146 Elm Chapter 34 Archimetrics Design Studio
53 South Union Street, Plainfield, MA 01070
Peter Lapointe, Architect 413-634-0091
archimetricsdesign@verizon.net
September 15, 2016
Louis Hasbrouck, Building Commissioner
City of Northampton
Northampton, MA 01060
RE: Enabling Neilson – 5 Building Renovations
CHAPTER 34 REVIEW
146 Elm Street 1st Floor 1300sf 2nd floor 1100 sf
Existing Use B Proposed Use B
Construction Type 5B
Overview: 146 Elm Street is a two story wood framed dwelling with a finished attic
constructed around the turn of the last century (1900’s). Originally constructed as a
single family residence, its most recent occupancy was as faculty offices in Use Group B.
The proposed continuation in Use Group B will remove occupancy of the finished attic
space on the third floor as part of the proposed energy improvements. Public access is
limited to the first floor. Three staff offices proposed for the second floor.
The existing configuration of space remains largely unchanged with areas of alteration
consisting of less than 50 percent of the aggregate work are and is classified as a Level
2 Alteration. The applicable provision of Chapters 6 and7 apply to this work.
Chapter 7
703.2.1 Vertical Openings Exception 1: The existing stair may remain unenclosed per
Exception 1 of IBC Section 1022.1 serving an occupant load of less than 10.
703.5 Guards: Existing guards at the second floor landing are to remain and
replacement is not required.
704 Fire Protection: The existing building is not equipped with a fire protection system
and is not required by IBC Chapter 9.
Section 705 Means of Egress: One egress from the second floor is permitted per IBC
Section 1021 Table 1021.2. More than two exits exist from the first floor.
Archimetrics Design Studio
53 South Union Street, Plainfield, MA 01070
Peter Lapointe, Architect 413-634-0091
archimetricsdesign@verizon.net
Section 706 Accessibility: The main entrance and entire first floor will be accessible and
compliant with 521:CMR - Architectural Access Board.
Section 707 Structural: Voluntary structural improvements to the first floor framing are
proposed due to excessive deflection of the current floor joists. New members will be
located to reduce the existing span of floor joists to comply with loading requirements
for office occupancy (50 psf).
Section 708 Electrical: Extensive electrical changes are proposed and upgraded to
comply with requirements for new construction.
Section 709 Mechanical: New ducted exhaust systems are proposed for new and
renovated bathrooms. The existing steam heating system will remain and new mini-
split heat pumps will provide cooling and supplemental heat.
Section 710 Plumbing: All new plumbing fixtures are proposed as part of this
renovation. The occupancy is not increased as part of this work. The existing number
of fixtures is adequate for the occupant load. The first floor bathroom is being modified
to be fully accessible.
Section 711 Energy Conservation: Proposed energy improvements for this project
include window replacement, roof and eave insulation and basement wall insulation. The
proposed insulation levels are intended to meet or exceed requirements for new
construction.
Chapter 6:
Section 602.1 Interior Finishes: All newly installed finishes are compliant with IBC
Chapter 8.
602.4 Material and Methods: All new work including repairs will be installed using
methods consistent with that for new construction.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Lapointe