gtblum Posted September 19, 2008 Report Share Posted September 19, 2008 This is the bottom of a staircase to an upper apartment with the basement stairs directly under it. (sorry the pic is dark) It's covered with what looks like masonite. The current owner told me during the inspection, that the city zoning inspector has blessed it off on his annual visit for years. ????? I'm thinking this has to be rocked. Please direct me to a reference. I'm coming up empty. Image Insert: 37.96 KB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Originally posted by gtblum This is the bottom of a staircase to an upper apartment with the basement stairs directly under it. (sorry the pic is dark) It's covered with what looks like masonite. The current owner told me during the inspection, that the city zoning inspector has blessed it off on his annual visit for years. ????? I'm thinking this has to be rocked. Please direct me to a reference. I'm coming up empty. IRC R311.2.2 Under stair protection. Enclosed accessible space under stairs ashall have walls, under stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch gypsum board. Is this an "enclosed" accessible space? - Jim Katen, Oregon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtblum Posted September 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Interperated as a closet with a floor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Originally posted by gtblum Interperated as a closet with a floor? I don't know. The code doesn't define "enclosed." What about the paneling on the walls. Is there GWB behind that? - Jim Katen, Oregon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtblum Posted September 20, 2008 Author Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Plaster and lath would be my guess. Here's what's left of the ceiling. Image Insert: 62.77 KB Forgot about the pegboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Originally posted by gtblum Plaster and lath would be my guess. Here's what's left of the ceiling. If it's that old, why would you expect to find GWB under the stairs? Does the zoning inspector usually apply newer code requirements to older houses? - Jim Katen, Oregon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian G Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Same old story. Advise your client to install the 1/2" GWB for fire safety reasons, regardless of age or grandfathering. Either he gets it or he doesn't; you did your job. Brian G. Dass All We Kin Do [^] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Corrigan Posted September 20, 2008 Report Share Posted September 20, 2008 Gary, FWIW, NYS didn't adopt their version of the International family of codes until 2003. Prior requirements for your concern centered around the 1954 Multiple Residence Law. This law applied to three or more unit buildings. A portion of this law was eventually included in the Building Code of NYS. Most municipalities never inforced the MRL. If you're inspecting a two unit, the NYS version of the I Code property maintenance code is your best reference. Tom Corrigan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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