Board of Appeals - September 20, 2018 Minutes

Members Present: Acting Chairperson, Clay Dietrich, Dave Obermiller, and Mike Wild.

Others Present: Bruce Taralson, Ryan Erickson, Mike Blevins, Doug Desotel, Harold Thompsen, Chris Van Hal, and Gretchen Morlan.

Acting Chairperson, Clay Dietrich, opened the meeting by stating that as a quorum was not present, the Board would not be able to approve any business or vote, but the hearing would still take place.

Mr. Taralson presented a plaque to past Board member, Harold Thompsen. He stated that Mr. Thompsen was initially appointed to the Board of Appeals on June 30, 1998, serving the Board for a total of 20 years, mostly as the Chairperson of the Board. Mr. Taralson thanked Mr. Thompsen for his unending dedication to the Board.

Mr. Dietrich read the hearing procedure rules to all in attendance.

Commercial Building Inspector, Mike Blevins, presented Chapters 8 through 10 of the International Building Code to the Board.

Section 802.4 Application. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT, deleting this section in its entirety.

Section 803.1.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior wall and ceiling finish, testing criteria has been re-organized to enhance application and enforcement.

Section 803.1.2 Interior Wall and Ceiling Finish Materials Tested in Accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. This section has been * moved to accommodate the addition of NFPA 286. Exception: Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 and as indicated in Sections 803.1.3 through 803.13.

Mr. Obermiller inquired if materials came with a stamp or notation in literature. Mr. Blevins stated there would be some sort of listing on the materials. Mr. Obermiller inquired of the meaning of NFPA286. Mr. Erickson stated that the NFPA 286 and ASTM E84 or UL 723 are essentially flame tests. Mr. Taralson stated that most of the time there might be a label on the product, but if something strange is noted, the Inspections Department will request more information from the manufacturer to make sure the product fits into a required category. Mr. Obermiller inquired if the word “and” is used, or the word “or” when determining which standard should be used. Mr. Taralson stated that in Section 803.1.1 the NFPA 286 Standard is used, in Section 80.1.12, Section ASTM E84 can be used and there is even a third standard that can be used to meet requirements.

Section 803.3 Heavy Timber Exemption. Materials considered heavy timber construction must now comply with interior finish requirements where exposed in interior exit stairways and exit passageways.

Section 803.11 Laminated Products Factory Produced With A Wood Substrate. Specific flame spread testing provisions have been added to the IBC to address the use of factory produced laminated products with a wood substrate as well as facings and wood veneers applied over a wood substrate on site.

Section 901.6.2 Integrated Fire Protection System Testing. Test criteria have been added to the code with reference to new NFPA 4, standard for integrated fire protection and life safety system testing, to ensure that where multiple fire protection systems or life safety systems are integrated the acceptance process and the subsequent testing must evaluate all of the integrated systems as a whole.

Section 902 Fire Pump and Fire Sprinkler Riser Rooms. A number of prescriptive requirements have been added regulating the design and construction of automatic sprinkler system riser rooms and fire pump rooms. Access, marking on access doors, environment and lighting.

Mr. Dietrich inquired if this change is to allow for better access. Mr. Blevins stated that before there was an abbreviated description of what was going on in that space, now the code has expanded to include other areas with specific references so one doesn’t have to go around looking for information.

Section 903.2.1 Sprinklers Required in Group A Occupancies. The extent to which automatic sprinkler systems are required in multi-story, Group A occupancies has been clarified. Previous code language created inconsistencies and is now broken down into separate sections to provide clarification.

Section 903.2.3 Sprinklers in Group E Occupancies. Criteria for occupant load threshold and location within the building have been added as conditions that could require sprinkler protection in a Group E Educational occupancy.

Section 903.3.1.1 NFPA 13 Sprinkler Systems. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT allowing sprinkler heads in mall tenant spaces to be installed at ceiling height if allowed by the code official.

Section 903.3.1.1.2 Omission of Sprinklers in Group R-4 Bathrooms. The fire sprinkler requirements that previously extend to small bathrooms in Group R-4 occupancies have been deleted.

