Appeal 34805
Appeal Summary
Status: Decision Rendered
Appeal ID: 34805
Submission Date: 5/15/25 8:27 AM
Hearing Date: 5/21/25
Case #: B-005
Appeal Type: Building
Project Type: commercial
Building/Business Name: Oregon Change Clinic
Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure
Proposed use: Rehabilitation Clinic
Project Address: 1312 SW Washington St
Appellant Name: James Lutzke
LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 25-030044 -CO
Stories: 3 Occupancy: B / I-1 cond 1 Construction Type: III-B
Fire Sprinklers: Yes - Throughout
Plans Examiner/Inspector: Steve Mortensen
Plan Submitted Option: pdf [File 1] [File 2]
Payment Option: electronic
Appeal Information Sheet
Appeal item 1
| Code Section | OSSC 1003.3.3 & 1003.6 |
|---|---|
| Requires | obstructions cannot be placed in the minimum width of a means of egress component except projections permitted by chapter 10, and the minimum width of a means of egress system cannot be diminished along the path of egress travel. |
| Code Modification or Alternate Requested | To allow an inclined platform lift to reduce the minimum clear egress width of a stair while the lift is in operation. See Exhibit A for lift manufacturer design guidelines. |
| Proposed Design | This existing rehabilitation facility has outpatient services on the ground floor and client rooms upstairs. Installing an inclined platform lift in the feature stair will give clients and employees greater access to the second floor. The lift is intended to serve as an added benefit to assist patrons traveling from the first floor outpatient clinic to the second floor client rooms. The lift will be parked out of the way on the first floor [Exhibit B] and will make a round trip each use only stopping at the second floor for loading/unloading [Exhibit C]. |
| Reason for alternative | The existing building does not have an elevator or other vertical conveying system to assist less mobile patrons to the second floor. An elevator was previously reviewed but the infrequency of use was deemed not feasible based on the cost & structural implications. During operation of the lift [approx. 5 minute round trip] the stair will be less than the minimum 44" required. During a fire alarm event the lift can be set to only return to its home parked position. When not in use the lift will be housed in an upright folded position on the ground floor out of the egress path. |
Appeal Decision
Allow inclined platform lift to reduce the minimum clear egress width of a stairway while the lift is in operation: Granted as proposed for this occupancy and use only.
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.