Appeal 32366
Appeal Summary
Status: Decision Rendered - Held OVER 32296 (5/22/24)FOR MORE INFO.
Appeal ID: 32366
Submission Date: 6/24/24 4:32 PM
Hearing Date: 7/3/24
Case #: B-003
Appeal Type: Building
Project Type: commercial
Building/Business Name:
Appeal Involves: Reconsideration of appeal
Proposed use: Medical Office Building
Project Address: 2525 NW Lovejoy Street
Appellant Name: Meaghan Bullard
LUR or Permit Application #: LUR 17-201098-FA
Stories: 4 Occupancy: S-2, B Construction Type: III-B
Fire Sprinklers: Yes -
Plans Examiner/Inspector: Jeff Rago
Plan Submitted Option: pdf [File 1] [File 2]
Payment Option: electronic
Appeal Information Sheet
Appeal item 1
| Code Section | 602 |
|---|---|
| Requires | 602.1 General. Buildings or structures erected or to be erected, altered or extended in height or area shall be classified in one of the five construction types defined in Sections 602.2 through 602.5. The building elements shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that specified in Table 601. |
| Code Modification or Alternate Requested | The proposed design will consider the existing building to be Type III-B construction instead of Type III-A as currently permitted. An automatic NFPA 13 sprinkler system will be installed throughout the building. The installation of the sprinkler system will be phased. The first phase will extend the system into the corridors, lobbies, exit stairs, elevators, parking garage and currently vacant tenant suites. The remaining tenant suites will become sprinklered as they become vacant. An occupant safety plan will be submitted at the time of permit application to outline the phasing in detail. RECONSIDERATION TEXT: This reconsideration is to request a one-year extension to the previously approved appeal -- please see updated Phasing Plan included as an attachment. Since the original appeal was approved, 83% of the building's tenant spaces have been upgraded, with 5 spaces remaining vacant. This extension will be used to being the remaining 5 spaces into compliance. The following approach was discussed with Senior Fire Inspector, Jeff Galvan, as follows -- the one year extension would start on the date of the previous expiration (May 17, 2024) and end on May 17, 2025. The extension is contingent upon the owner securing a permit for the remaining sprinkler work within six (6) months (November 17, 2024), and then calling for first inspection within the subsequent six (6) months, or before May 17, 2025. |
| Proposed Design | The installation of the sprinkler system will be phased. The first phase will extend the system into the corridors, lobbies, exit stairs, elevators, parking garage and currently vacant tenant suites. The remaining tenant suites will become sprinklered as they become vacant. An occupant safety plan will be submitted at the time of permit application to outline the phasing in detail. RECONSIDERATION TEXT: No change to the proposed deign, the purpose of this appeal is to request a one-year extension as defined above. |
| Reason for alternative | The building is a medical office building currently classified as a Type III-A structure, which requires a 1-Hour structural frame and 1-Hour floor assemblies. Not all the existing structural framing members are currently protected, and the existing floor-ceiling assemblies do not all achieve a 1-Hour rating. To address these deficiencies, we propose to re-classify the construction type as a Type III-B structure, which eliminates the rating requirements for the primary frame and floor-ceilings. The building will comply with the allowable height and area requirements for Type III-B construction with the addition of the sprinkler system. See attached G002 for allowable height and area calculations. The automatic sprinkler system will have the added benefit of allowing for non-rated corridor construction per Table 1018.1. The addition of a sprinkler system throughout in lieu of rated assemblies will also allow the medical office tenants more flexibility to relocate light fixtures, mechanical components, etc. as necessary. Additionally, a non-rated corridor will support the need and desire for glazed entrances and transaction windows along the corridor walls, which are common features in medical office occupancies. Additionally, the automatic sprinkler system will provide greater overall building safety than current conditions. RECONSIDERATION TEXT: No change to the original reason for alternative, the purpose of this appeal is to request a one-year extension as defined above. |
Appeal Decision
Extend the existing sprinkler phasing plan for 1 year, from previous expiration date of May 17, 2024 through May 17, 2025: Granted provided sprinkler permit is approved, issued, and under inspection by November 17, 2024 with first inspection before May 17, 2025.
"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) 823-6251 or come to the Development Services Center."