Section 903.3.1.2.1 Sprinkler Protection at Balconies and Decks. Where non-rated balconies and similar combustible projections of dwelling and sleeping units are permitted in type IIIA and VA buildings, it has been clarified that the sprinkler protection is to be extended to the area of the projections.

Section 903.3.1.2.3 Protection of Attics in Group R Occupancies. Sprinkler protection or acceptable alternative methods for the protection of attics are now addressed for mid-rise buildings, housing multi-family occupancies and equipped with an NFPA 13R sprinkler system.

Section 904.12 Commercial Cooking Operations. The installation of fire extinguishing systems as protection for commercial cooking operations must now also comply with NFPA 96. In addition, commercial cooking systems are now permitted to be protected with a water mist fire extinguishing system that complies with NFPA 750.

Section 904.13 Domestic Cooking Protection in Institutional and Residential Occupancies. Where domestic type cooking operations are present in Group I-1 occupancies and college dormitories classified as Group R-2, an automatic fire extinguishing system is now mandated in conjunction with the required hood over any cooktop or range.

Mr. Obermiller requested further explanation of the change to Section 904.13. Mr. Blevins stated that his understanding is that when in a Group R-2 occupancy, such as a college dormitory, and using a residential style cook-top range, it was previously allowed to have only a hood over the top of the range. The change indicates that fire-suppression is now required as well. Mr. Erickson stated that systems are now available to meet the requirements of the code change. Further discussion ensued regarding various types of equipment can be used and what types of units the change may affect.

Section 904.14 Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems. The installation, inspection, testing, and maintenance of aerosol fire extinguishing systems are now addressed through applicable references to Sections 901 and 904.4 of the International Building Code and NFPA 2010, as well as the system’s listing and manufacturer instructions.

Section 905.1 Stand Pipe Systems. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT allowing approved standpipe hose valves and connections in place of a fire hose on a standpipe.

Section 905.3.1 Class III Standpipes. Standpipe system protection is now required in those building having four or more stories above or below grade plane regardless of the vertical distance between the floor level of the highest story and the level of the fire department vehicle access.

Mr. Dietrich inquired if a three-story building with underground parking would now require standpipes. Mr. Blevins stated that the 75-foot rule is not present as it was previously. Mr. Erickson stated that the section is still referring to four stories above fire department access. He furthered that four stories below ground or above ground will require a standpipe. Mr. Obermiller inquired if a three-story building with one level below for underground parking would be considered a four-story building. Mr. Erickson stated that all stories above grade are counted together to meet one requirement, and all stories below grade are counted together to meet a different requirement.

Section 905.4 Class I Standpipe Connection Locations. Modifications have been made regarding the locations of hose connections within interior exit stairway enclosures as well as the minimum number of connections required where open breezeways and open stairs are provided.

Section 907.2.1 Fire Alarms in Group A Occpancies. An additional criterion now mandates the installation of a manual fire alarm system where there is a Group A occupant load of more than 100 located above or below the level of exit discharge.

Section 907.2.3 Group E. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT which states: “where approved by the fire code official, a buildings emergency communication system interfaced with the fire alarm system in accordance with NFPA 72 is acceptable.”

Section 907.2.10 Group R-4 Fire Alarm Systems. The installation of a manual fire alarm system and an automatic smoke detection system is no longer required for R-4 occupancies.

Section 907.2.11.2 System Response. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT stating: “dwelling units with a ceiling height that exceeds the hall by 24” or more smoke detectors shall be installed in the hallway and in the adjacent room.”

Section 911.1.3 Fire Command Center Room Size (Erratum). Correction: [F] 911.1.3 Size. The fire command center shall be not less than 0.015 percent of the total building area of the facility served or 200 square feet (19 m2) in area, whichever is greater, with a minimum dimension of 0.7 times the square root of the room area or 10 feet (3048 mm), whichever is greater. The room shall be not less than 200 square feet (19 m2) with a minimum dimension of 10 feet (3048 mm).

Section 916.2.1 Gas Detection Systems. Gas detection systems have been added to further define and explain the installation of gas detection including equipment, power connections, sensor locations and signage.

