The Board of Appeals met on December 13, 2024, to consider a variance request from Eagle Pitcher for hazardous materials storage, and to review progress on numerous properties under demolition or renovation orders. The meeting included testimony from property owners, architects, and city staff, followed by votes on permits and extensions.
The meeting adjourned after the final votes.
We'll go ahead and call the uh December Board of Appeals meeting to order. First order of business is roll call. Mr. Brown present. Mr. Windsor. Mr. Wagner. Here. Mr. Duncan? Here. Ms. Ms. Harrington. Here. Mr. Wicklin. Here. Has everyone had a chance to review the minutes of the previous meeting? Yes. Do we have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. There's a motion by uh Mrs. Harrington, second by Mr. Mr. Windsor that the amendments be approved. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Those opposed. Motion carries. First order, we're gonna have item. 3105. Brian, can you give us a little bit of explanation on this issue? Yes, and I want to start out by apologize. I'm I'm uh biting a cough, so I apologize if I start coughing through this. Um just a little bit of background on what this item is in our uh 2018 adopted building code that we're currently under, the building official has the authority to accept alternative materials design and methods of construction and equipment. I've given you guys a sheet going over that section. And let me read it real quick. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material design or method of construction shall be approved where the building official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material method or work offered is for the purpose intended, not less than the equivalent of the prescribed in this code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, and safety. What we're discussing the the item before you is uh Eagle Pitcher. I'm sure you guys have probably heard is undergoing a big project in the industrial park of new construction, and there is a hazardous material storage area in this new facility that we while we're doing our plan reviews because of the quantity of hazardous materials that are going to be stored there under the fire code, um, which is down at the bottom of the sheet that I gave you. Uh the 2018 adopted fire code because of the quantity of the hazardous materials, the fire code actually requires that it be stored in a uh detached building. Um I've also included in this sheet the powers and duties of the building board. Um City Council has stated in section C there, regardless of any statement to the contrary in any other documents or code, the building board may grant a variance to requirements of the building code related to existing or new construction only in extraordinary circumstances, and then only upon a finding of fact that all life safety requirements are adequate adequate adequately met and upon the affirmative recommendation of the building chief building official. So while the as the building official, I have the authority to approve alternative materials and methods or designs, because this very clearly um affects life safety. Uh I felt that it would be better if not just myself or the fire marshal uh reviewed this, but also had the blessing of the uh building board of appeals as a variance. So we've discussed uh we've got some design professionals here for the project.