A.5.3.1.2 Exempt Properties

A. Benchmark Buildings. A “benchmark building” is an existing building originally built to or later retrofitted to an identified design code that equals or exceeds the standards defined by ASCE 41-13. A licensed design professional experienced with lateral force design must determine whether a building is a “benchmark building.” The design professional must review the plans (if available) and perform a site visit to confirm that the building does, in fact, meet the benchmark building code. If a determination cannot be made by this means, a Seismic Report must be completed.

B. Exempt Buildings. Many buildings are exempt from the seismic hazard and building performance analysis required by ASCE 41-13. A property composed of exempt buildings as defined below do not require a Seismic Report:

1. Any single-story, wood or steel frame building with total building area equal to or less than 3,000 square feet.

2. Any single-story accessory building (i.e., no dwellings in structure).

3. Any detached or semi-detached structure where the Design Earthquake Spectral Response Acceleration Parameter SXS for hazard level BSE-1E is less than .400 g.

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Appendix 5 Architectural and Construction Analysis A.5.3 Seismic Resistance and Fire Protection

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4. Any building on a site with both Design Earthquake Spectral Response Acceleration Parameters of:

   • SXS for hazard level of BSE-1E is less than .330 g; and

• SX1 for hazard level of BSE-1E is less than .133 g.