STANDARD

APRIL 2004
electronic IN THIS ISSUE:
TEXT IN RED is a LINK.
u Disaster Preparedness
THE BUILDING CODES & STANDARDS DIVISION WEBSITE NEWSLETTER
u Building Safety Week

Disaster Preparedness
u Q & A: Egress
u Brochures Updated
A seat belt on before the crash... u New Building Officials
A life jacket on before the capsize... u Website Updates
A review of the Disaster Preparedness u Special Items of Interest
manual before the disaster strikes. u Wrong Way House
u Internship Feedback
Disasters can strike at any moment.
u Fire Code Seminar
However, there are some disasters that Albertville, Minnesota
u Seminar Updates
are more predictable than others... floods
from snowmelt and heavy spring rains, and storm damage from wind storms u Survey & Email Request
and tornadoes that seem to affect at least one community every year. Yours
could be next -- are you ready? State Fair Volunteers - Sign Up Now!
The 2004 State Fair bulletin is posted
The 10,000 Lakes Chapter of the International Codes Council, under What’s New - March notices -
edne ss
a s t e r Prepaarl Disaster Preparedness Committee is currently updating the
State Fair Bulletin.
s
Di Manu uilding
Official
s
Education is an important aspect
A Guide
book for
Minne
sota B
Disaster Preparedness Manual and support forms. They of the State Fair as demonstrated
need your assistance with updating the list of volunteers below. On Governor’s Fire Safety Day
MENT
ASSESS RY that can be called upon in the event Disaster Assistance Volunteer Form children are walked through each
REDN
ESS RECO
VE State of Minnesota

step of a safe escape.

PREPA ITIGATION
of a disaster. Please download the
Building Codes and Standards Division
www.buildingcodes.admin.state.mn.us

M The purpose of this form is to expedite volunteer inspection assistance available following a disaster.
Note: Submittal of this document does not obligate anyone to participate if contacted.

THE INDIVIDUALS LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED TO REPRESENT:

new form, fill it out and return it

Name of Organization/Company:________________________________________________
Organization/Company Main Phone: _____________________________________________
Submitted by: (print name and title) _________________________________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________ Phone: ___________________ Email: ________________________

The organization/company is responsible for notifiying each individual included on this list and
providing appropriate information regarding their organization authorization policies and procedures.

promptly. Click on:

pter
Please include this information in your Disaster Plan. Remember - the best way to prepare and train

ha
Star C
for a disaster is to assist with the aftermath of a disaster in another municipality.

ed by
Produc ittee - North
NAME and EMAIL ADDRESS TELEPHONE TELEPHONE TELEPHONE AVAILABLE FOR THESE ELECT PLUMB HVAC BLDG CLERICAL
REGIONS (SEE MAP):
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY WORK HOME (OPTIONAL) MOBILE (CIRLCE ALL THAT APPLY)

m
tion Com 2004 q q q q q
Mitiga Updated
1 2 3 4 5 6 ALL

Disaste
r
Disaster Assistance Volunteer Form 1 2 3 4 5 6 ALL

1 2 3 4 5 6 ALL
q

q
q

q
q

q
q

q
q

1 2 3 4 5 6 ALL q q q q q

1 2 3 4 5 6 ALL q q q q q

1 2 3 4 5 6 ALL q q q q q

MAIL TO: BUILDING CODES & STANDARDS, Attn: Code Admin, 408 Metro Square Bldg, 121 East 7TH Place, St Paul, MN 55101-2181

BUILDING CODES & State Fair 2004

STANDARDS DIVISION Check the Schedule and
408 METRO SQUARE BUILDING 121 7TH PLACE EAST • ST. PAUL MN 55101
Sign up Now.
651.296.4639 • FAX: 651.297.1973 • TTY: (1-800) 627.3529
WWW.BUILDINGCODES.ADMIIN.STATE.MN.US
1
 BUILDING SAFETY WEEK RECEIVED A FINE KICKOFF this year
with the signing of the Building Safety Week Proclamation. On hand
for the event were (from left to right) Tom Joachim, State Building
Official; Department of Administration, Building Codes and Standards
Division; Brian Lamb, Commissioner, Department of Administration;
Pat Sheehan, Bureau Chief, Department of Public Safety, Office of the
State Fire Marshal; Tim Leslie, Assistant Commissioner,
Department of Public Safety; Greg Johnson, Director, International
Codes Council; Bob Dahm, Bureau Chief, Department of Public
Safety, Office of the State Fire Marshal; Governor Tim Palenty;
Bob James, President, Fire Marshals Association of Minnesota;
Roger Axel, Association of Minnesota Building Officials;
Jerry Rosendahl, State Fire Marshal, Department of Public Safety.

