Section AJ102

Regardless of the category of work being performed, the work shall not cause the structure to become unsafe or adversely affect the performance of the building; shall not cause an existing mechanical or plumbing system to become unsafe, hazardous, insanitary or overloaded; and unless expressly permitted by these provisions, shall not make the building any less compliant with this code or to any previously approved alternative arrangements than it was before the work was undertaken.

Repairs shall conform to the requirements of Section AJ107. Renovations shall conform to the requirements of Section AJ108. Alterations shall conform to the requirements of Section AJ109 and the requirements for renovations. Reconstructions shall conform to the requirements of Section AJ110 and the requirements for alterations and renovations.

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APPENDIX AJ—EXISTING BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

Regardless of the category of work, smoke detectors shall be provided where required by Section R314.2.2.

Regardless of the category of work, where an existing window, including the sash and glazed portion, or safety glazing is replaced, the replacement window or safety glazing shall comply with the requirements of Sections AJ102.4.1 through AJ102.4.4, as applicable.

AJ102.4.1 Energy efficiency. Replacement windows shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 11.

AJ102.4.2 Safety glazing. Replacement glazing in hazardous locations shall comply with the safety glazing requirements of Section R308.

AJ102.4.3 Replacement windows for emergency escape and rescue openings. Where windows are required to provide emergency escape and rescue openings, replacement windows shall be exempt from Sections R310.2 and R310.4.4 provided that the replacement window meets the following conditions:

1. The replacement window is the manufacturer’s largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening. The replacement window shall be permitted to be of the same operating style as the existing window or a style that provides for an equal or greater window opening area than the existing window.

2. Where the replacement window is not part of a change of occupancy.

Window opening control devices and fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be permitted for use on windows serving as required emergency escape and rescue openings.

AJ102.4.3.1 Control devices. Emergency escape and rescue openings with window opening control devices or fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090, after operation to release the control device allowing the window to fully open, shall not reduce the net clear opening area of the window unit. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools.

AJ102.4.4 Window control devices. Window opening control devices or fall prevention devices complying with ASTM F2090 shall be installed where an existing window is replaced and where all of the following apply to the replacement window:

1. The window is operable.

2. One of the following applies:

2.1. The window replacement includes replacement of the sash and the frame.

2.2. The window replacement includes the sash only when the existing frame remains.

3. The bottom of the clear opening of the window opening is at a height less than 24 inches (610 mm) above the finished floor.

4. The window will permit openings that will allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere where the window is in its largest opened position.

5. The vertical distance from the top of the sill of the window opening to the finished grade or other surface below, on the exterior of the building, is greater than 72 inches (1829 mm).

Work performed in existing buildings located in a flood hazard area as established by Table R301.2 shall be subject to the provisions of Section R105.3.1.1.

Work performed in accordance with the California Existing Building Code shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this appendix. These provisions are not intended to prevent the use of any alternative material, alternative design or alternative method of construction not specifically prescribed herein, provided that any alternative has been deemed to be equivalent and its use authorized by the building official.

Where compliance with these provisions or with this code as required by these provisions is technically infeasible or would impose disproportionate costs because of construction or dimensional difficulties, the building official shall have the authority to accept alternatives. These alternatives include materials, design features and operational features.

Buildings or systems in compliance with the requirements of this code for new construction shall not be required to comply with any more restrictive requirement of these provisions.

Elements, components and systems of existing buildings with features that exceed the requirements of this code for new construction, and are not otherwise required as part of approved alternative arrangements or deemed by the building official to be required to balance other building elements not complying with this code for new construction, shall not be prevented by these provisions from being modified as long as they remain in compliance with the applicable requirements for new construction.