Appeal 33577

Portland Fire Code, Chapter 33

The fire prevention program superintendent shall develop and maintain an approved prefire plan in cooperation with the fire chief. The fire chief and the fire code official shall be notified of changes affecting the utilization of information contained in such Prefire Plans.
3308.3.1 Prefire plans for construction of four-story, item #2 On-site after-hours security.
3304.5 Fire watch. Where required by the fire code official, a fire watch shall be provided during nonworking hours for new construction that exceeds 40 feet in height above the lowest adjacent grade.

We are proposing to provide a video surveillance system and periodic patrols in lieu of an on-site security guard for off-hours site monitoring.

The following Fire Watch Procedure will be followed upon the start of construction of the 2nd floor wood framing and will continue until the building’s fire sprinkler system is active and monitored. The Fire Watch Procedure will be as follows:

1. The following Site Security measures will remain in place to deter intrusions/trespassing.

a. A perimeter fence will be installed to secure the site. All gates will be equipped with padlocks and will be kept locked during non-working hours. Warning signs such as "No Trespassing" and "Keep Out" will be prominently displayed.
b. The building is comprised of two stories of non-combustible construction beneath five stories of wood framed construction with two stairways providing access to the upper floors. As an additional means of protection, temporary security walls and doors will be installed at the base of each stairway and locked during non-working hours to restrict intruders from being able to access the upper combustible floors of the building.
c. The security measures above will remain in place until the building can be secured by its own permanent means.

1. A Security Camera System will be installed with cameras placed strategically around the perimeter of the project site to monitor site/building entry points. The system will be able to detect flames and motion.
2. A Site Security Monitoring Company will be hired to monitor the cameras during non-working hours. The Site Security Monitoring Company will implement the following protocol:

a. In the event that the monitoring company detects an intrusion, the monitoring company will immediately dispatch the project’s Site Security Response Firm.
b. In the event that the monitoring company detects smoke or fire, the monitoring company will immediately dispatch the fire department.

1. A Site Security Response Firm will be retained by the project to perform the following services:

a. Conduct (3) patrols per night and, on weekends, conduct an additional (3) patrols during the day.
b. Upon receipt of a dispatch request from the Site Security Monitoring Company, send a patrol to the site and have the patrol be able to arrive within 15 minutes of being dispatched.
c. Be available 24/7 to perform additional response patrols.

The proposed video surveillance system will provide a more comprehensive after-hours monitoring of the construction site than an on-site security guard. Additionally, it will provide a video record any after-hours activity at the site.