Building Safety Week Proclamation

WHEREAS: The safety of the buildings we occupy daily is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the
citizens of the world; and

WHEREAS: Among the world’s most fundamental laws and ordinances are those that provide standards for
the safe construction of buildings in which people live, work, and play; and

WHEREAS: It often goes unnoticed that building safety affects so many aspects of our daily lives, thanks to
building safety code enforcement, we enjoy the comfort of structures that are safe and sound; and,

WHEREAS: For construction and building codes to be effective and enforced, understanding and cooperation
must exist between code officials and the people they serve; and

WHEREAS: Through the efforts of code officials worldwide, and their cooperative relationship with the
construction industry, the administration of these health and life-safety standards is ensured; and

WHEREAS: Building Safety Week, sponsored by the International Code Council, is an opportunity to educate
the public and a perfect time to increase public awareness of the life safety services provided by local and
state building departments as well as federal agencies; and,

WHEREAS: The International Code Council, in partnership with dedicated building safety and fire officials,
architects, engineers, and the construction industry, develops and enforces the codes that safeguard us in our homes, at
school, and the buildings we work in; and,

WHEREAS: The theme of Building Safety Week 2004, is “You Can Be A Part of Building Safety Week,”
encourages all Americans to raise our awareness of building safety, and to take appropriate steps to ensure
that the places where we live, work, play, and learn are safe; and

WHEREAS: Countless lives have been saved because of the building safety codes adopted and enforced by
building safety and fire prevention officials in local government and state agencies;

NOW, THEREFORE I, TIM PAWLENTY, Governor of the State of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week
of April 4 - 10, 2004, to be MINNESOTA BUILDING SAFETY WEEK
2
 Questions Anyone? A number of items of interest have come our way
es
30 inch
e or are
the hom e adjacent
hed to abov it.
are attac 30 inches ing perm
s that a build
all deck not more than not require ity’s
ired for orms ngs do commun
are requ s and platf of the
frost footi

DECKS
permits irements zoning
Building grade.
Deck ture with use requ planning and
above to a struc t the land to the local project.
or more not attached to mee ted any deck
grade
and are required ld be direc ning of
orms shou the plan
and platf ng questions first step in
Decks

for this issue which we are happy to pass along...

. Zoni rtant building
ning ng code is an impo by the
s for plan zoni nt. This is done ector
review The insp
Guideline truction departme The plan may arise. ns are done
to
the cons . icipality. that ul,
of a deck the mun pitfalls w and inspectio be successf
ed by lems or will ing
establish ntial prob plan revie the project local Build
fees are r to spot pote your use. The rvation so g your
Permit by callin
r in orde plan for w and
obse
obtained e.
inspecto e notes on the ee of revie

The BCSD brochures have been updated

n
can be valu applicatio
degr costs truction de an
may mak reasonable permit cons inclu s.
a Actu al
estimated e may ing plan m
provide long-lasting. s. Thes on), and build infor
with your of item r may
safe, and Department a number ack informati inspecto test priority.
n need ific setb . The grea
Inspectio ector will (with spec of this brochure receive the
ing Insp survey rest ty will
Your Build site plan or in the ns. Safe
it, provided e suggestio
for perm of these are

and are posted on our website:

or mak
Examples ntial problems CRETE!
pote OF CON
you of RING
ECTIONS THE POU and prior

Internship Feedback Sought

R TO place be
D INSP lity) are in n can
REQUIRE municipa but PRIO bracing inspectio visible
are dug, king, and n. This
(Verify
with holes ing, bloc e for inspectio framing will
be
After the all fram
tings: e after accessibl of the
1. Foo be mad so it is ection if all parts

www.buildingcodes.admin.state.mn.us
ing: To truction insp
2. Fram ring the cons of the final grading.
to cove d at the time finish ector mayrtain
deck and the insp
complete ssible. of the above, ection, to asce
acce com pletion insp ections l insp tions or
and upon trica
made the three an elec with your ques
l: To be tion to ns, such as you
3. Fina In addi assist
ections: r code inspectio code or to
r insp the
4. Othe or require othe provisions of

