Appeal 33745

Appeal Summary

Status: DECISION RENDERED

Appeal ID: 33745

Submission Date: 4/1/25 11:53 AM

Hearing Date: 4/9/25

Case #: B-002

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name: Terra Nova

Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure

Proposed use: High School

Project Address: 10351 NW Thompson Rd

Appellant Name: Nick Turrell

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 25-015657-CO

Stories: 1 Occupancy: E, A-2, A-3 Construction Type: VB

Fire Sprinklers: No

Plans Examiner/Inspector: John Cooley

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]   [File 2]   [File 3]   [File 4]   [File 5]   [File 6]

Payment Option: mail

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

509.1, 509.4.1

Requires

Section 509.1 requires Group E laboratories to be designated as incidental uses and must be separated from adjacent spaces by a 1 hr fire barrier.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

Allow chemistry classroom 102 to meet section 509.1 & 509.4.1 1 hr fire rating as currently built.

Proposed Design

Scope of project is to add chemical fume hood with acid and solvent storage cabinets below. Cabinets conform to NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code Specifications.
The existing interior partition walls of the school are constructed of plaster and 2x4 studs in a configuration similar to 1 hr rated assembly 12-1.1 in OSSC table 721.1(2).
The corridor wall of the classroom was designated as a 1hr corridor fire partition in previously permitted drawings from 1997. Doors and relites also meet the required ratings for a corridor partition per 1997 permit.
All existing perimeter wall structure and finishes run continuous up to roof structure.
Existing and new HVAC systems are localized to each classroom and no ductwork connects spaces.
Existing classroom door is equipped with closer and smoke gasketing. Existing relites are smoke sealed and gasketed.
The building is equipped with a fire alarm system.

Reason for alternative

Small school/program:
The existing school is 1 story and includes 5 total classrooms and 2 exits within 50’ from the exit doors of each space. Table 1017.2 requires a 200’ travel distance to an exit and the existing conditions provide exits much closer than the minimum code requirement. Occupants will also not have to navigate stairs to reach an exit.
Limited curriculum:
Curriculum is based around sustainable agriculture and the use of farm goods grown by the program in products. (Soap, bath fizzies etc) See attached letter from instructor describing limited chemistry/biology scope.
Equivalent design:
Risks associated with the storage and usage of chemicals are limited by the installation of the chemical hood and UL rated storage cabinets. Chemicals will be stored within the UL rated cabinet when not in use and will be prepared by the instructed for student use. This in combination with the existing construction, limited curriculum, and small building do not pose the risk of a typical high school chemistry classroom.

Appeal Decision

Accept existing assembly as equivalent to 1-hour fire-resistance rating: Granted as proposed.

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 the 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.