09-16-2004 Regular Meeting, Public Hearing, and Workshop Meeting of the La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission

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Planning & Zoning Comm~n October 21, 2004 Maximum Height Zoning Ordinance Amendment Page 3 of 4 (C) When a Class C assembly occupancy is located in a building two (2) stories or more above the level of exit discharge, the entire building shall be .equipped with a sprinkler system. 2. BUSINESS OCCUPANCIES A business occupancy 3 stories or more in height shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler system. 3. RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES (A) Hotels, motels, dormitories or lodging or rooming houses 3 stories or more in height, with exterior means of egress, the entire building shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler system. (B) Hotels, motels, dormitories or lodging or rooming houses 2 stories or more in height, with interior means of egress, the entire building shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler system. (C) Apartment buildings, townhouses and condominiums 3 stories or more in height, with interior means of egress, the entire building shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler system. (D)Apartment buildings, townhouses and condominiums 2 stories or more in height, with interior means of egress, the entire building shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler system. (ORD. No. 98-2221, § 2-9-98) • Similarly, Table 503 of the International Building Code (IBC) addresses height requirements. Table 503 utilizes intended use & construction type of buildings to determine allowable height and areas for a building. • Later sections (Sec. 504) does allow for some increase in building stories/height when automatic sprinkler system requirements are met; and Sec. 506 provides for some area modifications based on certain setbacks & sprinkler systems. • The building code is, in fact, more restrictive than the Fire Codes. Even with sprinkler systems, most building height & area limitations are not unlimited and are governed by the IBC. • Future major developments would require flow testing on the water distribution system in vicinity of the proposed project to determine fire suppression capabilities in relation to the proposed height of the project.