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ORIGINAL
CITY OF LA PORTE
FIRE CODE REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES OF MEETING
OCTOBER 13, 2004
Members Present:
Richard Browder, Bryan Moore, Tom Handy, Tom Hayes, and Floyd Craft
Members Absent:
Jim Suber, Louis Heintschel, Emery Farkas, and Sam Brechtel
Staff Present:
Interim Planning Director, Wayne Sabo; Fire Marshal, Laurie Christensen;
Chief Inspector, Mark Huber; and Secretary, Peggy Lee
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 6:37 P.M. by Chairperson Richard Browder.
2. CONSIDER APPEAL #04-01 REQUESTED FOR PROPOSED NEW CONSTRUCTION OF
PROPERTY AT 9601 FAIRMONT ADJACENT TO THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH,
APPEAL IS IN REFERENCE TO DECISION MADE BY FIRE MARSHAL TO REQUIRE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM BE INSTALLED PER ORDINANCE 603.15.9. THIS APPEAL IS BEING SOUGHT UNDER
THE TERMS OF SECTION 105.3 OF THE SBCC11994ed.
STAFF PRESENTATIONS
Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen reviewed Appeal Request #A04-01 as outlined in the Fire
Marshal's Report dated October 4, 2004. The applicant has requested an Appeal to the Fire
Marshal's decision to require installation of a sprinkler system for new construction at the First
United Methodist Church, 9601 Fairmont Parkway.
PROPONENTS
Melissa Centanni and Tom Baker, Architects with the SLI Group, addressed the Board. They are
working with the First United Methodist Church on the planned construction. Ms. Centanni and
Mr. Baker listed their reasons for why they feel the Appeal should be granted to allow
construction without a sprinkler system. The facts represented were outlined in a slide show
(printed document attached).
Mike Clausen, La Porte citizen and member of First United Methodist Church, addressed the
Board. Mr. Clausen feels that the City has not always interpreted codes consistently in the past.
He believes if this is a life safety issue, then a monitored fire alarm system would be more
effective than a sprinkler system. Mr. Clausen mentioned the library has the same occupancy
rating and does not have a sprinkler system.
Danny Wayman, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, feels his group is interpreting the codes
correctly and the plan is safe as designed by the SLI Group.
OPPONENTS
There were no opponents
The following was noted by Ms. Christensen:
Fire Code Review Board
Minutes of 10-13-04
Page 2 of 2
. The assembly occupancy was not based on the Life Safety Code, but rather the Building
Code.
. The interpretation is that with the new construction, this will become one building with one
address.
. Plans were never forwarded; they were not received until August 27. It was never the
intention to change anything or cause any grief.
. Fire alarm systems notify people to get out of the building. Sprinkler systems put out
97% of fires before firemen arrive.
. Staff's decision is based on the ordinance requirements for assembly occupancy.
Ms. Centanni stated the difference of opinion is because there are no definitions for Assembly
types A, B, and C within the City of La Porte amendments. With regard to the plans not being
forwarded, she visited the City in February and proceeded with the answer she was given at that
time.
Interim Planning Director, Wayne Sabo, noted the Fire Marshal's assessment was based on a
verbal conversation and not a formal plan review. With regard to definition, staff interpreted the
definition from the Building Code. Staff believes they have interpreted the ordinance correctly.
They do not dispute the safety of the building with the four-hour firewall.
Board Members took no action of the Appeal and requested additional time to review the material.
The Board will meet again on October 20, 2004, at 6:00 P.M. in the City Hall Council Chambers to
consider the Appeal Request.
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 P.M.
Approved on this .,2,0 day of Oc./;J;vr-
k~Pv. ~A---
Richard Browder
Chairperson, Fire Code Review Board
,2004.
Fire Marshal Report
November 30, 2004
Appeal Request #04-002
Requested by:
Jorge Reynaga - Pastor Templo Bautista Church
Requested for:
Appeal to Fire Marshal plan review requiring sprinkler system installation per subsection
amendment 603.15.9 of the City of La Porte ordinances and the results of appeal #04-
001 by the United Methodist Church.
421 South 15th Street
Location:
Project Descriution: The City of La Porte received a drawing for the property at 421 South 15th Street that is a
new standalone structure.
Building Information:
This project involves the construction ofa one story Church (7,300 S.F.)
