Appeal 34906

Fire Code Appendix D 105

Overhead utility and power lines shall not be located over the aerial fire apparatus access road or between the aerial fire apparatus road and the building. An alternate to aerial fire apparatus roads is available with 6 conditions.

The building design meets the requirements for alternate to aerial fire apparatus roads items other than item 5. We request an adustment to allow roof access through one stair, to be offset by providing a type 13 sprinkler system.

The proposed building is a four-story multi-family building consisting of 15 dwelling units comprised of 7 one-bedroom units, 8 two-bedroom units as well as a bike and trash room on a 50’ x 100’ lot that abuts other lots on three sides. The top two floors (6 units) are configured as townhouses. The second and third floors are accessed from grade via 2 shared 2-hour rated stair enclosures which serve 10 units. Units at grade are accessed from the exterior at grade. The proposed building is VA (1 hour rated) construction and protected with a type 13 fire sprinkler system.

This is an infill project so the power line is existing and in service. The building has a small footprint for the number of units. The building steps back at the upper floors in the front to gain clearance from the power line, and at the rear due to zoning code requirements. The stepping back of the building on two ends, and the townhouse configuration make internal accesses to the roof difficult to accommodate.