About Mark Sundberg Expertise Architecture, structure, construction.
Experience 27 years licensed architect, work in 12 states. Currently working in Hawaii. Over 1000 buildings designed or worked on in a significant role
3 years quality control officer for Navy construction projects.
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Architecture, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. 1977.
Question My church has a building that was built in the late forties and was used first as an A&P neighborhood grocery store. It has a curved roof like a quonset hut with a parapet wall running along one side. Can this parapet wall be removed?
Thank you so much.
Answer Aloha Lonnie,
Unfortunately, it would be almost impossible to say, without seeing the situation and, more importantly, knowing where the property line is. Structurally, it's probably not needed, at least I can't think of any reason for such. But you never know. On the other hand, parapet walls are usually employed when a building is on or near the property line as a fire prevention mechanism. If that's the case, it can not be removed. Period. The distance to the property line can be quite a bit, up to 20' or 30' depending on the occupancy of the building and how it's built and how big it is and what code is in effect.
