Appeal 12435

OFC CH34 / NFPA 30 22.4.1.1 (OSSC 414.6 refers to OFC)

OSSC 414.6 Outdoor storage, dispensing and use. The outdoor storage, dispensing and use of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with the Fire Code.

NFPA 30 22.2.1.1. Location of above ground storage container for above grade flammable and combustible liquids: For tank capacity 275 gallons or less, tank is to be located 5 feet from any public way or from nearest important building on the same property.

This appeal is one of multiple appeals being submitted to document the overall building upgrade approach, based on the current design and future proposed use of the building, and to request that existing and historic features of the building be maintained. The original building was constructed in 1915, and consists of a 6 story tall federal structure with two large footprint floors (full block) and four smaller tower levels. The building was originally designed as a Post Office facility, with associated office support areas. Over time, the federal government use of the building has been modified from a post office use, but the majority of the existing areas still house Group B office space. The existing building use also includes some assembly use areas, classified as Group A-2 and A-3 occupancy in accordance with the OSSC. The building will be taken over by Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA), and the existing spaces will be converted to instructional spaces for students above the 12th grade and the associated administrative support areas. The primary occupancy classification of these building areas will remain Group B. The revised building use will also include some assembly use areas that will be classified as Group A-2 and A-3 occupancy.
The renovated building will be provided with a new mezzanine level between the first and second floors. The mezzanine will comply with current OSSC requirements. The building renovation will include voluntary seismic structural upgrades limited to the installation of a new vertical lateral force resisting system between the basement and second floor structure to address the soft story deficiency at the first floor level. The building is sprinkler protected throughout, with the exception of isolated closet areas. The sprinkler system will be confirmed to be provided throughout all areas of the building, and modified to comply with current NFPA 13 design requirements related to application density based on the updated uses of the building areas. The sprinkler system upgrades will include changes and upgrades to the City water supply connection to comply with NFPA 13 and NFPA 14 requirements for supply pipe sizing and capacity requirements. The standpipe will also be extended to the roof level to maintain coverage in accordance with NFPA 14 requirements and existing standpipe locations outside of the enclosed exit stairs will be relocated to have outlets within the exit enclosure at the level landings. The building will be provided with a new fire alarm system complying with OSSC, Oregon Fire Code, and current NFPA 72 requirements. The building egress system will maintain compliance with the minimum egress capacity requirements of the OSSC at each floor, based on the proposed uses.
The building will include architectural upgrades to reflect the new academic use of the spaces, and the previously described structural upgrades. However, the existing building includes some fire/life safety related features that do not comply with current OSSC requirements for new buildings.

This appeal is being submitted is to address the condition of a new generator that has been installed in the existing loading dock area. The generator has a tank capacity of 140 gallons. The generator comes with a weather protective enclosure supplied by the manufacturer. The generator has been installed at a location 4’-1” from the existing 2 hour rated 8 inch thick, concrete masonry wall. At a pilaster wide, the clearance from the edge of the generator enclosure is 3’-5” to the exterior 2 hour wall. The Contractor is seeking the generator permit to close out the project. The Fire Marshal has indicated that the limited clearance between the exterior wall must be appealed through the building code appeals process. This was not previously understood to be an infraction during the building permitting process.
The following are included for reference:
SK-01: Site plan
SK-02: Enlarged plan of loading dock area
SK-03: Loading dock section
Generator cut sheets

The loading dock is an existing condition and thus comes with limitations as to where the generator may be located. Given the historic status of the building, the team was not permitted to alter the exterior condition or to build out within the covered loading dock area. The generator was placed such that there was a narrow area to the north for maintenance passage. The generator setback relative to the property line and public right of way meet the requirements as per NFPA 30 22.4.1.1; The fuel filling station meets requirements for clearance from any openings.
Thank you.