Appeal 33502

Appeal Summary

Status: DECISION RENDERED

Appeal ID: 33502

Submission Date: 9/30/24 9:47 AM

Hearing Date: 10/9/24

Case #: B-003

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name:

Appeal Involves: Addition to an existing structure

Proposed use: Residential 3-Plex

Project Address: 6115-6119 NE Simpson St

Appellant Name: Tom Foushee

LUR or Permit Application #: LUR 4923262

Stories: 1 Occupancy: r-2 Construction Type: v-b

Fire Sprinklers: Yes - In new addition

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Jeff Galvan

Plan Submitted Option: mail   [File 1]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

903.4.2

Requires

903.4.2 requires an approved audible device (alarm) be installed on the exterior of the building and be connected to an automatic sprinkler system. This alarm needs to be on its own electrical meter.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

We request relief from being required to install an alarm connected to the automatic sprinkler system.

Proposed Design

Current 3-plex does not have any automatic sprinkler system. We are adding 12-feet to the front of the building to add new bedrooms. These new bedrooms will have a few automatic sprinkler heads installed.

Reason for alternative

An alarm system is required to be installed at the front of the structure (nearest to the public street). In order to add the alarm, we would need to install a new electrical meter. This meter would need to be grouped with the current three meters. However, the current meters are along the back of the structure. This will result in a major expense in order to move all three panels and meters to the front of this 3-plex.

The new sprinkler heads will improve the protection of the 3-plex---since the existing structure has no sprinkler protection. But, the requirement of the alarm would result in an unachievable financial burden. We request relief from the alarm system.

Appeal Decision

Allow ten NFPA 13R sprinkler heads without alarm system monitoring: Granted provided alarm system monitoring will be added to any expansion of the sprinkler system.

"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."