Appeal 34825

Appeal Summary

Status: Decision Rendered

Appeal ID: 34825

Submission Date: 5/28/25 2:10 PM

Hearing Date: 6/4/25

Case #: B-3

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name: Meister

Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure

Proposed use: Office Space

Project Address: 110 SE 8TH AVE, PORTLAND, OR 97214

Appellant Name: Kevin Valk

LUR or Permit Application #: Preliminary

Stories: 2 Occupancy: B, S1 Construction Type: VB

Fire Sprinklers: No

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Not Assigned

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

1011.5 & 10115.2

Requires

1011.5 Stair treads and risers.
Stair treads and risers shall comply with Sections 1011.5.1 through 1011.5.5.3.

10115.2. Riser height and tread depth.
Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches maximum and 4 inches minimum. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the nosings of adjacent treads or between the stairway landing and the adjacent tread. Rectangular tread depths shall be 11 inches minimum measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's nosing.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

Appeal the use of the existing non-conforming stair to provide two exits from the second floor, with the addition of a new code-compliant stair.

Proposed Design

The existing building is a 2-story structure classified as type VB construction.
The building egress system will be served by the existing stair 'A' and a new stair 'C'. The new stair 'C' is located in the SW corner of the building and is 44" wide with a rise and run to meet current building code. The new stair 'C' decreases the second floor travel distance with the previous stair 'B' from 137' to 107'.
The existing stair 'A' construction is wood framed. and the existing tread depth and riser height are non-compliant. The second floor occupancy is unchanged, but with the new building design, the second floor has a smaller GSF, so the occupant load will decrease by 1. The proposed occupant load for the second floor is 11 people. The existing stair 'A' will primarily serve the existing storage area with an occupant load of 3 people.
Below is an analysis of the existing stair 'A' components.
Riser Height: 7-7/8"
Tread Depth: 10"
Stair Width: 3'-2 3/4"

Reason for alternative

There is a reduced occupant load for the existing stair 'A' and new stair 'C' will be provided. The majority of occupants will use the new stair 'C' to egress the building. The new stair 'C' is being sized at 44" and is more than adequate to handle the occupant load of the second floor alone.
The new stair 'C' reduces the travel distance from the second floor to 107', the previous travel distance down stair 'B' was 137' to an exit.

Appeal Decision

Allow use of existing, non-conforming stairway for second means of egress with the addition of a new, code-compliant stairway: Granted provided the upper level north of Grid 3 remains mechanical only, no occupancy.

"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."