BOABC Building Official Level I flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Occupant Load

The minimum design population of a space, calculated by dividing floor area by the occupant load factor for the occupancy. It sets egress width, exit count, and fixture requirements.

Means of Egress

A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to the public way, composed of exit access, the exit, and exit discharge.

Exit Access

The portion of the means of egress that leads from the occupied space to an exit. It includes aisles, corridors, and intervening rooms, but not the exit itself.

Exit Discharge

The portion of the means of egress between the exit and the public way. It must remain unobstructed and provide a continuous path to grade or public space.

Travel Distance

The measured length along the natural path of travel from the most remote point in a space to the nearest exit. Turns and furniture-free routes are included in the measurement.

Dead-End Corridor

A corridor segment with only one direction of egress travel. Length is limited by occupancy and sprinkler status, commonly 20 feet or 50 feet.

Common Path of Travel

The distance a occupant must travel before reaching a point with two distinct directions of egress. Limits vary by occupancy and sprinkler protection.

Exit Separation

The required distance between two required exits, typically at least one-half the diagonal of the area served, measured along the path of travel between them.

Egress Width Factor

The code value, in inches per person, used to convert occupant load into required egress width. Stairs and level components use different factors.

Fire Area

The aggregate floor area enclosed by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls, or horizontal assemblies. It governs sprinkler thresholds and allowable area calculations.

Construction Type

A classification based on the fire resistance of structural elements, ranging from noncombustible protected to combustible. It limits allowable height and area.

Allowable Area

The maximum floor area permitted for a given occupancy and construction type, adjusted for frontage and automatic sprinkler protection before comparing to proposed area.

Frontage Increase

An increase to allowable area granted when the building fronts on open public space or streets. The factor depends on the percentage of perimeter with frontage access.

Accessible Route

A continuous path connecting accessible elements and spaces. Running slope may not exceed 1:20 and cross slope may not exceed 1:48.

Fire Wall

A fire-resistance-rated wall with sufficient structural stability to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall itself. It creates separate buildings.

Horizontal Assembly

A fire-resistance-rated floor or ceiling assembly that separates spaces vertically. It may be used to establish separate fire areas within a building.

Plan Review Sequence

The order of technical review: occupancy and construction type, then allowable area and height, then egress, then fire protection systems, then accessibility and structural checks.

Certificate of Occupancy

A document issued after final inspection confirms the building complies with approved plans and code. It authorizes occupancy for the stated use and occupant load.

Correction Notice

A written notice identifying code deficiencies found during plan review or inspection. It must cite the code section, drawing location, and required corrective action.

Final Inspection

The last inspection confirming all permitted work is complete and prior corrections are resolved. Passing it is a prerequisite for issuing a certificate of occupancy.

Rough-In Inspection

An inspection performed after framing and system installation but before concealment by finishes. It verifies structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work against approved plans.

Foundation Inspection

An inspection of footings, forms, reinforcement, and soil conditions before concrete placement. It confirms bearing capacity and dimensions match the approved structural drawings.

Approved Plans

The stamped drawing set reviewed and accepted by the building department. Field work must match these plans, and deviations require approval before construction continues.

Design Professional Seal

A stamp and signature by a licensed architect or engineer on drawings. It confirms the professional is responsible for the work shown within their licensed scope.

Stop-Work Order

A directive halting construction when work proceeds without a permit, violates approved plans, or creates imminent hazard. Work resumes only after the official lifts the order.

Field Change

A deviation from approved plans discovered during construction. It requires documentation and approval by the building official before the affected work is concealed or occupied.

Inspection Record

The documented result of each site inspection, including date, inspector, scope, findings, and corrections. Records support the certificate of occupancy and later code enforcement.

Occupancy Classification

The code category assigned to a building or space based on its use and hazard, such as assembly, business, or residential. It drives nearly all subsequent code requirements.

Site Plan Review

Verification that building placement, setbacks, frontage, and access meet zoning and fire access requirements before structural and egress review proceeds.

Sprinkler Threshold

The fire area or height at which automatic sprinkler protection becomes mandatory for a given occupancy and construction type. It also affects allowable area increases.

Revision Submittal

A resubmission of plans after corrections or scope changes. The reviewer compares it against the prior review comments and verifies each correction was addressed.

Preconstruction Meeting

A meeting among the building official, contractor, and designer before work begins to clarify inspection milestones, required documents, and code interpretations for the project.