HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-10-03 Building Codes Ad Hoc Committee Minutes
Building Codes Ad Hoc Committee
Minutes of December 10, 2003
Members Present:
Tommy Moser, Tom Campbell, Tom Stringer, Ed Yung, Stanley Briers, Ron
Holt, Mike Clausen, Robert Ortiz, Bill White
Members Absent:
Carlos Smith
City Staff Present:
Interim Planning Director Nick Finan, Planning Secretary Peggy Lee
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mike Clausen called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
2. CONSIDER APPROVING MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON DECEMBER 03, 2003.
Motion to approve the minutes of December 3, 2003 by Mr. Stringer. Second by Mr. Moser. The
motion carried with all in favor.
Mr. White arrived at 7:05 P.M. and was not present for the vote.
3. DISCUSSION ON THE UNIFORM MECHANICAL (C3) AND INTERNATIONAL
MECHANICAL (ICC) CODES.
During discussions on the Mechanical Code, Mr. Yung spoke ofa section ofthe NFPA Code he
became aware of he feels creates a hardship for cities with regard to minimum fire response times and
designated numbers for manning fIfe trucks when responding,to calls.
The Committee requested staff provide handouts for pick up on Friday. Handouts are to include
copies of sections of ICC that correspond with Chapter 6 of the Uniform Code that deals with duct
systems. Also included will be sections from ICC that correspond with Chapter 17, titled
"Standards".
Motion by Mr. Campbell to request Mr. Yung bring to the next meeting, the section he referred to
from NFP A. Second by Mr. Briers. Motion carried with all in favor.
Additional discussion is needed on the Mechanical Code. Item should be placed on the agenda for
the next meeting.
Building Code Wind Load Comparison: In comparison, ICC seems to contain more detailed
information than C3. It may be that similar information can be found in other sections of C3.
Additional discussion is needed. Item should be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
4. CONTINUE DISCUSSION AND CONSIDER ACTION ON DEVELOPMENT
RECOMMENDATION ON THE CODES APPEAL BOARD PROCESS.
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Building Codes Ad Hoc Committee
Minutes of December 10,2003
The Committee agreed the Appeals Board should be separate from the Board of Adjustment. There
was general consensus for Mr. Brier's suggestion that the Board might be structured as follows:
I. Member from the general public ,.
2. Architect*
3. Engineer (construction related)*
4. Plumber*
5. AlC Contractor* .
6. General Contractor.
7. Electrician*
* Master and/or licensed
The Building Official could serve as Secretary (non-voting) with the Mayor appointing the Chair
(public member). Eligibility would need to be determined, such as, resident of La Porte, work in
La Porte, office in La Porte, or others.
Mr. Finan to research charter/ordinances that may restrict non-residents from serving and who
would be responsible for appointing the Chair.
The Committee discussed Powers and Duties of the Board.
Mr. White suggested the addition of a mini-Board that would consist of individuals with expertise
in specific areas relating to a case. The mini-Board could resolve matters prior to being sent to a
Board of Appeals.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A) CONSIDER TENTATIVE MEETING DATE OF 12/17TH FOR REVIEW AND
RECOMMENDATION OF CONSTRUCTION CODES AND THE CODES APPEAL
BOARD PROCESS.
B) DISCUSS FORMULATING THE COMMITTEE'S REPORT AND ACCOMPANYING
BACK-UP MATERIAL FOR CITY COUNCIL'S CONSIDERATION.
C) OPEN DISCUSSION
No discussion occurred on the items of New Business.
6. ADJOURN
Meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
Submitted by,
i?~
Planning Secretary