This structure is a Type A-2 Occupancy as per Standard Building Code 1994ed., which
by definition is a small assembly that includes theaters and other places of assembly with
or without a stage requiring proscenium opening protection and with an occupant load
of 100 or more persons, but with an occupant load of less than designated for Large
Assemblies (1000 persons or more)
Analvsis:
Ordinance amendment 603.15.9 states: In addition to any other fire and/or building code
requirements, the following occupancies shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler
system.
Section 1. (A) All Class A assembly occupancies.
Conclusion:
The Fire Marshal has determined that this proposed building must be built with a
sprinkler system meeting NFP A 13 standards. The system must be monitored at an
offsite location.
This was determined based on the local ordinance listed previously.
Fire Code Review Board Appeal Analysis
Appeals:
ATTACHMENTS:
As per Section 105.3.1 Variances.
City of La Porte Fire Code SBBCI 1994ed.
The Board of adjustments and Appeals, when so appealed to and after a hearing, may
vary the application of any provision of this code to any particular case when, in its
opinion, the enforcement thereof would do manifest injustice and would be contrary to
the spirit and purpose of this code or public interest, or when, in its opinion, the
interpretation of the fire official should be modified or reversed.
As per Section 105.3.2 Action.
The Board of Adjustments and Appeals shall, in every case, reach a decision without
unreasonable or unnecessary delay. Each decision of the Board of Adjustments and
Appeals shall also include the reasons for the decision. If a decision of the Board of
Adjustments and Appeals reverses or modifies a refusal, order, or disallowance ofthe fire
official, or varies the application of any provision of this code, the fire official shall
immediately take action in accordance with such decision.
As per Section 105.3.3 Decisions are Final.
Every decision of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals shall be final, subject however
to such remedy as any aggrieved party might have at law or in equity.
· Letter of Appeal from Templo Bautista, Pastor Jorge Reynaga
· Fire Marshal's Plan Review of Templo Bautista
· Copy of Ordinance for Fire Code Amendment 603.15.9
Fire Code Review Board Appeal Analysis
TEMPLO BAUTISTA
City of La Porte
La Porte, TX 77571
~
To Whom It May Concern:
We the members of Templo Bautista would like to appeal the City of La Porte Ordinance
in installing a sprinkler system in our new sanctuary located at 421 South 15th Street
... (7,300 sq ft.) We are a small congregation of 138 members.
We wanted to know it if it's a citywide ordinance why was 1 st United Methodist Church
(10,000 sq ft.) not required to install a sprinkler system and Zion Hill Baptist Church,
being a small church congregation like Templo, had to install one. Please explain the
reasons why some churches are required by The City of La Porte to install sprinkler
system and others are not abide to!
Thank you for your time, may God bless you and give you the wisdom.
~~~~
astor, Jorge Reynaga
281-471-4265 Home
281-726-0985 Cell
4~ 1 0,;( IUTl1 I :5TlI STIH'l'PI'.ll.I.II)X 1411-1..1\ POinT, n'x!\s 77~71 * 2X 1-4 71.t.~h7.P,\S rUK. .IUlhiL L IO'V!~Mi.~
~LA~
.,.
Laurie L. Christensen, CFI
Fire Marshal
POUCE.
City Of La Porte
Fire Marshal's Office
BUILDING PLAN REVIEW FOR TEMPLO BAUTISTA DE HABLE ESPANA
421 South 15th La Porte Texas 77571
The following items were identified during the plan review for this
project on 08/30/04.
~ Exit light must be installed at main entrance
~ There is no indication of sprinkler system drawings - are
they forthcoming?
~ Sprinkler system must be monitored offsite
~ Hydrotest must be performed prior to ceiling tiles being
installed
~ Fire Lanes will be determined with the project engineer or
the building owner during building phase.
Any questions please contact the Fire Marshal's Office.
604 West Fairmont Parkway La Porte, TX 77571
Office: 281-867-4603
Fax: 281-842-1868
. 1994 STANDARD FIRE eOl .~MENDMENTS conl
PAGE 14 OF 28
603.9 Detail-ed Instal-Iation Requirements
Revised to read:
1. When a building has a sprinkler system and/or standpipe system installed for fire
protection. regardless if it is required or not by the building code or fire code. the
system shall be a wet system. The design and installation of the sprinkler system shall
be as per NFIPA #13 specifications. The design and installation of the standpipe
system shall be as per NFIPA #14 specifications.
2. When a sprinkler and/or standpipe system has been installed in a building and
the occupancy changes to a occupancy not requiring said system. the system must
remain in proper installation and operation or the system must be removed.
