Appeal 8223

Appeal Summary

Status: Decision rendered

Appeal ID: 8223

Submission Date: 1/23/12 8:48 AM

Hearing Date: 1/25/12

Case #: B-005

Appeal Type: Building

Project Type: commercial

Building/Business Name:

Appeal Involves: Erection of a new structure

Proposed use: Residence Hall

Project Address: 0615 SW Palantine Hill Rd

Appellant Name: Brian Frey

LUR or Permit Application #: Permit 11-102847-CO

Stories: 5 Occupancy: R-2 Construction Type: V-A

Fire Sprinklers: Yes - Fully Sprinkled

Plans Examiner/Inspector: David Jones

Plan Submitted Option: pdf   [File 1]

Payment Option: electronic

Appeal Information Sheet

Appeal item 1

Code Section

Table 601

Requires

1-Hour Rated Floor Construction per Table 601 including stair treads that are not part of egress path.

Code Modification or Alternate Requested
Proposed Design

At the central open stair (Stair 2), in lieu of a 1-Hour rated floor assembly, appellant proposes the use of:

  • 4” x 12” nominal glued-laminated wood stair treads with open risers,
  • Non-combustible steel stair framing,
  • Addition of (2) quick response sprinkler heads (at each floor) to serve the proposed open riser sections and intermediate landing.

Drawing Reference: F1, F2, F3-5, A1, A2, S1, D1, D2, D3 & D4

Reason for alternative

The proposed alternate provides better visibility and occupant connection between floors. This openness improves student health by encouraging use of the stairs, adds a level of security and visibility, and makes the stairs more inviting for everyday use.
Structural capacity is equal or better based on a slight reduction in material dead load on proposed stairs, and the energy conservation impact is negligible or better assuming reduced use of elevator for student circulation.

The proposed alternate is an equivalent life safety and fire protection design due to the following criteria:

: The building is fully equipped with an NFPA 13R fire suppression system.
: Stair 2 is NOT part of the emergency egress path.
: As submitted and approved, Stair 2 is not sprinkled separate from the adjacent hallways, additional coverage for non-egress components was not required.
: The Stair 2 ‘floor assembly’ consists of non-combustible framing materials (steel structural framing)
: Use of 4”x12” glued-laminated treads at Stair 2 provides an equivalent fire protection to Heavy Timber (allowed pursuant to note c of Table 601)
: (2) Quick response sprinkler heads are proposed per floor at central open stair (Stair 2) to increase fire protection in that area.

Thank you for your consideration and review of this appeal,

Sincerely,

Brian Frey, AIA
Mahlum

Appeal Decision

1-hour fire-resistive construction at stairs: Granted as proposed with additional quick-response sprinkler heads installed under a separate permit from the Fire Marshal's Office.