Developers, Landlords & Tenants:

All three parties have to get along when it comes to Code Compliance and financial responsibility.Generally the developer builds the structure to comply with a pre-determined use or “occupancy” .The Certificate of Occupancy or “C of O” is a document issued by the AHJ [Authority having jurisdiction] such as Development Services, assuring that the “Business matches the Building”.

This is important because you would not want 200 children watching movies in a converted warehouse, with no exits.  This is why there are Fire Prevention Sections of most Fire Departments.

 

            Developers- Did you know…

                        Generally double keyed locks are illegal on doors used as an exit?        

Landlords – Did you know…

                        You may  be doing a disservice by leasing to a business that cannot get a C of O because of the

                        way the building is configured? 

Tenants: - Did you know…           

                         You are responsible for your C of O, if it is required in your jurisdiction?

 

 

If you are restuccoing a building don't forget to reattach the address numbers in accordance with the local Addressing code.

New buildings: The fashion is to make fancy signs and numbers.  Often these are not Code-compliant. See our page on what is generally not acceptable.  This is subject to interpretation by the Fire Marshal having jurisdiction or AHJ [authority having jurisdiction.]

While we have you...have you looked into the advantages of installing sprinkler systems your buildings? Often you can get increased floor space on a given lot if it there is a sprinkler system installed. 

Hydrants and water supply are vital as well. Check the codes.