Appeal 33436
Appeal Summary
Status: DECISION RENDERED
Appeal ID: 33436
Submission Date: 8/26/24 5:07 AM
Hearing Date: 8/28/24
Case #: B-006
Appeal Type: Building
Project Type: Ccommercial
Building/Business Name: Portland Village School
Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure,occ Change from B to E & B
Proposed use: SCHOOL
Project Address: 4650 S Macadam Ave
Appellant Name: Laurie Simpson
LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 23-070698-CO
Stories: 4 Occupancy: E Construction Type: II-B
Fire Sprinklers: Yes - Throughout
Plans Examiner/Inspector: John Cooley
Plan Submitted Option: mail
Payment Option: mail
Appeal Information Sheet
Appeal item 1
| Code Section | 717.10 Ducts & air transfer openings |
|---|---|
| Requires | Ducts transitioning horizontally between shafts shall not require a shaft enclosure provided that the duct penetration into each associated shaft is protected with dampers complying with this section |
| Code Modification or Alternate Requested | Provide area smoke alarms in lieu of smoke dampers |
| Proposed Design | Install area smoke alarms in each room on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor. Floor 1 already has them installed |
| Reason for alternative | Aaron Arnold (Fulcrum Construction, CMGC), Jeremy Cosler (GSMW, mech contractor), Matt Rozzell (building official), Michael Silva (fire marshal), and Tom Broham (bldg. inspector) met on site on 8-22-24 to discuss the need to retroactively install fire dampers on existing duct-to-shaft penetrations on floor 2, 3 and 4. It was determined that it was not feasible, and that the best approach for equivalent fire and life safety was to install area smoke alarms instead. All in attendance agreed. |
Appeal item 2
| Code Section | 717.10 Ducts & air transfer openings |
|---|---|
| Requires | Ducts transitioning horizontally between shafts shall not require a shaft enclosure provided that the duct penetration into each associated shaft is protected with dampers complying with this section |
| Code Modification or Alternate Requested | Provide area smoke alarms in lieu of smoke dampers |
| Proposed Design | Install area smoke alarms in each room on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor. Floor 1 already has them installed |
| Reason for alternative | Aaron Arnold (Fulcrum Construction, CMGC), Jeremy Cosler (GSMW, mech contractor), Matt Rozzell (building official), Michael Silva (fire marshal), and Tom Broham (bldg. inspector) met on site on 8-22-24 to discuss the need to retroactively install fire dampers on existing duct-to-shaft penetrations on floor 2, 3 and 4. It was determined that it was not feasible, and that the best approach for equivalent fire and life safety was to install area smoke alarms instead. All in attendance agreed. |
Appeal Decision
Provide area smoke alarms in each room on floors 2-4 instead of smoke dampers. Granted provided the HVAC systems are interconnected with the smoke alarm and shut down upon activation—duct smoke detection is required in the HVAC unit. Provide area smoke alarms in each room on floors 2-4 instead of smoke dampers. Granted provided the HVAC systems are interconnected with the smoke alarm and shut down upon activation. Duct smoke detection is required in the HVAC unit.
"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."