Appeal 33558
Appeal Summary
Status: Hold for Additional Information
Appeal ID: 33558
Submission Date: 10/30/24 3:16 PM
Hearing Date: 11/6/24
Case #: R-002
Appeal Type: Building
Project Type: Residential
Building/Business Name: a/A Architecture
Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure
Proposed use: Single Family Residential
Appeal Information Sheet
Appeal item 1
| Code Section | R311.7.1 |
|---|---|
| Requires | Stairways shall not be less than 36" in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required head room height. The clear width of stairways at and below the handrail height, including treads and railings, shall be not less than 31-1/2 inches where a handrail is installed on one side [...]. |
| Code Modification or Alternate Requested | We are requesting an exemption to the code requirement for overall clear width and width at handrail height. |
| Proposed Design | Residence includes a pre-existing non-conforming basement stair, leading to non-habitable space including a laundry room, storage, and workshop. Existing stair is 2'-4 3/4" at the top of the run and 2'-10 3/4" at the bottom of the run. The stair rise is an inconsistent height (between 6-1/2" and 8-1/2") and stair tread is 9-3/4" deep. There is no handrail. The minimum head room is 6'-1 1/2". Our proposal to improve the safety of the stair is to increase the overall length of the stair well, thereby allowing for the stair to be rebuilt to meet current code with regards to riser height, tread length, and head height. We also intend to add a hand rail to allow the homeowner to better access the laundry room. |
| Reason for alternative | The width of the existing stair at the top of the run is dictated by a primary bearing wall and a code minimum width hallway which does not allow for a redesign that meets the building code. Moving either the bearing wall or the hallway would be cost prohibitive and require a major renovation that is outside the clients means. We are looking for an exemption to be able to improve the overall safety and usability of the stair for the homeowner. |
Appeal Decision
"Reduced stairway width of 28 3/4"": Hold for more information.
Please see the email for more information.. The appellant may contact Joe Disciascio (503-823-4904) for a potential site visit to look at the structural layout and width options."
"Appellant has been sent an email clarifying the additional information requested. For information about how to file a reconsideration go to https://www.portland.gov/ppd/file-appeal/appeal-process or email PPDAppeals@portlandoregon.gov.
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