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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBuilding Commission Minutes 2 18 2015MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: VISITORS: CALL TO ORDER: BUILDING COMMISSION MINUTES Wednesday, February 18,2015,2:00 p.m. Pat Hudgens, Torn Lohbauer, Steve Silva, David Teas, John Shales Chuck Kellenberger and Dave Ryan. Raoul Johnston, Marc Mylott, Matt Falco, Dave Decker, Chief John Fahy EFD, Art Peters EFD and Sandra Kolba. None. The meeting was called to order by Pat Hudgens at 2:10 p.m., in the lunchroom at City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL, APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the May 21, 2414, meeting were presented. A motion was made by Tom Lohbauer and seconded by John Shales and the minutes of that meeting were unanimously approved. ELECTION OF NEW CHAIRMAN: Raoul Johnston indicated to the Commission members that an election was to be conducted each and every March for a new Chairperson. Since we missed the last date, the floor was opened for nominations. Steve Silva moved to nominate Pat Hudgens as the Chairman of the Building Commission; the motion was seconded by Tom Lohbauer. A vote was taken and the motion was passed unanimously appointing Pat Hudgens as the new Chairman. NEW BUSINESS: Raoul indicated that the Commission would need to approve a date for an appeal being made by No Burn. Based on ordinance, it allows citizens/ contractors/ manufacturers to appeal any decision of the Building Official or the Building Commission. No Burn would like to appeal the decision made not to use it's product. Raoul suggested to NoBurn that the appeal be done at a regularly scheduled meeting, specifically on March 4, 2015, but NoBurn asked if the appeal could be done instead on March 5, 2015. Raoul indicated that he would not be available between March 18, 2015, and April 1, 2015, and Chief Fahy indicated that he would be unavailable on a few dates in April as well, and, based on this, Raoul asked the Commission to decide. Pat Hudgens agreed that we should listen to them and their argument on appeal and will rediscuss and ask for Staff recommendations. Raoul indicated that he would type something up and get it to the Commission members in advance of the appeal regarding the limitations insofar as temperatures and moisture/ humidity upon application, specifically, l) in temperatures below 40 degrees -- how would the builders apply the product in the winter? and 2) in moistures/ humidities over 19% -- how would the builders apply the product in the spring, when there is rain or when the product could get wet for whatever reason? John Shales asked if NoBurn had been made aware of the Commission's concerns and Raoul indicatd that he has discussed it at Iength with them as well as sending to them a copy of the minutes from the meeting of 5- 21 -14. Chief Fahy added that NoBurn could work very well in different parts of the country but not so much in the Midwest. He also indicated that the builders were given four options and he has received many compliments from builders insofar as the choices they now have. Raoul Johnston also indicated that he was doing some investigation on flak jacket and, upon a fire scenario which activates flak jacket, the joists would have to be replaced and Chief Fahy added that the joists would have to be replaced or sistered. Raouls suggested that he would like to have a fire engineer give us some information on this matter. Pat Hudgens asked the Commission members when they felt that the appeal should be and all agreed that the appeal should be held during one of our regularly scheduled meetings. Raoul said he would give NoBurn options for the appeal on either 3-4 -15 or 5 -8 -15. REVIEW OF THE 2015 INT. BUILDING CODE: Pat Hudgens indicated to the Commission that Raoul Johnston had put together a schedule of meetings for discussion of the 2015 Int. Building Code as well as the new 2 Int. Existing Building Code, the Int. Residential Code, the Int. Mechanical Code, the Int. Fire Code, National Electrical Code, and the State of Illinos Plumbing Code. This meeting will start with its review of the 2015 Int. Building Code at this time. Section 101.4.7, Existing Buildings: Raoul Johnston indicated that this Section was added to the Building Code. In the past, Chapter 34 dealt with existing buildings but it had been removed and inserted into the International Existing Building Code to assist in review and evaluation of existing buildings. He indicated that he would be making a slight amendment so that the code would be in line with city ordinances. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should be amended as suggested. Section 304.1, Commercial Kitchens <2,500 sq. ft. = "B" Use Group: Raoul indicated that this Section was added to differentiate smaller kitchens from restaurants, with a little less fire separation. He thought that it was a good section provided that Community Development and the Fire Department ensure proper protection in those types of facilities. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 306.2 Commercial Kitchens >2,500 s . ft. = "F -1" Use Group: Raoul indicated that his Section covered food processing establishments. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Sections 402.41, 402.4.1.1, 402.4.1.2, 402.4.1.3, Areas and Types of Construction for Covered and Open Mall Buildin s: Raoul said that the open mall buildings seemed to be the current trend, similar to Geneva Commons or Algonquin Commons. He indicated that this Section provided additional coverage on construction types, sprinkler requirements and such. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 403.2.1.2, Shaft Enclosures: Raoul indicated that, at this time, there is no impact on the City as this Section controls high rise buildings not over 420 feet tall and none currently exist in the City. He added that this Section provides for additional fire resistance. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. 