Curtain/Vestibule for Existing Highrise Elevator?

I am the third-party reviewer for an existing building that is a high-rise but does not have elevator pressurization.

If this were a new building, IBC (2021) Section 3006.3 would apply. But, this is an existing building, and the work qualifies as an Alteration Level 2. The primary engineer says that since the freight elevator is within the work area (although not being touched), per IEBC 801.3, the client will need to install either elevator curtains or a vestibule to keep smoke out per Section 3006.3.

I am of the opinion that since they aren't touching the elevator, I think the IEBC 803.1 is a stretch, and the fact that per Exception 5 of the Vertical Openings Section (803.2.1), the elevator isn't even required to be enclosed. (I do think it's a good idea though, and it's not like it's every floor, only their project space would get curtained.

This is purely a code required question, though.

Does an existing high-rise with Level 2 Alteration trigger smoke management here, even though the elevator is not altered?

Thanks in advance.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe