HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/25/2016 - Building Review Board - Agenda - Regular MeetingBuilding Review Board Page 1 August 25, 2016
Alan Cram, Chair City Council Chambers
Michael Doddridge, Vice Chair City Hall West
Andrea Dunlap 300 Laporte Avenue
Tim Johnson
Bernie Marzonie
Justin Montgomery
Fort Collins, Colorado
Rick Reider
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities
and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-
6001) for assistance.
Regular Hearing
August 25, 2016
1:00 PM
• ROLL CALL
• DISCUSSION AGENDA
1. Approval of Draft BRB Hearing Minutes - February 25, 2016
2. Approval of Draft BRB Verbatim Minutes - March 7, 2016
3. 2015 Proposed IBC Amendments: Amendments and deletions to the 2015 International
Building Code
4. 2016 Proposed Changes to IPMC: Proposed changes to the adopted Structures and
Premises Condition Code of the City of Fort Collins (2006 International Property
Maintenance Code – IPMC)
5. 2017 Annual Work Plan
• OTHER BUSINESS
• ADJOURNMENT
Building Review Board
Hearing Agenda
ATTACHMENT 1
Building Review Board Page 1 August 25, 2016
Alan Cram, Chair City Council Chambers
Michael Doddridge, Vice Chair City Hall West
Andrea Dunlap 300 Laporte Avenue
Tim Johnson
Bernie Marzonie
Justin Montgomery
Fort Collins, Colorado
Rick Reider
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities
and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224-
6001) for assistance.
Regular Hearing
February 25, 2016
A regular meeting of the Building Review Board was held on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at
1:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Fort Collins Municipal Building at 300 Laporte Avenue,
Fort Collins, Colorado.
Roll Call: Alan Cram, Chair
Mike Doddridge, Vice Chair
Rick Reider
Andrea Dunlap
Justin Montgomery
Tim Johnson
Bernie Marzonie
Absent: None
Staff Present: Lisa Olson, Staff Support to the Board
Mike Gebo, Chief Building Official
Brad Yatabe, City Attorney’s Office
Russ Hovland, Plans Examiner
1. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 28, 2016 MINUTES:
Dunlap requested a language change to the minutes to reflect a question rather than a
statement.
Building Review Board
Minutes
Building Review Board Page 2 February 25, 2016
Reider made a motion, seconded by Doddridge, to approve the minutes of the January
28, 2016 meeting as amended.
Vote:
Yeas: Dunlap, Johnson, Montgomery, Reider, Doddridge, Cram and Marzonie
Nays: None
Abstain: None
2. APPEAL FOR AN EXAM WAIVER FOR CONTRACTOR LICENSE RENEWAL – APPEAL
#2016-01, RON AUCH, EAGLE PEAK CONSTRUCTION
Gebo discussed the history of Mr. Auch’s license dating back to 1985 noting he has completed
two non-required courses in 2004 and 2011 through the City. He stated Mr. Auch’s license
expired in May 2015 and due to the length of time since Mr. Auch has held his license in good
standing, it is not believed Mr. Auch has ever taken a licensing exam. Gebo went on to outline
the duties of the Board in this case and stated staff does not recommend approval of an exam
waiver in this case.
Mr. Auch presented the Board with various materials supporting his case, noting his license
expired due to an illness. He stated he has a Larimer County license but occasionally receives
requests to work in the city limits. Additionally, he noted he is no longer physically able to do
much of the work on his own and will act primarily as a general contractor in the future.
Gebo asked Mr. Auch if he has taken any contractor classes recently other than the local
amendment classes and asked about his reason for not wanting to take the test. Mr. Auch
replied test-taking has always been difficult for him and stated his IRC test in 1985 was quite
challenging.
Dunlap asked if the current test would be for the 2012 IRC. Gebo replied in the affirmative and
stated the test is open book; however, it is timed and could be stressful for someone with test-
taking difficulties.
Doddridge asked if the test is the general IRC and not the Fort Collins local amendments. Gebo
replied in the affirmative.
Montgomery asked Mr. Auch if he has any upcoming projects for which he would need this
license. Mr. Auch replied he has a couple bathroom remodel clients who are awaiting the
outcome of this hearing.
Reider asked Mr. Auch if he has any information he could provide for the Board indicating
reading or exam-taking would be an extreme hardship. Mr. Auch replied he does not have any
reports from doctors but described struggles he has in terms of instructions.
Reider asked if there is the possibility for other arrangements during the test which may help Mr.
Auch. Gebo replied the testing outlet may offer additional time; however, he was unsure what
would be required on behalf of the test taker to prove the need for that.
Cram discussed a previous case in which the Board waived a testing requirement due to a
language barrier.
Dunlap asked if subcontractors need to be listed when a homeowner applies for a permit. Gebo
replied a homeowner can pull his own permit and any person being paid needs to be a licensed
contractor. Gebo went on to state there is a grey area regarding ‘project management.’
Building Review Board Page 3 February 25, 2016
Johnson asked if Mr. Auch’s Larimer County license ever expired. Mr. Auch replied in the
negative.
Cram asked if the Larimer County Class C license is comparable to the City’s Class D license.
Gebo replied he is unfamiliar with the County’s licenses. Doddridge replied the two are
comparable.
Gebo stated he is always in support of the construction industry; however, he is uncomfortable
taking a position on this issue. He noted Mr. Auch is currently licensed elsewhere and stated
his recommendation of denial is purely based on the language in the Code.
Cram argued there is no undue hardship as Mr. Auch is currently working in the County.
Montgomery stated Mr. Auch’s illness was potentially a hardship and he discussed the
thoroughness of the materials presented by Mr. Auch. He stated he would be in favor of
offering an exam waiver in this case.
Doddridge expressed agreement with Montgomery stating a hardship situation did exist.
Doddridge made a motion, seconded by Marzonie, that based on a previous hardship, that Mr.
Auch be granted an exam waiver in this particular case and to reinstate his license upon
payment of the necessary fees.
Vote:
Yeas: Marzonie, Johnson, Doddridge, Cram, Montgomery, Reider and Dunlap
Nays: None
THE MOTION CARRIED.
3. OTHER BUSINESS
Gebo asked how the Board would like to be updated regarding progress of the Code committee.
The Board held a brief discussion and opted to receive Code committee updates and emails as
they come.
Gebo discussed the upcoming hearing regarding the Coy Hoffman silos on the Woodward
property and stated they will be hearing the item on March 7th. Gebo briefly outlined the case
and discussed the specific issues of the remand.
Reider asked about whether the silos are eligible or already designated as historic structures.
Gebo replied there are two sections in the Municipal Code dealing with historic structures; one
is dealing with state designated structures, and one deals with locally designated structures. He
stated the entire Coy Farm property is state designated but not yet locally designated.
The Board held a discussion regarding design wind speeds and standards.
Redier asked about Woodward’s reasoning for wanting to take the silos down. Dunlap noted
Woodward has stated they cannot get insurance for the property with the silos as is. Gebo
replied that would be a good question for the Woodward team and stated the insurance
companies have not indicated whether or not they will insure the silos and barn if they are
stabilized. Gebo suggested additional questions should be held until the next hearing.
Gebo stated the Board must decide on who will Chair the next meeting. Montgomery
volunteered for the position.
Building Review Board Page 4 February 25, 2016
The Board held a discussion regarding the process and time allotments for the appeal hearing.
Gebo noted a luncheon with Councilmember Cunniff has been confirmed for April 28th.
Cram asked if construction is still occurring at a rapid level. Gebo replied in the affirmative.
The meeting adjourned at 2:24 p.m.
_____
Mike Gebo, Chief Building Official Alan Cram, Chair
BUILDING REVIEW BOARD
CITY OF FORT COLLINS
Held Monday, March 7, 2016
Council Chambers, 300 Laporte Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado
In the Matter of:
Coy-Hoffman Silos – Woodward Inc. Second Round Appeal to Building Review Board as
Remanded by City Council on January 19, 2016
Case #2015-02
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Justin Montgomery, Acting Chair
Bernie Marzonie
Rick Reider
Andrea Dunlap
Tim Johnson
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mike Gebo, Chief Building Official
Tom Leeson, Community Development and Neighborhood Services Director
Lisa Olson, Staff Support to the Board
Brad Yatabe, City Attorney’s Office
Attachment 2
2
1 CHAIR JUSTIN MONTGOMERY: Good afternoon. I’d like to welcome you to the
2 March 7, 2016 Building Review Board meeting. We are here to hear a second round appeal on
the Coy-Hoffman Silos from Woodward, Inc. as remanded by the City Council on January 19
th
3 ,
4 2016, and it’s case number 2015-02. This hearing will be recorded and so it’s important that all
5 who are speaking do talk into the microphones when they speak. And then, for the members out
6 there, the microphones are here at the podiums. And, can we have the representative from
7 Woodward please identify themselves and I’ll ask if you’re ready to proceed?
8 MS. CAROYLYNNE WHITE: Mr. Chairman, Boardmembers, City Staff, Carolynne
9 White, land use counsel for the applicant; we are ready to proceed. I just wanted to not that we
10 do have one procedural item to dispense with, for the record.
11 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay. And the City Staff, Chief Building Official…please.
12 MR. MIKE GEBO: Yes, Mike Gebo with the City of Fort Collins, ready to proceed.
13 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, now the City Attorney has a few announcements about
14 the hearing procedure and we can address your concerns.
