08-30-11 Building Codes Appeals Board

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Building Codes Appeals Board Minutes of July 27, 2011 Page 2 of 3 Bryan Moore identified himself as a local builder and stated that buildings built under the International Plumbing Code have not had problems. He asked that the Board recommend returning to the International Plumbing Code. Phillip Hoot addressed two items. He felt that since the city requires an engineer to approve new roofs, the City shouldn't require a permit fee for the roof permit. Also, the fact that a meeting was even necessary confirms the City should go back to the previous code. Alfred Ortega identified himself as a City of Houston Inspector and a director of IAMPO. He recommended the City amend the table to fit their needs. The City of Houston deleted Table 4 -1 from the Uniform Code and utilizes the plumbing chapter table in the International Building Code as part of their amendments. REVIEW AND DISCUSS TWO REQUESTS FOR CHANGES TO THE CITY'S PLUMBING CODE AS IT PERTAINS TO MINIMUM PLUMBING CODE FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS Debbie Wilmore provided an overview explaining that the building code is used to establish the building use and occupancy load. That information is then applied to the plumbing table for determining the minimum number of plumbing fixtures. Staff provided the IAPMO Group with the project information and staff's calculations of required fixtures. A written code interpretation received today determined the buildings should be considered as retail use rather than storage /business office. Since that information was just received, copies for each member were placed at their seats. Discussion followed. 4. CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL TO SUPPORT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES OF ACTION: (1) CONTINUE TO UTILIZE THE 2009 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODETABLE 4 -1, MINIMUM PLUMBING FACILITIES, AS WRITTEN; (2) AMEND THE UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE TABLE 4 -1; (3) BEGIN UTILIZING CHAPTER 29 (PLUMBING SYSTEMS) OF THE 2009 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE IN LIEU OF THE 2009 UNIFORM PLUMBING CODE TABLE 4 -1; OR (4) OTHER ACTION Motion by Mark Follis to utilize Chapter 29 of the 2009 International Building Code in lieu of the 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code Table 4 -1. Second by Mr. Bunch. Motion passed with one nay vote by Mr. Larson. In the interim time, the Board felt the proposed storage occupancy use was an "unlisted use" and directed staff to utilize the code allowance that enables the Authority Having Jurisdiction to determine required minimum plumbing fixtures for those unlisted uses.