30 Year Recertification New Mandate
40 Year Recertification Updated to 30 Year Recertification
Reason for Change
40 Year Recertification has been updated to 30 Year Recertification. Many changes have surged in the Miami-Dade County Building Department since the tragic accident in the Champlain Towers. This accident made many aware of the possible outcome that can take place if buildings are not thorough. As well as, frequently inspected by Professional Engineers. This incident could have been prevented by inspecting the building and it being deemed structurally unsafe. Although this building was due for its 40-Year Recertification they were still in the process of being inspected. Nonetheless, the sooner this building would have been deemed unsafe to live in the faster any damage could have been prevented.
Buildings that are exposed to the ocean are at a higher risk of coast salt-water intrusion, coastal subsidence and other potential risks. People who live near the ocean are noticing increased corrosion, moisture, salty air, and occasional tropical storms and hurricanes contribute to the problem. Whenever reinforced concrete is used as a structural element, the reinforcement must be protected from oxidation. Oxidation (rust) causes the surrounding concrete to swell and crack, which can lead to further oxidation with insufficient feedback cycles. Engineers work hard to keep the process to a minimum, but after decades the corrosion barrier can break down. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance are important.
As buildings get older, the infrastructure beings to be at a higher risk of being compromised. This tragic event was a wake up call for the Commissioners and other law makers. Even though this event took the lives of many because of its immense impact, many other lives will be saved. There are new laws going into effect to prevent any future catastrophes.
New Mandate: 30 Year Recertification
Any engineer or architect who performs an inspection of an existing building or structure has a duty to report to the Building Official. They must report any findings that, if left unaddressed, would endanger life or property no later than ten days after informing the building owner. Unless the engineer or architect is made aware that action has been taken to address such findings in accordance with the applicable code. However, if such an engineer or architect finds that there are conditions in the building or structure.
That may cause actual or immediate danger of the failure or collapse of a building or structure. Or there is a health, windstorm or fire hazard. Such engineer or architect shall report such conditions to the Building Official within twenty-four hours of the time of discovery. In addition to assessing any fines or penalties provided in Chapter 8CC of the Code of Miami-Dade County. The Building Official shall also report any violations of this provision to the appropriate licensing agency, regulatory board, and professional organization of such engineer or architect.
“Threshold Building” shall be defined as any building which is greater than three stories or 50 feet in height.
Or which has an occupancy as defined in the Florida Building Code. Which exceeds 5,000 square feet in area and an occupant content of greater than 500 persons. Or as otherwise defined by section 553.71, Florida Statutes, which may be amended from time to time.
All buildings, except single-family residences, duplexes, and minor structures as defined above. These buildings will be required to undergo recertification in the manner described below. Once such a building or structure has reached a Building Age of 30 years and every 10 years thereafter. However, for any building or structure that has to perform a “milestone inspection.” As provided under section 553.899, Florida Statutes, such building or structure is required to undergo recertification. In the manner described below when it has reached a Building Age where it is required to undergo a milestone inspection.
Such recertification shall serve as compliance with any “milestone inspection” requirements under section 553.899, Florida Statutes.
However, all buildings and structures built between 1983-1992 shall be required to undergo an initial recertification no later than December 31, 2024. And shall be required to undergo subsequent recertifications every 10 years thereafter. In addition, any buildings or structures built between 1993-1997 are required to perform an initial “milestone inspection.” As defined under section 553.899, Florida Statutes, by December 31, 2024, shall be required to undergo recertification in the manner described below by December 31, 2024. And shall be required to undergo subsequent recertifications every 10 years thereafter. These buildings and structures shall not be subject to the early notification requirement outlined in Section 8-11(f)(2)(E) for their initial recertification.
For any buildings or structures built on or before 1982, including those that are required to perform “milestone inspections.” As defined under section 553.899, Florida Statutes, the recertification requirement shall run from when the building or structure has reached a Building Age of 40 years and subsequent recertifications shall be required every 10 years thereafter.
If any Electrical or Structural Repairs or Modifications are Required
The responsible engineer or architect who has performed the recertification inspection shall provide the Building Official with a letter. That must indicate whether the building or structure may continue to be safely occupied while the building or structure is undergoing repairs. Such a letter shall be valid for no more than 180 days, and a new letter shall be issued if repairs or modifications remain ongoing.
Once all applicable repairs, whether structural or electrical or both, are completed. The engineer(s) or architect(s) providing the initial recertification report must provide an amended report. Which must indicate that the building or structure has been recertified for continued use under the present occupancy.
The Building Official may issue an extension of not more than 60 days to submit a recertification report.
Or to obtain any necessary permits upon a written extension request from an engineer or architect. Such a request must contain a signed and sealed statement from the engineer. Or architect that the building may continue to be occupied while undergoing recertification.
If the owner of a building or structure has failed to timely furnish the Building Official with a recertification report. Or seek an extension request in accordance with this subsection. The Building Official may order that electrical utilities be disconnected for that building or structure. If the Building Official determines that such inaction creates uncertainty. In the opinion of the Building Official as to whether the building or structure may continue to be safely occupied. Before a Building Official may order electrical utilities to be disconnected under this subsection. The Building Official must provide notice to the owner of a building or structure via certified mail and posted or affixed in a conspicuous location on the building or structure.
Notice of Intent to Disconnect Electrical Utilities. This building or structure has not complied with the recertification procedures under Section 8-11 of the Miami-Dade County Code. As a result, there is uncertainty in the opinion of the Building Official as to whether this building or structure may continue to be safely occupied. The owner should contact the Building Official immediately. Also, any resident that has a health or medical issue that could be impacted by the disconnection of electrical utilities should contact the Building Official immediately.
For all your 30 Year Recertification needs contact Eastern Engineering Group.
The New Mandate was strictly derived from the Memorandum by Miami-Dade County dated February 1, 2022.
To see the full Ordinance relating to existing buildings and unsafe structures download the pdf below.
©️ 2023 Eastern Engineering Group wrote and published this article. All rights reserved.
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