Appeal 35058

Appeal Summary

Status: Decision Rendered

Appeal ID: 35058

Submission Date: 12/22/25 10:41 AM

Hearing Date: 1/7/26

Case #: B-2

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name: Pittock Block

Appeal Involves: Alteration of an existing structure

Proposed use: B Occupancy, no change proposed

Project Address: 921 SW WASHINGTON ST

Appellant Name: Kyle L Womack

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 25-079833-CO

Stories: 8 Occupancy: B Construction Type: I-A

Fire Sprinklers: Yes - partial

Plans Examiner/Inspector: Kent Hegsted

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]   [File 2]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

2022 OSSC 107.2.1, COP FM 41 Agreement

Requires

FM 41 Agreement dated September 21, 1983: “Item 10. Tenant space windows will be maintained in an operable condition so that they may be opened to exhaust smoke in the event of a fire.”

Code Modification or Alternate Requested

All windows in the office area will be maintained in an operable condition, and all windows that directly access the fire escapes will remain operable and accessible with no screen walls. It is proposed the remaining windows in the equipment areas will remain operable but will have a vapor barrier and gypsum board screen wall constructed between the window and the Equipment Room spaces.

Proposed Design

It is proposed to install vapor barrier and gypsum board across existing windows that are not associated with a fire escape to maintain the tight conditioning and humidity requirements for proper equipment operation of the telecommunications equipment

Reason for alternative

Reason for the Alternate: Vapor barrier must be installed to maintain the tight conditioning and humidity requirements for proper equipment operation of the telecommunications equipment.

Equivalent safety and adequate smoke exhaust in the event of a fire will be achieved through the following:
• a limited amount of combustible materials will be present within the space;
• photo smoke detectors will be installed throughout the space;
• a pre-action automatic fire-sprinkler system will be installed throughout the space; and
• duct smoke detectors will be installed as required.

Appeal Decision

Block operable windows at south end of Level 5 equipment room: Granted provided the area of operable windows or panels remaining unblocked is not less than 40 square feet per 50 linear feet of perimeter. Alternatively, mechanical air-handling equipment providing one exhaust air change every 15 minutes for the area involved may be installed. Return and exhaust air shall be moved directly to the outside without recirculation to other portions of the building.

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.