1. A. Add an exception to Section 3002.4 of the IBC to read:

   Exception: Elevators in multistory dwelling units or guest rooms.

2. B. Change Section 3003.3 of the IBC to read:

   3003.3 Fire service elevator keys. All elevators shall be equipped to operate with either a standardized or non-standardized fire service elevator key in accordance with the IFC.

3. C. Change Section 3005.4 of the IBC to read:

   1. 1. For other than fire service access elevators and occupant evacuation elevators, where elevator machine rooms, rooms and spaces housing elevator controllers, and machinery spaces do not abut and do not have openings to the hoistway enclosure they serve, the fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707, horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both shall be permitted to be reduced to a one-hour fire-resistance rating.
   2. 2. For other than fire service access elevators and occupant evacuation elevators, in buildings four stories or less above grade plane when elevator machine rooms, rooms and spaces housing elevator controllers, and machinery spaces do not abut and have no openings to the hoistway enclosure they serve, the elevator machine rooms, rooms and spaces housing elevator controllers, and machinery spaces are not required to be fire-resistance rated.

   3005.4 Machine and control rooms, control spaces, and machinery spaces. Elevator machine rooms, rooms and spaces housing elevator controllers, and machinery spaces outside of but attached to a hoistway that have openings into the hoistway shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707, horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall not be less than the required rating of the hoistway enclosure. Openings in the fire barriers shall be protected with assemblies having a fire protection rating not less than that required for the hoistway enclosure doors.

   Exceptions:

4. D. Add Section 3005.7 to the IBC to read:

   1. 1. Where the elevator car-top will be used as a work platform, it shall be equipped with permanently installed guards on all open sides. Guards shall be permitted to be of collapsible design but otherwise must conform to all applicable requirements of this code for guards.
   2. 2. Where the equipment manufacturer's procedures for machinery removal and replacement depend on overhead structural support or lifting points, such supports or lifting points shall be permanently installed at the time of initial equipment installation.
   3. 3. Where the structure that the elevator will be located in is required to be fully sprinklered by this code, the hoistway that the elevator machine is located in shall be equipped with a fire suppression system as a machine room in accordance with NFPA 13. Smoke detectors for the automatic initiation of Phase I Emergency Recall Operation and heat detectors or other approved devices that automatically disconnect the main line power supply to the elevators, shall be installed within the hoistway.

   3005.7 Machine-room-less designs. Where machine-room-less designs are utilized they shall comply with the provisions of ASME A17.1 and incorporate the following:

5. E. Change Section 3006.1 (Items 1 through 5 remain) of the IBC to read:

   3006.1 General. Where provided to comply with applicable requirements set forth elsewhere in this code, elevator hoistway openings and enclosed elevator lobbies shall be provided in accordance with the following:

6. F. Change the exception to 3007.6 to read:

   Exception: Where a fire service access elevator has two entrances onto a floor, the second entrance shall be permitted to be protected in accordance with Section 3006.3 of the IBC.

7. G. Change Section 3008.1 of the IBC to read:

   3008.1 General. Where elevators in buildings greater than 420 feet (128,016 mm) in building height are to be used for occupant self-evacuation during fires, passenger elevators for general public use shall comply with this section.

Statutory Authority

§ 36-98 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. November 16, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008; Volume 27, Issue 2, eff. March 1, 2011; Change in Effective Date, 27:5 VA.R. 534 November 8, 2010; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. July 14, 2014; Volume 34, Issue 18, eff. September 4, 2018; Volume 37, Issue 14, eff. July 1, 2021; Volume 40, Issue 9, eff. January 18, 2024.