Go to:
make the process. e
ce with truction your hom
complian during the cons district
zoning for the
concerns city and munity deck
g upon the ent in your com ning for any
ndin artm plan
KS vary depe ning Dep in the
SETBAC erty lines or Plan first step
from prop the Building is an important
Setbacks in. Contact This

Informational Printouts and Forms

ted location.
is loca in your TS s
ents MEN e).
requirem REQUIRE the hous balconie

The Education Advisory committee would appreciate

CODE hed to load and
project. (if attac foot live ther mus
t be
L BUIL
DING depth square
to frost ound per the wea as redwood,
GENERA t extend a 40-p sed to such oval
ings mus s expo decay prior appr
gned for load. Deck tance to
a. Foot to be desi re foot live ral resis etc.) with
s need plastics,
b. Deck pound per
squa with natu (composite
wood
g Cod es and to a 60 ed of approved other mate
rial
of
Buildin ds Division construct ed woo r.
d, or ufacture being

We have received many good your taking a few moments to fill out and return a brief
or treat the man , is
Standar Square Building cedar
building
inspecto used in
chemicals , also know
n as CCA use are
408 Metro of the Wood in the oor
7th Place 1 made nate for outd lumber and
121 East -Treated er arse approved the
MN 5510
1-218
Pressure ges have been mated copp ments rding to oved
Paul, c. chan Chro treat Acco appr
St. 4639 Recent wood. new Azole. the woo
d
651.296. 3529 -treated t common Copper to treat
1
627. pressure and the mos ry (ACQ) and g used
TTY: 800. 297.1973 out icals bein
phased Quaterna
Fax: 651. Copper the newer chem

questionnaire regarding internship

odes. Alkaline

comments for providing this information.

uildingc industry,
www.b .mn.us
tate fastener
admin.s .org
ncodes
www.m
3-04
GI012
BCSD-

However we also welcome constructive comments opportunities. The survey will only take a
that will improve these brochures. For example, we recently moment. Just print it out and send it to Ron
received some questions and comments from that resulted Sonnek. If you would like any additional
in some changes being made. The brochures are used by information, feel free to contact Ron
many Building Officials and we are asking that you look Sonnek, City of St. Louis Park, 5005
over the updates posted on the web. If you have questions Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
or comments regarding the information presented, let us
know. The brochures will be provided at the State Fair. Send
suggestions to Jane Schmidley: jane.schmidley@
state.mn.us, 651-296-6204, fax: 651-297-1973. Thank you.
Welcome to the “Wrong Way House”
F.Y.I.
Gary Anderson, Building
Official for Monticello sent
Congratulations to the state’s
us photos of the “Wrong
recently designated municipal Way House”. This project
Building Officials: was constructed by the
Suburban Northwest
• Robert Stenzel – Wells Builders Association with
• Chad Lunder – Scott County (Interim) the support of numerous
• Ryan Whiting – Grand Rapids sponsors. It features 23
• Michael Miller – Cass Lake common mistakes made
• Paul Waldron – Faxon Township when building or remodeling showing an incorrect example
vs. a correct installation.
• Cliff Skogstad – Pease
If you are interested in finding out more about the “Wrong
Way House” contact Gary Anderson at 763-271-3212 or
Be sure to check the website garyanderson@ci.monticello.mn.us.
____________________
BCSD was not involved in the design nor construction of
at least once a week:
www.buildingcodes.admin.state.mn.us
Training Opportunity
MOST RECENT POSTINGS: Fire Marshal’s Association of Minnesota
What’s New: International Fire Code Training
June 29 - 30, 2004
u Alert: Select Proper hardware when
This seminar will assist fire officials, building officials,
using pressure treated lumber inspectors, and design professionals. Topics covered will
Rules Section: include:
u Advisory Committee web pages - code administration, including application of alternate
u Rule Change Request form for Advisory methods and materials provisions;
Committees - general fire safety requirements
- fire department access and water supply;
OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST: - fire protection systems;
u BCSD Calendar (exams, seminars) - means of egress;
u The Standard (current and past issues) - interior finish requirements;
u Minn. State Building Code in pdf format - special processes and occupancies; and,
u Map with directions to BCSD - hazardous materials.
For registration information contact Bob James at
3
u Counties that have adopted the code.
Bloomington Fire Prevention at 952-563-8968, email:
u Question Form and Contact Info
bjames@ci.bloomington.mn.us. Space is limited.
Q&A BCSD receives phone calls regarding a wide range of building code questions.
Although each situation is different, some merit publication in this Q&A column.
If you have a question, use the Request Form on the BCSD website.