3 Section 403.3.2, Water Supply to Required Fire Pumps and Section 403.3, Secondary Water SLapply: Raoul indicated that these Sections requires fire pumps to be supplied by two water main locations on high rise buildings so that, if one water main goes down, the second one could be used. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Sections 403,4.8, 403.4.8.1, 403.4.8.2, 403.4.8.3, Standby and Emergency Power: Raoul indicated that this Section requires a standby and emergency power room which would create a better standard to assit the fire department and occupants of the building. Art Peters added that it would give more time for occupants to get out of high rises. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 407.2.5 Nursing Horne Housing Units: Raoul indicated that this Section controls the construction requirements of spaces open to the corridor and for alarms and the requirement of quick response sprinklers. Raoul believed that this Section was going in the right direction to provide safety. Marc Mylott asked what was different from the current Section and Raoul indicated the difference was in the smoke compartment, ceilings are modified with higher ratings and quick response sprinkler heads. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 407.2.6, Nursing Home Cooking Facilities: Raoul indicated that this Section states that Nursing Homes could have domestic cooking appliances in open corridors to allow the occupants to cook their own meals as a therapueutic way of keeping active. Raoul indicatd that, if allowed, he believed that it should be ensured that there is adequate protection and suggested that the criteria under paragraph 8, allowing for a domestic cooking hood be amended to require a commercial hood with suppression. Pat Hudgens agreed that a domestic cooking hood would not contain a fire. David Teas suggested that electric, rather than gas, ranges should be used but Raoul indicated that both would shut off in the event of a fire. Raoul suggested that the Commission go one step farther and require a commercial hood and Art Peters agreed with that suggestion. Chief Fahy was concerned about the allowance of cooking facilities in the corridor and if it could create a blockage in the means of egress but Raoul said that the area would be required to be large enough so that means of egress requirements would be met. Raoul also indicated that this section included a provision that the cooking appliance would turn off after 120 minutes. Raoul suggested that this Section be rd amended to require a commercial hood with suppression and with interlock but to leave the turn off time at 220 minutes. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is for the 120 minute timeframe for turning off equipment and to amend for commercial exhaust hood with suppression. Section 407.4, Means of EgEess (I -2) Occupancy: Section 407.4.2, 50 ft. travel distance is not an issue to create problem to get out and provide ample time, Keep suite sizes down for ample time to get out of suite and into corridor. Tom Lobhauer asked what defense is in place? Raoul said it was to keep occupants in suite. Chief Fahy added that occupants should stay where they are at and the Fire Department will come to them instead of the occupants crowding corridors. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 407.4.3, Projections in Nursing Home Corridors: Raoul indicated that this Section involves placement of furniture in corridors. He said that this is part of safety plans. Chief Fahy said that there are a lot of machines and such being placed in the hallways which makes it a smaller area to get through. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Sections 407.4.4.5, 407,.4.4.5.1, Care Suites Containing Sleeping Rooms. Raoul indicated that nursing home suites are being separated to provide better direction for shorter distances to get out of the building. Chief Fahy indicated that this was a good change and that a lot of nursing homes are going to single rooms. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Sections 407.4.4.6, 407.4.4.6.1, Care Suites Not Containing Sleeping Rooms. Raoul indicated that this Section covers places such as Assisted Living Facilities where there are other areas not used for sleeping purposes but have rooms that are interconnecting. Chief Fahy said that this would cover places such as Adult Day Care. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. 5 Section 415.5, Emergency Alarms: Raoul said that this Section covers high hazard facilities and gives a better direction on the supervision of the emergency alarm systems. Chief Fahy said that this gives the fire department ability to speak to each floor separately and feels that this is a good Section. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 504.4, Number of Stories: Raoul passed out to the Commission a separate handout and indicated that he had made some amendment to this Section. He indicated that there used to be one table and now there are three tables - 504.3, 504.4 and 506. He said that there should be less confusion but there actually is more confusion in that the footnotes do not conform to the City's requirements and, therefore, wants to amend these tables to indicate notation for footnote "d" to be added to all classifications. AIso, Raoul wants to amend these tables to add a footnote "i" to refer to amended Section 903.2.01 through 903.2.9.1 referring to to the fire sprinkler requirements. Chief Fahy agreed with the proposed amendment. