Director’s Rule 32-96 will soon be rescinded and replaced by the new Director’s Rule 3-2009, Seismic Survey and Report Requirements for Buildings Undergoing Substantial Alterations or Repairs. Changes have primarily been made to update the evaluation and design alternates allowed, while deleting the use of the now-outdated FEMA 178. The most significant changes include the following:

• Use of ASCE 31-03 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings as an approved alternate to designing to IBC force levels
• Use of ASCE 41-06 Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings as an approved alternate to designing to IBC force levels
• Deletion of FEMA 178 as an approved alternate to designing to IBC forces levels
• Addition of a Seismic Performance Criteria Table for use with ASCE 31 and ASCE 41
• Specific allowance for the use of BSE-1 spectral response parameters for use with ASCE 31 and ASCE 41
• Requirement that the level of risk reduction provided be included in the general notes of the structural drawings

There are other changes that are less significant but may impact your design, as well. The new Director’s Rule is anticipated to be available online for review in mid-February.