User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 6 provides an overview of the Work Area Method available as an option for rehabilitation of a building. The chapter defines the different classifications of alterations and provides general requirements for alterations, change of occupancy, additions and historic buildings. Detailed requirements for all of these are given in Chapters 7 through 12.
The provisions of this chapter shall be used in conjunction with Chapters 7 through 12 and shall apply to the alteration, addition and change of occupancy of existing structures, including historic and moved structures, as referenced in Section 301.3.2. The work performed on an existing building shall be classified in accordance with this chapter.
Alterations, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 through 12 or with one of the alternatives provided in Section 301.3.
Level 1 alterations include the removal and replacement or the covering of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures using new materials, elements, equipment or fixtures that serve the same purpose.
Level 1 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7.
Level 2 alterations include the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or the installation of any additional equipment, and shall apply where the work area is equal to or less than 50 percent of the building area.
Exception: The movement or addition of nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height shall not be considered a Level 2 alteration.
Level 2 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 7 for Level 1 alterations as well as the provisions of Chapter 8.
Level 3 alterations shall comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 for Level 1 and 2 alterations, respectively, as well as the provisions of Chapter 9.
Change of occupancy provisions apply where the activity is classified as a change of occupancy as defined in Chapter 2.
Changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of Chapter 10.
Historic building provisions shall apply to buildings classified as historic as defined in Chapter 2.
Except as specifically provided for in Chapter 12, historic buildings shall comply with applicable provisions of this code for the type of work being performed.