanical Systems:
	a)  Comply with the increased mechanical ventilation requirements for Group A-3, per IEBC 909.  The minimum ventilation rate of outdoor air shall be determined in accordance with Section IMC 403.3.
	b)  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. 
	
13.	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.
	a)  Existing fixtures appear to be adequate. 
	
14.	Electrical Systems: 
The electrical portion of this project as submitted has been found to be INSUFFICIENTLY DOCUMENTED to determine compliance during plan review. Provide additional documentation as required to indicate compliance with the applicable items listed below, unless the Building Official for the jurisdiction finds that the nature of the work applied for is such that compliance can be determined during inspection.
	a)  Modifications to the existing electrical system shall comply with the 2008 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), per RS 40:1730.28.A(7).
	b)  Identify the Meter type and location, panelboard ratings and locations, balanced panel load schedules in amps and in KVA, size and ratings of all overcurrent protection devices, GFCI locations, and specify all conductor sizes in accordance with NEC 215.5, 215.2, 220.3 and annex G 80.21(a)(b)(c) requirements. 

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:
LAWRENCE DELAUNE
ARCHITECT SUPERVISOR

CC:
Journey Fellowship Church
St Tammany Fire Protection District No 1*
City Of Slidell*
New Orleans District*     5045688506
City Of Slidell*
St Tammany Fire District #1*