Key Project Terms: New Deck and Porch Installation - Buildings

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Acronym Glossary

Find Building Data

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Key Project Terms: New Deck and Porch Installation (Renovations)

The following is a list of useful terms to use when researching additional new Deck and Porch Installation information on each of the topics discussed:

Accessibility

The design and construction of buildings for accessibility and use by persons with physical disabilities, complying with the Federal Housing Authority (HUD) , BC Chapter 11 and ICC/ANSI A117.1.

Alteration

An alteration is the addition, change of use, or occupancy of a building or structure in existence, and always results in a new or amended Certificate of Occupancy. Work may involve an enlargement, reduction in size of the building, or a major change to the building’s egress, zoning use group, and/or Building Code Occupancy use.

Anchoring

The use of proper anchors (fasteners) for supporting and securing structural members (wall, column, deck, post or beam), fixtures and equipment; structures supported by attachment to an exterior wall shall be positively anchored to the primary structure and designed for both vertical and lateral loads, as applicable

Certificate of Occupancy

A new or amended Certificate of Occupancy is issued for a building on completion of a project involving a change in occupancy or use, or when there are other changes that impact the existing Certificate of Occupancy. For example, where an existing building is vertically enlarged by a complete story, or if the use of a building is changed from commercial to residential, a new or amended CO is required. Reference AC 28-118.3 for more information.

The following may also be issued:

A Partial Certificate of Occupancy, for a portion of a building erected prior to January 1, 1938, depending on construction progress and safety;

Temporary Certificate of Occupancy, for a limited duration of time, because the project is not closed due to outstanding items such as final inspections and final surveys, etc., per AC 28-118.16.

Floor Loads

Dead Loads. The weight of materials of construction incorporated into the building, including but not limited to walls, floors, roofs, decks, stairs, and other similarly incorporated architectural and structural items, and fixed equipment. All dead loads are considered permanent loads.

Live Loads. Those loads produced by the use and occupancy of the building or other structure and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load, rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.

Foundation

Foundations are typically comprised of concrete with wood or steel structural elements driven into the ground or cast in place. Foundations may a mat foundation, a slab-on grade foundation or composed of an individual or strip footings.

Lot Line

A line dividing one lot from another, or a lot from a street or any public place; in the Zoning Resolution, a lot line is a boundary of a Zoning Lot Line. A front lot line, also known as a street line, is that portion of a zoning lot line that fronts upon a street. A rear lot line is any lot line that is generally parallel to a street line bounding the zoning lot and does not intersect a street line. A side lot line is any lot line that is neither a front lot line nor a rear lot line.

Materials

Decks and Porches may be constructed of such materials as concrete, steel, wood and composite materials, as permitted by the Building Code.

Partial Demolition

Maintaining the same building envelope, any construction that involves the removal, replacement or repair of load bearing and/or non-load bearing interior partitions, changes to structural elements (interior or exterior), and facade changes or other upgrades.

Railings

A railing is a protective barrier around a vertical drop or along the edge of a porch, deck, terrace or balcony. Railing is required along any edge of decks and porches having a walking surface more than 30 inches above adjacent walking surfaces or the natural grade and must be at least 42 inches in height above the floor. Spaces between rails and/or posts can be no greater than four inches.

Registered Land Surveyor

A person licensed and registered to practice the profession of land surveying under the education law of the State of New York.

Remodeling/Renovation

Changes to an existing building, including the remodeling or replacing of outdated or damaged structure and materials, and the partial demolition of interior partitions; building renovations can also include the installation or replacement of building systems, devices or equipment, materials or parts, as part of regular maintenance of the building. Renovation projects do not impact the existing means of egress, do not change the use of the building or space, and do not increase the occupant load.

Use

The purpose for which a building, structure, or space is occupied or utilized, unless otherwise indicated by the Zoning Resolution or Code text.

Use (used) shall be construed as if followed by the words or is intended, arranged, or designed to be used.

Use Group

This is the use as defined in the Zoning Resolution, ZR 12-10, and is any purpose for which a building or other structure, or an open tract of land, may be designed, arranged, intended, maintained or occupied; furthermore the use is any activity, occupation, business or operation carried on, or intended to be carried on.

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