(ORD. NO. 98-2222, S 2-9-98) - _ _ - - -
603.11 "Dry Standpipes
Revised to read:
When in the opinion of the fire chief and fire marshal a wet standpipe system would be
detrimental to the occupancy. contents or process, a dry system or other NFIPA
approved fire protection system may be installed.
(ORD. NO. 98-2222, S 2-9-98) . - - ~
-. - -.. '--'" .--...-..---..-... ..'. --.--,-.----- --...-.---.---- --- -------._, .-..------ -'- -.. . . --.... .-.
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....---. '.--"- .603:1"5----.. Automatic.SpainklerS-ysteiTis' -. '-"'. --'""'...._-._-~-.- ._..,~. ------.,---:-~.~..:.:---.~-_.:.:.-. .::~:.::'-_~. ..:: ':.~":.__ ....
ADDED NEW SUBSECTION:
603.15.8 DrY Sprinkler Systems
When in the opinion of the fire chi~f and fire marshal a wet sprinkler ~ystem would be
detrimental to the occupancy, contents or process, a dry system or other approved fire
protection system may be installed. -.
(ORD. NO. 98-2222, S 2-9-98)
ADDED NEW SUBSECTION:
603.15.9 Additional Required Automatic Sprinkler Systems
In addition to any other fire and/or building code requirements the following
occupancies shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler system.
1. ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES
(A) . All Class A assembly occupancies.
19$4 STANDARD FIRE CODE AMENDMENTS cont.
PAGE 1S OF 28
(8) When- a Class B assembly occupancy is located in a building above the
level of exit discharge, the entire building shall be equipped with a sprinkler system.
(C) When a Class C assembly occupancy is located in abuilding 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, townhouse's and condominiums 3 stories ormore in
height, with exterior means of egress, the entire building shall be totally equipped"y.;ith
a sprinkler system.' . .)l,:-:;:~;,-:'
. (0) Apartment bUildings,townhouses and condominiums 2 stories or/r;r:(-qfe/ in
height. with interior means of egress, the entire building shall be totally equipped/with a
sprinkler system.
. (ORD. NO. 98-2222, ~ 2-9-98)
ADDED NEW SUBSECTION:
603.15.10 Flow and Tamper Switches
All buildings totally equipped with a sprinkler system shall have installed at each
. riser, an approved electrically supervised waterflow and tamper switch. These switches
shall transmit an alarm to a fire alarm panel located in the building. The fire alarm
system, which has been installed as per NFIPA #72 specifications, shall transmit an
alarm (no automatic dialers) to the fire department dispatch office by way of a fire alarm
monitoring service or direct telephone line.
(ORn. NO. 98-2222, ~ 2-9-98)
Fire Marshal Report
November 30, 2004
Appeal Request #04-004
Reauested by:
Alan Neel, Pastor - Life Community Church
Reauested for:
Appeal to Fire Marshal plan review requiring sprinkler system installation per subsection
amendment 603.15.9 of the City of La Porte ordinances and the results of appeal #04-
001 by the United Methodist Church.
Location:
9529 West Fairmont Parkway
Proiect Description: The City of La Porte received a drawing for the property at 9529 West Fairmont Parkway
that is a new structure that will not be connected to the existing building.
Building Information:
This project involves the construction of a two story Church (13,078 S.F. first floor and
5,070 second floor) with a total of 18,148 S.F. The building will consist of type N,
metal frame, noncombustible construction. This type of building has a maximum floor
space of 12000 S.F. before it has to be automatic fire sprinklered.
The occupancy load indicated on the prints is 752.
This structure is a Type A-2 Occupancy as per Standard Building Code 1994ed., which
by definition is a small assembly that includes theaters and other places of assembly with
or without a stage requiring proscenium opening protection and with an occupant load
of 100 or more persons, but with an occupant load of less than designated for Large
Assemblies (1000 persons or more)
Analvsis:
Ordinance amendment 603.15.9 states: In addition to any other fire and/or building code
requirements, the following occupancies shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler
system. Section 1. (A) All Class A assembly occupancies.
NFPA 101, 1997 ed. Life Safety Code, Section 8-3.5 Extinguishing Requirements-
8-3.5.1 Buildings containing assembly occupancies with occupant loads greater than
300 shall be protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system.
The 1994 ed. of the Standard Building Code limits the building size to 12,000 S.F per
single floor and 12,000 S.F per multistory. If the building is over this size then it has
to be sprinklered.
Fire Code Review Board Appeal Analysis
Conclusion:
Appeals:
ATTACHMENTS:
The Fire Marshal has determined that this proposed building must be built with a
sprinkler system meeting NFP A 13 standards. The system must be monitored at an
offsite location.