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should be amended as proposed. Section 506.2, Allowable Area Determination: A proposed amendment was also included on the handout for this Section with similar language regarding footnote "d" and "L" After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should be amended as proposed. Section 506.2.3, Single- Occupancy, Multi -Story Buildings, graph Sa Shall be Amended: Raoul indicated that the purpose of the discussion on this Section is that there is what appears to be a printing error. Where it shows what is allowed in equation 5- 2(S)(a), it shows Section 903.3.1.2 (which is 13R) whereas it should be shown as 903.3.11 (which is 13 System in a commercial building). After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should be amended as proposed. Section 506.2.4, Mixed - Occupancy, Multi -Story Buildings, Exception Shall be Amended: As was the prior Section reviewed, this Section also had a printing error in the exception where it refers to 13R when it should be shown as a 13 System. After 0 discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should be amended as proposed. Section 507.3, Non- Sprinklered, One -Story Building: Raoul indicated that this Section is for non - sprinklered one -story buildings and requiring that there be at least 60 feet around the building. However, Raoul believes that this Section should conform to the City's code that the building needs to be sprinklered and that there should be no non- sprinklered F2 or S2 just because of the 60 feet around the building. Raoul proposed that this Section be amended that the building be sprinklered based on the appropriate Section of the Code. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should be amended as proposed. Section 507.9, Unlimited Mixed Occupancy Buildings With Group H -5: Raoul indicated that this is for a high hazard facility such as semi- conductor, fabrication, etc. Chief Fahy said that this type of facility wil need a sprinkler system. He asked Raoul what was the current code and Raoul indicated that this is a new Section that has not been addressed in previous codes. Marc Mylott said that the most similar occupancy code now should be used. Chief Fahy added that insurance companies are on top of the high hazard classification. Chief Fahy indicated that he would like to do some more research on this Section and wants to look at unlimited mixed occupancies. After discussion, it was agreed that this Section will be tabled and addressed and the next meeting. Section' 903.2.1.6, Assembly Occupancies on Roofs: Marc Mylott asked Raoul Johnston if this was a new Section and Raoul answered that it was new to the Code. It covers areas such as roof top beer gardens. Dave Decker said that he saw structural issues with this code and wondered if it should be allowed. Chief Fahy said that the condos across from the Riverboat were such an example as well but Raoul indicated that this Section was specifically for commercial, not residential. Raoul wondered if the Commission believed it should be allowed and, if so, with limitations. Matt Falco wondered if sprinklers would be required on the roof and Raoul indicated that sprinklers would be required between all floors and the roof and where you would get out of a building. Dave Decker continued with his concern that there could be real problems if this is allowed but Marc Mylott indicated that, if this eventually would come up within the City, the Commission would have to revisit it at that time. Chief Fahy said that he was not against the Section but believed sprinklers within the building as mentioned would be required. He also indicated that the City should require a standpipe regardless of how tall the building was and even suggested a standpipe to the floor below in 7 addition to the current code requirement. Chief Fahy said that this Section is for remodeled buildings, not new buildings which require sprinklers. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 903.2.1.7, Multiple Fire Areas: Raoul indicated that he had had conversations on this Section with Ron Sessions of the Fire Department. Ron had suggested changing the occupancy load from 300 to 100 and if that is done, the Commission would have to look at Group Al, A2, A3 and A4 and would have to change all of those from 300 to 100 as well. Art Peters suggested that, if over 100, then there should be the addition of heat or smoke detection besides the sprinkler system as a way of an early warning. Marc asked if that would be in each area and Art said yes. Chief Fahy said that would be good cheap protection to triple the occupancy load. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 903.2.8, Group R (Group R -3 ?): Raoul indicated that this Section had been revised as, before, the Groups R3 and R4 were together. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 903.3.8,,-Limited Area Sprinkler System: Raoul indicated that this Section lists the number of sprinklers, etc., and believed there is no issue the way this Section has been laid out. Art Peters indicated that the Fire Department has no concerns about this Section. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 904.11, Automatic Water Mist Systems: Raoul indicated that this is a new section in the Code. Art Peters indicated that the Fire Department had no problem with this Section. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 904.13, Domestic Cooking Systems in Group 1 -2 Condition 1: Raoul indicated that this Section involved domestic cooking in Group 1 -2 which is the same as what was discussed regarding Section 407.2.6. All agreed that this should be the same as Sections 407.2.6 and 407.4. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 907.2.11.7 Smoke Detection System: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 907.6.3 Initiating Device Identification: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 908.7, Carbon Dioxide Systems: Although Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. However, further discussion did ensue regarding systems of 100 pounds or more indicating that the systems should be outside. Raoul asked Art Peters to put something in writing and send it over so that Raoul can put it in the Code. These systems are used by bars and restaurants. Dave Decker was concerned that there might be zoning issues for the placement on the exterior of the buildings. There was also concern about location as they could be hit by cars if not placed properly. Marc Mylott wondered if some type of shed should surround the system. Art indicated that he is still looking for a good way to attach the system. Raoul asked if the system needed to be heated and Art said no. This item was tabled until the next meeting so that Chief Fahy could do some research on this. Section 909.5.3, Opening Protection: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 909.21.1, Pressurization Re uirements: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. E Section 910, Smoke and Heat Removal: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 112.3, Fire Hose Threads: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 915 Carbon Monoxide Detection: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 1006 21, Egress Based on Occupanty Load and Common Path of Egress Travel Distance: Raoul indicated that two exits should be required in Exception #2. He also indicated that the Commission had already addressed this issue in Section 407.4. It was agreed that, if Section 407.4 is changed, then this Section would need to be amended as well. