FAQ

Exterior Elevated Elements are all elevated decks, balconies, landings, stairway systems, walkways, guardrails, handrails, or any parts thereof that are exposed to weather and with a walking surface more than 6 feet above grade/ground. This program applies only to wood-framed and steel-framed exterior elevated elements and not to concrete elements.

The balconies in your building were built in conformance to the Building Code requirements which were in effect at the time of original construction. The purpose and intent of the Building Code has always been life safety. To ascertain that the balcony supports have not been compromised over the years, the Exterior Elevated Elements Program require that all balconies be periodically inspected.

100% of exterior elevated elements are required to be visually inspected.

If the framing elements are visible and accessible, destructive investigation may not be necessary. If the framing is concealed, the licensed professional may need to cut openings in the soffits, other exterior finishes and possibly interior finishes to expose framing elements and assess the observed conditions.

Property owners may wish to consider having vents or access panels installed at the locations of the investigative openings created in the course of the initial inspection(s). Access panels or vents will enable future inspections to be conducted with relative ease. This work will require a permit.

For the most part this is left to the discretion of the licensed professional hired to conduct the inspections.

A. To enable verification of the conditions at the enclosed framing, the licensed professional hired to conduct the inspections will likely create some investigative openings on the underside of the soffits of sufficient size to assess the framing conditions. The openings will need to be created at the locations where moisture is most likely to penetrate into the enclosed framing cavities; typically at the intersection with the exterior wall plane, at the outer edge, under the guardrail posts, under the built-in gutters, etc.

B. If the owner also desires that the enclosed balconies/decks be retrofitted to facilitate cross-ventilation of the enclosed cavities and to provide access for future inspections, continuous strip vents would need to be installed on at least two sides of the enclosed soffits perpendicular to the direction of the framing elements. This will facilitate cross flow of air within each enclosed cavity. At least one side would have to be provided with a continuous removable soffit vent 4 inches minimum in width, which will have an added benefit of facilitating future inspections.

Yes, if the exterior elevated wood-framed and steel-framed deck, balcony, landing, stairway system, walkway, guardrail or handrail is exposed to the weather from any side. If the rain can fall upon the surface, or if the moisture can accumulate on the surface or at the joints or intersections, you must complete the Inspection Certification form.

If the exterior elevated element can be used as a walking or standing surface and is more than 6 feet above grade/ground, then YES, the inspection requirement does apply.

This depends on the nature of the repairs. • Permits are not required for ordinary repairs to structures performed for the purpose of maintenance. The repair work is limited to work on the affected item and does not include reframing, replacement or any other alteration or new work. • Permits are required for any code regulated activities, including but not limited to the following: cutting, notching or replacement of any structural framing elements or structural supports; replacement of membranes; replacement of exterior finishes; guardrail replacements; installation of ventilation openings; and similar activities.

If the framing elements are visible and accessible, destructive investigation may not be necessary. If the framing is concealed, the licensed professional may need to cut openings in the soffits, other exterior finishes and possibly interior finishes to expose framing elements and assess the observed conditions.

If the exterior elevated element can be used as a walking or standing surface and is more than 6 feet above grade/ground, then YES, the inspection requirement does apply.