This was determined based on the local ordinance listed previously, the Standard
building code 1994 ed. and the interpretation ofNFPA 101 1 997ed.
As per Section 105.3.1 Variances.
City of La Porte Fire Code SBBCI 1994ed.
The Board of adjustments and Appeals, when so appealed to and after a hearing, may
vary the application of any provision of this code to any particular case when, in its
opinion, the enforcement thereof would do manifest injustice and would be contrary to
the spirit and purpose of this code or public interest, or when, in its opinion, the
interpretation of the fire official should be modified or reversed.
As per Section 105.3.2 Action.
The Board of Adjustments and Appeals shall, in every case, reach a decision without
unreasonable or unnecessary delay. Each decision of the Board of Adjustments and
Appeals shall also include the reasons for the decision. If a decision of the Board of
Adjustments and Appeals reverses or modifies a refusal, order, or disallowance of the fire
official, or varies the application of any provision of this code, the fire official shall
immediately take action in accordance with such decision.
As per Section 105.3.3 Decisions are Final.
Every decision of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals shall be final, subject however
to such remedy as any aggrieved party might have at law or in equity.
· Letter of Appeal from Life Community Church, Pastor Alan Neel
Fire Code Review Board Appeal Analysis
November 17, 2004
City of La Porte
604 W. Fairmont Pkwy
La Porte, TX 77571
To Whom It May Concern:
Q qMMqp.{, Ili'V
CHURCH:
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We at Life Community Church request a variance concerning the sprinkler
system in our new building at 9529 Fairmont Parkway. When reviewing our
plans you will discover that our building is separated by a four hour fire-wall, and
all of our corridors are four hour firewall protected. First United Methodist
Church's variance approval certainly sets a precedent that should not be ignored.
a:slfJ'
Pastor Alan Neel
9529 Fairmont Parkway . LaPorte, Texas
0594 . www.lifecommunitychurch.org
Fire Marshal Report
November 29, 2004
Appeal Request #04-003
Requested by:
Melissa L. Centanni, ALA Vice President (Architect for United Methodist Church)
Requested for:
Appeal to Fire Code Review Board to ensure that the new family life building can have an
occupancy load over 300 people without requiring the installation of an automatic fire
sprinkler system perNFPA 101, 1997 Life Safety Code section 8-3.5, exception no. 2, and
Appendix A
Location:
9601 Fairmont
Project Hx:
The Fire Code Review Board on October 20th, 2004 approved an appeal from SLI &
United Methodist Church for the construction of their new family life building without an
automatic fire sprinkler system. This appeal was based upon an email indicating that a
sprinkler system was not needed, and that the building would not exceed an occupant
load of 300 people.
Building Information:
"This project involves construction of a one story family life building (11,010 S.F. First
Floor Only) 7,270 square feet consist of a concrete tilt wall building with a concrete slab
on grade foundation and steel bar joist roof framing. The remaining 3,740 square feet
consist of a wood stud frame building with brick veneer, composition shingle roof, and a
prefabricated wood roof trusses. The new building and the existing building are
separated by a four-hour concrete masonry unit wall except where the 7 1/4 "thick
concrete tilt wall serves as part of the four hour separation this fire wall will be built 18"
above the existing building gable and the new building roofs."
Analvsis:
Ordinance amendment 603.15.9 states: In addition to any other fire and/or building code
requirements, the following occupancies shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler
system. Section 1. (A) All Class A assembly occupancies.
The adopted NFPA Life Safety Code 1997 ed. A-8-1.4 states: "Assembly occupancy
requirements should be based on a room-by-room basis, a floor-by-floor basis, and a total
building basis. The requirements for each room should be based on the occupant load of
that room and the requirements for each floor should be based on the occupant load of
that floor, but the requirements for the assembly building overall should be based on the
total occupant load. Therefore, it is quite feasible to have several assembly occupancies
with occupant loads of 300 or less grouped together in a single building and that
building would be an assembly occupancy with an occupant load of over 1000. "
Note: Assembly occupancies with 300 or greater load requires a sprinkler system _
ifthe occupant load was to go over 1000 the type of construction would be reviewed.
United Methodist Church
Fire Review Request
This structure is a Type A-2 Occupancy as per Standard Building Code 1994ed., which
by definition is a small assembly that includes theaters and other places of assembly with
or without a stage requiring proscenium opening protection and with an occupant load
of 100 or more persons, but with an occupant load of less than designated for Large
Assemblies (1000 persons or more)
Conclusion:
The Fire Marshal has determined that this proposed building if occupied by more than
300 persons must be built with a sprinkler system meeting NFP A 13 standards. The
system must be monitored at an offsite location.
