Looking at an attic access which is obstructed and am wondering if this is actually a code violation I Cant seem to find a code reference for this situation. Any thoughts?
In Florida the Code for that issue is:
Florida Building Code Residential
R807.1 Attic access.
Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches (762 mm) or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet (2.8 m2).
The vertical height shall be measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the underside of the roof framing members.
The rough-framed opening shall be not less than 22 inches by 30 inches (559 mm by 762 mm) and shall be located in a hallway or other location with ready access. Where located in a wall, the opening shall be not less than 22 inches wide by 30 inches high (559 mm wide by 762 mm high). Where the access is located in a ceiling, minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches (762 mm) at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members. See Section M1305.1.3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.
2 Likes
Builder is saying that they passed all inspections and dont believe this is a code violation. Based on the photo I would think they would not meet the intent of the definition of ‘ready access’, right?
Based on the photo the access is not 22"x 30". Where are you located? How big is the attic space?
im in AL and the attic is large with plenty of walking room (head height >42"). however the city is saying it isnt a code violation because there is no mechanical equipment in that space. im more concerned about the truss member in the way that is blocking the access not to mention the truss member appears to have been cut and repaired in the field. trying to see if there is grounds to remove the obstruction.
Was there another access which was fully accessible?
2 Likes
yes, there is a traditional pull down access where the mechanical is located.
What’s the issue, again?
3 Likes
I guess now it’s this
Even if there is another access entry?
This issue 1) was the truss member properly repaired per Engineers guidance and 2) the access is obstructed, is that ok?
Is this new construction? If so you need the Plans to see if the access is how it should be.
LOL! yes! …
1 Like
- I don’t judge the repair. The repair should have been designed by an engineer and the engineer approved repair plan to be left with the home owner. I’ll also recommend the buyer request this documentation from the builder and the builder review for compliance.
- 22x30 is the minimum access for all attics. Mechanical access has yet another set of requirements in Section M1305.1.3
Verify this against AL code. Since we are not code inspectors, you can recommend the builder review this code with the buyer.
The IRC quotes are from the 2021 Code Cycle but very similar if not the same than previous versions.
If the attic can be accessed completely by using the pull down stair set access then no other attic access is required. Completely can mean even walking on joists through the insulation.
If the area of the attic being accessed by this wall entry point is isolated from the remainder of the attic then IRC R807.1 would apply requiring a 22" wide by 30" high unobstructed opening. You would need to tell us what you measured the large, unobstructed opening point at. Although I would be certain it is not 22" wide.
IRC R802.10.4 would cover the question on the cut and repair to the truss member. They are designed elements that should not be changed without the approval of the manufacturer and a design Engineer.
If this attic area is accessible through the other attic area then there are no grounds to remove the obstruction and even if you did it would require a re-engineering of the truss system at that point at least.
As for the concern if an Engineer designed the truss correction you should ask both the Builder and the City to display the stamped Engineer Change letter for the truss design. The City should be getting off their ass and making sure that was performed and a change letter was created. Good luck on that though!!
2 Likes