Section 917.0 Mass Notification Systems. College or university campus having a cumulative building occupant load of a 1,000 or more, a mass notification risk analysis shall be conducted in accordance with NFPA 72.

Sections 1004.5 and 1004.8 Occupant Load Calculation in Business Use Areas. The method of calculating occupant load in business areas has been revised, which will typically result in a reduced design occupant loads. However, higher design occupant loads can now be assigned to concentrated business areas such as telephone call centers and similar uses.

Section 1006.2.1 Group R Spaces with One Exit or Exit Access Doorway. Allowances for single exit Group R spaces have been reformatted and the approach to accumulating occupant loads from adjacent rooms discharging through foyers and lobbies has been clarified.

Sections 1006.3 and 1006.3.1 Egress Through Adjacent Stories. The determination of means of egress requirements has been clarified where the occupants must travel to an adjacent story to reach a complying exit or exits.

Section 1008.2.3 Illumination of the Exit Discharge. Clarifies illumination provisions as it relates to exit discharge.

Section 1008.3.5 Emergency Illumination in Group I-2. This section was modified to include a 0.2-foot candle illumination level upon the failure of a single lamp in a multi-lamp lighting unit.

Section 1009.7.2 Protection of Exterior Areas of Assisted Rescue. The fire resistance-rated exterior wall with protected opening separation between a required exterior area of assisted rescue and the interior of the building is no longer mandated, provided the building is protected with an automatic sprinkler system.

Section 1010.1.1 Doors Gates and Turnstiles. Provisions addressing limits to the width and height of door openings have been selectively reformatted, and revised as necessary to correlate with the technical accessibility requirements of ICC A117.1.

Section 1010.1.4.4 Locking Arrangements in Educational Occupancies. Guidance has been provided to allow for enhanced security measures on educational classroom egress doors and yet still continue to comply with the applicable means of egress requirements.

Section 1010.1.9.4 Locks and Latches, Item 7. Staff proposes a local AMENDMENT adding the following: “egress doors from occupied roofs, or doors that are used to gain access to the interior of the building shall be locked from the outside if all of the following are provided.
7.1 Compliance with 1010.1.9.4 item #2
7.2 Compliance with 1009.8 (Two way communication)
7.3 The door locks shall unlock on actuation of the automatic sprinkler system and automatic fire detection system and the door locking system shall be installed to have the capability of being unlocked by a switch located at the Fire Command center.”
7.4 A readily visible durable sign is posted on both sides of the door or adjacent to the door stating: “THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIED”. The sign shall be in letters 1 inch (25 mm) high on a contrasting back-ground.”

Section 1010.1.9.8 Use of Delayed Egress Locking Systems in Group E Classrooms. The allowance for the use of delayed egress locking systems has been expanded to also include egress doors serving Group E classrooms with an occupant load of less than 50, as well as secondary exits or exit access doors serving courtrooms.

Section 1010.1.9.12 Locks on Stairway Doors. Previously limited to only those stairways serving four or fewer stories, the allowance for stairway doors to be locked on the stairway side until simultaneously unlocked from a signal by emergency personal is now applicable to all multistory conditions which are not considered as high-rise buildings.

Section 1010.3.2 Security Access Turnstiles. New conditions of use are now provided to the building official with the criteria to evaluate security access turnstiles that are located in a manner to obstruct a means of egress.

Section 1011.1 Stairways. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT under exceptions that states: “Stairways used only to attend equipment or private stairways serving an occupant load of 10 or fewer persons and which are not accessible to the public. Need not comply with sections 1011.2 through 1011.13.”

Section 1011.1 Stairways. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT which alters the rise and run in groups R-2, R3, & U occupancies that are accessory to a group R-3 occupancy to a maximum riser height of 8” and minimum tread depth of 9”.
Exceptions; Add item 6 to state; “Stairways used only to attend equipment or private stairways serving an occupant load of 10 or fewer persons and which are not accessible to the public are permitted to have a maximum 8 inch riser height and minimum 9 inch tread depth.”

