With regards to construction provisions of this Code being required on building remodels:

If wall coverings (drywall, paneling, etc.) are removed down to bare studs, do these walls get included in the calculations?

ANSWER: No

If new wall coverings are installed over existing wall coverings, do these walls get included in the calculations?

ANSWER: No

What is the measurement parameter for determining the 50% figure?

ANSWER: ALL WALLS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR, ARE MEASURED USING THE LINEAR FOOTAGE OF THE WALLS.

MARINA CITY CODE COMMENTARY

The following formula is used to determine the 50% linear wall length in the City of Marina and is a standard adopted by the Monterey County Fire Prevention Officers Association:

Step 1. Determine the total linear length of all walls of the existing building.

Step 2. Determine the total linear length of all walls of the proposed remodeled building, including additions to the building.

Step 3. Determine the total linear length of all walls that are proposed to be removed during the remodel.

Step 4. Add the results of Steps 1, 2, and 3.

Step 5. Determine whether Step 4 result is over 150% of the Step 1 result. If so, Section 102.1 applies. If not, it does not apply.