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HomeMy WebLinkAbout0121 MinutesMEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: VISITORS PRESENT: BUILDERS PRESENT: CALL TO ORDER: BUILDING COMMISSION MINUTES Thursday, January 21, 2010, 3:00 p.m. Joseph Nickels; Dick Sinnett; Chuck Kellenberger; and Pat Hudgens. Tom Lohbauer; Steve Silva; Dave Teas Raoul Johnston; Dave Decker; Steve Bone; and Sandra Kolba None Mark Stefani, Kings Court Builders The meeting was called to order by Pat Hudgens at 3:10 p.m., in the 2 "d Floor South Tower Conference Room. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Both the minutes of the August 26, 2009 and December 2, 2009 meetings were presented. Since there was no quorum for the December 2, 2009, minutes, they were approved as presented. A motion was made by Dick Sinnett and seconded by Chuck Kellenberger to approve the minutes for the August 26, 2009 meeting and a unanimous vote approved those minutes. DISTRIBUTION OF 2009 INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE BOOKS: Raoul Johnston handed out the new International Energy Conservation Code Books to Joe Nickels, Chuck Kellenberger and Dick Sinnett. Raoul indicated that the code was mandated by the State for residential and commercial and will be adopted as well for the Residential Code sometime between now and mid - March. He indicated that the Energy Code would be easier for the City to enforce if it was adopted by the City. He also indicated that there was no ability to amend it at all which could create some drawbacks if adopted. A short discussion was had regarding some of the drawbacks of that the new code could create for the City as well as contractors. This subject was tabled for a more detailed discussion at a later date. There also was a short discussion had regarding the new residential sprinkler codes. Raoul indicated that he has sent two house plans to Fox Valley Fire & Safety for pricing. The first was a ranch house on a slab (with pricing for a sprinkler in the kitchen, near the mechanicals, and in the attached garage) and the second was a two -story with basement (with pricing for a 13D sprinkler system in the kitchen, near the mechanicals, and in the attached garage). He indicated that the prices he has gotten prior to this exercise was showing prices at $1.80 to $6.30 per square foot but the determination of living space square footage was vague. There was concern among the members about the new sprinkler requirements affecting the thickness and construction of walls and ceilings. The final question was whether the residential sprinkler requirements should be amended out completely or looked at in other ways. Pat also indicated that there was still discussion to be had regarding water service and what size service a home should be required to have. Raoul indicated that he had talked to State Representative Keith Farnham to see if there could be a legislative discussion regarding whether there really is the need, and therefore a requirement, for a bigger water service in homes. REVIEW/DISCUSS CHANGES TO I.R.C. AND AMENDMENTS: Raoul passed out a list of codes in the 2009 International Resident Code which he felt were questionable and in need to being amended by the City. He indicated that the City was looking to get everyone's thoughts on these codes and get a better feel about the possibility of changing them. The Commission went through the following codes individually: 1. Section R101.2 - Scone and AvOication Raoul indicated that his recommendation would be to delete the exception to the code. He agreed that the scope should not be deleted, just the exception. The Committee agreed. 2. Section R105.3.11 - Determination of substantially improved or substantially damaged existing buildings in flood hazard areas Raoul indicated that Federal and State guidelines supersede this code. He also indicated that the City follows the Kane County ordinance and homes need to be built at least 2 feet higher than flood elevation. A discussion ensued using an example of a home that was flooded last year which could not be repaired or rebuilt 2t it5 Same location. Raoul sai t , he w ^vuid IOOk at the Code i0 See if it should be deleted out or amended to coincide with the Kane County standards. 3. Section R202, Definitions The question Raoul posed was whether any of the definitions needed to be changed or any definitions be added to the code. His opinion was that nothing needed to be changed but opened up discussion to see if any of the Commission members wanted to change or add anything. Pat indicated that most of the definitions made sense. 4. Sections R302.1 - Exterior Walls; 302.2 - Townhouses; 302.3 - Two Family Dwellings; 302.4 - Dwelling Unit Rated Penetrations; and 302.6 - Dwelling /Garage Separation The Commission bundled this group into one for discussion purposes in conjunction with the sprinkler issue. It was agreed that, if the Commission decide to amend the sprinkler codes, it would need to amend the 1 -hour separation to a 2 -hour separation on walls and attics. It was also suggested that the code revert back to the 2006 code. The consensus was that it was safe to err on the 2 -hour wall since it works and doesn't cost too much more. Dave indicated that he found that the shaft wall was ideal. Pat indicated that the Commission will revisit this issue after the fire /sprinkler debate is done. 5. Table 302.6 - Dwelling /Garage Separation Raoul indicated that the table shows no protections and should be amended. 6. Sections R305.1 - Ceiling Height — Minimum Height: R305.1.1 Ceiling Height - Basements Raoul indicated that this was not much of an issue but changes have been made. The question was whether the ceiling height requirement was Tor 7'6" with or without projections. Raoul's suggestion was to retain the exception from the 2006 code not now in the 2009 code, that there would be at least 6'6" below the projection. 7. Section R313 - Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems By agreement of the members of the Commission, the discussion on this Section was deferred to a later date. 8. Section R314 - Smoke Alarms Raoul indicated that the Code had been revised and that it looks like more but really isn't as it has given more options. Most of the Commission members' discussion was regarding the need to, and when it would be required to, permanently hardwire the smoke alarm systems in homes and agreed that it should be a judgment call in the field and the use of common sense. It was agreed that this Section would be revisited after doing more research on it. 9. Section R315 - Carbon Monoxide Alarms Raoul indicated that this was a State regulation and wondered if the City really even needed to adopt it but also indicated that it probably would be easier for the City to enforce this code if it was adopted to the City code. Mark wondered if you could replace the wording of this code with the wording in the State code. 10. Section 319.1 - Address Numbers Raoul indicated that the Residential Code requires 4" numbers while the Property Maintenance Code requires 5" numbers. Pat also wondered if the code should include a provision of where the numbers should be located. After a brief discussion on this matter, the consensus was that: 1) alphabetical letters would not be allowed; 21 numbers should be no less than 5" in height; and 3) wording should be added to the code as to the specific locations where the address numbers would be displayed. This discussion will be tabled for a future meeting for the exacting wording. NEW BUSINESS: It was agreed by the Commission members that this meeting should be continued for further discussion on the International Residential Code in two weeks rather than a month and a meeting was scheduled for Thursday, February 4, 2010, 3:00 p.m., in the 2 °d Floor South Conference Room. There was no other new business discussed. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Dick Sinnett to adjourn the meeting at 4:40 p.m., and seconded by Joe Nickels. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned. Acting Secretary