This was determined based on the interpretation ofNFP A 101, 1997 Life Safety Code.
Appeals:
As per Section 105.3.1 Variances.
City of La Porte Fire Code SBBCI 1994ed.
The Board of adjustments and Appeals, when so appealed to and after a hearing, may
vary the application of any provision of this code to any particular case when, in its
opinion, the enforcement thereof would do manifest injustice and would be contrary to
the spirit and purpose of this code or public interest, or when, in its opinion, the
interpretation of the fire official should be modified or reversed.
As per Section 105.3.2 Action.
The Board of Adjustments and Appeals shall, in every case, reach a decision without
unreasonable or unnecessary delay. Each decision of the Board of Adjustments and
Appeals shall also include the reasons for the decision. If a decision of the Board of
Adjustments and Appeals reverses or modifies a refusal, order, or disallowance of the fire
official, or varies the application of any provision of this code, the fire official shall
immediately take action in accordance with such decision.
As per Section 105.3.3 Decisions are Final.
Every decision of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals shall be final, subject however
to such remedy as any aggrieved party might have at law or in equity.
ATTACHMENTS:
· CopyofNFPA 101, 1997 Life Safety Code, Section 8-3.5, Exception No.2, and
Appendix A.
· Letter from Fire Code Review Board awarding SLI the appeal from October 20th,
2004
· Copy of the minutes from the October 20th, 2004 meeting.
· Copy of the original SLI Appeal information.
United Methodist Church
Fire Review Request
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.' NFPA 101,~Life,Safet"Code 1997 ", -r.:,i~"';':. ,..' ';~ :_,: >
' , , ';' '. .. '.: \." '0,:' "-,,,1. " . '.;: ~'.'i",'J :~"'<";"'1"~ J:'~";;'. ':':':;.I:'r;,;,[:,:-,,!;-,,",;'~:::"r'i:"'~l,..L,,r
8-3.5 Extinguishing Requiren1ents
8-3.5.1 Buildings containing assembly occupancies with occupant loads greater
than 300 shall be protected by a:n approved, supervised automatic sprinkler
system
~
Exception No.2
Assembly occupancies consistirig of a single multi-purpose room of less than'
12,000 sq. ft. and not used for f,!~hibition or display and are not part of a
mixed occupancy i i
Appendix A
It is the intent to permit a single' multipurpose room of less than 12,000 sq. ft.
to have certain small rooms as r,art of the single room. These small rooms
could be a kitchen, office, equipinent room, and the IiJte. It is also the intent
that an addition could be made to an existing building without requiring that
the existing building be sprinklered, where both the new and existing buildings
have independent means of egress and a fire-rated separation is provided to
isolate on building from another~:
a school gymnasium with egres~ independent of and separate from the school
would be included in this exception as would a function hall attached to a
church with a similar egress arrangement.
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Established 1892
October 26, 2004
Melissa L. Centanni, AlA
SLI Group, Inc.
10200 Old Katy Road
Houston, TX 77043
CERTIFIED MAIL #700331100001 73373119
Re: Appeal of the Fire Marshal's Decision #04-01
Dear Ms. Centanni:
On October 20, 2004, the La Porte Fire Code Review Board met to consider your appeal of the
Fire Marshal's decision to require a sprinkler system be installed at 9601 Fairmont adjacent to
the First United Methodist Church. The Board granted your Appeal of the Fire Marshal's
Decision #04-01, which allows construction without installation of a sprinkler system.
As per Section 105.3.3 of the 1994 saccI Fire Code, Decisions are Final. Every decision of
the Board of Adjustments and Appeals shall be final/subject however to such remedy as any
aggrieved party might have at law or in equity.
Should you have any questions about the Board's action, please contact the Fire Marshal's
Office at 281-470-5078.
