Appeal 33560

Appeal Summary

Status: Decision Rendered

Appeal ID: 33560

Submission Date: 10/30/24 5:46 PM

Hearing Date: 11/6/24

Case #: B-010

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name: Fairfield Apartments

Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure

Proposed use: Multi-family, 51+ Units

Project Address: 1117 SW Harvey Milk St

Appellant Name: Skyla Leavitt

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 24 091688-CO

Stories: 4 Occupancy: R-2 Construction Type: IIIB

Fire Sprinklers: Yes - NFPA 13 System

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Guy Altman

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

2022 Oregon Structural Specialty Code Section 1010.1.7 Door Arrangement

Requires

Space between two doors in a series shall be 48 inches minimum plus the width of a door swinging into space. Doors in a series shall swing either in the same direction or away from the space between doors.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

An exception to the distance required between doors in a series to allow for the installation of a security gate as proposed.

Proposed Design

An out-swinging security gate is proposed at the east exit passageway alcove along SW 11th Ave. The existing depth of the alcove does not allow for the space required between two doors. The gate will be located as close to the property line as existing conditions allow in order to achieve the maximum distance between the existing door and the new gate. The gate will remain closed, but will have panic hardware and allow for egress at all times for the egress side. Both the egress door and gate will be able to be opened by actuator button that will open both in unison from inside or the exterior. This automatic opener will be hooked up to battery power so it will operate in case of loss of power. The gate will have metal mesh applied on the inside of the gate to allow for visibility as occupants exit the building while preventing exterior reach through.

Refer to the attachment drawings for proposed gate design.

Reason for alternative

The security gates are proposed to improve the safety of the space by closing off the alcoves to the public, while keeping visibility on the sidewalk. The proposed design addresses building and occupant security concerns and will prevent unauthorized access and occupation of the alcove.

The existing conditions at the east exit alcove is constrained by the existing egress door and the front facade of the building. The proposed gate will have no other impact on the existing conditions. The proposed panic hardware and actuator opener will ensure that the doors remain safe for occupants and remain accessible.

There are also alternate routes that will provide egress out of the building.

Reference similar appeal 33517 and 13017.

Appeal Decision

Omission of 48" space between exterior door and security gate: Granted provided security gate encroachment into ROW is approved by PBOT.

The Administrative Appeal Board finds with the conditions noted, 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, how to file a reconsideration, and appealing to the Building Code Board of Appeal, go to https://www.portland.gov/ppd/file-appeal/appeal-process or email PPDAppeals@portlandoregon.gov.