Alternative Method Process

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Alternative Method Process

• Glenn Landrum

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Introduction

• This is an outline of the Best Practice from
  the Building Department of the City of Houston
• Glenn Landrum, CBO Senior Staff Analyst

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Topics of Discussion

• Our process is divided into three separate but
  related functions. These are powers and duties of
  the Building Official from Section 104 of the
  Building Code. A. Code Interpretations B.
  Modifications due to
  practical difficulties C. Alternative
  materials, design and methods of
  construction and equipment

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Topic One

• Code Interpretations must be rendered with
  respect to all available resources
• Code commentaries of current, past and future
  editions of the Code, any Supplements available
  and opinion from ICC staff.
• This will produce timely, accurate direction for
  your staff and the jurisdiction that you serve.

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Topic Two

• Modifications due to practical difficulties may
  be granted when circumstances of a particular
  building element dont allow strict enforcement
  of Code provisions.
• A file must be established to document the issue
  and the equivalency of the solution in regard to
  the spirit of the Code.
• This file must be retained and may be of value in
  the future.

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Topic Three

• Alternative Methods verification is time and
  energy intensive process.
• The responsible person must be knowledgable in
  emerging building technologies and
  multiple-discipline plans examination.
• This provides superior customer service to your
  staff and jurisdiction through continual
  research, training and a constant flow of
  technical papers pertaining to our most difficult
  issues.

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Real Life

• An example of a modification due to practical
  difficulty is the Occupant Load factor in a
  typical Mosque.
• As our culture continues to diversify there are
  issues of spatial arrangements that are new.

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What This Means

• An effective Alternative Method Process is
  central to timely, accurate permit application
  approval and for prompt, wise completion of large
  and complex projects.
• Remember to be responsive, accountable, accurate
  and helpful.

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Next Steps

• Please study Section 104 of your Building Code
  and examine your own process in that light.
• Feel free to contact me with any Code related
  issue. Thanks GL