Appeal 34980
Appeal Summary
Status: Decision Rendered
Appeal ID: 34980
Submission Date: 9/24/25 10:39 AM
Hearing Date: 10/1/25
Case #: M-1
Appeal Type: Mechanical
Project Type: commercial
Building/Business Name: Lloyd 700 - American Fiduciary Services
Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure
Proposed use: IT Closet in an office space
Project Address: 700 NE Multnomah St, Suite 1550
Appellant Name: Isaac Hakala
LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 25-061742-FA
Stories: 15 Occupancy: Business Construction Type: Alteration/Tenant Improvement
Fire Sprinklers: No
Plans Examiner/Inspector: Brian Quattlebaum
Plan Submitted Option: pdf [File 1]
Payment Option: electronic
Appeal Information Sheet
Appeal item 1
| Code Section | 2022 OMSC 501.3 |
|---|---|
| Requires | “The air removed by every ‘mechanical exhaust system’ shall be discharged outdoors…” Mechanical exhaust system is defined as ‘a system for removing air from a room or space by mechanical means’ |
| Code Modification or Alternate Requested | The request is to narrow the interpretation of mechanical exhaust system to systems which serve spaces that require exhaust under the OMSC, ASHRAE 62.1, 170, or any other code or standard. |
| Proposed Design | The proposed design is to use a ceiling cabinet fan to exhaust air from an IT closet to the plenum which would pull air through the louvered IT closet door providing minimal cooling for the closet. |
| Reason for alternative | This alternative is requested as the other options for cooling the space at impractical due to being a renovation of an existing space within a large building. This makes exhaust to the outdoors infeasible as it would require changes to the exterior partway up a high rise. Using a mini split is similarly infeasible as there is nowhere to place the condensing unit or route for the lineset which would meet the manufacturers lineset length restrictions. Second, the definition of ‘a system for removing air from a space by mechanical means’ is very broad. In addition to this fan it would apply equally to other common applications such as transfer fans, return fans in air handlers, and fans in fan powered box terminal units. These systems all remove air from a space without exhausting it to the exterior. In this configuration the fan is serving as a return fan. |
Appeal Decision
Exhaust IT closet warm air into plenum T-bar space: Granted provided the exhaust fan is limited to 80 CFM and a diffuser to reduce the velocity of the air is installed at the opening into the plenum.
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.