15 MR. BRAD YATABE: Thank you Mr. Chair…a couple of things before I go into the
16 hearing procedure for this afternoon. I did want to note the following…Building Review
17 Boardmember Bernie Marzonie has been newly appointed. My understanding that, although he
18 wasn’t present during the initial hearing as a member of the Board, he is allowed to hear this as
19 long as he reviewed the record on appeal; and my understanding is that he has. The newly
20 appointed chair Alan Cram has actually recused himself from this matter. I just wanted to note
21 that’s the reason for his absence today is he basically has recused himself. And Mike Doddridge
22 is not present due to a scheduling conflict.
23 In terms of the overview of today’s procedure, this is an appeal of the Chief Building
Official’s September 18
th
24 , 2015 determination. It’s back before the Board on remand from the
25 City Council, and it’s to be heard in accordance with the direction provided by City Council as
contained in the January 26
th
26 , 2016 Council Resolution. Council’s direction is that the Building
27 Review Board receive and consider evidence and analysis regarding the effects of natural
28 conditions and events of a one in ten year probability on one or both of the silos to consider
29 whether one or both poses an imminent threat or danger as that term is defined in the
30 International Property Maintenance Code.
31 The hearing procedure for the Building Review Board consideration is as follows…we’ll
32 start with a City staff overview of the appeal, that will be followed by consideration of any
33 procedural issues by the Building Review Board…and it sounds like Woodward has at least one
34 issue to discuss there, the appellant, Woodward, Inc. then will present their case, the appellee,
35 the City of Fort Collins Chief Building Official will present his case, there will be the
36 opportunity for public comment, the appellant, Woodward, will then have a chance to rebut any
Attachment 2
3
1 of the comment coming from the Chief Building Officer or information in public comments, the
2 Chief Building Official will then have an opportunity to rebut Woodward and any public
3 comments at that time. The Building Review Board will then have an opportunity to ask
4 questions, and indeed it may ask questions at any time of anyone making a presentation, but that
5 will be another period to ask any follow-up questions that need to be done. At that point, the
6 taking of additional evidence will be closed and the BRB will then deliberate and make a
determination whether to uphold or overturn the Chief Building Official’s September 18
th
7 , 2015
8 determination.
9 The sole issue before the Board today, as directed by City Council, is the consideration of
10 evidence and analysis regarding the effects of natural conditions and events of a one in ten year
11 probability on one or both of the silos, to consider whether one or both poses an imminent threat
12 or danger as that term is defined in the International Property Maintenance Code. As such, all
13 speakers, whether it be the appellant, the appellee, or members of the public who are addressing
14 this Board today, are requested to confine their presentations and their comments to that issue
15 and that issue alone.
16 In terms of the evidence on which the Building Review Board will make their decision
today, we have the following…relevant information received in the record at the October 29
th
17 ,
18 2015 Building Review Board hearing, relevant information received into the record at the
January 19
th
, 2016 City Council appeal of the Building Review Board decision, the January 26
th
19 ,
20 2016 City Council Resolution number 2016-009, information compiled by City staff and
21 submitted to the Building Review Board in advance of this hearing, copies of which were posted
22 online or linked to on the City of Fort Collins website, relevant documentation in whatever form
23 presented by speakers during this proceeding, copies of such documentation must be provided to
24 the Building Review Board for inclusion in the record and the documentation will not be
25 returned, relevant testimony given before the Building Review Board at this hearing. The
26 relevance and the weight of any particular evidence that is part of this hearing will be determined
27 by the individual Building Review Boardmembers in making their decision.
28 At this point, I’ll turn this back over to you, Mr. Chair, and I believe we have the staff
29 presentation to start things off.
30 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, thank you. You can proceed, Mike, please.
31 MR. TOM LEESON: Good afternoon Board, my name is Tom Leeson; I’m the
32 Community Development and Neighborhood Services Director. I’m going to just kind of give
33 you an overview, some of which will be repetitive from the last time you heard this, but I do
34 think it’s important to address some of the same issues for the benefit of the public.
35 Again, we’re talking about the Coy-Hoffman silos which are located on the new
36 Woodward campus. It is a state designated historical site. The two silos were constructed in
1912 and ’13, respectively, and they were declared as dangerous structures on September 18
th
37 ,
Attachment 2
4
1 2015 by the Chief Building Official. The two silos…the left one in this picture…is what you’ll
2 see referred to as the concrete slip pour, and the right silo is the concrete stave. Both are
3 approximately 40 feet in height.
4 Woodward is appealing the dangerous classification, as they believe the silos are an
5 imminent danger, and the appeal is on the ground that the Chief Building Official failed to
6 properly interpret and apply the Codes. Originally, three engineering firms evaluated the silos to
7 determine their structural conditions. Martin and Martin and JVA were hired by Woodward, and
8 Exponent was hired by the City to make that determination. The reports were reviewed by the
9 Chief Building Official, and the silos could be considered an imminent danger…the
10 determination was that they could be determined an imminent danger under the design wind
11 loads, which is high winds of 120 to 130 miles an hour. But in the current state, they are not
12 considered an imminent danger. The City did provide the definition of imminent danger to all
13 three engineering firms; however, imminent danger was not established and the dangerous
14 classification was given, again, by the Chief Building Official.
15 Just for clarification purposes, under historical structures, dangerous classification
16 requires the silos to be stabilized and repaired. An imminent danger classification requires the
17 silos to be repaired or demolished at the owner’s choice. The Building Review Board reviewed
the appeal on October 29
th
18 and upheld the Chief Building Official’s decision declaring the silos
19 as dangerous and not an imminent danger. That decision was then appealed to the City Council.
City Council heard the appeal on January 19
th
20 , 2016, and remanded the decision back to you, the
21 Building Review Board. As Mr. Yatabe said, quote, to receive and consider evidence and
22 analysis regarding the effects of natural conditions and events of a one in ten year probability on
23 one or both of the silos to consider whether one or both poses an imminent threat or danger as
24 that term is defined in the International Property Maintenance Code.
25 Both JVA and Exponent completed and submitted their supplemental analysis. The
26 engineers looked at other natural events, such as rain, hail, seismic conditions…and based on the
27 probabilities, determined that the wind would have the greatest impact on the structures. In that
28 analysis, JVA did voice concern over the general condition of the silos and stated that, given the
29 conditions of the cast-in-place silo, that silo could fail at 80-90 mile an hour winds, which was
30 what was determined to be the one in ten probability. Exponent believes the silos would resist
31 the one in ten year probability of a wind event.
32 The Chief Building Official then reviewed those supplemental analyses and found no
new information that would change the original classification dated September 18
th
33 , 2015, that
34 the silos are dangerous and not an imminent threat. So, again, the Building Review Board’s
35 action is to rule on the appeal, specifically related to the request by City Council on the remand,
36 and the rule is on whether or not the Chief Building Official failed to properly interpret
37 specifically Section 14-71(b) of the City Code, 547-15 of the City Code, and amended Section
38 111 of the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code. That concludes my presentation.
Attachment 2
5
1 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Thank you. We’ll move into the consideration for procedural
2 issues. First, I want to ask, from the public, how many members from the public would be
3 wishing to speak at the meeting today, by a show of hands please. Do I see four? Four? Okay.
4 We are going to…before any public comment, we are going to limit the amount of time to five
5 minutes for each, if that’s acceptable. Do we have any objections to that? Okay. And,
6 Woodward expressed one procedural issue they’d like to bring up, and you can do that now
7 please.
8 MS. WHITE: Mr. Chairman, for the record, Carolynne White again for Woodward. I just
9 wanted to note for the record the two exhibits that we will be introducing as part of our
10 presentation this afternoon. I have already provided the paper exhibit to Mr. Leeson and Mr.
Gebo, and it simply is a transcript of the January 19
th
11 , 2016 City Council hearing, at which the
12 remand was decided, and some of the discussion around the nature of the remand illuminates
13 some of the issues before us today. We’re going to be referring to it so we wanted to make sure
14 everybody had a copy, and it wasn’t in the packet. So, that’s the first exhibit, and the second is a
15 demonstrative exhibit which Mr. Carpenter with JVA will be using to illustrate the points he’ll
16 be making regarding the silos. And there’s only one of those, and it is a physical exhibit and it
17 will be provided to the City acknowledging that it won’t be returned, at the conclusion of this
18 hearing. So, I just wanted to mention those, and if there was any discussion about them, to have
19 that ahead of time.
20 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: The second exhibit, are we talking about the physical samples
21 from the silos…?
22 MS. WHITE: No, this is a different demonstrative exhibit.
23 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay.
24 MS. WHITE: Those are already in the record.
25 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, got you. Do we have any issues with that?
26 MR. YATABE: No, it’s just information I believe. That sounds fine.
27 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, that sounds good. Thank you.
28 MS. WHITE: Thank you.
29 MR GEBO: Mr. Chair? We also…Exponent has one exhibit that they’d like to present
30 with their presentation.
31 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, thank you Mike.
32 MS. WHITE: May we have a copy of it? Okay, nevermind.
Attachment 2
6
1 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, do we have any other procedural issues that the public
2 would like to bring up at this time? Okay, seeing none, we’ll move forward to Woodward’s
3 presentation.
4 MS. WHITE: Mr. Chairman, just so I’m clear…the timer is reading 5 minutes, but that is
5 not a limit on our presentation, correct?
6 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: That’s correct.