Q: We are finishing an addition onto our home of
approximately 15’ x 23’. Does the installation of
electrical or finishing materials create a habitable
space? What is “habitable space”?
A: The 2000 edition of the International Residential Code
(2000 IRC), would be used for permits obtained on
March 31, 2003 and thereafter.
The definition of ‘habitable space’ makes no reference
to “finished.” The definition is based on ‘use’ and
‘occupancy’ of the space, not how or if it is finished.
Chapter 2, Section R202, Definitions:
“Habitable space is a space in a building for living,
sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms,
closets, halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas
are not considered habitable space.”
Further, 2000 IRC Section R310 for Emergency
Escape and Rescue states “Basements with habitable
space and every sleeping room shall have at least
one openable emergency escape and rescue window
or exterior door opening for emergency escape and
rescue.” If a portion of an unfinished basement is used
for sleeping purposes, it needs an egress.
Although not specifically addressed, the word “living”
might also include spaces used as sleeping rooms,
offices, recreational rooms, and living rooms because
the intent of the code is to protect public safety.
As a completely different situation, a person decides to
install energy walls around the exterior of their concrete
foundation wall, completely wire the basement, and
sheetrock the walls and ceiling to encase all of the
insulation materials... do they need an egress window
in that basement? Only if they intend to use the space
for sleeping, or as a “habitable space.” If the use of the
space is for storage and utility (such as a laundry room),
no egress is needed.
Plan ahead -- if you build a house with only a family room
in the basement, you would only need one egress. If that
room is later made into two rooms - a family room and a
separate sleeping room, egress windows would only be
required - in the sleeping room.
Q: We are replacing existing double hung windows in
the sleeping rooms of a 1989 home. Do we need to
meet the current egress requirements?
A: When the State of Minnesota adopted the 2000
International Residential Code (IRC) as part of the
state building code, the provisions in IRC section R310
were amended to include a section for “Replacement
Windows.” This is contained in Minnesota Rules
1309.0310, section R310.1.5.
It reads:
“Replacement windows installed in buildings meeting
the scope of the International Residential Code shall
be exempt from the requirements of sections R310.1.1
(the 5.7 sq. ft.), R310.1.2 (24” minimum net clear height)
and R310.1.3 (20” minimum net clear width), if the
replacement window meets the following conditions:
1. The existing height and width net clear opening shall
not be reduced by more than 2 inches in either
dimension;
2. The rooms or areas are not used for any Minnesota
state licensed purpose (such as a daycare);
3. The window is not required pursuant to the
Minnesota Fire Code;
4. The sleeping room is not undergoing an addition,
remodeling, or a change in occupancy; and
5. The window is not required to be replaced pursuant
to a locally adopted housing, property maintenance, or
rental licensing code.”
The original purpose of this state amendment was to
provide a means to replace old deteriorated, painted shut,
windows in sleeping rooms with an energy efficient
“working” window, without having to alter the rough opening
or the interior/exterior wall finishes. The IRC Advisory
committee (that originally proposed this amendment), and
this division felt that the trade-off to a slightly smaller
window would be better than to have somebody decide not
to replace the window at all due to the cost incurred by
altering the rough opening, interior wall finish, and exterior
wall finish.
Simply stated, the provision says that no matter what size
of window you started with, that you can reduce it by 2
inches in width and height. You don’t need to start with a
code complying window under this amendment.

Questions regarding emergency escapes? Please refer to the Escape brochure posted on our website:
www.buildingcodes.admin.state.mn.us under Informational Printouts and Forms. If you have further questions
regarding this subject, contact:
Peter Kulczyk Don Sivigny
Building Code Representative Building Code Representative
Building Codes and Standards Division Building Codes and Standards Division
651/205-4707 phone 651-297-3600 phone
651/297-1973 fax
peter.kulczyk@state.mn.us
651/297-1973 fax
don.sivigny@state.mn.us 4
 Seminars are filling up fast...
The remaining Spring Seminar and Manufactured Homes seminars are filling up fast.
NOTE: - You must be registered before the class - walk-ins will be turned away.

