City of Lawrence

Building Code Board of Appeals Meeting

November 12, 2015 Development Services

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:    

Dan Wethington, Sean Reardon, Dennis Odgers, Kevin Markley,

 

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Micah Kimball

STAFF PRESENT:

Development Services

Ex- Officio Lee Queen-Building Inspector, Ex- Officio Janet Smalter-Plans Examiner, Brian Jimenez-Code Enforcement Manager, Kurt Schroeder-Assistant Director, Barry Walthall- Building Official

 

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Bobby Flory- Executive Director,  Lawrence Home Builders Association

 

 

 

 

Meeting called to order 11:07 am

 

A quorum of three board members was present.  The Board reviewed minutes from the September 10, 2015 meeting. Dennis Odgers moved to approve minutes as written, Seconded by Sean Reardon.  Motion passed 3-0.  Kevin Markley arrives 11:20 a.m.

 

Brian Jimenez presented the 2015 Property Maintenance Code and amendments to the board. Jimenez stated the amendments were minimal except for the property owner and owner representative definitions.  Jimenez explained the change of Section 307 regarding open guards and handrails, Section 309.6 Bedbug Infestation and Section 702.4 Emergency Escape Openings and asked the board to review. The board did not express concerns.  Jimenez is confident there would not be additional revisions prior to adoption of the code amendments. 

 

Smalter presented staff reports.  The amendment to drinking fountains will occur in the 2015 International Plumbing Code.  The proposed amendment will change the required occupant load factor from 15-30 for small occupancies, Section 410.2

 

Board member Micah Kimball requested at the last board meeting a review of maneuvering clearances required by Section 404.2.3.  of the 2015 International Building Code. He has proposed an amendment to include an exception for Type B units stating maneuvering clearances required by Section 404.2.3 shall not be required on the unit side of the primary entrance door.  Discussion by the board resulted with no objections provided the amendment did not result in revisions to the accessible route.

 

Bobby Flory, Executive Director of the Lawrence Home Builders Association, requested new wording to the proposed amendment concerning the city code for Construction Site Maintenance provided by the building official at a previous board meeting.  Walthall did not object and the board accepted the revisions.

 

Walthall presented a revision to the demolition fees.  Currently the city charges $50.00 for building demolition.  Walthall explained this amount does not pay for all services provided.  Services include public announcements with local media, a minimum of two building inspection visits and administration activity. Walthall proposed to assign a reasonable fee to cover cost and double the demolition fees.  The board did not object.

 

The board concluded their review of the International Existing Building codes.

 

Staff provided the proposed electrical amendments for the board to review. 

 

Staff requested the monthly meeting in December occur Thursday, December 3rd to complete the approval of amendments.  The agenda for the meeting is to accept the draft amendments for the 2015 International Codes and submit to the city commission for review.

 

Reardon motioned to adjourn, Seconded by Odgers.  Motion passed 4-0.  Meeting adjourned 12:08 p.m.