7 MS. WHITE: Sorry…just figuring out how this works…there we go. Okay…alright.
8 Mr. Chairman, Building Review Boardmembers, staff, members of the public…once again, my
9 name is Carolynne White; I’m land use counsel for the applicant. We appreciate the opportunity
10 to present this appeal to you this afternoon on remand from City Council.
11 I’d like to briefly introduce the rest of the team that’s here with me today, although not all
12 of them will be necessarily presenting, we are available for questions. I have with me Steve
13 Stiesmeyer, Director of Corporate Real Estate, Chris Fawzy, Woodward Corporate Vice
14 President and General Counsel, Wayne Timura with Next Level Development, and Steve
15 Carpenter, Senior Project Manager with JVA.
16 This summarizes briefly what we intend to present to you today. We are going to
17 summarize the terms of the City Council remand, the engineering reports and calculations from
18 each of the relevant different engineers, and we request that the BRB overturn the decision of the
19 Building Official and find that the silos are an imminent threat, especially under the question
20 posed by City Council, and agree that Woodward may deconstruct the silos in order to proceed
21 with its adaptive reuse plan.
22 In order to arrive at the question before you today, we need to unpack a number of the
23 directives and definitions that are applicable. First, City Council’s remand posed one very
24 particular scenario regarding the condition of the silos: specifically to determine the effects of
25 natural conditions and events of a one in ten year probability on one or both of the silos to
26 consider whether one or both poses an imminent threat or danger as that term is defined in the
27 IPMC, the International Property Maintenance Code. That’s the exact remand language. Under
28 the IPMC, the definition of imminent danger is: a condition which could cause serious or life-
29 threatening injury or death at any time.
30 We need to look at the definition of the word ‘could,’ especially in comparison to a few
31 of the other verbs that have been described in analyzing these silos. The IPMC does not use the
32 word ‘will,’ and it does not use the word ‘would,’ both of which are much stronger verbs that
33 imply frequent or likely behavior. The IPMC uses ‘could,’ which is defined as ‘possible.’
34 Taking the remand language, along with the definitions, into consideration, the question before
35 you today is, is it possible that the silos could fail at any time during a ten year recurrence wind
36 event. This is important because the nature of the question in turn dictates the answer, and we
Attachment 2
7
1 are going to present to you some information about why the answers are so different from the
2 different experts. The question is not ‘how likely is a ten year recurrence wind event to occur,’
3 the question is not ‘could the silos withstand a ten year wind occurrence event?’ The question is,
4 ‘is it possible that they could fail in a ten year wind occurrence event?’
5 With that question in mind, let’s look at what constitutes failure, or what creates the
6 opportunity for failure. There are two relevant calculations here: capacity and demand. Capacity
7 is how much load a particular structure can take, and demand is how much load certain
8 conditions exert on the structure. When the demand exceeds the capacity, then the structure is
9 said to be overstressed. When a structure is overstressed, it is no longer acting as a composite
10 unit, load distribution is not available throughout the entire structure, and ultimately failure can
11 occur. So to explain in a little more detail the findings that were arrived at in the analysis of this
12 question of capacity versus demand, I’d now like to introduce to the microphone Steve Carpenter
13 from JVA to explain to you his calculations and findings in that regard.
14 MR. STEVE CARPENTER: For the record, I’m Steve Carpenter from JVA, Incorporated
15 here in Fort Collins, Colorado. So, we have by now done a lot of analysis on this silo and after
16 the City Council meeting, the…we were directed to look at a ten year reoccurrence interval. So,
17 we did that…we did that via two methods. We used ACI Chapter 22, which is structural plane
18 reinforced concrete, and then we did ACI 313, which is specifically silos and stave silos. We
19 looked at both of those methods, and the ACI Chapter 22, we came up with it being 54%
20 overstressed, and using ACI 313, we came up with it being 33% overstressed. Going the wrong
21 way, sorry…
22 So, we didn’t draw our conclusion just based on those numbers. I like to stand back and
23 look at it, I like to say, from 30,000 feet, and look at the big picture. Other things that we see in
24 what’s going on out there, is that we assumed a stave thickness of one inch, and a concrete
25 strength of 2,000 psi. We believe, at the very base of that stave, fifteen inches off the ground, the
26 concrete almost uniformly around the entire perimeter is only one-half inch. We believe the
27 concrete strength there has diminished to being less than 2,000 strength…it decomposes to
28 touch. We think that the most important critical thing going on here is that the staves no longer
29 have the tongue-in-groove action to work with each other. There are 60 independent units
30 around the permiter of the silo instead of a single unit. That means that each stave is no longer
31 braced. We think there are second order effect occurring…that’s sort of getting up there a little
32 bit in the engineering terminology. And the other thing that concerns us is, over time, this silo
33 continues to deteriorate due to the freeze thaw cycles. So, when we looked at this in conjunction
34 with the overstress, we said, yes, we believe this could fail under an 85 to 90 mile per hour wind
35 speed. So then we went on…that’s the conclusion that it could fail. And fortunately,
36 Woodward, Mr. Timura, was able to get back with Martin Martin who wrote the very original
37 report, they reviewed our calculations and our summary and they agreed with this. They say,
38 therefore I agree that silo structures could fail at an 85 to 90 mile per hour ultimate basic wind
39 speed.
Attachment 2
8
1 So then we moved on to the cast in place silo; the cast in place silo is a different type of
2 construction, it’s a different analysis. We looked at it, we said…the ACI 313 doesn’t apply here
3 because it’s not a stave silo…or at least Chapter 5 of ACI 313 doesn’t apply. We said it’s 29%
4 overstressed. This one, even more than the stave silo, I wanted to stand back and look at it from
5 30,000 feet. And, what I came up with was, there’s no positive attachment from the base of the
6 silo to the footing. There are significant void spaces between the bottom of the silo and the
7 footing. One of the original reports, actually Exponent’s original report, estimated 25-30%
8 noncontact. We agree with that, roughly. Unfortunately, a lot of the voids are grouped together,
9 so it’s not like it’s an even distribution around the entire perimeter. A lot of the base right
10 around the voids is less than two inches thick. And the reinforcing still, in the immediate base
11 area where this erosion of concrete is occurring, is deteriorating. So, when looking…combining
12 this with the stress analysis, once again, we said when considering the deterioration of the
13 reinforcing of the still at the base, lack of positive attachment to the foundation, voids at the base,
14 grouping of voids at the base, and the uncertainties of the base concrete adjacent to these voids in
15 general, coupled with the calculation results, we concluded that the case in place silo could also
16 fail under the associated…under loading associated with 85 to 90 mile per hour winds. Once
17 again, Martin Martin was able to review these results, and they say, therefore I agree that the silo
18 structures could fail at 85 to 90 mile per hour ultimate basic wind speeds.
19 So, then we did review the Exponent report, and what this really comes down to, there
20 are three things in the report that I don’t agree with. I don’t really get into nitpicking numbers
21 and rounding things, and 85 versus 90 miles per hour and stuff like that, I look for big picture
22 stuff. And the most critical thing, to me, is the failure mechanism for this silo. Those staves…so
23 this is the exhibit; it’s tongue-in-groove flooring, okay? And the staves are basically just like
24 this, they’re ten inches wide, they’re thirty inches tall, and they have a tongue-in-groove
25 mechanism. And so, when they’re new, they lock together. There’s a still ring that goes around
26 the outside that’s tensioned…they actually turn a nut to tension it. That compresses these and
27 they lock together. And so that helps restrain the staves from buckling. But what has happened
28 over time…these are the same pieces of wood flooring…75%, 70% has been cut away. So this
29 is what’s out there now, okay? So there’s a lot less, but that’s not the key point. The key point is
30 the tongue-in-groove mechanism is gone. So now there’s no longer anything locking these guys
31 together. So they act as individual units; they can’t transfer a load across each other. So when
32 we look at that failure mechanism, we’re clearly overstressed. And this is the mechanism that
33 causes the failure in these type of silos.
34 The other things that we saw were that there was a suggestion that somehow these silos
35 have withstood 40 mile per hour winds recently and so that will mean somehow that they will
36 withstand an 85 mile per hour wind, and I just disagree with that in general. And there’s also a
37 comment and some wind data that there was an 83 mile per hour wind 17 years ago, and the silo
38 withstood that. And I would just interject, going back to what I said previously, due to freeze
39 thaw cycles that are happening almost every day from October through April, the concrete that is
Attachment 2
9
1 left out there is slowly but surely continuing to deteriorate. So that silo today is not the same silo
2 that was there 17 years ago. So, going back to our conclusions, we looked at the numbers, but
3 we also stepped back and looked at the big picture, common sense items, and when I combined
4 both of those and looked at it objectively, I think there is a chance that both of these silos could
5 fail under the ten year reoccurrence wind speed.
6 MS. WHITE: So, what we have for you now is just a quick illustration of the
7 phenomenon that was described by Steve Carpenter as one of the most common modes of failure
8 for these types of silos. Let’s see if this is going to work…there we go.
9 Mr. Chairman, before we proceed, could I ask you to request that the audience keep the
10 murmuring down to a minimum; it’s very distracting to present up here while there’s this
11 discussion going on.
12 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Sure, please hold your comments so we can have a…so we
13 can all hear the speaker and that they can do their presentation. Thank you.
14 MS. WHITE: Alright, this slide just simply is a quote from another professional engineer
15 journal talking about the frequency with which these types of silos in particular are prone to
16 failure in this regard.
