Appeal 10624

Appeal Summary

Status: Decision Rendered - Held over from ID 10585 for additional information

Appeal ID: 10624

Submission Date: 4/14/14 9:53 AM

Hearing Date: 4/16/14

Case #: B-001

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name:

Appeal Involves: Erection of a new structure

Proposed use: S-1 unconditioned warehouse

Project Address: 5165 NW St Helens Rd

Appellant Name: Jeff Burns

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 13-218472-CO

Stories: 1 Occupancy: S-1 Construction Type: V-B

Fire Sprinklers: No

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Peter Drake

Plan Submitted Option: pdf [File 1]

Payment Option: mail

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section	1104.1
Requires	Accessible routes within the site shall be provided from public transportation stops, accessible parking and public street or sidewalks to the accessible building entrance served.
Code Modification or Alternate Requested
Proposed Design	Refer to Exhibits I & II: The accessible route is provided by existing paved circulation paths within private property, linking to the existing facilities at Goby Walnut. A 20' wide drive aisle connects the proposed warehouse to the rest of the facility. A paved driveway on the north end of the site connects to the public right of way with a concrete sidewalk and bus stop. Access will be maintained thru a covenant 'Not to Sell Separate' for 5165 and the existing properties at 5275 & 5315 NW St. Helens Road.
Reason for alternative	Primary access directly from St. Helens Rd (Highway 30) is undesirable, as it is a busy highway with pedestrian access on a combination shoulder and bike lane. Access along this route would require individuals to leave the facility property, travel along the shoulder, and navigate steps or a ramp up to the warehouse. The proposed warehouse is to be used by the existing Goby Walnut facilities to house dried lumber and orders ready for shipment. All access on a daily basis will occur thru the building openings located on the common property line between 5165 and 5275 NW St Helens Road. Employees will generally operate a forklift to move material in and out of the warehouse thru the roll up door located next to the swing door. The general public would not be expected in the space.

Appeal item 2

Code Section	OSSC 1014.3 & 1006.1 & 1006.3 & 1011.1
Requires	OSSC 1014.3 Exception 2. Where a tenant space is Group B, S, and U occupancies has an occupant load of not more than 30, the length of a common path of egress travel shall not be more than 100 feet. OSSC 1006.1 Illumination Required. The means of egress, including the exit discharge, shall be illuminated at all times the building space served by the means of egress is occupied. OSSC 1006.3 Illumination emergency power. The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of power supply failure, an emergency electrical system shall automatically illuminate all of the following areas: 1. Aisles and unenclosed egress stairways in rooms and spaces that required two or more means of egress. OSSC 1011.1 Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. Exception 1. Exit signs are not required in rooms or areas that require only one exit or exit access.
Code Modification or Alternate Requested
Proposed Design	Refer to Exhibit Ill The proposed Cold Storage Warehouse is 80 feet x 100 feet. The occupancy is S-1 with 16 occupants total. One exit door would be required based on occupant load. Two exit discharge points are provided on opposite ends of the building to keep the path of travel under the 100'. No exit signage or emergency egress lighting is proposed.
Reason for alternative	The proposed warehouse is to be used by the existing Goby Walnut Facilities to house dried lumber and orders ready for shipment. Employees will generally operate a forklift to move material in and out of the warehouse, and will be familiar with the building interior and exits. If two exits are required for the occupancy or space, emergency egress lighting, illuminated exit signage, and exterior emergency egress lighting is required. The proposed occupancy load does not require two exits. Two means of egress paths are not required within the space due to common path of travel limitations if two exit discharge points are provided.

Appeal Decision

1. Accessible route from public right of way to new warehouse structure: Granted as proposed. Covenant not to sell separately to be reviewed and approved by BDS prior to recording.

2a. Exit Signage: Denied. Proposed design does not provide equivalent safety.

2b. Emergency Egress Lighting: Granted provided egress lighting with emergency backup is provided at the two exterior exit doors.

The Administrative Appeal Board finds that the information submitted by the appellant demonstrates that the approved modifications or alternate methods are consistent with the intent of the code; do not lessen health, safety, accessibility, life, fire safety or structural requirements; and that special conditions unique to this project make strict application of those code sections impractical.