Title
Amending Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "The Philadelphia Building Construction and Occupancy Code," by amending Subcode "B" (The Philadelphia Building Code), and thus amending the PA Uniform Construction Code for Philadelphia, to add sections requiring contractors, design professionals and developers to add additional fire-resistant material to structures containing truss construction and other light frame construction, under certain terms and conditions.
Body
WHEREAS, Published reports have documented that fire fighters are at risk of falling through fire-damaged floors supported by exposed trusses and engineered wood I-joists. Fire burning underneath such floors can degrade the floor system, resulting in sudden collapse with little indication to fire fighters working above; and
WHEREAS, Such published reports have recommended that builders, contractors and owners should consider protecting truss supported floor systems and engineered wood I-joists by covering the underside with fire-resistant materials or consider protecting buildings which utilize such floor systems by installing sprinkler systems; and
WHEREAS, The International Residential Code and the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code now provide for such required protections; and
WHEREAS, The International Building Code and Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code do not currently require protecting truss-supported floor systems and engineered wood I-joists in all commercial buildings; now, therefore
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 4 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 4. THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPANCY CODE
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SUBCODE "B" (THE PHILADELPHIA BUILDING CODE)
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CHAPTER 7. FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
SECTION B-701 GENERAL
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B-701A PHILADELPHIA MODIFICATIONS TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
B-701A.1 Fire protecti...
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