An addition must meet all requirements for:

An addition to a building is treated as new construction under code requirements because it represents an expansion of the facility that must adhere to the latest standards for safety and life safety. This includes comprehensive compliance with current building codes and regulations that apply to new structures, ensuring that the new addition does not compromise the overall safety and functionality of the entire facility.

While there may be some scenarios in which aspects of the existing structure may have certain allowances based on its original compliance, the principle guiding code enforcement is that all new construction—including additions—needs to meet contemporary safety measures and building regulations. This encompasses considerations for egress, fire resistance, structural integrity, and other critical factors that are designed to safeguard safe occupancy.

The focus on treating an addition as new construction is primarily about maintaining a high standard for safety in environments where people are present, as these standards evolve over time to incorporate new safety technologies and methodologies. This approach helps ensure that all occupants are afforded the highest level of safety regardless of the age of the existing structure.