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

KEVIN KINCHEN
DAMMON ENGINEERING. INC.
554 OLD SPANISH TRAIL
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000	
RE:  P0439408
SLIDELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
1808 FRONT ST
SLIDELL, LA  70458-0000

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

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 the renovation of an existing two-story building in Slidell.  The area is affected is 8,170 sf.  The scope of work is classified as Alteration - Level 2 per IEBC Section 404.

Classification of Work:  Alteration - Level 2
Construction Type:  V-A
Sprinkler system:     Yes
Fire Alarm System:   No

LSC:
BUSINESS          

IBC:
BUSINESS Group B

IEBC 404.1 Scope.   Level 2 alterations include the reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment.

IEBC 404.2 Application.  Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 6 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 7.

2.	This project as submitted has been found in part to be INSUFFICIENTLY DOCUMENTED TO DETERMINE COMPLIANCE AT THIS TIME.  Provide additional documentation as required to indicate compliance with the following item(s) PRIOR TO PERMITTING, UNLESS the Building Official finds that the nature of the work applied for is such that compliance can be determined during inspection:

a. See item nos. 31c(1) thru 31c(5). 

3.	LRS 40:1730.45.A and LAC 55:V:2601  The documentation provided for the subject facility appears to comply with The Commercial Building Energy Conservation Code based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1- 2007. 

NOTE:  THE COMMENTS LISTED BELOW IDENTIFY APPARENT DEFICIENCIES DETECTED IN OUR REVIEW OF THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED.

4.	101:7.2.1.4.2 and IBC 1008.1.2  Egress door(s) marked 203A serving an area with 50 or more occupants shall swing in the direction of egress travel. SEE SHEET A2 

______________________________________________________________________________________

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

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

6.	LRS 40:1731-( Effective 10/01/11)  Provide access for persons with disabilities in accordance with the ADA-ABA Accessibility Guidelines, July 23, 2004 (also known as the 2010 Standards).  This does not include a review for compliance with the Federal Americans with Disabilities (Civil Rights) Act of 1990. NOTE: As per ADA-ABA 2004, Section F103, Office of State Fire Marshal appeal determinations are not valid for facilities that are designed, constructed, altered, or operated with federal funds, or leased by a federal agency.  The authority having jurisdiction over such appeals is the administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA).  Compliance with state regulations and requirements does not guarantee compliance with federal law. 

"CAUTIONARY/INFORMATIONAL" items and paragraph references are noted as follows:

a.                  606.1 Lavatories in toilet rooms and breakroom/conference room sinks shall comply with the following:

            1.  606.2 Provide a clear floor space complying with 305, positioned for a forward approach, and knee and toe clearance complying with 306 shall be provided.
            2.  606.3 Lavatories and sinks shall be installed with the front of the higher of the rim or counter surface 34 inches maximum above the finish floor or ground.
            3.  606.4 and 309 Controls for faucets shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
            4.  606.5 Water supply and drain pipes shall be insulated or covered.

b.	604.1 Water closets and toilet compartments shall comply with 604.2 through 604.8 as follows:

     1. 604.2  The centerline of the water closet shall be 16 inches (405 mm) minimum to 18 inches (455 mm) maximum from the nearest adjacent wall (17 inches (405 mm) minimum to 19 inches (455 mm) maximum in an ambulatory accessible toilet compartment specified in 604.8.2).
     2. 604.3.1 Provide a clearance around the water closet that complies with Figure 604.3.1. (NOTE: As per 604.3.2 No other fixtures or obstructions shall be located within the required water closet clearance.)
     3. 604.4 The seat height above the finish floor shall be 17" minimum to 19" maximum to the top of the seat.
     4. 604.5 Grab bars for water closets shall comply with 609. (Provide a 42" long grab bar adjacent to the toilet and a 36" long grab bar behind the toilet.)
     5. 604.6 Flush controls shall be located on the open side of the water closet.
     6. 604.7 Toilet paper dispensers shall comply with Figure 604.7.
     7. 604.8.3 Coat hooks shall be located within one of the reach ranges specified in Section 308 and shelves shall be located 40" minimum and 48" maximum above the finish floor.
	
c.	216.2 Where signage identifies permanent rooms or spaces OR EXITS, the signage shall comply with Sections 703.1 - 703.5 (raised characters, Braille, visual characteristics, height). 

d.                 303 Thresholds shall comply with requirements of this section regarding changes in level. (Not more than 1/2" height and beveled if over 1/4")
	
e.	308.1 Reach ranges shall comply with 308 as follows:

          1.  308.2.1 Where a forward reach is unobstructed, the forward reach shall comply in accordance with Figure 308.2.1.
          2.  308.2.2 Where a high forward reach is over an obstruction, the forward reach shall comply in accordance with Figure 308.2.2.
         3.  308.3.1 Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the side reach is unobstructed, the high reach shall comply in accordance with Figure 308.3.1.
         4.  308.3.2 Where a clear floor or ground space allows a parallel approach to an element and the high side reach is over the obstruction, the height of the obstruction shall be 34" maximum and the depth of the obstruction shall be 24" maximum with a high side reach in accordance with Figure 308.3.2.

f.	404.2.7 Handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operable parts on doors and gates shall comply with 309.4.  Hardware shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or twisting of the wrist to operate. 

7.	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. 

8.	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. 

9.	101:7.5.2.1 and IBC 1014.2  Egress shall not be through a room subject to locking in the direction of egress. 

10.	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. 

11.	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. 
	
12.	101:38.3.3  Interior walls and ceilings shall have a flame spread of 0-200 and a smoke development rating of 0-450. 

13.	The building is provided with an automatic sprinkler system.  

14.	IBC 903.4.1  Alarm, supervisory and trouble signals shall be automatically transmitted to an approved proprietary alarm receiving facility, a remote station, a central station, or the fire department. 