17 Next I’d like to introduce Steve Steismeyer and Chris Fawzy to briefly talk to you about
18 the background of how the remand question got formulated and exactly what it is that you are
19 being asked to decide today.
20 MR. STEVE STIESMEYER: Good afternoon, Steve Stiesmeyer, the Director of Real
Estate with Woodward. How we got here, is on February 3
rd
21 , we had a meeting with the Chief
22 Building Official to understand what the remand really was about. And it became clear to me
23 there was some confusion…it was well, imminent should be like they’d fail right now. And I’m
24 going, that doesn’t fit what the remand was all about. It was after that meeting we made a
25 request to the City Manager and the City Attorney to sit with our General Counsel, Chris Fawzy,
26 to say, we need to work through because I don’t want to false start…we’re paying these
27 structural guys a lot of money. I want to make sure we’re very clear what we’re asking them to
28 do. And Chris will cover that meeting, it was Chris Fawzy, myself, and the City Manager and
the City Attorney…what that meeting on February 15
th
29 was about.
30 MR. CHRIS FAWZY: Chris Fawzy for the record, Woodward General Counsel. So, as
Mr. Stiesmeyer mentioned, we did have this meeting on February 15
th
31 , and the question came up,
32 based on the earlier discussions with the Chief Building Official, as to whether we’re going in
33 the right path, because months ago, we were before BRB with some specific questions and those
34 were brought up to City Council. They were remanded, as Ms. White said, on a very specific
35 basis. And our concern was that, given the questions that were asked, maybe that remand
36 didn’t…that remand language and directive didn’t come through very clearly.
Attachment 2
10
1 The question was posed, is the question for remand whether the silos could fail at any
2 time during a ten year event, natural condition, wind event in particular. And in agreeing with
3 that being the question, the City Attorney repeatedly said, I was actually part of the drafting of
4 the remand, I recall that that was…the ten year event was a very specific and key part of the
5 remand. And so, yes, we agree with how you are posing the question. So, it was a little
6 perplexing to us when we saw, ultimately, how the question was being posed by the City.
7 Additionally in that meeting, we discussed, what is the role of the structural engineers versus the
8 Building Review Board? And, specifically, it was stated and agreed amongst all of us at that
meeting on the 15
th
9 , was that the structural engineers’ job was to provide the data, not to form
10 any legal conclusions, and in particular with regard to the terminology of imminent danger. And
11 it was for the BRB to make a determination as to the question of imminent danger.
On February 23
rd
12 , we had a follow-up meeting. This involved the Chief Building
13 Official, structural engineers, both JVA and Exponent, the Deputy City Attorney, and
14 Woodward. In that case, there were numerous statements that were made that, from my
15 perspective, led me to believe that, yet again, the questions being raised certainly by the City’s
16 structural engineer, Exponent, were not the right questions at issue. Specifically, we were told,
17 well, even in the ten year event, the probability of that occurring on any given day is low. We all
18 know the probability of a ten year event; it’s one in ten years. But that’s not what City Council
19 remanded this for. The question is how would the silos act in a ten year event? And that was
20 followed by another comment that North Korea could launch a missile tonight, okay. Then, a
21 gentleman, and I apologize if I mispronounce his name, David Ojala, from Exponent in their
22 Menlo Park office, diverted the issue and said, no, the issue isn’t what you guys are talking
23 about. The issue is whether they can be repaired rather than focusing on, I’ll quote, ‘an arbitrary
24 ten year period.’ Again showing, in my mind, that Exponent is not regarding the remand
25 language of City Council. And I’ll also note, for the record, that it was stated multiple times, and
26 I think we all agree with this, that nobody knows exactly how these structures would behave in a
27 ten year wind event.
28 MS. WHITE: As a general rule, the conclusions in the Exponent report are irrelevant to
29 the determination before you today because the fail to answer the question posed by City Council
30 to you, the Building Review Board. Exponent answers the question of whether the silos can
31 withstand storms having a ten year return period, i.e. in the 85 to 90 mile an hour winds. They
32 do not answer the question of whether the silos could fail during such a wind storm event having
33 a ten year return period.
34 Even if the answer to the first question is yes, even if Exponent is correct and these silos
35 could or can withstand such a storm, the answer to the second question can still be yes, and in
36 fact it is yes, based on the analysis that JVA concluded. In other words, these two things are not
37 mutually exclusive, and the only answer that matters for purposes of the remand, the charge that
38 was given to you, is the answer to the second question, not the answer to the first question. And
39 that answer, according to both JVA and Martin and Martin, is yes. And nothing in the Exponent
Attachment 2
11
1 report or in Mr. Gebo’s analysis changes that answer, because they all address the wrong
2 question.
3 There are some additional flaws with the Exponent report. As we noted, it poses the
4 wrong question, are the silos capable of withstanding wind storms having a ten year event? It
5 doesn’t answer the City Council’s actual question, could the silos fail during natural events?
6 Another flaw in the Exponent report, and I’ve excerpted some of the language here, is that
7 Exponent concludes, based on observed behavior and past performance, in the absence of
8 performing more advanced techniques, which their report says would be required to reach a
9 conclusion, that therefore the JVA conclusion that they could fail is not correct, and that the
10 Exponent conclusion that they could withstand a ten year wind event is correct.
11 Now, the burden of proof, we know in an appeal is originally on us…to demonstrate why
12 Mr. Gebo failed to interpret the Code correctly in the first instance. We have met that burden of
13 proof, and we’ve gone up to City Council and back. And City Council, in order to make their
14 decision is asking a very specific question of this body related to whether or not the silos could
15 fail during a ten year wind event. That burden of proof is more than adequately met with the
16 evidence put forward in the JVA report and the Martin and Martin report, and it is not
17 significantly or even remotely rebutted by the additional evidence on the other side. With that,
18 I’d like to turn it back over to Mr. Fawzy to address how this relates to Woodward.
19 MR. FAWZY: So again, I’ll note, as Mr. Carpenter did, that Exponent’s report states that
20 JVA’s report and approach is conservative. I want to talk about Woodward’s commitment to
21 safety. As you know, we have safety-critical parts in everything we do, and we are conservative
22 in evaluating safety. We are not overly conservative, but we are conservative. So, to take
23 isolated events of historic behavior and extrapolate that they don’t present a safety issue, is a
24 flawed approach, as Mr. Carpenter stated, particularly under different circumstances. We test
25 aircraft engines, for example. And if an aircraft engine was to be tested for utilization up to
26 60,000 pounds thrust, we wouldn’t test aircraft engines to 25,000 pounds thrust. So, we
27 wouldn’t say, well, less than half the thrust, it survived in that situation; therefore, it might
28 survive, or should survive, or will survive, or could survive, at 60,000 pounds thrust. Nor do we
29 look at historic isolated instances, like, alright, well 17 years ago, this aircraft flew at 60,000
30 pounds thrust; therefore, it is still fit for that purpose today. And so much time has passed, we
31 can’t extrapolate that into its current condition.
32 We always talk about safety margin. Safety margin is measured by what’s within
33 tolerance. If a product or a structure is overstressed, it is outside of its safety margin. The safety
34 margin is there for a reason; the tolerances are there for a reason. When something is
35 overstressed, it does not follow that, well, it has to be overstressed by a certain amount for it to
36 be outside of its safety margin. It’s already outside of its safety margin once it is overstressed at
37 all. Does that mean that it definitely will fail? No. Does that mean that it is not true that the
38 product cannot withstand those overstresses? No, that’s not true either. But, if we’re answering
Attachment 2
12
1 the question, could the product fail given the stresses that it’s intended to operate in, or in this
2 case, could the structure fail at a ten year wind event as the City Council remanded? If the
3 answer to that is yes, it could fail, then it is not safe from Woodward’s standards.
4 MS. WHITE: The City, in the letter from Mr. Gebo dated last Thursday, in interpreting
5 the JVA report and the Exponent report, focuses not just on the language of the City Council
6 remand, but also on their initial interpretation of what constitutes imminent danger. The city
7 letter with Mr. Gebo’s conclusion that was presented to you today states, imminent danger is not
8 interpreted to be a condition that could happen at some point in time and under various
9 conditions, but rather a condition so hazardous that it could cause injury or death at any time.
10 But, regardless of whether you look at the original analysis of imminent failure or the specific
11 question that was posed to you today, JVA concluded in its reports that both of those conditions
12 are met. The answer to both questions is yes. Yes, the silos could fail at any time, and yes, the
13 silos could fail at any time during a ten year recurrence event. And no one is disputing that, if
14 the silos fail, it could cause significant or life-threatening injury or death.
15 So, the basic question before you on remand from City Council is, could one or both of
16 the silos fail in a ten year wind event. You have two pieces of data in support of a yes answer to
17 that question: you have the JVA answer, yes, based on their calculations measuring the capacity
18 versus demand, and the degree to which the silos are already today overstressed, you have the
19 yes answer from Martin and Martin reviewing and analyzing JVA’s conclusion. And you also
20 have two other data points which are not relevant to that specific question. You have Exponent’s
21 answer to a different question, could the silos withstand a ten year wind event, and they answer
22 yes. But the answer to this question could be yes, and yet the silos still could fail, thus this is not
23 a relevant data point to the question of, could the silos fail. You also have Mr. Gebo’s letter in
24 which he concludes the danger is not imminent, as follows…and I already quoted you his quote.
