Structural integrity reserve studies (SIRS) in Boca Raton

Local rules that shape a SIRS in Boca Raton

• Covered buildings recertify at 30 years, or at 25 years for condo and co-op properties within three miles of a coastline as defined in s. 376.031; threshold buildings recertify at 30 years.
• The guidelines single out underground and lower-level garages, citing low ground elevation, a shallow and rising water table, porous ground and a corrosive coastal environment, and add an inspection of how the garage has been maintained.
• Palm Beach County, home to Boca Raton, was one of the three counties with the most required Phase 2 inspections in 2024.
• The city publishes a revised backlog schedule and a Building Recertification Schedule for 2027 to 2031, which it says may be amended.
• OPPAGA reported that some Palm Beach County jurisdictions accept a single combined Phase 1 and Phase 2 inspection.
• Boca Raton's guidelines say its recertification combines Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the state milestone inspection into one inspection that meets and exceeds s. 553.899 and Chapter 18 of the Florida Building Code, Existing Building.
• The city notifies each owner at least 365 days before the building's recertification deadline with a Notice of Required Inspection by certified mail, and posts it at the building if the letter comes back unclaimed.
• The report combines a Structural Report and an Electrical Report on the city's own forms, with a narrative and color photos. The engineers tell the Building Official three business days before each inspection so city inspectors can attend, and any draft given to the owner goes to the city at the same time.

How we handle structural integrity reserve studies in Boca Raton

Boca Raton's checklists ask for separate structural and electrical safety reports, and both systems are SIRS items. When the recertification falls inside the five years before the SIRS, we give the reserve professional both reports and the photos filed with the city, which keeps the study tied to the building's real condition.[1][5]

Permits for structural integrity reserve studies (sirs) in Boca Raton

• City of Boca Raton Building Division: Building Recertification Inspection Program notices, schedule and filings

What does a SIRS cover?

At a minimum the roof; the structure, including load-bearing walls and primary structural members and systems; fireproofing and fire protection systems; plumbing; electrical systems; waterproofing and exterior painting; windows and exterior doors; and any other item above the reserve threshold whose failure would harm those items. For each item the study gives the estimated remaining useful life and the replacement cost or deferred maintenance expense, and it includes at least a baseline funding plan that keeps the reserve cash balance above zero in every budget year.[5]

Who may perform or verify the study?

An engineer licensed under chapter 471, an architect licensed under chapter 481, or a person certified as a reserve specialist or professional reserve analyst by the Community Associations Institute or the Association of Professional Reserve Analysts. The rule covers the visual inspection portion too. We arrange the study with one of these professionals and coordinate the schedule; the professional signs the study.[5][6]

What are the deadlines?

• Owner-controlled associations existing on or before 1 July 2022 had to complete a SIRS by 31 December 2025.
• With a milestone inspection due on or before 31 December 2026, the SIRS may be done at the same time, but no SIRS may be completed after 31 December 2026.
• After that, at least every 10 years.
• Within 45 days of receiving the study, owners get a copy or notice and the association files a statement with the Division.

How does the SIRS change the budget?

Reserves for the SIRS items must be based on the most recent study, and for budgets adopted on or after 31 December 2024 an owner-controlled association that must have a SIRS cannot vote to waive or reduce those reserves, except a multicondominium with a Division-approved alternative funding method. SIRS items may be funded by regular assessments, special assessments, lines of credit or loans; the last three need a majority of the total voting interests.[5]

Frequently asked questions