SPRING SEMINAR MANUFACTURED HOMES SEMINAR

DATES & LOCATIONS FOR DATES & LOCATIONS FOR

REMAINING CLASSES: REMAINING CLASSES:

Wednesday, April 21
Best Western Edgewater Tuesday, April 20
2400 London Road, Duluth, MN 55812 Holiday Inn Duluth
218-728-3601 200 W. 1st Street
Duluth, MN 55802
Wednesday, April 28 218-727-7492
SS
Comfort Inn Plymouth
RY CLA L
SOR L
3000 Harbor Lane IS FU Thursday, April 22
Plymouth, MN 55447 Best Western Maplewood
763-559-1222 1780 E. County Rd D
Wednesday, May 5 Maplewood, MN 55109
SS
Best Western Apache RY CLA L 651-770-2811
SOR L
1517 SW 16th St. IS FU
Rochester, MN 55902 Tuesday, April 27
507-289-8866 Willmar Holiday Inn
2100 E. Highway 12
Wednesday, May 12 Willmar, MN 56201
SS
Holiday Inn East St. Paul RY CLA L 320-235-6060
SOR L
2201 Burns Ave. IS FU
St. Paul, MN 55119 Thursday, April 29
651-731-2220 Austin Holiday Inn
Wednesday, May 19 S 1701 4th St. NW
LAS
Best Western Kelly Inn ORRY C ULL Austin, MN 55912
100 4th Ave. S.
S IS F 507-433-1000
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-253-0606
Wednesday, May 26
Earle Brown Heritage Center
6155 Earle Brown Dr.
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
763-569-6300
Wednesday, June 2
Best Western Maplewood
1780 E Cty Rd. D
Maplewood, MN 55109
651-770-2811
For registration forms and additional information, go to:
www.buildingcodes.admin.state.mn.us
Education
Seminars
Building Codes and Standards Division Request for Email Distribution & Customer Survey
q Yes! I would like to receive a brief email notices from Building Codes & Standards
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY AND INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER FOR FOLLOW-UP IF PROBLEMS OCCUR WITH EMAIL ADDRESS

NAME:

COMPANY/ORG

JOB TITLE

EMAIL ADDRESS

SECOND EMAIL ADDRESS

BUSINESS PHONE

SECOND PHONE

Email Topics of Interest?

Email is an efficient and effective method for Check your most recent contact with us:
distributing information and announcements. q Accessibility Staff q Office Staff
q Accounting Staff q Plan Review Staff
We respect your time and promise: q Certification Staff q Reception Staff
- To keep emails very brief. q Code Administration Staff q Regional Services Staff
- To limit the frequency of email distribution. q Director’s Office q Rules Staff
- To rarely include attachments. q Education Staff q Structural Engineering Staff
q Elevator Safety Staff q Website Staff
Topics I am interested in include: q Manufactured Structures q Other: ____________________
q Anything related to the Minnesota State q Mechanical Bond Staff __________________________
Building Code __________________________
Was the person you
q Educational Opportunities or Information
spoke with . . . Yes Somewhat No
Other areas of interest include:
...courteous? q q q
q Accessibility
q Building Plan Preparation ...knowledgeable? q q q
q Building Safety and Security ...understandable? q q q
q Code Administration and Reports ...helpful? q q q
q Construction Materials: _____________________ Was the response
q Elevator Safety time satisfactory? q q q
q Electricity*
q Energy* We appreciate your feedback!
q Fire Safety* If you have comments or suggestions you would like
q Industry Standards and Models*
to share, we would like to hear from you. Either use
q Legal Issues:______________________________
this form or the Request form on our website. Be
q Manufactured Homes
q IBC Modular/Prefabricated Structures sure to include any feedback regarding our website:
q Mechancial Systems (ventilation) www.buildingcodes.admin.state.mn.us
q Occupancy Codes ___________________________________
q Plan Review ___________________________________
q Professional Responsibility ___________________________________
q Plumbing*
q Problems: flooding, mold, ___________________
___________________________________
q Roof/Ceiling Design and Construction ___________________________________
q Rulemaking ___________________________________
q Structural Engineering ? samples instead ___________________________________
q Windows and Doors* ___________________________________
Other:_______________________________ ___________________________________
* Some training is provided with other agencies .

Building Codes and Standards Division www.buildingcodes.admin.state.mn.us Fax: 651-297-1973

408 Metro Square Building, 121 East 7th Place, St. Paul, MN 55101-2181 Direct: 651-296-4639 TTY: 800-627-3529