Section 1011.11 Handrails. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT, which adds exceptions 5 & 6 to read as follows:
5. Stairways used only to attend equipment or private stairways serving an occupant load of 10 or fewer persons, and which are not accessible to the public.
6. Vehicle service pit stairways are exempt from the rules for stairway railings and guards if they would prevent a vehicle from moving into a position over the pit.

Section 1013.2 Exit Signs. The permitted location for low-level exit signs selectively required in Group R-1 occupancies (hotels and motels), has been expanded to now allow the bottom of such sign to mount up to 18- inches above the floor.

Section 1015.2 Guards. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT that states the following:
“Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including mezzanines, equipment platforms, stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30” measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36” horizontally to the edge of the open side to, above the floor or grade below or if within 36” horizontally to the edge of the open side the vertical measurement to the floor or grade below is greater than 48”. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with section 1607.8.”

Sections 1015.6 and 1015.7 Fall Arrest for Rooftop Equipment. The prescriptive provisions addressing the installation of personal fall arrest / restraint anchorage where mechanical equipment or roof hatches are located close to a roof edge have now been deleted with simply a reference to the ANSI / ASSE Z 359.1 standard.

Section 1017.3 Measurement of Egress Travel. Additional language clarifies that the common path of egress travel limitations must be applied to each room or space on every story.

Section 1023.3.1 Stairway Extensions. Modification stating fire-resistance-rated separation is not required between an interior exit stairway and its exit passageway extension where both the stair enclosure and exit passageway are pressurized.

Sections 1023.5 and 1024.6 Exit Stairway and Exit Passageway Penetrations. Security system and two-way communication system components are now specifically permitted to penetrate the fire-resistance-rated enclosure of exit passageways, interior exit stairways, and interior exit ramps.

Section 1025.1 Luminous Egress Path Markings. Luminous egress path marking is no longer required in high-rise buildings classified as Group I-2, I-3 or I-4 occupancies.

Sections 1026.4 and 1026.4.1 Refuge Area and Capacity. The method for determining the minimum required refuge area size where a horizontal exit has been provided has been modified to allow for a more appropriate determination of the occupant load assigned to the refuge area.

Sections 1029.6 and 1029.6.3 Open Air Assembly Seating. The various assembly-seating methods have been clarified through the introduction of a new definition for open-air assembly seating and an expanded definition for smoke-protected assembly seating.

Section 1030.1 Required Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings. The occupancies where emergency openings are required have been clarified and the minimum number of required openings in a residential basement has been revised.

Commercial Plan Reviewer, Doug Desotel, presented the International Building Code, Chapters 11 through 15 to the Board. All errata mentioned are from the first printed copies of the International Building Code.

Section 1102 The 2018 International Building Code has removed the specific definitions in Chapter 11 and placed them in Chapter 2 with all definitions. In addition, the heading has changed from “Definitions” to “Compliance”.

Section 1103.2.14 Walk in cooler and Freezers. One word has been added to state freezer “equipment” accessed.

Section 1104.4 Multistory buildings and facilities. There has been verbiage added to the items and occupied roofs.

Section 1104.4, Exception #1 Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT to this section which states: “An accessible route is not required to stories, basements, mezzanines, and occupied roofs that have an area of not more than 3,000 square feet (278.7 m2) and are located above or below accessible levels and are below the third story ….”

Section 1104.4, Exception #2 The text: “Occupied roofs” has been added to Exception #2.

Section 1107.6.1.1 Group R-1 Accessible Units. The text: “On multiple-building site” has been added to the second sentence.

Section 1107.6.2.2 Apartment houses, monasteries and convents. The following text has been added to the end of the section: “Bedrooms in monasteries and convents shall be counted as units for the purpose of determining the number of units. Where the bedrooms are grouped in sleeping units, only one bedroom in each sleeping unit shall count toward the number of required Type A units.”

Section 1107.6.2.3 Group R-2 other than live/work units, apartment houses, monasteries and convents. The following text has been added: “dormitories, sororities, fraternities and boarding houses.” Also, the last sentence has been changed to state: “Where the bedrooms are grouped into dwelling or sleeping units, only one bedroom in each dwelling or sleeping unit shall be permitted to count toward the number of required accessible units.”

