Appeal 33452

Appeal Summary

Status: Decision Rendered over 33436 from (8/28/24) for more information

Appeal ID: 33452

Submission Date: 9/3/24 12:40 PM

Hearing Date: 9/4/24

Case #: b-005

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name: Portland Village School

Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure,Reconsideration of appeal,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

Original appeal text:
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

Original appeal text:
Provide area smoke alarms in lieu of smoke dampers

Proposed Design

Original appeal text:
Install area smoke alarms in each room on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floor. Floor 1 already has them installed

Reconsideration Text:
Install area smoke alarms in each room on the 2nd and 3rd floor (the first and fourth floor will already have smoke dampers). The HVAC systems will interconnect with the smoke alarm and shut down upon activation—duct smoke detection will also be provided in the HVAC unit.

Reason for alternative

Original Text:
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

Reconsideration: Allow smoke alarms in rooms on level 2 & 3 in lieu of fire/smoke damper required by code. Levels 1 & 4 will have the required fire/smoke dampers: 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) 823-6251 or come to the Development Services Center."