Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995/11/13 Board of Appeals & Advisors Agenda Packet J*Dß\.. -\\0. do MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS CITY OF CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA October 9, 1995 Conference Room No, 1 5:15 p,m, MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Triplette, Vice-Chairman Gingerich, Board Members, Compton, Coleman, Fabrick, Harter and Puzon MEMBERS ABSENT: None CITY STAFF PRESENT: Director of Building and Housing Larsen, Assistant Director of Building and Housing Remp and Administrative Secretary Uybungco CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Chairman Triplette called the meeting to order at 5: 16 p,m, ROLL CALL: Members present constituted a quorum, 1, DECLARATION OF EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENTEEISM: N/A 2, APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MSUC Compton/Fabrick (7-0) to approve the minutes of September 18, 1995, 3, NEW BUSINESS: A. Request to Appeal Provisions of the 1994 Uniform Building Code, Section 104(b) and Section 1204 Regarding Installation of Replacement Windows at Karen Condominium HOA, 624 "J" Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910 Chairman Triplette opened the floor for discussion of this item and deferred to Director of Building and Housing Larsen, Board of Appeals & Advisors -2- October 9, 1995 Director Larsen introduced Janis Vanderford, representing the Karen Condominium Homeowners Association, Applicant is requesting exemption from Section 1204 of the Uniform Building Code for modification of window heights for window replacements, Staff reviewed and upon investigation of the appeal recommended denial of the applicant's request. Ms, Vanderford, representing the Karen Condominium HOA, presented and described photographs taken of the project. Board Member Compton questioned whether the current height of the windows match the top of the door, Ms, Vanderford replied yes, By removing the 2 inch stud in the center of the current 37 inch windows, it would still be structurally sound, Director Larsen explained to the Board that at this Hearing focus should not be placed on structural mechanics, which can be corrected during the plan check process, The Board needs to address whether or not the applicant is required to lower the height to 44 inches, Vice-Chairman Gingerich expressed concerns over the 7 inch difference and whether or not individuals, especially elderly or children, would be able to get out of the windows at 51 inches in height. Chairman Triplette echoed the same concerns; safety is the primary concern, If a decision was to be made weighing security and privacy vs, safety, Chairman Triplette would decide to ensure safety, In order to reduce costs, Chairman Triplette suggested homeowners to do a portion of the work themselves, Ms, Vanderford stated that some residents wanted to do it themselves; however, based on liability and warranty issues, the Homeowners Association felt a contractor should perform all the work. Board Member Compton stated that the safety factor remains the same whether the applicant is allowed to replace the windows at the current height or if nothing was done at ail. Chairman Triplette stated concerns that he does not want to sanction the installation of unsafe windows, Board Member Harter suggested that perhaps a window seat could be installed inside to make up for the 7 inch difference, Board of Appeals & Advisors -3- October 9, 1995 Director Larsen stated that it was a viable solution, if the Board chose to address the possibility of an interior step or shelf as a condition of approval. Board Member Harter stated that he was in agreement with Board Member Compton in that if the windows were left as is, it would continue to be unsafe, Board Member Harter further suggested that staff could research the possibility of the interior step or shelf, Director Larsen pointed out that smoke detectors, per Section 1210 of the UBC, will need to be placed in each bedroom and in the hallway serving the bedrooms, Board Member Compton informed the Members of the Board that smoke detectors are required at the time of transfer of the units. Chairman Triplette pointed out that Building and Housing staff has consulted with the Fire Department, which also recommended denial of the appeal. Vice-Chairman Gingerich expressed concerns that residents will not maintain the interior step or shelf, or remove it. Also concerns were expressed with taking life safety and making it equate to cost. He further continued that he is not willing to sacrifice life safety, Board Member Compton countered that no statistics have been provided for the number of injuries/fatalities resulting from non-compliance windows, Mr, Compton also suggested that a 2-step ladder could be placed in the interior in lieu of a step or shelf, Director Larsen stated that staff can review other alternate options if the Board desires; however, the applicant may be concerned with time sensitivity, Board Member Compton suggested that the item could be held over until the November meeting in order for staff to research alternative interior remedies, Motion was made and seconded (Compton/Harter) (3-4) (Opposed: Triplette, Gingerich, Fabrick and Puzon) to carry the item over to the next meeting. Motion did not carry. Board of Appeals & Advisors -4- October 9, 1995 Board Member Puzon pointed out to the Members that the addition of an interior step or ladder becomes an obstacle for individuals in wheelchairs, MSC (Gingerich/Triplette) (4-3) (Opposed: Harter, Compton and Coleman) to deny the application of appeal to provisions of the 1994 Uniform Building Code, Section 104(b) and Section 1204. 4, CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS/REPORT: A. 73rd Annual Code Development and Education Conference Chairman Triplette routed the Code Change Agenda and other materials collected from the Annual Business Meeting for the Members' review, Chairman Triplette commented that Director Larsen was well known and well respected by the attendees of the Conference, .. 5, DIRECTOR'S COMMENTS/REPORT: A, Report on the International Conference of Building Officials, 73rd Annual Code Development and Education Conference Director Larsen requested to carry this item over the next meeting, Chairman Triplette approved the request to carry the item, B, Status Report on Adoption of Model Codes Director Larsen informed the Board that City Council will be hearing the items on Tuesday, 10/10/95, The second hearing will be held the following week, 10/17/95, The codes will become law effective 1/1/96, Director Larsen thanked the Members of the Board for reviewing and approving the adoption of the codes, 6, COMMUNICATIONS (PUBLIC REMARKS/WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE): None 7, ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Triplette adjourned the meeting at 6:21 p,m, to the next regular meeting scheduled for November 13, 1995, Board of Appeals & Advisors -5- October 9, 1995 ~~ 6. ~<;t.. ENNETH G, LARSEN, CB,O, DIRECTOR OF BUILDING AND HOUSING SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF APPEALS AND ADVISORS . ~~lfttê~ YEEUN U BUNGC ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT c>F BUILDING AND HOUSING COMPLIANCE WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT The City of Chula Vista, in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), request individuals who require special accommodation to access, attend and/or participate in a City meeting, activity, or service. request such accommodation at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance for meetings and five (5) days for scheduled schedules and activities, Please contact Yeelin Uybungco, Administrative Secretary, for specific information at (619) 691·5007 or Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (619) 585-5647, California Relay Service is also available for the hearing impaired, /yu (B:\WP51\100""5M)