15.	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.

Note: See Interpretive Memorandums 2013-02 and 2013-03 for submittal requirements.

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 2013-02. 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.

Be advised that a sprinkler system that satisfies the requirements of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, NFPA 13, NFPA 13R and/or NFPA 13D may not necessarily be considered by the building insurance underwriters as "full coverage" or "fully sprinklered", for insurance purposes.

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/).

NFPA 13:10 Underground piping shall be installed in accordance with chapter 10. See 10.6 for specific requirements for piping run under buildings.

Fire Pump, if provided, to meet the requirements of NFPA 20, 2007 edition.

NFPA 25:4.1.2* Accessibility. The property owner or occupant shall provide ready accessibility to components of water-based fire protection systems that require inspection, testing, or maintenance. 

16.	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) 

17.	101:9.2.1  Install smoke detectors to automatically stop the fan in HVAC duct systems over 2000 cfm in accordance with NFPA 90A:6.4.2(1).  Where fire alarm system is required, duct detectors shall be connected to building alarm system. 

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

19.	LRS 40:1664.4  All work and inspections of life safety and property protection systems and equipment shall be performed by a contractor licensed with the appropriate endorsement by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. 

20.	LRS 40:1664.4  All work and inspections of portable fire extinguishers shall be performed by a life safety and property protection contractor licensed with the appropriate endorsement by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.  Portable fire extinguishers shall  be certified annually.

	a)  For Inspection, see NFPA 10:6.2
	b)  For Maintenance, see NFPA 10:6.3
	c)  For Recharging, see NFPA 10:6.4 
	
21.	Shop drawings for fire protection systems, such as Fire Alarm, Sprinklers, and Suppression Systems, that are required to be submitted to this office for review, shall be routed through the "Professional of Record's" (Architect / Engineer) office, and shall be stamped with his "Shop Drawing Review Stamp" or equivalent, indicating that shop drawings have been reviewed by him for conformance with plans, specifications, and appropriate codes. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

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);
	2013 Louisiana State Plumbing Code (LSPC);
	2009 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC);
	2011 National Electric Code (NEC)

22.	Building Planning:

	a)  Special Occupancy Areas:
There are special NO detailed requirements.

	b)  Incidental/Accessory Use Areas:
There is NO incidental use area and NO accessory occupancy per IBC Section 508.

	c)  Construction Type/Building Limitations:
The construction type is indicated to be Type V-A per IBC Section 602. 
The proposed construction IS WITHIN the allowable height and area limitations of Table 503. 

23.	Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction and Interior Finishes:

            a.   Interior walls and ceiling finishes at exit enclosures and exit passageways shall be Class B: Flame spread 0-75 smoke-developed 0-450.

            b.   Interior walls and ceiling finishes at corridors shall be Class C: Flame spread 0-200; smoke-developed 0-450.

            c.   Interior walls and ceiling finishes at rooms and enclosed spaces shall be Class C: Flame spread 0-200; smoke-developed 0-450.

            d.  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. 

24.	Fire barriers complying with IBC Section 707 and/or horizontal assemblies in accordance with IBC Section 712 shall enclose the shaft at the elevator, per IBC Section 708. 

25.	Fire Protection Systems:

Refer to Life Safety Code review above for fire protection system requirements. 

26.	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:

	b)  Each door in a means of egress from a Group A or E occupancy having an occupant load of 50 or more and any Group H occupancy shall not be provided with a latch or lock unless it is panic hardware or fire exit hardware. CONFERENCE ROOM AT LEVEL TWO. 
	
27.	Structural: THE STRUCTURE IS EXISTING

28.	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.
NO APPARENT DEFICIENCIES DETECTED 

29.	Mechanical Systems:

	a)  Provide a lighting fixture in the Mechanical room, controlled by a switch located at the access opening. A receptacle outlet shall be provided at or near the appliance/equipment location, per IMC Section 306.3.1.

	b)  The minimum ventilation rate of outdoor air shall be determined in accordance with Section 403.3.

	c)  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.

	d)  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. 
	
30.	Fuel Gas: NO WORK INDICATED, NOT REVIEWED 

31.	Electrical Systems: 

	a)  A 125-volt, single-phase, 15- or 20-ampere-rated receptacle outlet shall be installed at an accessible location for the servicing of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The receptacle shall be located on the same level and within 25 ft of the heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. The receptacle outlet shall not be connected to the load side of the equipment disconnecting means.

	b)  Provide a disconnecting means for air-conditioning and refrigerating equipment, in accordance with NEC 440.12.

                    c.                 Plans should indicate as a minimum: 
 
                          1.  	Receptacle and Lighting locations with circuits identified and symbol legends; CIRCUITS ARE NOT IDENTIFIED

                          2.  	Panelboard ratings & locations;

                          3.  	Balanced panel load schedules in amps and KVA;

                          4.  	Size and ratings of all overcurrent protection devices;

                          5.  	Specify all conductor sizes in accordance with NEC 215.5, 215.2, 220.3 and annex G 80.21(a)(b)(c) requirements.

32.	NOTE: Please ENCLOSE A COPY OF THIS LETTER WITH FUTURE SUBMITTALS OR OTHER CORRESPONDENCE pertaining to 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:
DAVID JONES
ARCHITECT

NOTE:	Please call the REVIEWER identified above if you have any questions regarding this review.
Do not call the Inspection Office until you are ready for inspection.

CC:
K.b. Kaufmann & Co
East St Tammany Chamber Of Commerce
St Tammany Fire Protection District No 1*
City Of Slidell*
New Orleans District Ofc*     5045688506
City Of Slidell*
St Tammany Fire District #1*