Appeal 34788

Appeal Summary

Status: Decision Rendered

Appeal ID: 34788

Submission Date: 5/1/25 8:50 AM

Hearing Date: 5/7/25

Case #: B-008

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name: UPS

Appeal Involves: Erection of a new structure

Proposed use: Temporary Distribution

Project Address: 6707 N Basin Ave

Appellant Name: Zachary Toler

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 25-013715-CO

Stories: 1 Occupancy: s2 Construction Type: II-B

Fire Sprinklers: No

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Chandra Alvey

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]   [File 2]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

ASCE 7-16, Section 12.13.9 Requirements for Foundations on Liquefiable Sites.

Requires

ASCE 7-16, Section 12.13.9, "Requirements for Foundations on Liquefiable Sites," specifies the following measures for structures located on sites with liquefiable soils:
Mitigation of Liquefaction Hazards: Foundations must be designed to resist the effects of liquefaction, including excessive settlement, lateral spreading, and loss of bearing capacity during a seismic event.
Deep Foundations or Ground Improvement: Structures on liquefiable sites shall be supported by deep foundations (e.g., piles or drilled shafts) extending to non-liquefiable layers or by ground improvement techniques (e.g., vibro-compaction, stone columns) to mitigate liquefaction-induced ground deformations.
Analysis of Residual Strength: The design must account for the residual strength of liquefied soils and incorporate measures to ensure structural stability under reduced soil capacity.
Lateral Spreading Considerations: Foundations must be designed to accommodate or resist lateral spreading displacements, which may require specific reinforcement or anchoring systems.
Performance Objectives: The foundation system must ensure that the structure meets the performance objectives of ASCE 7-16, including life safety and collapse prevention during a design-level earthquake.
These requirements aim to ensure the structural integrity of buildings on liquefiable sites but may impose significant design and construction demands, particularly for temporary structures.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

The variance request seeks relief from ASCE 7-16, Section 12.13.9, for a temporary modular distribution center in Portland, OR, proposing to bolt the structure to an existing 10-inch PCC slab instead of replacing it with a more extensive foundation, due to the 18-24 month duration after which the site will return to a trailer staging lot.

Proposed Design

The modular distribution center will be bolted directly to an existing 10-inch-thick Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) slab, which serves as the primary foundation. Exhibits and calculations for the proposed design are shown in the calculations and foundation drawings associated with permit number 25-013715-000-00-CO

Reason for alternative

Allow for greater settlement of structural pcc slab due to the temporary nature of the Modular Buildings Being installed.

Appeal Decision

Allow a temporary modular distribution center to be bolted to an existing 10" slab in lieu of a more extensive foundation: Granted provided the structure is removed prior May 7, 2027.

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 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.

Under 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 how to appeal to the Building Code Board of Appeal, go to https://www.portland.gov/ppd/file-appeal/appeal-process or email PPDAppeals@portlandoregon.gov.