Section 1107.6.3 Group R-3. The following uses have been added to this section: “bedrooms within congregate living facilities, dormitories, sororities, and boarding houses shall be counted as sleeping units for the purpose of determining the number of units.”

Section 1107.7.1.2 Additional stories with Type B units. The first sentence has been clarified, stating: “Where stories have entrances not included in determining compliance with Section 1107.7.1.1, and such entrances are proximate to arrival points intended to serve units on that story.”

Section 1109.2.1.2 Family or assisted-use toilet rooms. There has been two additional exceptions added to this section: #2 A child-height water closet and #3 A child-height lavatory.

Section 1109.15 Gaming machines and gaming tables. A more practical approach to the appropriate distribution of accessible gaming machines and gaming tables in casinos and other gaming facilities has been established and new definitions provide guidance in the application of the revised provisions.

Section 1110.4.13 Play Areas. This section has been added to the parent section of Recreational Facilities. This section of the code states, “Play areas containing play components designed and constructed for children shall be located on an accessible route”.

Section 1111.3 Other Signs, Item #2. This section has been re-organized, however, the meaning has not changed.

Section A 1202.1 Ventilation. Staff recommends continuing the existing local AMENDMENT deleting the first sentence in the second paragraph as follows: Where the air infiltration rate in a dwelling unit is less than 5 air changed per hour where tested with a blower door at a pressure 0.2 inch w.c.(50 Pa) in accordance with section 404.4.1.2 of the International Energy Conservation Code Residential Provisions, the dwelling unit shall be ventilated by mechanical means in accordance with Section 403 of the International Mechanical Code. The remainder of this section shall remain.

Mr. Dietrich inquired if this is more of a prescriptive measure. Mr. Desotel stated that inspections does a visual test as there is an amendment that allows for a visual test of the products as they are being assembled.

Section 1202.2 Roof Ventilation. The parent section has been renamed from “Ventilation Required” to “Roof Ventilation”.

Section 1202.4 Under-floor Ventilation. Sections 1202.4.1 and 1202.4.4 have been added to be separate sections within the code for clarity. The new sections were previously exceptions to Section 1203.4.2 in the 2015 International Building Code.

Section 1202.4.4 Staff recommends deleting the section relating to flood in its entirety.

Section 1206 Sound Transmission. This section was previously deleted from the 2015 International Building Code. The Inspections Department would like the Board to make the determination whether or not this section should be re-added to the 2018 International Building Code. Staff recommends removing the AMENDMENT deleting this section in its entirety.

Mr. Desotel stated that sound transmission has never been enforced. He furthered that after doing research, he didn’t see anything that wouldn’t comply so it is unknown why the section was removed.

Mr. Dietrich requested that Ms. Morlan note the need for the Board to review Section 1206 as most members were not present to review this section. Mr. Taralson stated that this section can be discussed any time up to the final hearing date.

Section 1207.2 Minimum Ceiling Heights. Text has been added in three locations at the end of the sentences to state: “above the finished floor”.

Chapter 13 will be designed and constructed in accordance with the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code.

Section 1401.1 Scope. The following items have been removed from the end of the scoping section: “balconies and similar projections; and bay and oriel windows”.

Sections 1402.6 and 1402.7 Staff recommends deleting the sections relating to flood in their entirety.

Table 1404.2 Minimum Thickness of Weather Coverings. The minimum required thickness of masonry and stone veneer weather coverings has been updated to align with current industry standards.

Table 1404.3.2 Class III Vapor Retarders. Verbiage has been change from “Insulated Sheathing” to “Continuous Insulation”.

Section 1404.4 Flashing. The following text has been added to the end of this section: “Where self-adhered membranes are used as flashings of fenestration in wall assemblies, those self-adhered flashings shall comply with AAMA 711. Where fluid applied membranes are used as flashing for exterior wall openings, those fluid applied membrane flashings shall comply with AAMA 714.”

