HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-19-09 Building Codes Appeals Board minutes
Building Codes Appeals Board
Minutes of February 19, 2009
Members Present: Tom Campbell, Terry Bunch, Ken Schlather, Ron Holt, Paul Larson, Mark
Follis and Michael Reedy
Members Absent: None
City Staff Present: Debbie Wilmore, Chief Building Official
Others Present: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 6:00 P.M. by Chairman Tom Campbell.
2. CONSIDER APPROVING MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 15,2009 MEETING
Motion to approve the January 15,2009 minutes, as submitted, was made by Terry
Bunch. Second by Ken Schlather. Paul Larson abstained from the vote since he was
absent from the meeting. Motion passed.
3. REVIEW, DISCUSS AND CONSIDER A BOARD RECOMMENDATION TO CITY
COUNCIL REGARDING A POSSIBLE LOCAL AMENDMENT ON DRINKING
FOUNTAIN REQUIREMENTS IN THE 2006 PLUMBING CODE (IPC - S. 403,
TABLE 403.1, S. 410) AND BUILDING CODE (IBC - S. 2902, TABLE 2902.1)
Mr. Campbell asked Mr. Larson to lead the discussion since he was the Board member
requesting placement of this item on the agenda. Following some discussion, the Board
decided that the code requirements on drinking fountains were applicable for some
"classifications" while others should have alternatives available.
Mark Follis informed the Board that he had spoken with a code body representative and
he advised that the code allows the local Building Official to consider alternatives when it
is believed the intent is still met.
Mr. Follis made a motion that staff should develop a clarification policy rather than the
city doing an ordinance change. The Board suggested the policy state that standard code
requirements be met for assembly, educationa~ institutional, residential and storage
classifications. In addition, business, factory/industrial and mercantile classifications
with an occupancy load of (26) and over shall comply with the standard code
requirements. However, the policy should clarify that for business, factory/industrial and
mercantile classifications, with an occupancy load of (1) to (25), the applicant could
choose one of the following: use standard code requirements - or - use bottled water in
kitchenlbreak rooms that include refrigerators - or - use portable water coolers as an
approved alternative. Second by Mr. Larson. Motion passed unanimously.
Building Codes Appeals Board
Minutes of February 19,2009
Page 2 ofl
4. ESTABLISH NEXT MEETING DATE, TIME AND TOPICS
Mr. Follis made a motion the next meeting would be held on March 19, 2009 at 6 pm.
The agenda should include the city's clarification policy and the Attorney General's
Open Records and Open Meeting Meetings training CD, if available at that time. Second
by Mr. Schlather. Motion passed unanimously.
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
None
6. BOARD COMMENTS
Mr. Campbell asked if staff knew when the new code books would be available. Mr.
Follis stated that he had been told they would be available around June 2009. Staff
confirmed that they had been told May/June.
7. ADJOURN
A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Schlather with a second by Mr. Larson. Motion
passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Debbie S. Wilmore, CBO, HCO
Chief Building Official
DRINKING FOUNT A TIN
CLARIFICATION POLICY
City of La Porte, Texas
Planning Department Policy
Effective 04/01/09
Policy to clarify Acceptable Drinking Fountain Alternatives #P2009-002.
Purpose: To ensure consistent, safe application of acceptable drinking fountain
alternatives in certain classifications and occupancy loads.
Timing: Permanent policy for use by the public and staff.
Policy: Utilizing input from the Building Codes Appeals Board and alternative
materials/methods code sections (!pC, S. 105.2 and mc, S. 104.11), the drinking
fountain requirements referenced in the IPC, Table 403.1 and mc, [P] Table 2902.1 are
hereby amended as follows:
Assembly. Educational. Institutional. Residential and Storage Classifications: No
change, requirements shall be in accordance with table and code requirements.
Business. FactotylIndustrial and Mercantile Classifications:
Occupancy load of (26) and over - No change, requirements shall be in accordance
with table and code requirements.
Occupancy load of (1) to (25) -
(#1) Install water fountain(s) as required by table and code requirements; - or-
(#2) Building plan identifies a kitchenlbreak room with a refrigerator and plans identify
permanent use of bottled water for the facility; -or-
(#3) Building plan identifies permanent use of a portable water cooler for the facility.
NOTE: For issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, Options #2 or #3 must be in place
for the building final inspection.
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S:\city Planning Share\04-INSPECTIONS DIVISION\Inspections\Drinking Fountain Policy P09-OO2.doc
March 2009
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