fire rated masonite ?

[gtblum]

This is the bottom of a staircase to an upper apartment with the basement stairs directly under it. (sorry the pic is dark) It's covered with what looks like masonite. The current owner told me during the inspection, that the city zoning inspector has blessed it off on his annual visit for years. ????? I'm thinking this has to be rocked. Please direct me to a reference. I'm coming up empty.

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[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by gtblum

This is the bottom of a staircase to an upper apartment with the basement stairs directly under it. (sorry the pic is dark) It's covered with what looks like masonite. The current owner told me during the inspection, that the city zoning inspector has blessed it off on his annual visit for years. ????? I'm thinking this has to be rocked. Please direct me to a reference. I'm coming up empty.

IRC R311.2.2 Under stair protection. Enclosed accessible space under stairs ashall have walls, under stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch gypsum board.

Is this an "enclosed" accessible space?

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[gtblum]

Interperated as a closet with a floor?

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by gtblum

Interperated as a closet with a floor?

I don't know. The code doesn't define "enclosed."

What about the paneling on the walls. Is there GWB behind that?

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[gtblum]

Plaster and lath would be my guess. Here's what's left of the ceiling.

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Forgot about the pegboard.

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by gtblum

Plaster and lath would be my guess. Here's what's left of the ceiling.

If it's that old, why would you expect to find GWB under the stairs?

Does the zoning inspector usually apply newer code requirements to older houses?

- Jim Katen, Oregon

[Brian G]

Same old story. Advise your client to install the 1/2" GWB for fire safety reasons, regardless of age or grandfathering. Either he gets it or he doesn't; you did your job.

Brian G.

Dass All We Kin Do [^]

[Tom Corrigan]

Gary,

FWIW, NYS didn't adopt their version of the International family of codes until 2003. Prior requirements for your concern centered around the 1954 Multiple Residence Law. This law applied to three or more unit buildings. A portion of this law was eventually included in the Building Code of NYS. Most municipalities never inforced the MRL.

If you're inspecting a two unit, the NYS version of the I Code property maintenance code is your best reference.

Tom Corrigan