Building & Fire Code Consulting Services
Building and Fire Code consulting services help validate the architectural design against the intent of the applicable code requirements and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
Fire and Life Safety Drawing Review
​The architectural design drawings review validates the proposed design against the fire protection and life safety requirements of the applicable codes and standards. This includes elements such as means of egress, fire-resistive separations, occupancy classification, allowable area and height calculations, fire separation distance, exterior walls, and opening protection. The review identifies design issues, potential solutions, and topics for discussion with the Authority Having Jurisdiction to secure their acceptance in the early stages of the project.
Fire Department Access Review
Review the overall site access for the fire department in the early stages of the project to ensure compliance with the fire department access requirement and aerial access, where applicable. Some projects require a Fire Variance application to address fire access deficiencies.
Fire Protection and Life Safety Code Report
The report outlines the proposed code approach, key code requirements for the project, and agreements with the Authority Having Jurisdiction and stakeholders. This report is updated as the design progresses and is part of the final approved construction documents. It serves as a blueprint, detailing the rationale and methodology behind specific design decisions related to fire protection and life safety. Additionally, this report is valuable for future renovation projects.
Phased Occupancy Report
Phased occupancy includes occupying a portion of the building while the remainder or adjacent portions are under construction. New building construction and tenant improvement projects may need a phased occupancy. We offer review of proposed construction phasing, and prepare a report to document the construction phasing sequence and associated fire protection and life safety features and local fire department requirements.
Alternate Means and Materials Request (AMMR)
The document outlines an equivalent or alternate code approach that meets the intent of the applicable code requirements. It is prepared to address code deficiencies by providing additional fire and life safety mitigations or an alternate approach that satisfies the code intent.
Feasibility Studies
Feasibility studies are conducted to validate the proposed use/ occupancy of the building/ space. The process can include a site visit (if an existing building), and a complete code analysis to gain an understanding of the various code requirements such as occupancy classification, construction type, means of egress, and fire resistive separations as well as Authority Having Jurisdiction specific requirements. We offer the following feasibility studies services primarily for existing building tenant improvement projects but they can also be applied for the new projects​
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Change in occupancy review
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Change in construction type review
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Alterations to means of egress system review
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Addition of horizontal exit review
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Alteration to fire department access review
Change in Occupancy Review
Some tenant improvement projects may necessitate a change in occupancy due to a change in use, requiring an in-depth code analysis to confirm that the existing building can accommodate the new occupancy. We guide the project team through the design process by explaining code requirements, assessing existing site conditions, and identifying potential design changes to the building.
Construction Type Analysis
Some tenant improvement projects may necessitate a construction type upgrade due to changes in occupancy, requiring a more robust construction type to meet the allowable height and area requirements for the proposed use. We guide the project team through the design process by explaining code requirements, assessing existing site conditions, and identifying potential design changes to the building.
On-going Review and Feedback on Means of Egress
Aviation project designs are fast moving and requires on-going review of means of egress and timely feedback to the design team as it can affect the overall architectural design and security requirements.
Code Strategy Document
Aviation projects include unique designs and require various code strategies as the design progresses. On-going and timely preparation of code strategies is a necessity.
Interdisciplinary Fire and Life Safety Review
Interdisciplinary review across mechanical, electrical, civil disciplines ensures coordination as it relates to fire protection and life safety requirements such as fire-resistive separations and opening protection, egress paths, exits, incoming fire water supply line and fire department access.
Existing Conditions Fire and Life Safety Survey and Report
Addition to existing buildings or renovation projects require a thorough understanding of the current conditions. We prepare an existing conditions report based on a review of existing drawings and site visit observations. This report is utilized by the design team to understand the existing conditions that may impact the overall project design.
