Appeal 23628
Appeal Summary
Status: Decision Rendered
Appeal ID: 23628
Submission Date: 3/31/20 11:40 AM
Hearing Date: 4/8/20
Case #: B-004
Appeal Type: Building
Project Type: residential
Building/Business Name:
Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure
Proposed use: stairs leading to a basement dwelling
Project Address: 3815 NE 72nd Ave
Appellant Name: Nicholas Skiles
LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 20-109428-RS
Stories: 2 Occupancy: 3 Construction Type: residential stairway
Fire Sprinklers: No
Plans Examiner/Inspector: Preliminary
Plan Submitted Option: pdf [File 1]
Payment Option: electronic
Appeal Information Sheet
Appeal item 1
| Code Section | ORSC R311.7 |
|---|---|
| Requires | Stairs reconstructed in the same opening can be a minimum of 30” wide, have a maximum riser height of 9” and a minimum of 6’ 4” headroom. All other criteria for a stair must meet current code requirements. |
| Code Modification or Alternate Requested | Request to allow an altered stairway opening to have a 34" opening rather than the required 36". |
| Proposed Design | To meet the headroom requirement the opening will be altered with the installation of a DBL 2"x8" header on a load bearing wall above the bottom landing, creating an extra 4" in opening length and 8" in height. In addition, the existing 30" wide opening will be widened to 34", which is the maximum the existing opening allows because of first floor wall placement. The new 7 1/2" riser and 9" tread with a 1" nosing will meet the current code requirements. |
| Reason for alternative | The current stairs have an unsafe and dangerous tread width of 7". This design allows for the opening to be slightly altered to obtain the proper riser/tread size, headroom and an additional 4" of width. |
Appeal Decision
Reconstruction of existing stairs in altered opening for access to basement conversion to living space with minimum width reduced to 34 inches: Granted as proposed.
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.
Pursuant to City Code Chapter 24.10, you may appeal this decision to the Building Code Board of Appeal within 90 calendar days of the date this decision is published. For information on the appeals process, go to www.portlandoregon.gov/bds/appealsinfo, call (503) 823-7300 or come in to the Development Services Center.