Bruce Ramsey
12-01-2009, 11:40 AM
Found out today their is a Rehabilation Code in North Carolina (and several other states).
The basic premise is that old or historic buildings are repaired, repurposed, and renovated. It is often difficult and expensive to make old buildings meet the letter of the current building codes. As a result, much work either goes on unpermitted, uninspected, or does not get done at all due to the expense of upgrading everything in a building to current code. So to encourage renovation of old and historic buildings, the Rehab code was developed in New Jersey around 2000. Since then apparently several other states have adopted versions of the Rehab code for their state.
The Rehab code defines 6 levels of repair or renovation. Based on the level of renovation, differing amounts of code compliance are required. The INTENT of the current building code is followed rather than the LETTER of the building code. Additionally, the current safety of the building must be maintained such that the building can be made more safe but existing safety features cannot be disabled.
This sounds like something that could help out many sellers. The seller could make repairs using the Rehab code that do not bring the older home completely up to current building code requirements but moves the house along in the correct direction. There may be certain conditions that might exist in 50+ year old homes that would be extremely difficult to repair. Like the rise and run of the back staircase are too steep to meet current code.
Limits are set where upon the entire componet or system must be upgraded to current code. If 50% or more of a stair handrail are modified, the entire stairrail for the flight must meet current code.
Anyone familiar with the Rehab code? Does your state have a Rehab code? Are you familiar with it and help your clients take advantage of its recommendations?
North Carolina
The New North Carolina Rehab Code (http://www.ncrehabcode.com/)
Virigina
https://www2.iccsafe.org/states/Virginia/Rehabilitation/Rehab-Frameset.html
Maryland
REHABILITATION CODE (http://mdcodes.umbc.edu/dhcd2/rehab-new.htm)
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Rehabilitation Code: Welcome (http://www.rbfc.ri.gov/)
Michigan
http://ref.michigan.org/cm/attach/5E8C881B-EC42-45E1-9AB0-30712373C423/Michigan%202000%20IBC%20-%20NARRP.pdf
New Jersey
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/codes/rehab/
Kansas City
Kansas City, MO: Kansas City Building and Rehabilitation Code<br> Chapter 18, Code of Ordinances (http://ww4.kcmo.org/codes.nsf/web/kcbc)
The basic premise is that old or historic buildings are repaired, repurposed, and renovated. It is often difficult and expensive to make old buildings meet the letter of the current building codes. As a result, much work either goes on unpermitted, uninspected, or does not get done at all due to the expense of upgrading everything in a building to current code. So to encourage renovation of old and historic buildings, the Rehab code was developed in New Jersey around 2000. Since then apparently several other states have adopted versions of the Rehab code for their state.
The Rehab code defines 6 levels of repair or renovation. Based on the level of renovation, differing amounts of code compliance are required. The INTENT of the current building code is followed rather than the LETTER of the building code. Additionally, the current safety of the building must be maintained such that the building can be made more safe but existing safety features cannot be disabled.
This sounds like something that could help out many sellers. The seller could make repairs using the Rehab code that do not bring the older home completely up to current building code requirements but moves the house along in the correct direction. There may be certain conditions that might exist in 50+ year old homes that would be extremely difficult to repair. Like the rise and run of the back staircase are too steep to meet current code.
Limits are set where upon the entire componet or system must be upgraded to current code. If 50% or more of a stair handrail are modified, the entire stairrail for the flight must meet current code.
Anyone familiar with the Rehab code? Does your state have a Rehab code? Are you familiar with it and help your clients take advantage of its recommendations?
North Carolina
The New North Carolina Rehab Code (http://www.ncrehabcode.com/)
Virigina
https://www2.iccsafe.org/states/Virginia/Rehabilitation/Rehab-Frameset.html
Maryland
REHABILITATION CODE (http://mdcodes.umbc.edu/dhcd2/rehab-new.htm)
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Rehabilitation Code: Welcome (http://www.rbfc.ri.gov/)
Michigan
http://ref.michigan.org/cm/attach/5E8C881B-EC42-45E1-9AB0-30712373C423/Michigan%202000%20IBC%20-%20NARRP.pdf
New Jersey
http://www.state.nj.us/dca/codes/rehab/
Kansas City
Kansas City, MO: Kansas City Building and Rehabilitation Code<br> Chapter 18, Code of Ordinances (http://ww4.kcmo.org/codes.nsf/web/kcbc)