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Bridge projects vary greatly depending on such factors as: the stream to be crossed, intended use, span length, number of houses served and type of development the bridge will be accessing. For this reason, each bridge has unique design requirements. Below are answers to some common questions and need to know information before starting a bridge project:
*Yes-In order to be in compliance with the NC Building Code and NC Fire Code. The NC Attorney General’s office issued an interpretation on this in April of 2005. If the bridge will be used by more than one house, townhouse or duplex, it must meet minimum safety outlines.
*Bridges must meet the emergency vehicle access requirements in Section 503.2.6 of the NC Fire Code in order to support the weight of these vehicles and provide a width suitable for them to cross. If the bridge will provide access to more than one dwelling, it must also comply with Standard AASHTO HB-17 from the NCDOT. The NC licensed engineer will determine the structural design to meet these standards.
*The width of the bridge depends on the intended use that is documented on the permit. A development or subdivision (2 or more residences) requires the primary road into the subdivision to meet specifications for a “Fire Apparatus Access Road”. The code requires an unobstructed road width of 20 ft. not including the shoulders, which means that the bridge must also have a 20 ft. wide surface for travel. The Fire Code Official has authority to require lesser or additional size requirements based on individual situations.
*The bridge must be high enough that it does not impede the flow of water during a flood event. In Special Flood Hazard Areas, the lowest part of the bridge structure must be at the Regulatory Flood Protection Elevation. This is defined in the Flood Ordinance as the Base Flood Elevation (or BFE) plus a Freeboard of 2 feet. If there is no BFE data available, the lowest part of the bridge structure is to be 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade.
References: 2018 NC Building Code, 2018 NC Fire Code, 2018 NC Administrative Code, NC General Statutes, Yancey County Flood Prevention Ordinance, NC Department of Transportation
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*The NC Fire Code Section 503.2.6 requires that bridges that serve as part of a fire apparatus access road be constructed and maintained with AASHTO HB-17. Bridges must be able to support the load from fire service and emergency vehicles.
*Bridges that serve more than one house, townhouse, or duplex must meet the minimum safety outlines, including NCDOT, AASHTO and the NC Building Code. Such bridges require an engineered design.
*Before a bridge permit can be issued, a Floodplain Development Permit must be approved if any portion of the bridge will be in the Floodway. Any activity in the mapped Floodway requires and engineered “No-Rise” study which must also be reviewed by FEMA for approval. Visit www.flood.nc.gov for more information.
*The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she is the contractor and authorized agent of the owner and that the above information is true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge. All work will be done in accordance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations. The permit holder is responsible for requesting required inspections at the appropriate stage of work. This permit will expire if work is not commenced and inspected within 6 months of the issue date and if work stops at any time for 12 months or more with no inspections performed on work in progress.
*The Yancey County Building Inspections Department reserves the right to verify Worker’s Compensation Coverage and License Validity during the course of the project. This permit may be revoked and the project halted for violation of the provisions given in the NC Administrative Code and/or applicable sections of the NC General Statutes and NC Building Code.
*Plans must be sealed by a licensed NC Professional unless exempted by the provisions in the 2018 N.C. Administrative Code (Section 204.3.5 and N.C. G.S. 83A-13)
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