lazyboy97o
Well-Known Member
@lentesta was talking about the building codes and the District on The Disney Dish. The EPCOT Building Code is not drastically different and more restrictive than the Florida Building Code when it comes to hurricanes as Len unfortunately suggests.
The ultimate wind load requirements in the EPCOT Building Code are similar to what Orange County enforces. Exterior elements must have the same Florida Product Approval as in other areas. What really drives some Disney facilities to being more hardened is their size, which can push them from the typical Risk Category II into a Risk Category III.
The Florida Building Code has largely been a success and make buildings more resilient to hurricanes. It is though only about 20 years old, so there is still plenty out there built under the prior, less functional system of codes. Except certain types of structures, there are also not recurring building code inspections to see if facilities are properly maintained. Even new construction can be deficient based on a variety of factors.
Building codes are also minimum standards. Exceeding them is allowed. Disney as a company has their own accessibility standards that, where possible, exceed those required by the District / State and the federal government.
The ultimate wind load requirements in the EPCOT Building Code are similar to what Orange County enforces. Exterior elements must have the same Florida Product Approval as in other areas. What really drives some Disney facilities to being more hardened is their size, which can push them from the typical Risk Category II into a Risk Category III.
The Florida Building Code has largely been a success and make buildings more resilient to hurricanes. It is though only about 20 years old, so there is still plenty out there built under the prior, less functional system of codes. Except certain types of structures, there are also not recurring building code inspections to see if facilities are properly maintained. Even new construction can be deficient based on a variety of factors.
Building codes are also minimum standards. Exceeding them is allowed. Disney as a company has their own accessibility standards that, where possible, exceed those required by the District / State and the federal government.
Last edited: