Title: Section 713-3.22 - Construction, including fire-resistive requirements

713-3.22 Construction, including fire-resistive requirements.

(a) Every building and every portion thereof shall be designed and constructed to sustain all dead and live loads in accordance with accepted engineering practices and standards, including seismic forces where they apply.

(b) Foundations shall rest on natural solid bearing if a satisfactory bearing is available at reasonable depths. Proper soil-bearing values shall be established in accordance with recognized standards. If solid bearing is not encountered at practical depths, the structure shall be supported on driven piles or drilled piers designed to support the intended load without detrimental settlement, except that one-story buildings may rest on a fill designed by a soils engineer. When engineered fill is used, site preparation and placement of fill shall be done under the direct full-time supervision of the soils engineer. The soils engineer shall issue a final report on the compacted fill operation and certification of compliance with the job specifications. All footings shall extend to a depth not less than one foot below the estimated maximum frost line.

(c) An emergency radio communication system shall be provided in each facility. This system shall be self-sufficient in time of emergency and capable of operation without reliance on the building service or emergency electric power supply. It shall also be linked with the available community or State emergency communication network, including connections with police and fire department or system.