Sincerely,
~W~
Richard Browder
Chairperson, La Porte Fire Code Review Board
c: Mayor and City Council
Debra Feazelle, City Manager
John Joerns, Assistant City Manager
John Armstrong, Assistant City Attorney
Debbie Wilmore, Chief Building Official
La Porte Fire Code Review Board Members
604 W. Fairmont Pkwy. · La Porte, Texas 77571 · (281) 471-5020
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A\\ CAClmer---1- *:$
CITY OF LA PORTE
FIRE CODE REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES OF MEETING
OCTOBER 20, 2004
Members Present:
Richard Browder, Bryan Moore, Tom Handy, Tom Hayes, Floyd Craft, and Jim
Suber
Members Absent:
Louis Heintschel, Emery Farkas, and Sam Brechtel
Staff Present:
Deputy Fire Marshal Philip Creamer and Secretary Peggy Lee
1. CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairperson Richard Browder.
2. APPROVE MINUTES FROM MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2004.
Motion by Tom Handy to approve the Minutes of September 21, 2004. Second by Jim Suber. The
motion carried.
Ayes:
Nays:
Abstain:
Handy, Suber, Moore, Hayes, Craft, and Browder
None
None
3. APPROVE MINUTES FROM MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2004.
Motion by Tom Handy to approve the Minutes of October 13, 2004. Second by Tom Hayes. The
motion carried.
Ayes:
Nays:
Abstain:
Handy, Hayes, Suber, Moore, Craft, and Browder
None
None
4. CONSIDER APPEAL #04-01 REQUESTED FOR PROPOSED NEW CONSTRUCTION OF
PROPERTY AT 9601 FAIRMONT ADJACENT TO THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
APPEAL IS IN REFERENCE TO DECISION MADE BY FIRE MARSHAL TO REQUIRE SPRINKLER
SYSTEM BE INSTALLED PER ORDINANCE 603.15.9. THIS APPEAL IS BEING SOUGHT UNDER
THE TERMS OF SECTION 105.3 OF THE SBCC11994ed.
Deputy Fire Marshal, Philip Creamer, and Board Members discussed the issues pertaining to the
request for an Appeal of the Fire Marshal's decision to require installation of a sprinkler system for
new construction at the First United Methodist Church, 9601 Fairmont Parkway. The Board heard
comments from the applicant and public at the October 13, 2004, meeting.
Being a member of First United Methodist Church, Board Member Tom Hayes removed himself from
consideration of this item. Mr. Hayes participated in discussion, as requested by the Board.
Motion by Tom Handy to grant Appeal #04-01, appealing the decision of the Fire Marshal to require
installation of a sprinkler system per Ordinance 603.15.9, for proposed new construction of property
at 9601 Fairmont adjacent to the First United Methodist Church. Second by Bryan Moore. The
motion carried.
Fire Code Review Board
Minutes of 10-20-04
Page 2 of 2
Ayes:
Nays:
Abstain:
Handy, Moore, Suber, Craft, and Browder
None
Hayes
Mr. Creamer read a statement for any person interested in appealing the decision of the Board.
5. ADOURN
Motion by Bryan Moore to adjourn. Second by Tom Handy. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Submitted by:
Peggy Lee
Secretary
Approved on this
day of
,2004.
Richard Browder
Chairperson, Fire Code Review Board
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Bui~ding Separation
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Standard Building Code 1994
Fire Wall - a 4 hour fire resistant wall, having protective openings
which restricts the spread, of fire and extends continuously from
the foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural
stability under fire conditi9ns to allow collapse of construction
on either side without coll~pse of the wall
,
Party Wall - a fire wall on an interior lot line, used or adapted
for joint service between two buildings
Section 504 Buildings Located on the Same Lot
Where the exterior walls of two or more buildings located on the same lot
face one another, and one of the walls in not constructed as required for
a fire wall, a property line shall be assumed between them. The fire
resistance requirements for such facing walls and for the protection of
openings therein shall be the same as required by this code for walls and
openings facing an assumed Jlroperty line, as provided in Table 600.
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: Table 600
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Tabl.600
FI,.. Rellatlllce Rltlng. Required FIre RI.IIiI,nee i/1 Hours
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Area Increasest
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Standard Building Code 1994
304.2.1.1
A.2 Small Assembly shall include theaters and other places of
assembly with or without a stage requiring proscenium opening
protection and with an occupant load df 100 or more persons, but
with an occupant load of less than designated for Large Assembly
(1,000 persons or more)
Construction Type VI One Hour
Table 500 Maximum Building Area: 7,500 sq. ft.
Exception: 503.3.2. Area increase 65.3%
Maximum building area without a fire sprinkler system
12,397 square feet
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Table 500 ~
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Table 500
Allowable Heights and Building Areas
Lower case letters in table reler to Notes following lable.
Height for types of construction Is limited to the number of stories and height in leet shown.
Allowable building area (determined by definilion of "Area, Building") is shown in thousands of sql.:,ne leel per floor.
