City of Lawrence
Fire Code Board of Appeals
August 19, 2015 - Minutes
MEMBERS PRESENT: Stephen Blanchard, Tracy Green, and Jay Zimmershied
MEMBERS ABSENT: Lt. Peter Easterwood and Dan Wilkus
STAFF PRESENT: Division Chief James King, Jeanette Reiling
GUEST PRESENT:
Chairman Stephen Blanchard called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.
There were no minutes to approve.
OLD BUSINESS:
Amendment 8-205.7, Section 109.3.2-previously tabled for review by the City of Lawrence Legal Department. The legal department recommended adopting section 109.3.2 as written and deleting the exception.
Action: Adopted as Written with the exception deleted.
NEW BUSINESS:
Fire Code Board of Appeals members continued their review of local amendments.
Amendment 8-205.16, Section 403.12.1.2-Duties.
Action: Added a fourth line to the section to read as follows: 4. Medical standby personnel shall be assigned on site to respond to and treat medical emergencies per department protocol.
Tracy Green made motion to adopt, motion was seconded by Jay Zimmershied, and motion passed 3-0.
Amendment 8-205.18, Section 605.5 Extension cords. Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be a substitute for permanent wiring. The use of extension cords inside structures is
prohibited except for those structures that would be subject to the 2012 International
Residential Code. Power Taps must be provided for portable appliances where the
appliance cord is of insufficient length to connect to a receptacle. Power tap
installations must comply with Sections 605.4.1 through 605.4.3
Action: Deleted for those structures that would be subject to the 2012 International Residential Code.
Blanchard made a motion to adopt Section 605.5 as amended, Tracy Green seconded the motion, and motion passed 3-0.
Amendment 8-205.19, Section 901.6.1.1 Sprinkler Systems. Sprinkler systems shall be inspected at least once every 12 months and shall be serviced after every system activation. Inspection shall be by qualified individuals approved by the fire code official. Upon completion
certificates of inspection shall be forwarded to the fire code official and shall be
displayed at the main sprinkler valve.
Action: Deleted this amendment.
Jay Zimmershied made motion to accept deletion of this amendment, motion was seconded by Stephen Blanchard, and motion passed 3-0.
Amendment 903.2.8.1 Group R-3 or R-4 congregate residences. An automatic sprinkler
system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be required in Group R-3
or R-4 congregate living facilities with 16 or fewer residents.
Action: Updated the amendment to read as follows: An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.1.2 shall be required in Group R-3 and R-4 congregate living facilities with 4-16 residents.
Stephen Blanchard made motion to approve as updated, motion was seconded by Tracy Green, and motion passed 3-0.
Amendment 8-205.27, Section 1104.10 Stair Dimensions for Existing Stairs. Existing stairs in buildings shall be permitted to remain if the rise does not exceed 8.25 inches (210 mm) and the run is not less than 9 inches (229 mm). Existing stairs can be rebuilt.
Exception: Other fire escape stairs may be approved if the pitch does not exceed
60 degrees, the width is not less than 18 inches, the treads are not less than 4
inches wide and they extend to the ground or are provided with counterbalanced
stairs reaching to the ground. Access shall be by an opening having a minimum
dimension of 29 inches when open. The sill shall be not more than 30 inches above
the floor and landing. Fire escapes shall be of noncombustible construction or of
wood of not less than two inch nominal thickness.
Action: Tabled to allow the Fire Marshal to find out history regarding this amendment, to clarify definitions and the 29 inch dimension requirement.
Stephen Blanchard made motion to table, motion was seconded by Tracy Green, and motion passed 3-0.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 2, 2015 at 4:00 p.m., McSwain Conference Room, 1911 Stewart Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66046.
Adjournment: Stephen Blanchard made a motion to adjourn, Jay Zimmershied seconded the motion, and motion passed 3-0. Meeting was adjourned.