Appeal 32290
Appeal Summary
Status: DECISION RENDERED
Appeal ID: 32290
Submission Date: 5/9/24 9:25 AM
Hearing Date: 5/15/24
Case #: B-006
Appeal Type: Building
Project Type: Commercial
Building/Business Name: ONPOINT CCU
Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure
Proposed use: B - OFFICE
Project Address: 2701 NW VAUGHN ST
Appellant Name: Michael Barrett
LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 22-201317-FA
Stories: 9 Occupancy: A-2/B/M Construction Type: 1A
Fire Sprinklers: Yes - Throughout
Plans Examiner/Inspector: Jeff Rago
Plan Submitted Option: pdf [File 1] [File 2] [File 3]
Payment Option: electronic
Appeal Information Sheet
Appeal item 1
| Code Section | 1003.5 Elevation CHange |
|---|---|
| Requires | Where changes in elevation of less than 12 inches (305 mm) exist in the means of egress, sloped surfaces shall be used. Where the slope is greater than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), ramps complying with Section 1012 shall be used. Where the difference in elevation is 6 inches (152 mm) or less, the ramp shall be equipped with either handrails or floor finish materials that contrast with adjacent floor finish materials. |
| Code Modification or Alternate Requested | Provide a stair with a single riser of 6" in lieu of a ramp. |
| Proposed Design | A single riser stair is proposed to accommodate a change of elevation of 6" in lieu of a ramp. (See Exhibit C - Stair Elevation) Two separate single riser stairs are proposed, each approximately 6'8" in width. (See Exhibit B - Enlarged Stair) The proposed design does not include adjacent hand rails, but a single handrail could be included along an adjacent curved wall as a condition of approval to parallel exception 2 within this section. A free standing handrail in the center of the stair is anticipated to create an obstacle. A metal nosing is proposed to create a contrasting color and material to highlight the edge of the stair. The riser will be painted a different color from the adjacent carpet. The area is within an open office area where multiple exits exist from the space and alternate accessible routes are provided via ramping to the raised area. (See Exhibit A - FLS Plan) The steps within this area are not required to be included within the means of egress due to the multiple exits from the open office areas. |
| Reason for alternative | An existing access floor is within the space and was originally proposed to be partially removed and a 1:20 sloped ramped installed to address the change of elevation within the space. These two areas within the floor plan were originally separated from each other, with no existing direct access provided. During demolition, significant electrical and low voltage wiring and connections were discovered within the area of access floor to be removed. Rework or relocation of these systems is significantly infeasible without full rewiring of the suite's existing data cabling. With other accessible routes to the raised access floor and this connection not required to meet egress requirements, a single step is proposed to address the change in elevation. The steps have been aligned with natural transition points within the proposed design to avoid a trip hazard within the open office areas. However, this proposed location next to curved walls and a wall corner make installation of traditional handrails and extensions difficult. Extra steps have been taken to visually and tactilely different the single riser stair from other finish materials. |
Appeal Decision
Allow elevation change with non-sloped surface: Denied. Proposal does not provide equivalent access. Appellant may contact Jeff Rago (503-823-1079) with questions.
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) 823-6251 or come to the Development Services Center.
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