Appeal 35014

Appeal Summary

Status: CANCEL

Appeal ID: 35014

Submission Date: 10/20/25 10:17 AM

Hearing Date: 10/30/25

Case #: 25-59

Appeal Type: Fire

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name: Portland Art Museum

Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure,Correction of a violation

Proposed use: Museum

Project Address: 1119 SW Park Ave

Appellant Name: Jeremiah Wyatt

LUR or Permit Application #: Other Violation

Stories: 5 Occupancy: A-1, A-2, A-3, B, S-1, M Construction Type: I-B

Fire Sprinklers: Yes - Throughout per NFPA-13

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Magnolia Blackwood

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

X99

Requires

'Stairwell doors must remain unlocked or be tied into the alarm system so Fire Department can access in an emergency'

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

We need to keep our fire doors to egress only due to the extremely valuable collection of art, as well as for guest safety.

Proposed Design

We propose to keep the doors secured with the exception of fire egress. We have camera coverage, 24/7 security staff, and full fire systems in these areas.

Reason for alternative

This building has been in operation for almost 100 years and these stairwells lead to priceless, irreplaceable works of art. We have had unwanted persons come through our stairwell doors in the past, wander the building, and vandalize property. We can't allow these doors to remain unlocked.

Of note, we have never had this code mentioned or enforced in our history as an organization. If this is a recent change to the fire code, we would like to request to be exempted.

We did receive a quote to install wireless locks that would integrate into our access control/FACP, but at the price point of $100k, this is beyond what a non-profit organization like ours can currently support.

The administrative staff has not yet reviewed this appeal.