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Table 1006.2.1 Spaces With One Exit or Exit Access Doorw a Raoul indicated that this Table is in line with what there was in the earlier Code but a little more, and said that buildings without sprinklers will be addressed in a tighter fashion. He said that it used to be maximum occupancy load but other considerations were added. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 1007, Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration (Previously Section 1015 Raoul indicated that this was previously Section 1015. Steve Silva asked if there were any real changes otherwise and Raoul indicated that there weren't. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. 10 Section 1008, Means of Egress Illumination (Previously Section 1006): Raoul indicated that the Sections were renumbered and this Section used to be Section 1006. He indicated that there were a few minor changes but nothing major and that, materially, it was the same. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 1009.8, Two -Way Communication: Raoul indicated that the Section number changed from 1007.8 and some exeptions were added. Steve Silva asked if it was ADA compliant. Art Peters indicated that it was for safe areas. Chief Fahy said that this Section was good. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 1010.1.9.6 Controlled Egress Doors in Groups I -1 and 1 -2: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 1010.1.9.7, Delayed Egress: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 1010.1.9.8, Sensor Release of Electrically Locked Egress Doors: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Coxnrnission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 1010.1.9.10 Electromagnetically Locked E ess Doors: Raoul Johnston did not need to make a presentation to the Commission on this issue as the Chief Fahy indicated that the Fire Department is agreeable to this Section as written. Section 1017.2.2, Group F -1 and S -1 Increase (Travel Distancesl: Raoul indicated that low hazard was increased to 400 feet and that smoke vents were taken out since Iow hazard was now allowing for longer travel distance. Chief Fahy said that he was okay with this Section as long as the building was sprinklered. 11 After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should remain as is. Section 1507.1, Scope, Shall be .Amended to Prohibit Staples for Asphalt Shingle Fasteners: Raoul indicated that asphalt shingles will also be addressed in the Int. Residential Code. Raoul told a story about a homeowner in a subdivision who found out that the builder had used staples instead of nails. Upon reading the Code, some sections said that nails needed to be used while other sections said nails should be used or whatever manufacturer instructions required. Raoul suggested that this Section be amended to indicate that only nails are allowed to be used. After discussion, it was agreed by the Commission members that this Section should be amended as proposed. Section 1607,12.5, Photovoltaic Panel Systems: Raoul indicated that he had a discussion with a facility that wanted the photovoltaic panel system on its roof. Raoul was concerned about firefighter safety as there is really no way to turn those systems off in the event of a fire as you can disconnect but, as long as there is daylight, there is power. Marc Mylott indicated that the Sustainability Commission is allowing solar systems. Chief Fahy indicated that, in his opinion, this is really only a training issue and also addressed in the National Electric Code. He indicated that he has done video training on this issue and believed that these systems shouldn't be disallowed because of a training issue.. Raoul also indicated that this is addressed in the Int. Residential Code and National Electric Code but just wanted to make sure that it doesn't affect firefighter safety. Steve Silva said that he had looked at this issue on a structural standpoint and was concerned about different load factors and believes that it will be a big issue to be addressed in the Int. Residential Code. Marc indicated that the City Council set guidelines on this matter. Chief Fahy asked Raoul to let him know when a commercial plan comes in with this issue. Matt Falco wondered if we need accessibility for the Fire Department when items are placed on the roof where there are penetrations such as a skylight and the placement of the solar panels since skylights are used for ventilation when fighting a fire. Raoul asked if the Section should be amended or revised and Tom Lohbauer said he believed it should be defined in the Code. Marc indicated that the City staff will work something out and bring it in. Raoul indicated that he would draft an amendment. After discussion, it was agreed that this Section will be tabled and addressed and the next meeting. It was agreed that the rest of the 2015 Int. Building Code would be looked at and discussed at the next meeting. 12 PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments presented at this meeting. ADJOURNMENT: A motion was made by Tom Lohbauer to adjourn the meeting at 4 :04 p.m., and seconded by David Teas. The motion passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned. Acting Secretary Date: (J` " z5— 1 13