REAC Tips

Recently a question was raised about a wood frame shed that met all the conditions of the definition of a building, except that it was anchored to a 12-inch diameter poured concrete pier. Is a pier foundation considered a permanent foundation under the Uniform Physical Condition Standard?
It is a building by the UPCS definition, and pier foundations are considered permanent. Part of the Compilation Bulletin Rev2.1, page 9 states, “an individual building is any structure that has a contiguous roofline, a permanent foundation, is enclosed on all sides and has at least one utility servicing it such as electric, gas, water or sewer.”
Any storage building or maintenance building – whether free-standing or attached – must be considered in the REAC inspection.

Buildings – (Source : Compilation Bulletin – Page 10)

• Free-standing or Attached Structures: Inspectors must adhere to the following guidance when determining whether and how to inspect freestanding or attached structures:
  • If a storage shed, garage or carport is attached to the exterior of a building, and is designated for the specific use of a unit, inspect it and record deficiencies in the associated building and unit as applicable.
  • If a storage shed, garage or carport is attached to the exterior of a building and used as common space, record deficiencies in the associated building and common area as applicable.
  • If a storage shed or garage is a free-standing building and designated for the use of a specific unit, inspect it and record deficiencies in the associated building and unit as applicable.
  • If a storage shed, garage or carport is a free-standing common building, inspect it as an individual common building and record deficiencies as applicable (exceptions are noted in Case C).
  • If a storage shed, garage, carport or other free-standing structure does not meet the definition of a building, do not inspect it as a building. However, if a Health and Safety deficiency is observed on the structure, it should be recorded as an H&S deficiency under Site / Health and Safety.