06-24-1999 Regular Meeing and Public Hearing

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• • Board of Adjustment June 24,1999 #A 99-001 Page 2 of 3 enforced with all cornractors. This separation requirement provides a fire separation to prevent the spread of fire between the garage and the residence. The Dwelling Code regulation and department policy is totally supported by the Fire Chief and the City's Fire Marshal. A memo from the Fire Marhal's Office is attached and identified as Exhibit C. In May, staff performed a survey of five (5}suimunding cities. The cities included in this survey were League City, Webster, Friendswood, Seabrook and Kemah. With the exception of Kemah, these cities indicated the fire separation between the residence and garage was being installed by contractors. Ana is: The applicant is asking the Board to consider eliminating this requirement based on the following facts. ^ Based on increased construction activity, the supply and demand of sheetrock fluctuates. This can impact construction schedules. The Building Code allows an exemption in accordance with Section 411.2.6. Staff feels strongly that the separation requirement should remain in effect. That is why in addition to the Dwelling Code regulation, a city policy also addresses this issue. The separation provides a protection that along with fire department action saves lives and helps reduce the amount of fire damage to the'structure. The Code of Ordinances allows appeals to the Board of Adjustment (Board) by any person aggrieved or by an officer, department or board affected by any decision of the enforcement officer. Conclusion: Based on the facts and considerations noted in this report, staff stands by the decision to require the fire separation between the residence and the garage. We recommend the Board deny the applicant's request to delete the residence and garage separation requirement as requested in Appeal of the Enforcement Officer's Decision #A99-001.