ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

Do my elevators run reliably?

Are there too many recurring elevator problems?

Do I only see the elevator technician when my elevator is broken?

Am I getting billed for trouble calls that could have been prevented by maintenance?

On some problems when I really need my elevator ser vice company to help me out, do I instead feel like I am being held over a barrel?

Now ask yourself this question: What would true preventive maintenance look like?

Application

Codes are applied early in the building process. Architects send their drawings to code officials for approval and comments. The drawing is approved or denied, and if denied the architect or firm revises the plan based on comments from the code official.

Code officials have a wide berth when it comes to interpreting codes, and the many nuances in codes matter immensely for their application.

“Codes are open to interpretation,” explained Mark Schroeder of IA Interior Architects.

“In most cases, if a code official disagrees with a particular interpretation of the code from the Architect, they will listen to the Architect’s interpretation to gain an understanding of why they are interpreting it the way they are.”

Even changing the inflection on an “and” between codes cycles can have enormous effects, and the interpretation of codes by officials can bring in business or dissuade it.

Code officials are highly trained and receive nearly continuous education on the codes they enforce. Even with this, code enforcement can cause a cascade of difficulties on projects, as you must always apply the most current adopted code to a project.

This may sound like no big deal, but old buildings were built under different specifications and codes but require applications of new codes never expected when the building went up. This can lead to headaches for architects retrofitting an older building.

“If the architect is prepared with a good argument and a solid methodology to walk the code official through the how’s and why’s of their interpretation, the architect stands a very good chance of convincing the code official,” Schroeder stated.

“Remeber, code officials are people too, and they are always trying to improve upon their knowledge base.”

Codes are a daily reminder of how far we have come. They help keep people safe and secure, and they are built on the backs of years of amendments, development, and at times tragedy.

There are many drives to change and enhance codes, but their adoption and application remain a cornerstone of humanity’s progress in architecture and safety.

Sources:

Insight and Guidance from Mark Schroeder, Technical Director at IA Interior Architects

The ICC Code Development Process, By Bruce Johnson, Director of Fire Service Activities, International Code Council – Government Relation

The International Code Council, iccsafe.org

Want to learn more about codes in commercial real estate?

Join Mark Schroeder, technical director with IA Interior Architects, as he discusses codes, their nuances, and more in these videos from CRE Insight Journal.

Building codes leave a lot of room for interpretation. In this video, Mark Schroeder explains how to work with code officials to achieve solutions to potential code challenges and how to engage with officials to develop these solutions.

Building codes may seem black and white, but there is a lot of room for interpretation. In this video, Mark Schroeder discusses the nuance and oddities that can appear in building codes, and how you can address them during a buildout.