18 replies to this topic

[Tom Rogers]

Perhaps someone might be able to shed some light on this.  I have seen many pictures throughout the years of stairs that "don't meet code" as it relates to hand rails and balusters.  Has anyone worked on projects like this or seen this?  How do they get a CO?  Is there some loophole to jump or other method?  I would love to try something extraordinary and more creative but my analytical mindset does not know how I would be able to make it work.  

 

[Thomas Parker]

I hear you, I just scratch my head at some of the stairs and railings I see in those 'modern' magazines. Around here any railing that will fit a 4" sphere through any part of it won't pass code, and i believe that's a standard.

[Steve and Carla Farnam]

Usually built in non code enforced areas where a CO is not required

[Keith Almond]

Probably a stupid question ... but, what is a CO?

[Henry Buckner]

Certificate of Occupancy.

[Tom Rogers]

Thanks Steve.  That would answer it.  Not having to deal with the code does always help.  

 

Not a stupid question at all Keith- The Certificate of Occupancy (CO) here in the states is given to the homeowner or builder upon completion of the home and after passing all and their final building inspection.  You can not move in without one.  

[Tom Rogers]

Correct Thomas, that is the standard for railings as far as the IRC (International Residential Code) 

[Keith Almond]

Thanks Steve.  That would answer it.  Not having to deal with the code does always help.  

 

Not a stupid question at all Keith- The Certificate of Occupancy (CO) here in the states is given to the homeowner or builder upon completion of the home and after passing all and their final building inspection.  You can not move in without one.  

 

We do the same, but call it an Occupancy Permit ... The CO just threw me. I was thinking along the lines of a Building Permit.

 

Do you actually have area's that aren't "Code Enforced", and if so why?

 

Is the picture in the Original Post a finished product? It looks like it needs to be completed to me? Maybe I'm getting old!

[D M]

^{.. you could also build to code to get the permits, .. then afterwards, .. 'remodel' without advising anyone, .. ( )}

[Steve and Carla Farnam]

Keith, The codes in the US are enacted and enforced on a local level. Some jurisdictions due to lack of interest,

budget considerations etc. may choose not to participate. I believe, and correct me if I am wrong, in Canada these

are administered at a National level.

[Sam Morgan]

Codes in Utah are adopted statewide by the legislature.  Everyone has to play by the same rules.  And different jurisdictions are not allowed to make up their own rules...if its not in the code book, its not enforceable here

[Keith Almond]

No, I have to correct you. Canada have a NBCC (National Building Code of Canada), but it's administered at Provincial Level. Each province can have either their own codes, or adopt the National Code. As far as I'm aware, the National Code is a minimum and if a Province uses it's own code, then it must meet or exceed the requirements of the NBCC. However, I don't believe that any area's are exempt from the code. Although to be fair some are probably so remote that no-one even knows that you have built anything ... A lot of the municipalities are using Google Maps now to spot illegal construction.

[Daniel Zanoli]

 Sometimes you have to finish according to the rules get your CO then take it back apart and do it your way..

[Keith Almond]

Sorry, missed a little ...

 

In Ontario at least, the Ontario Code is administered independently by each municipality. The Building Inspector having jurisdiction has (apart from a Court Appeal) the final say on approval ... However, as Sam stated earlier, he can't force you to do anything that's not covered by the Code.

 

Now Ontario at least has a wrinkle, in that the Code is a performance based code. If you can prove that your solution meets or exceeds the performance required in the code, then it can also be approved. However, that burden of proof can sometimes get expensive.

[D M]

.. there are jurisdictions in Canada deemed 'unorganized territory'  ..

[Martin Livingston]

.. there are jurisdictions in Canada deemed 'unorganized territory'  ..

 

Most of Ottawa               

[Martin Livingston]

Most provinces have legislation in place to deal with variances from the National Building Code. In Nova Scotia the Minister of Municipal Affairs appoints a committee to both advise him/her on which codes need to be changed to meet the provincial requirements and when to adopt those changes. We also arbitrate disputes between builders and building officials. There are 14 members from many organizations that form the Nova Scotia Building Advisory Committee to which I was appointed three years ago representing the Nova Scotia Home Builders Association and have just been presented for an additional 3 years. There are members from the architects, engineers, designers, carpenters union, building officials, people with disabilities and interior decorators, fire marshal's office and other people at the Minister's discretion. We have just finished writing three new code sections - Adaptability, Cottages and Tiny Homes. At some point during the current code cycle we will be adopting these into the Nova Scotia Building Regulations.

[Yvon Gonthier]

Most of Ottawa               

Hey 

[Martin Livingston]

Sorry Yvon! My sorry excuse for political humour. Couldn't resist.