25 Compare this to the remand question and the definition in the IPMC. Oh, I thought I had another
26 quote for it there. Yes, this is the actual question, could further evidence and analysis regarding
27 the effects of natural conditions and events of a one in ten year probability, and to consider
28 whether one or both silos poses an imminent threat or danger as that term is defined in the IPMC.
29 And the definition in the IPMC is, a condition which could cause serious or life-threatening
30 injury or death at any time. Mr. Gebo also answers the wrong question. Thus, the only possible
31 conclusion faced with the right question and the two data points you have answering yes to that
32 question and the other data points you have which are not relevant to that question, is yes, the
33 silos could fail at any time during a ten year probability wind event, 85 to 90 miles per hour, and
34 therefore we ask you to conclude that the silos do pose an imminent danger and allow Woodward
35 to proceed with its alternative reuse plan. Thank you.
36 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Thank you Ms. White. Do we have any questions from the
37 Building Review Board? From what Woodward has presented here today? Bernie? No. I think
38 ultimately during the larger questioning phase, after hearing both sides, probably, but not at this
39 time. Okay, we will move on to the presentation by the Chief Building Official, please.
Attachment 2
13
1 MR. GEBO: Thank you. Well, I certainly appreciate Woodward’s analysis; that certainly
2 does help. Possibly before I get into how I made this second determination, it might be helpful if
3 Mr. Bennett from Exponent would offer his presentation. And then from there, we can come
4 back and review further.
5 MR. PAUL BENNETT: Paul Bennett with Exponent; I had the opportunity to meet with
6 you guys a couple months ago. I appreciate your time today. In hindsight, I had wished I had
7 asked for time last time to present some of this for you, so if you would allow me just a few
8 moments to back up and show you how we got here; I’ll show you our current analysis and what
9 we base our opinions on. I’m briefly going to talk about myself, my colleague, our backgrounds,
10 the analysis that we previously did, the current analysis, the historical performance of the silos,
11 and then our concluding thoughts.
12 You can read my background here on the slide; my Master’s is in Civil Engineering with
13 an emphasis in structures. For the past approximately seven or eight years, my work has focused
14 exclusively on existing structures; that is the majority of the work that our firm does. I’ve had
15 the opportunity to be out after several disasters, usually tornadoes, in different parts of the United
16 States, and analyze structures for damage. I was privileged to be awarded Larimer County’s
17 Outstanding Professional of the Year award in 2008, and involved as a…in the Code
18 development process for the existing building provisions of the Building Code…was involved in
19 the 2015 Code development cycle. A safety assessment evaluator: this is a program that requires
20 some training and an exam to be certified to go out and evaluate structures after a disaster and
21 determine their safety, readiness.
22 I wanted to bring in on this case an associate of mine from California, Mr. Ojala; he was
23 mentioned earlier. He has a similar educational background. Again, Dave’s work, similar to
24 mine, focuses on existing buildings. He is the chairman of existing buildings committee for the
25 Structural Engineers Association of California, he serves there. He serves at a national level for
26 the NCSCA, National Council of Structural Engineers Association, on the existing buildings
27 committee. We are the folks that help develop this code language, help entertain changes to the
28 code language, and provide our comments. Dave is not only a SAP responder, but also a SAP
29 instructor, as well as a member of the FEMA task force for, in California. As a member of the
30 FEMA task force, he goes out after disasters and helps the FEMA search and rescue teams
31 determine how safe structures are to enter. If they’re not safe, and there’s something immediate
32 that needs to be addressed, he helps determine the shoring requirements and monitors them
33 during the search and rescue process.
34 Our initial analysis looked at both these silos more from a qualitative standpoint; we did
35 not perform calculations initially. We did not deterioration, cracks, the age of these silos, and we
36 did conclude that they are dangerous and that the area around them should be fenced off and
37 people should not congregate around them. Some opinions from our initial analysis…I’m sure
38 you’ve read our reports; I know they’re very exciting reading, kind of like a phone book. We did
Attachment 2
14
1 determine that they will eventually collapse if no action is taken, and that design level, full
2 design level winds, intuitively, quantitatively…or qualitatively, we felt that they posed a
3 significant risk of collapse in a full design level wind event with a 1,700 year return interval.
4 We talked briefly at the last meeting…the types of structures that we look at and the
5 structures that we sometimes to see that, in our opinion, pose an immediate risk to life safety;
6 and getting occupants out and, if they’re even able to be shored, getting shoring done. We talked
7 about the probability of a 1,700 year return interval wind event occurring on any given day, and
8 the low probability there.
9 But let me talk about the new analysis that we’ve done, and where we vary and differ
10 from JVA. You’ve heard about JVA’s analysis, straight from them…I won’t repeat to you that,
11 and all their stresses and analyses you can see on the screen. We find that their analysis is the
12 type of analysis with factors of safety and whatnot that you would perform for a new structure.
13 That’s not the type of analysis we would perform for an existing structure if we’re really trying
14 to pinpoint at what point they are going to risk falling down. As I’m sure you would imagine,
15 and for good reason, when we design new structures there are a lot of factors of safety. When
16 we analyze existing structures and we’re trying to predict their actual behavior, things are a bit
17 different, and I’ll talk more about that.
18 The loading scenarios that we were asked to look at, either through the City Council
19 minutes, or through the meeting with Woodward, are shown on the screen here. Assuming
20 you’ve had the opportunity to read our subsequent report, I won’t dwell on all of these…wind is
21 primarily the focus. We generally don’t see hail, rain and snow events being able to develop
22 enough loading on these silos to be of any risk. When it comes to a seismic, I’ll show you a slide
23 in a minute…at the ten year level, we don’t see any threat to the silos from a seismic event. And
24 vibrations were mentioned, I believe, in the City Council meeting minutes. We find that
25 vibrations from roadways that are fairly far away…these are such small loads, they couldn’t be
26 quantified; not a typical loading event that we analyze structures for…and the vibrations from
27 nearby construction and from drilling holes in the silos themselves certainly would outweigh any
28 vibrations from nearby roadways, so we don’t see a risk there. Frost heave was mentioned; this
29 is where the ground freezes and expands and can exert some force on a structure at the
30 foundation level. If it happens unevenly, it could cause the structure to come out of level. We
31 don’t know a lot about the foundations; we doubt, given the age, that they’re deep enough to
32 resist frost heave. But, past performance of over a hundred years, this hasn’t shown to be a
33 problem. We find it to be of such low risk that it doesn’t require analysis.
34 Freeze thaw was talked about…freeze thaw is a very real deterioration mechanism in our
35 climate with concrete structures. That’s a long-term deterioration mechanism. It can be abated
36 with proper maintenance of the structures. So, wind is primarily the focus that I’ll talk about. I
37 think I’ve just talked through these issues; I’ll show you the slide. This is straight from the U.S.
38 Geological Service, their data for seismic loading…you can see for a 2,500 return period, there is
Attachment 2
15
1 a certain ground acceleration expected, for a 500 year return period, for a 20 year return period,
2 the line shown on the bottom, the forces are, for all practical purposes, non-existent. So, for a
3 ten year return period, obviously the same would be true; it’s a smaller event. We just don’t
4 have enough earthquakes in Colorado to have data for that kind of return interval.
5 As was mentioned, there is the demand, the load that’s put on these silos, and then there’s
6 the capacity, what they can resist. From a demand standpoint, the loading that’s being put on
7 them during a wind event, we largely agree with JVA’s calculations. For the capacity, the ability
8 of those silos to resist that demand, this is where we differ from JVA. And I’ll explain a little
9 bit more about that. When you’re analyzing structures like this, there’s a lot of different ways to
10 analyze them. There’s a lot of second order effects; that was mentioned by JVA…good or bad.
11 The analysis that JVA did, and we’ve done something similar to respond to their analysis, is a
12 very simplified analysis. It assumes a buckling of a stave near the bottom of the silo. As was
13 mentioned by JVA, they assumed there’s no contribution from nearby staves through the tongue-
14 in-groove action…that an individual stave will act independently. We disagree with that; we
15 think that there is interaction between the staves through the tongue-in-groove action. Who’s
16 right? Well, I’ll talk a little bit more about the past performance and what we can base off of
17 that, but the reality is, nobody knows. You would have to do in-place testing to really answer the
18 question. Even with the tongue-in-groove samples that you were given, you can see that with
19 new hardwood, the tongue-in-groove is slippery between the two, and it doesn’t offer much. This
20 gets very complicated; it has to do with the friction between the staves. Over the years, with
21 deterioration, some of the section is gone, but there could be an increased rate of friction between
22 them due to the deterioration and engagement of aggregate. Nobody knows. We like to look at
23 the real world performance and what they’ve resisted.
24 If I could entertain you with a highly sophisticated model here, a paper towel tube, and
25 imagining this as the silos…I want to show you how the simplified analysis that both engineers
26 have done doesn’t necessarily consider real world behavior. And I’m not trying to muddy the
27 waters or make your decisions any more difficult than they already are, but I want to explain to
28 you, this is why there is a difference between the two experts. We…both have taken the wind
29 speed, the wind forces on the silo, and equated that to equivalent point loads, or a point load,
30 pushing on it…a load that would be equivalent to the distributed load. And as that load is
31 applied, what JVA has done, and what we have done, is analyzed a local area near the base of the
32 silo on the leeward side, opposite of the wind…on this side, near the base. Again, JVA assumes
33 there’s no contribution from nearby staves; we believe there is. So they take out a stave at the
34 bottom and show that there’s a failure there, and determine that the silo has failed at that point.