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TYPE CONSTRUCTION I " III IV 1-Hour IV Unpr~)1. V 1.Hour V Unprol. Vl1.Hour VI Unprot.
MaxImum Height In Feet: I Nl T '0' 85' '5' 55' 65' 55' '0' '0'
OCCUPANCY I un. .pr I una op, uno op, tme 'P' uno !mr uno op' uno op, uno 'P' uno .p'
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A.1ASSEMBl'( LAnGE lslage reqlPrirtg prll&C!ll1ivm ~nln~ pro!9ctirnl) ~,~ 0 0 0 0 "
Mal. No, 01 SlOfiH 1 Nt. NL -1 NL rlL 0 0 0 " 0 , 0 0 0
Ar~a;"Misltl!Y UA UA U^ VA
Or8Slory~!.._ UA VA VA VA
A.I ASSEMBLY lAROe ItlOSlIlll'lfi!lq\lll109pm,,,,,,,jlllllep8,,I''9pmleclloo'~. b , , , , , , , , , , 0 0 0 "
: IN\. m.
Af1la:'-Mlslory LM 111\ .UA UA 12.0 '00 12.0 ,," '.0 aQ IV) ".0 HO 24,0
_ O~D5loryOf1ly VA VA VA VA
A.2 ASSEMIlLY SMALL ($lag8IequiriflllprotctniurnllJll'nir\gpmIOClion)_,b , , , , , , , ,
M;u ~loolSferiu I "- Nt I" 'IL , , I , , :
Alu:MunlSIOf"V U, UA u' UA
On.Slor/ooly UA U' UA U' 100 300 10,0 JO,O '.0 1&0 10,0 30.0 5.0 18.0 '5 13,5 3.' 90
^'2ASSE'-'nL'f SMALL ItIOlt~\l&'~!iringJlf1l'Cllniool~PfoltCUon}!,b , , , , , , , , , I , , ,
MU'No,ofs'~n'"~I'TNL NL
A"'~:MulliSlO"l VA VA, VA VA 12,1) 21.0 1M 21,0 '.0 :110 120 24.0 '0 ~O
OIleSIo"lllflly VA VA VA VA 12.0 3M "0 "0 '.0 .0:4,0 120 "0 '0 240 '.5 22.5 50 15.0
III1U$lr,eSSu 5 5 5 , 5 2 , 2 2
1kl./oW.or SIOflll! I" Nl I::' 'IL 5 5 , 5 ,
A,n:Mullisl"'1 OJ, UA '" 2" 51:) 25,5 510 It,ll :>4,1) 210 420 14,ll 280 13,5 2l.0 " 1110
OneS~yoII~ U, UA UA U' 255 76,5 25.5 /65 17,0 51.0 Wi 63.0 14,0 42,1) 13,5 40,5 90 2/.0
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(continued)
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Table 500 Notes
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Notes:
a. For height modifications and Iimilations by OGCUparlcy, see:
1. Mezzanines....... . .......... .....503.2.3
2. Basemenls -...... ........................ ......................................... . ........................................................ ....... .................503.2.4
3. Assembly Basemenls ..'................ ..m.... -. . ...... ...... ...... ...................................503.2.5
4. Business........... ........................ . ...... . .n,.. ....... .... ... .......503.2.6
5. Educational Basemenls .... ..................... .......... ...h................. . .........503.2.5
6. Mercantile......... . . . . .................. .......... u........... ...... ....... .....................503.2.6
7. Reaidenllal.... .. ......................... .................... ........... .. . ........503.2.2. 503.2.6
b. For area modiflCdlions and limllations by occupancy see:
1. Area Increase for separation (AU occupancies e~cept H).
2. Assembly..............h...... ............................
3. Business......... .. ....................
4. Educational... ..........................................
5. Factory~lndustrial.
6. Mercantile.
7. Storage.h........................
C. Modifications in height and area shall not be permitted in Group H ocx:upancies.
d. See 903.7.5 and 903.7.6 lor heightlimttallons 01 unsprinklered Al and A2 occupancies. Height and area increases in 503.2 are not permilted for
NFiPA 13R sprinkler systems.installed as 80 option in 903.7.6.
e. Sue 411.3.1 for allowable height and "oor areas olOpen Automobile Parklng Structures.
f. Total area for unsprinkJered Group M occupancies alter Increase permined by 503.3 shall not exceed 15,000 sq h.
g. Height in feet not applicable to Group Sand Group.F occupancies.
h. When all portions of buildings are sprinkJered in accordance with Ihe standards listed in 903.2. the height of buildings listed under this column may
be increased one story. A general area increase pr~vided for in 503.3.2 may be applied before using footnote h.
i. Automatic sprinlder proloction required throughout aU buildings where Use Condition 5 is used. See 409.2.3. and 1024.2.2.
j. When all portions of buildings are sprinklered In accprdance with the standards listed in 903.2, the allowable heights and areas of buildings shall be
as listed under this column.
