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:  P0464812
NORTH LAKE ACADEMY OF MUSIC
399 ASBURY DRIVE
MANDEVILLE,     70471

NFPA 101, 2012
IBC, 2012 (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 3,311 sf tenant space.  The scope of work is classified as Alteration - Level 2 per IEBC Section 504.

Construction Type:  V-B
Sprinkler system:     No
Fire Alarm System:   No

LSC:
BUSINESS

IBC:
BUSINESS Group B

IEBC 504.1 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 504.2 Application.  Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.

101:4.6.10.1  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.

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

2.	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.

3.	404.2.3 Door openings shall provide a clear width of 32 inches minimum.  (Consider a 36" door)  SEE DOOR MARKED 103. 

4.	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. 

______________________________________________________________________________________

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

5.	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 Wheelchair accessible toilet compartments shall meet the requirements of 604.8.1 through 604.8.3 as follows:

	a. 604.8.1 Wheelchair Accessible Compartments
	     1)	604.8.1.1 Wheelchair compartments shall be sized in accordance with Figure 604.8.1.1.
	     2)	604.8.1.2 Toilet compartment doors, including hardware, shall comply with Section 404 and located in accordance with Figure 604.8.1.2.
	     3)	604.8.1.3 Compartments shall be arranged for a left-hand or right-hand approach to the water closet.
	     4)	604.8.1.4 Provide toe clearance in accordance with Figure 604.8.1.4.
	     5)	604.8.1.5 Grab bars shall comply with Section 609. (Provide a 42" long grab bar adjacent to the toilet and a 36" grab bar behind the toilet.) 

	b. 604.8.2 Ambulatory Accessible Compartments
	     1)	604.8.2.1 Ambulatory compartments shall be size in accordance with Figure 604.8.2.
	     2)	604.8.2.2 Toilet compartment doors, including hardware, shall comply with Section 404 and located in accordance with Figure 604.8.2.
	     3)	604.8.2.3 Grab bars shall comply with Section 609. (Provide a 42" grab bar on both sides of the compartment.)

	c. 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.	302 Floor and ground surfaces shall be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.
	
e.	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")
	
f.	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.

g.	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. 

6.	LAC 55:305  Insulation and insulation assemblies shall meet the requirements of Section 720, International Building Code, 2012 Edition.

	a)  Concealed and exposed insulation shall have a flame spread of 0-25 and a smoke developed of 0-450 in accordance with IBC 720.

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. 

8.	101:7.2.1.5.10.2 and IBC 1008.1.9.4 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, except under special conditions. 

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

11.	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) 

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

13.	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 10:7.2
	b)  For Maintenance, see NFPA 10:7.3
	c)  For Recharging, see NFPA 10:7.4 

______________________________________________________________________________________

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: 	
	2012 International Building Code (IBC) not including Chapters 1, 11, 27, and 29;
	2012 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) not including Chapter 1;
	2012 International Mechanical Code (IMC);
	2013 Louisiana State Plumbing Code (LSPC);
	2012 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC);
	2011 National Electric Code (NEC)

14.	Building Planning:

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

	b)  Accessory Use Areas:
There is NO accessory occupancy per IBC Section 508.2.

	c)  Incidental Use Areas:
There is NO incidental use area per IBC Section 509.

	d)  Construction Type/Building Limitations:
The construction type is indicated to be Type V-B per IBC Section 602. 
The proposed construction IS EXISTING. 

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

            a.   Interior walls and ceiling finishes at interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps and exit passageways shall be Class A: Flame spread 0-25 smoke-developed 0-450.

            b.   Interior walls and ceiling finishes at corridors and enclosure for exit access stairways and exit access ramps shall be Class B: Flame spread 0-75; 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.

16.	Fire Protection Systems:

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

17.	Means of Egress:

	a)  Refer to Life Safety Code review above for means of egress requirements.

18.	Structural:  THE STRUCTURE IS EXISTING

19.	Mechanical Systems:

	a)  Attics containing appliances requiring access shall be provided with an opening and unobstructed passageway large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance in accordance with this section.  The clear access opening dimensions shall be a minimum of 20 inches by 30 inches, where such dimensions are large enough to allow removal of the largest appliance, per IMC Section 306.3.

	b)  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.

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

	d)  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. 
	
20.	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.                  Provide a floor drain in every public toilet room having a removable strainer, the area of which shall not be less than two-thirds the cross sectional area of the trap to which it connects.  Floor drains and traps shall be not less than 2 inches in diameter and the trap shall be equipped with an approved trap primer to maintain the water seal at not less than 2 inches and not more than 4 inches, per LSPC Sections 409.4, 614.4, and 1001.

b.                   Every building in which plumbing is installed shall have at least one main vent stack or stack vent of not less than 3 inch diameter, for each building drain, when connected separately to a building sewer or other approved system, per LSPC Section 905.C.1. 

21.	Fuel Gas:  NO WORK INDICATED, NOT REVIEWED 

22.	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)  Attics containing equipment requiring servicing, such as heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, at least one lighting outlet containing a switch or controlled by a wall switch shall be installed in such spaces. At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.

	c)  Provide a disconnecting means for air-conditioning and refrigerating equipment, in accordance with NEC 440.12. 
	
23.	NOTE: Please IDENTIFY THIS PROJECT NUMBER 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:
Paul Rees
Division Of Permits & Inspections (Stam)*
New Orleans District Ofc*     5045688506