35 In reality, there is some load redistribution that happens. If you lose…if you imagine that we
36 push on this paper towel tube and cut out a little section at the bottom here, the tube is still not
37 going to fail; loads will redistribute themselves.
38 The analysis is much more complicated; when you have a uniform load pushing on the
39 silos, they start to become…especially with the thinner ones…they start to become a little bit out
Attachment 2
16
1 of round. And eventually, there will be a global failure, which will be a buckling on one side.
2 This is a different analysis than what either of us have done, and this is a complex analysis. You
3 ask, why didn’t we do that? That analysis requires more information on the structure in place
4 and how it could behave. At some point, we have to ask ourselves, how deep do we want to go?
5 We could probably find a student from CSU that could turn this into a PhD topic and give us an
6 answer in five years from now. I don’t think we want to wait five years. The analysis that both
7 of us have done is simplified; they have different assumptions. We think our assumptions are
8 right; they think their assumptions are right. But, I want you to appreciate the fact that the failure
9 mechanisms are more complex.
10 The fact is, we could probably banter all day long. Nobody knows the exact point…it’s a
11 much more in-depth analysis, which is why we like to go back to real world performance and see
12 what they’ve resisted historically, and even recently. We think that in structural analysis of an
13 existing structure, trying to really pinpoint the risk of them failing, should consider recent and
14 historic performance…what have they resisted? We know they’re standing today; that tells us
15 something about their behavior. If you take loading that they’ve resisted in the last couple
16 months, 40 an hour wind speeds, take that loading and put it into JVA’s calculations, their
17 calculations predict that they should have failed during that wind event. Their calculations that
18 show that they’re unsafe under a ten year wind event show that they should fall down under their
19 own weight, but they’ve been standing quite successfully. They stood well enough for people to
20 drill holes in the side of them. They stood and resisted a 40 mile an hour wind event. So, we
21 look at the calculations and calibrate them to the real world performance if we want to get down
22 to what these structures can really resist.
23 When it comes to the cast-in-place silo, it’s a different animal. It doesn’t have the staves
24 and that interaction; it does have rebar reinforcement. The rebar reinforcement wasn’t
25 considered by JVA. We find that the cast-in-place silo is safe in ten year wind speeds, and even
26 wind speeds above that. It’s a stronger silo than the stave silo. JVA’s analysis assumes that the
27 failure mode would occur when a 6 inch wide by 2 inch thick little column of concrete at the
28 base of the silo would buckle. Again, the real world failure mechanism is much more complex
29 than that. We don’t see a 6 inch wide by 2 inch thick post at the bottom, first of all; second of
30 all, there is load redistribution in these structures. This is the cast-in-place silo; you can see
31 reinforcement. No, it’s not always in the greatest shape; there are areas where it’s exposed and
32 rusting, but there’s areas where the cores went through a rebar. The brown spot you’re seeing in
33 the image there is a rebar that was cored through during the coring process. So, there’s
34 embedded rebar in these silos. Generally, they’re much thicker than the two inches. There are
35 deteriorated areas; we pointed them out in our report. But again, just want to help you
36 understand that there’s a lot more to this than a 6 inch wide by 2 inch thick section at the base of
37 the silo. This is much more complex than that.
38 I mentioned that whenever we’re going to analyze historic structures and try to really
39 pinpoint at what point they’re going to fail, we do look at the historical performance. We find
Attachment 2
17
1 that to be important; it’s how we analyze existing structures much of the time. These structures,
2 according to Martin and Martin’s data, are over 100 years old. Yes, they’re continuing to
3 deteriorate and we recognize that, compared to 17 years ago, they are more deteriorated. But, it
4 gives us some information on the silos and their ability to resist loads. Seventeen years ago, in a
5 hundred year old silo, is not that long ago. But let’s look more recent than that…what you have
6 on your screen here is 20 years of wind data from CSU. You can see, in 1999, approximately 83
7 mile an hour wind gusts, in ’08 approximately 62 mile an hour wind gusts, in 2011
8 approximately 60 mile an hour wind gusts, 2014, 40 mile an hour wind gusts, and as recent as
9 the past six weeks, the silos have resisted wind speeds at the 40 mile an hour range.
10 I think I’ve talked through these pieces…engineers can banter all day long with equations
11 and different assumptions. To us, the proof is in the pudding and the historical performance of
12 the silos, their ability to stand up under their own weight and resist certain levels of wind events.
13 If I could conclude with this…I fully appreciate where Woodward is coming from. I had the
14 opportunity to go to their campus; it’s a beautiful campus, they’re great people. They employ
15 engineers; we like engineers. We don’t have a dog in this fight. With all due respect to the
16 historical preservation folks, that’s not what we do. We’re not in the business of fighting for,
17 preserving historical buildings. As people that are involved in the code development process,
18 and involved in helping write and interpret these code provisions, and apply them, we have some
19 concern over this imminent danger piece…a lot of concern over it. We feel that, if every time a
20 structure was found to be unsafe under certain design level wind events; if it was going to be
21 allowed to be torn down and it was historic, that sets some precedent that concerns us from the
22 code development standpoint. At the end of the day, when we have these structures, we ask
23 simple questions of, can it be repaired, and we believe it can be. And if it can be repaired, should
24 it be repaired? And that’s not our decision; that’s obviously your guys’ decision. The historical
25 significance of these and if they’re important enough to be repaired; that’s far above our pay
26 grade. But, do think about the implications of taking older structures, and there’s a lot of older
27 structures, unreinforced masonry structures, in Old Town Fort Collins, that could be shown that
28 they can’t resist design level wind or seismic events. They’re all over the United States,
29 structures like this. And, when they’re important to us…and again, that’s not my decision…but
30 when they’re important to us, we made the decision to repair them, strengthen them, and get
31 them along because they have significance to us. If they don’t have significance to us, we make
32 the decision to tear them down. Thank you.
33 MR. GEBO: Okay, thank you. So, as a reminder, we are here because the historical
34 chapters in the Municipal Code…Article 4, demolition or alteration of historic structures not
35 designated as Fort Collins landmarks. And this was a recent change here within the last, oh, year
36 or two, in that prior to this change, and building, historic building with significance that was
37 classified as dangerous, I could order the owner to repair or remove at the owner’s choice…that
38 was a dangerous classification. The change was that, unless a public official determined that the
39 structure constitutes an imminent threat. So, there was a degree of hazard now, applied to this
Attachment 2
18
1 landmark preservation code, in that although I could declare a property dangerous, it meant that
2 there had to be another level of understanding, another level of danger, and that was the
3 imminent clause.
4 Now, when I use building codes…the way building codes operate…the general building
5 code is the International Building Code, and that is the general code that covers all other codes.
6 As we adopt these codes, this building code, the International Building Code, has all the
7 administrative sections, all the reference sections…anything that any other code book down the
8 line would come to the Building Code and use the Building Code administrative sections to
9 satisfy questions or concerns of the other code. And IBC 104.1, the Building Official is hereby
10 authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this Code. The Building Official shall have
11 the authority to render interpretations of this Code and to adopt policies and procedures. I
12 understand that to mean that my function is to interpret definitions, to interpret Code sections and
13 to apply them properly.
14 So, when I use the Property Maintenance Code, which is what Council has directed as
15 part of the remand, to make sure that if it can be determined imminent as defined in the Property
16 Maintenance Code. There are also other definitions in this Property Maintenance Code that tend
17 to identify levels of hazard, the first one being substandard. A substandard structure is one that
18 may pose a risk to life, health, property, the safety of the occupants thereof, or the public, even
19 though it does not constitute a dangerous structure. So, here’s the lowest level, substandard; it’s
20 referencing a higher level standard, the dangerous standard, as defined 108.1.5. Substandard
21 goes on to talk about, if not corrected, may pose a risk to the health and safety of the public or
22 the occupants. So, that is the very lowest level hazard as defined in the Property Maintenance
23 Code, which is the code that Council directed me to use. There’s also a dangerous structure or
24 premise. A structure or premise is dangerous if any part, element or component thereof is no
25 longer within its serviceability limit or strength limit state as defined in the Code, or when
26 considered in totality, the structure or premises poses an imminent threat. So, even dangerous
27 now, definition, is identifying a higher level of hazard in its description of calling something
28 imminent.
29 To look further, the dangerous talks about serviceability limit or strength limit state.
30 Now, when you define limit state, which Property Maintenance does, limit state…a condition
31 beyond which a structure or member becomes unfit for service and is judged to be no longer
32 useful for its intended function, which is the serviceability limit state, or to be unsafe, which is
33 the strength limit state. The last degree of hazard as defined, is the imminent danger: a condition
34 which could cause serious or life-threatening injury or death at any time. Now, the remand…I’ll
35 read it again…is for the BRB to receive and consider evidence and analysis regarding the effects
36 of natural conditions and events of a one in ten year probability on one or both of the silos to
37 consider whether one or both poses an imminent threat or danger as that term is defined in the
38 Property Maintenance Code.
Attachment 2
19
1 So, in my interpretation and use of the Codes, especially the Property Maintenance Code,
2 substandard is a building that needs some repair, dangerous building is a building that is no
3 longer within its serviceability limit or strength limit state, imminent is a condition which could
4 cause serious or life-threatening injury or death at any time; it is the highest level hazard. Most
5 discussions around this definition seemed to be focused on, it could cause, at any time…it could
6 cause a danger at any time, in the future, down the road, at any time it could cause some danger.