Section 1404.4.2 Masonry. There has been a maximum height of 10 inches for the location of flashing and weep holes from finished ground level above the foundation wall or slab.

Section 1405.1 - The General or Parent section has been removed.

Section 1502 Roof Drainage. This section of the code has been re-located and has been removed from Weather Protection requirements in the 2015 International Building Code.

Section 1504.2.1.1 Overturning Resistance. The following standard has been added to the text: “or ASTM C1568”.

Section 1504.3 Wind Resistance of Non-ballasted Roofs. Text has been added to the end of the section stating: “The wind load on the roof covering shall be permitted to be determined using allowable stress design.”

Section 1504.3.3 Metal Roof Shingles. Metal roof shingles are now addressed separately from other metal panel roof systems with reference made to applicable standards for the labeling and testing of wind resistance for shingles.

Table 1504.1.1 Table has been relabeled from “Classification of Asphalt Shingles” to “Classification of Steep Slope Roof Shingles Tested in Accordance with ASTM D316 or D71581”.

Section 1507.1.1 Underlayment. Underlayment and ice barrier requirements have been relocated from sections describing each type of roofing material and placed into one new section describing the type, attachment, and application of underlayment.

Section 1507.1.2 Ice Barriers. This section of the code has now listed the different types of roof coverings that will require the ice barrier installation.

Section 1507.2.5 Fasteners. Staff recommends deleting the existing local AMENDMENT to this section.

Section 1507.8.9 Label required. Under the parent section of 1507.8 - Wood Shingles, there is a new section which states: “Each bundle of shingles shall be identified by a label of an approved grading or inspection bureau or agency.”

Section 1507.9.10 Label required. Under the parent section of 1507.9 - Wood Shakes, there is a new section which states: “Each bundle of shakes shall be identified by a label of an approved grading or inspection bureau or agency.”

Section 1507.11.2.1 Base Sheet. A new sub-section to “Material Standards” has been added and reads as follows: “A base sheet that complies with the requirements of Section 1507.11.2, ASTM D1970 or ASTM D4601, shall be permitted to be used with a modified bitumen cap sheet.”

Section 1507.18 Building-integrated photovoltaic roof panels. This is a new section that has been added within the code body.

Section 1507.18.2 There is an erratum to the text. The word “horizontal” should be placed behind the number 12.

Section 1507.18.4.1 There is an erratum to the text. In the middle of the paragraph, the code section: 1507.2.8 should be changed to 1507.1.1.

Section 1511 Staff recommends deleting the existing local AMENDMENT moving this section to Appendix N. Staff proposes keeping Section 1511 – Reroofing, in the main body of the 2018 International Building Code.

Mr. Taralson stated that there is no permit required for reroofing, but code information should be available for someone who is reroofing. He furthered that there are other things in the code in which a permit is not required. Mr. Obermiller requested clarification on Mr. Taralson’s statement. He inquired if what Mr. Taralson stated was that there are requirements in the code for reroofing as far as how reroofing is done, but there is no permit required and no inspection required. Mr. Taralson stated that if old roofing is removed, and new roofing is added, and no other changes are taking place, no permit is required. Mr. Obermiller inquired if asphalt shingles were being replaced by a metal roof, would a permit be required. Mr. Taralson stated that yes, a permit would be required, but no inspection is required. Mr. Obermiller inquired if there are no inspections performed, and a problem with the roof occurs, who is held responsible. Mr. Taralson stated that there are many things required by the code in which a permit is not required and the work is not required to be inspected. He stated that when a permit is issued to a licensed contractor, the permit is proof of verification to the homeowner that the contractor understands the requirements of the code.

Section 1511.1 - There is an erratum to the text of exception #2. The last code section number should be changed to 1502.2.

Mr. Taralson stated that he will create a report on erratas showing how changes were viewed in the past and how they can be viewed during the current hearing cycle. He furthered that most erratas are numerical or spelling corrections. Mr. Erickson stated that an erratum does not change the intent of the code. Further discussion ensued regarding the number of edition printed and notations of erratas in the code.

There being no further business, the hearing was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Bruce Taralson
Board Secretary