Help With Brace Wall Height Issue - Architectural Permit

[Ro_Ja Boy]

I received a long list of corrections/revisions from the Architectural portion of county permitting...most of them are little ticky-tak items they want information on. However, the one comment they made that concerns me was:

"The maximum height allowed for Brace wall panels provision and design is 10’-0” high. Therefore, provide a complete structural analysis for this project.

A Nevada registered civil or structural engineer shall perform this analysis. Two copies of the structural calculations shall be submitted along with two copies of the structural plans, with the construction requirements as set forth in the calculations transferred onto the plans, wet stamped and signed for review. The analysis shall cover the following items, but not be limited to: 1. Roof Framing 2. Lateral Analysis 3. Foundation Design 4. Balloon Framing"

I haven't hired a structural engineer for my project since it's only a 308 SF additional garage (info in this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374387).

However, it sounds like if I want the side walls to be framed to the height planned (11',11"), I am going to have to hire one. Any thoughts?

 

[strutaeng]

I received a long list of corrections/revisions from the Architectural portion of county permitting...most of them are little ticky-tak items they want information on. However, the one comment they made that concerns me was:

"The maximum height allowed for Brace wall panels provision and design is 10’-0” high. Therefore, provide a complete structural analysis for this project.

A Nevada registered civil or structural engineer shall perform this analysis. Two copies of the structural calculations shall be submitted along with two copies of the structural plans, with the construction requirements as set forth in the calculations transferred onto the plans, wet stamped and signed for review. The analysis shall cover the following items, but not be limited to: 1. Roof Framing 2. Lateral Analysis 3. Foundation Design 4. Balloon Framing"

I haven't hired a structural engineer for my project since it's only a 308 SF additional garage (info in this thread: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=374387).

However, it sounds like if I want the side walls to be framed to the height planned (11',11"), I am going to have to hire one. Any thoughts?

That's what it sounds like. What size studs are you using? Supporting only roof? What kind of exterior finish? Siding?

 

[yucholian]

The international building code requires all walls over ten feet high to be “analyzed” by an engineer and stamped. Unless you have a unique design, a typical wall over ten feet just need a blocking halfway up. For example, my walls are 2x6 and 16 feet high. I had to put a horizontal 2x6 blocking between each stud at halfway up, 8’ up. Just do the drawings yourself, find an engineer via Google that’s local, email h8m the drawing and you should get it stamped and will cost you less than a grand, more likely $500. Don’t let it scare you into compromising your dreams.

 

[Ro_Ja Boy]

Appreciate the advice and insight. I've reached out to an engineer that was recommended and said to be reasonable, so we will see. I won't compromise height...the total project is $70k'ish so a little added cost is worth keeping the project what I wanted it to be.

Thanks for the confidence (and insight into how easy it should be).

 

[jetnow1]

Or just have a stem wall that is 2 feet high, then use a 10 foot wall.

 

[Ro_Ja Boy]

Hired a structural engineer for $950. This process is never ending