7 And I just don’t think that is the proper interpretation of the term imminent. As I would refer to
8 this, I would use substandard, dangerous…I think everybody is in total agreement that these are
9 dangerous structures. In fact, when I first declared them dangerous, I ordered a plan of action to
10 stabilize these structures, to repair these structures, because I did not call them imminent,
11 meaning imminent they could remove them right away…Woodward could remove them right
12 away. So, these are dangerous structures. And, it’s my understanding that my order to stabilize
13 and repair has already expired; I’m not sure what happens with that particular order, but they’re
14 dangerous structures. Are they imminent? I still don’t believe that they are imminent as I use
15 the definitions in the Property Maintenance Code, with imminent being the most dangerous,
16 most hazardous. In fact, knowing that this particular imminent danger definition in the Property
17 Maintenance Code was lacking in what I felt needed a better understanding, I presented a
18 Webster’s Dictionary…but that is more…yeah…it’s impending, it’s more immediate…that helps
19 to identify this imminent danger, which Property Maintenance Code doesn’t do.
20 But, we’ve been remanded back to using the terms in the Property Maintenance
21 Code…and my use of substandard, dangerous, which is a very high level of danger; it requires
22 action to stabilize, action to secure, and them imminent which is even a higher level. And
23 knowing that, under right conditions, under certain wind conditions they could fail, under certain
24 activities over a period of time, they could fail. But that’s not an imminent in my interpretation
25 of what imminent means, particularly using the Property Maintenance Code. They are
26 dangerous, yes…they will fail if my order to secure and stabilize and repair is not met. But,
27 that’s again, at some point in time. They could fail at any time…I just don’t think the term is
28 properly being used in light of the substandard, the dangerous definitions in the Property
29 Maintenance Code. So, because of that, I still do not believe they are an imminent danger, as
30 used in the Property Maintenance Code, and that the dangerous classification is in place. My
31 order to stabilize, provide a plan of action so that we know how they’re going to be stabilized,
32 how they’re going to be repaired, is still in place; although, my time frame probably has expired.
33 But, my order still stands, and I do not consider these an imminent danger using these
34 definitions.
35 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Is that all Mike?
36 MR. GEBO: I’m sorry, yes, thank you.
37 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, any questions from the Building Review Board to City
38 staff?
Attachment 2
20
1 MR. BERNIE MARZONIE: No, not here, no.
2 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Alright, we will move now to the public comment.
3 And…again, we are limiting each person to five minutes. Do we have a way of keeping time
4 over here? Okay. If the first person would come up and announce their name, we also have a
5 sign in sheet there to please sign your name in at the podium when you come up. And one more
6 reminder that, as Brad stated earlier, we want to keep comments to the issue that we’re hearing
7 today, and that’s on the definition of imminent and what that means to this case, and any analysis
8 that’s going into the structural engineering of the silos.
9 MS. LISA ASHBACH: You’re going to be receiving a printed copy of our comments
10 today, just so you can follow along. We’ve got quite a few items we wanted to cover. My name
11 is Lisa Ashbach; I live at 1501 Red Mesa Lane out in Bellvue. I want to thank you for taking our
12 comments today. I am part of a steering committee of interested parties who’ve been researching
13 and working on this issue on behalf of preservation of the silos. These silos are incredibly
14 important to the community, and many of us volunteers have been working on this issue because
15 of that.
16 I’d like to start out with Exponent’s summary and report. To me, one of the most
17 pressing items that’s been covered here is that JVA provided no new data or evidence in their
18 analysis. They did new calculations, but they did not develop a more sophisticated model, they
19 did not develop their calculations further with additional testing on the silos, which would
20 potentially have been conclusive. Exponent used historical evidence; that the silos are still
21 standing after a hundred years is evidence of their stability. I would reiterate that JVA has taken
22 an extremely conservative approach and applied some unconventional methods in their analysis
23 in an attempt to substantiate Woodward’s claim that the silos are imminently dangerous; and
24 these are an indication of bias in JVA’s assessment of the silos. JVA is clearly acting to the best
25 of their ability to support their client’s desires rather than providing a neutral analysis. Finally,
26 on this point, Woodward has had plenty of time to conduct more conclusive tests, but they have
27 not done so. It would appear that they know that more comprehensive testing would still not
28 provide the evidence that the silos are imminently dangerous.
29 I’d like to jump ahead on my list here and point you to this item, Shoenberg Farm.
30 There’s a silo in Westminster at the Shoenberg Farm, which was restored in 2011-2012 for about
31 $100,000. This silo is substantially similar in construction to the western concrete stave silo at
32 the Coy Farm: 45 feet tall, 16 feet diameter, so on. According to the plans…and on the second
33 page of this document I’ve given you…I’ve highlighted the assessment of the condition of the
34 silo that was restored. This silo exhibited severely deteriorated panels around its base, it was
35 categorized, the deterioration, as severe at the base, poor above that for some distance, and then
36 fair or poor again at the top…in substantially worse condition than the silo at the Coy Farm.
37 Still, this silo was repaired and restored for under $100,000, and grants paid for 75% of the cost.
Attachment 2
21
1 You’ll be hearing later from one of our consultants who’s developed a cost estimate of
2 their own for repairing and stabilizing the Coy Farm silos…similar numbers. And again,
3 Woodward is eligible for grants to cover this cost. So, next, I’d like to turn our presentation over
4 to Gina Janett who will come up and address a few other issues. Again, thank you for hearing
5 our comments today.
6 MR. YATABE: And, Mr. Chair, if I could interject. I just want to comment, as to the
7 ability of the silos to be repaired or the cost of that, that’s not really within the scope of this
8 hearing…just for the benefit of the coming speakers.
9 MS. GINA JANETT: Hi, I’m Gina Janett…got our numbers going here…and I’m with
10 the group Save Our Silos, and this is just a small portion; a lot of our people work, couldn’t be
11 here today. And I want to tell the Board…you received a lot of information from us, and you’re
12 receiving more. And the reason for that is, this is a very important decision because these silos
13 and the barn and the homestead are very, very important to this community. And, we are part of
14 the community that would like to see them repaired and stabilized and preserved. And so, we
would ask you to uphold the Chief Building Officer’s decision of September 18
th
15 …I think you
16 have sufficient technical evidence to do so.
17 But, today, we also would like to submit…you don’t have to read this…but, we did some
18 signature gathering and we have gathered 678 of people who are asking you to uphold that
19 decision. So, I will turn that in now. Additionally, there was a letter that you probably received
20 only this morning, I don’t know when you got it, from Eric Fried…and so, just in case you
21 haven’t seen it, in your gobs of email. I think it’s very pertinent to your decision.
22 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: May I ask what the email that you’re referring to is in
23 regards…what…a summary of what that email is, please.
24 MS. JANETT: For Eric Fried?
25 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Yes.
26 MS. JANETT: Absolutely, that’s my intent. If you’ll give me just a minute, I will get to
27 that. First of all, I think that what you have before you is a technical decision based on evidence,
28 and you have received evidence from both sides; however, the evidence from the applicants is
29 limited…and they have actually presented no empirical data, actual measurements, to say that
30 they are imminently going to fail. But, most importantly, I think we go back to the definition as
31 we keep kicking around about imminent. And I will suggest that imminent, under Merriam
32 Webster Dictionary, is ‘happening very soon.’ And when you look up ‘soon,’ it says ‘in or after
33 a short time or a time that is not long from now,’ ‘in a quick way,’ ‘at any time.’ So, the issue
34 before you is one of probability, and saying ‘could it happen’ isn’t a probability
35 thing…that’s…anything could happen at any time. So I think the focus of Exponent on
36 probability is exactly the way that you should consider this.
Attachment 2
22
1 Additionally, I think it’s pretty ludicrous that if these silos were in such horrible
2 condition that they could fall at any time, it is very, very unlikely that Woodward’s construction
3 engineers and construction workers that have put in all the buildings and the drainageway and
4 the sidewalk and the underground utilities in close proximity to the silos, and additionally, their
5 structural engineers from JVA and Martin Martin would have gone right up to the silos, gone
6 inside the silos, drilled holes through the silos, and hammered them, if they thought they were
7 going to fall on their head at any second. That’s just a common sense conclusion that most
8 people could make.
9 Now, the letter that came in late is from Eric Fried, and Eric Fried gave us a copy of this
10 letter. And he wrote this as a citizen of Fort Collins; however, I think you might know that he is
11 a building code official at Larimer County with 20 years of increasingly responsible professional
12 experience as a code administrator for local government. So, I think that his viewpoint is very
13 pertinent to the issue at hand. And, in his letter, he speaks to the return events of a one in 1,000
14 year event, for three hundred year recurrence interval, the odds are 0.0333. But, at the end, he
15 says, based on the 85 mile per hour standards, the silos are not likely to collapse in an 85 mile
16 wind, which itself is unlikely to happen in the next ten years. I believe you’re being given legal
17 gobbledygook because the technical data would show that you have to find these as dangerous,
18 not imminently dangerous. And I encourage you to uphold the decision and I would like to
19 know from the City Attorney, should you make that finding, when the order will be enforced on
20 them to repair and stabilize the silos. Thank you.
21 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Thank you. Go ahead.