. ........ .............. .....503.3.2
..............................503.4;3, 503.4.4 ,503.4.5. 503.4.6. 503.4.8
...... ........................ ........503.4.1.503.4.8
..............503.4.2.503.47
........ ................ ..503.4.1.503.4.8
............ ................. ................... ......503.4.1. 503 4.8.503.4.10
... ...................... ..... .503.4.1, 503.4.8. 503.4.11
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Are:a Modifications
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503.3 General Area Modifications
503.3.1 The exceptions and requirements of 503.3 and 503.4 shall modify
unsprinklered areas permitted by Table 500 and the specific use provisions
of this chapter.
503.3.2 Where streets or public spaces, or horizontal separation from
property lines of total width of not less than 30 ft (9144 mm), or 30 ft
(9144 mm) between buildings on commonly owned property, extend
along the building perimeter, except for hazardous occupancies, the
areas permitted by Table 500 ,may be increased as follows:
1= 4/3[100 (PIP - 0.25)]
Where
I = Percent jncr~ase of unsprinklered areas in Table 500
F = Building perimeter which fronts on streets, public
spaces or horizontal separation not less than 30 ft (9144
nun) wide;
P = Total perimeter of building
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Original Approval from Fire Marshall
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-----Original Mec;sage---
From: I-luber, Mark [mailto:HuberM@ci.la-porte.lx.us]
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 3:02 PM
To: 'melissa@thesligroup.com'
Cc: Christensen, Laurie; Wilmore, Debbie; Huber, Mark
Subject: RE: 9601 Fairrnont 1st United Mettl. Churcll
Melissa,
Thank YOIl for bringing Section 503.4.4 to my aLtention If alllhe conditions of that section can be-meliachieved, then we ;Jgree, no fire sprinkler would be
required up \0 12.000 5(].ft max limit. However. the four hour fire wall is still required separating proposed from eKislinu. My fflview of this issue with the fire
marshal resulted with her strongly recommending (but not required) thaI you install a fire sprinklfr and 01' monitored alarm 5ystern
Marl< Huber
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La Porte Fire Code Amendments
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1994 Standard Fire Code with City of La Porte Amendments
603.15.9 Additional Required Automatic Sprinkler Systems
in addition to any other fire and or building code requirements the following
occupancies shall be totally equipped with a sprinkler system.
1. Assembly Occupancies
a. All Class A assembly occupancies
b. When a Class B assembly occupancy is located in a building. above
the level of exit discharge, the entire building shall b~equippedwith a
sprinkler system.
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;
NFPA 101, Life Safety 1985
8-1.4.1 Classification of Assembly Occupancies
Each assembly occupancy shall be classified according to its occupant load,
as follows: Class A, occupant load greater tlutn 1000 persons; ClassB,
occupant load greater than 300 but not greater than 1000 persons; Class C
occupant load greater than 50 but not greater than 300 persons.
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NFPA 101,~Life Safety Code 1997
,. ,
8-3.5 Extinguishing Requirements
8-3.5.1 Buildings containing assembly occupancies with occupant loads greater
than 300 shall be protected by a:n approved, supervised automatic sprinkler
system
Exception No.2
Assembly occupancies consistiri,g of a single multi-purpose room of less than'
12,000 sq. ft. and not used for e~hibition or display and are not part of a
mixed occupancy , I
Appendix A
It is the intent to permit a single multipurpose room of less than 12,000 sq. ft.
to have certain small rooms as part of the single room. These small rooms
could be a kitchen, office, equipment room, and the like. It is also the intent
that an addition could be made to an existing building without requiring that
the existing building be sprinklered, where both the new and existing buildings
have independent means of egress and a fire-rated separation is provided to
isolate on building from another;:
a school gymnasium with egres~ independent of and separate from the school
would be included in this exception as would a function hall attached to a
church with a similar egress arr~ngement.
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~ ~Summary
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1. A monitored fire alarm system per NFPA 72 and portable fire
extinguishers per NFPA 10 will be installed.
2. A 4 hour party wall will be built between the existing church
and the new addition creating 2 separate buildings with separate
means of Egress.
4.
7