Appeal 33469

Appeal Summary

Status: DECISION RENDERED OVER 33441 FROM 9/4/24 FOR MORE INFO.

Appeal ID: 33469

Submission Date: 9/11/24 1:55 PM

Hearing Date: 9/18/24

Case #: B-004

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name: French International School of Oregon

Appeal Involves: Reconsideration of appeal

Proposed use: E-Occupancy, preschool/ school

Project Address: 8500 NW Johnson St.

Appellant Name: Peter Dixon

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 24-035913 -CO

Stories: 2 Occupancy: E Construction Type: V-B (new), V-N (existing)

Fire Sprinklers: Yes - New - Fully Sprinklered

Plans Examiner/Inspector: John Cooley

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]   [File 2]   [File 3]   [File 4]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

OSSC 2022 1009.1 Accessible Means of Egress

Requires

Where more than one means of egress is required by Section 1006.2 or 1006.3 from any accessible space, each accessible portion of the space shall be served by not less than two accessible means of egress.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

Allow one accessible means of egress, where a single means of egress is permitted, where rooms exit directly to the exterior.

Proposed Design

See attached code plan (1/G-105). On the upper level, all classrooms have an exterior exit door, facing a mostly enclosed courtyard/ play area at grade. There are no interior exit corridors. Sectors F and H are provided with two accessible means of egress. One egress path is an accessible route at grade to the right-of-way. The other path uses an exterior exit stairway (per OSSC 1027), with an exterior area for assisted rescue (per OSSC 1009.7). At Sector I, one (1) accessible exit is provided. Two (2) total accessible exits are provided from the courtyard. One to the north, and another via the west stair.

Reconsideration Text
See revised sheet G-105 for requested common paths of travel from the remote point of the covered play area, and the adjacent classroom in Sector I. Because there is open access across the courtyard, the common path is less than 75 feet.
See the attached marked up sheet G-102, for Overall Code Site Plan. Existing and proposed exterior accessible routes are highlighted on this site plan.

Reason for alternative

Per 1006.3.4, a single exit is permitted from any story where:
"Rooms, areas and spaces complying with 1006.2.1, with exits that discharge directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge..."
Per 1006.3.4, on the upper level of this building, each sector requires one (1) exit. At least one (1) accessible means of egress is provided from all spaces. Two (2) accessible means of egress are provided from the central courtyard/ play area.

Reconsideration Text
See revised sheet G-105 for requested common paths of travel from the remote point of the covered play area, and the adjacent classroom. Because there is access across the courtyard, the common path is less than 75 feet.
See the attached marked up sheet G-102, for Overall Code Site Plan. Existing and proposed exterior accessible routes are highlighted on this site plan.

Appeal Decision

Arrangement of accessible means of egress: Granted provided no obstructions are placed in common area that would impede the accessible means of egress.

"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."