22 MR. JON SARGENT: Good afternoon; my name is Jon Sargent and I’m a resident of
23 Fort Collins and I work for a historic preservation contractor here in town. My interest in this
24 issue is a personal interest, not a professional interest. Being passionate about preservation, and I
25 have for the past six years been working strictly with preservation projects. So, I’ll keep my
26 comments brief; I know we’re trying to keep things limited to dealing with the question in the
27 remand and also many of my thoughts have already been echoed by others in the preservation
28 community. But I did want to encourage the group again to really focus in on the hard scientific
29 data, the technical evidence that’s been presented, and we’ll obviously leave it up to you to
30 determine which sides have provided the necessary evidence.
31 My involvement with this issue and with the group has been in the interest of quantifying
32 the issue and on the construction estimate side. I’d gone and developed an estimate of $175,000
33 to do the concrete and the structural repairs on the silos. And I know that’s not relevant to the
34 remand, but I would like to encourage you to take that same approach of really trying to quantify
35 this issue. And I think many people in this room agree that, from a feasibility standpoint, there’s
36 no question that this project can be done, especially with historic…the State Historic Fund grant
37 funding. So, I encourage you to take that same approach of really looking at the numbers and
Attachment 2
23
1 taking probability out of it, but really taking a more empirical approach to the definition of
2 dangerous versus imminent…and, thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak.
3 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Thank you.
4 MS. CAROLE HOSSAN: I’m Carole Hossan, a Fort Collins resident, and I’m also a
5 member of the Save Our Silos steering committee. And I’d like to hand this over for inclusion…
6 I’m a lay person, and you know…you know…not knowledgeable about, you know,
7 building codes and that sort of thing. But, I do know that Woodward, Incorporated is a very
8 safety-oriented company, and they’re very precise, and they do good work. And I don’t think
9 they would have left them…I don’t think they would have had building on the site, et cetera, if
10 they thought the silos were going to imminently fall. I think it’s been some time since they’ve
11 owned the site and done various things to the site, so, you know, I think they must have had
12 some faith, at least at the beginning, that they were going to stay up. Thank you.
13 MS. SHARI DUE: Shari Due, I’m a citizen of Fort Collins. So, you have two different
14 companies with two different opinions that have been hired by the different sides of this issue.
15 So, consider this about imminent danger: Woodward bought this historically-designated
16 property; therefore, they have an obligation to restore it. Several months ago they wouldn’t have
17 had an opportunity to use this imminent danger designation, so, you know, this is just coming up
18 now. Clearly, as others have said, they’ve done construction on the property. If you look at the
19 silos, if you go over there, they are so close to those new structures, and there had to be intense
20 vibrations happening, you know, while they were doing this…with all the…there was a lot of
21 noise and heavy equipment and it didn’t impact these structures at all. So, to come up with this
imminent danger designation right now, in the 11
th
22 hour, just because the City codes have
23 changed, that gives them a loophole. So, I would like to say they knew they were buying this
24 property with this obligation to restore, and they did this with the City’s support. So now,
25 because they have the money to do this, they’re fighting the City using semantics and their own
26 interpretation of the Code to avoid their responsibility to the historic property…and to the
27 citizens of Fort Collins. So, I would urge you to please not set a precedent that this Code change,
28 this definition of imminent danger can be used by any developer spending unlimited funds to
29 fight historical designation, because this could lead to further gentrification of historical
30 buildings and neighborhoods. Thank you.
31 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Thank you. Is there anybody else from the public that wishes
32 to speak?
33 MR. YATABE: Mr. Chair, to the extent anyone didn’t sign in…if we could have people
34 sign in on the sheet and put their name and address down, that would be appreciated.
35 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: There was one more document that was passed on
36 there…was that something that we needed to review?
Attachment 2
24
1 MR. GEBO: It’s Historical Colorado Office of Archeology and Historic Preservation,
2 which are in your packets probably from the first hearing, but we’ll certainly pass it around, and
3 I think you’ll recognize it.
4 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Brad, would it be acceptable if we take a minute to read this
5 here…this letter we got from Eric Fried so we can review what was passed on here.
6 MR. YATABE: That would be fine; in fact…at any time, it’s your prerogative if you
7 want to take a recess to review any of the materials, or if you just want to take it at this time.
8 MR. RICK REIDER: Brad, I have a question for you. A couple of parties today
9 mentioned the word precedence, and I wanted you to opine to that…do you…or does our Board
10 in making a decision set precedence?
11 MR. YATABE: I guess my general view on the setting of precedence is, is generally it’s
12 going to be a…on a case-by-case basis as to your determination, because you are taking specific
13 facts into account. However, I will say if you run into similar situations down the road, you want
14 to be cognizant that the decision that you do make can affect how you view those so that parties
15 are treated equally as they come before you. I think, in terms of your determination today, I
16 don’t know that you would necessarily take into account whether you’d be setting a precedent or
17 not. I think you want to focus on the specific facts and the standards in terms of making your
18 interpretation. But, to the degree that situations come before you that may have some
19 similarities; I think that would be taken into account as you go down the road.
20 MR. REIDER: Thank you.
21 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: I would like to take a couple minutes here for us to just be
22 able to read this from Eric Fried, the Building Official I think for Larimer County I believe…is
23 that correct?
24 MR. YATABE: Okay, would you like to take a five minute recess?
25 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Yeah, let’s do five minutes.
26 MR. YATABE: I think we’ll reconvene at, how about, 3:10?
27 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, we are going to continue on with our procedure here.
28 The next step is for the Woodward rebuttal presentation…what has been presented. Say that
29 again?
30 MS. WHITE: Are you finished with questions?
31 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Yes. We may have more questions after the next two rebuttal
32 presentations though.
Attachment 2
25
1 MS. WHITE: Ready?
2 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Sorry, go ahead.
3 MS. WHITE: Mr. Chairman, once again, Carolynne White, land use counsel for
4 Woodward. And we would just like to take a few minutes and respond to some of the testimony
5 that’s been presented to you both by the City staff and by the members of the public. I’m going
6 to briefly respond to some of the big picture issues and then I’m going to ask Steve Carpenter
7 from JVA to come up and respond to some of the more specific technical issues.
8 I think the overall point that we’d like to make is that it is not legal gobbledygook or
9 semantics to ask that the question that was asked be answered, and that question still has not
10 been answered. And I appreciate the summary that Mr. Bennett provided of their analysis, and
11 he did in fact address the question in his mind of whether or not these silos could withstand a ten
12 year wind event, and he also addressed what he thought may have been overly conservative
13 about JVA’s analysis; and I’ll let Mr. Carpenter tell you why it was not, in fact, overly
14 conservative.
15 But, Exponent still has not answered the question of, could they fail? Exponent
16 characterized JVA’s analysis as saying that the calculations predict that the silos should fail in a
17 ten year wind event, or even in a more frequent wind event, such as 45 miles per hour. That’s
18 not what we said. We didn’t say they should fail; we said they could fail. And that is the
19 question that was asked…and that’s not semantics, that’s not legal gobbledygook, that’s just
20 answering the question that was asked.
21 Mr. Bennett also said that, really nobody actually knows the answer to who’s right about
22 predicting with certainty exactly how these structures are going to behave under certain
23 conditions, and that’s probably true. But, if a more sophisticated analysis were warranted, it
24 doesn’t necessarily have to take five years; certainly we could have done some other analysis
25 during the two month intervening period since City Council remanded this. We did in fact do
26 additional analysis and presented that to you today.
27 And then the final point I’d like to make regarding Mr. Bennett’s testimony, is that he
28 also urged you to consider the public policy implications of your decision today, and what it
29 would actually mean for you to make a decision other than finding that no imminent danger
30 exists as it relates to the big picture of how codes should be interpreted, and how they should be
31 drafted, and how they should be used. And I’d just come back to the original point, which is, the
32 question asked of us today is, could the silos fail in a ten year wind event? That’s the question
33 we’ve been seeking to answer all this time, and that is the question that our evidence
34 demonstrates the answer to is, yes. So, with that, I’d like to ask Mr. Carpenter to come up and
35 then I’ll make a few concluding remarks after he’s finished.
Attachment 2
26
1 MR. CARPENTER: Steve Carpenter with JVA…just real quick, it seemed like there
2 were, sort of, several things that were brought up. One of the big things was how the stave silo is
3 built and how the various staves work together…and I showed you the example of the tongue-in-
4 groove flooring, and how it was when it originated, and then what happens over time as it
5 deteriorates; and so, the tongue and the groove is no longer there. That’s the reason we maintain
6 that there isn’t this load sharing, there isn’t this bracing from adjacent staves. And this really
7 became clear to me…I think I’ve been out to the silo four times now. And when I went out in
8 January on a cold day…so material contracts a little bit when it’s cold…you could actually see
9 daylight through the grooves. So, that’s when it really clicked with me…we’ve looked at these
10 stave silos before in other areas and we always check the buckling, but in this case, it was very
11 clear that when you absolutely have no contact, you know, that’s a big deal. So, that’s part of the
12 reason that we went down that road.
13 We came up with our numbers that show this overstress, but please keep in mind that we
14 did not base our decision solely on that. We looked at additional factors that are hard to bring
15 into an equation. I’m 51 years old; I started doing this structural engineering as a 19 year old
16 undergrad at North Carolina State University in a coop program. I’ve been through a lot of these
17 type of things before and I really like to bring the subjective in with my calculations. And when
18 I look at the fact that those staves are actually thinner than the one inch at the base, I can crumble
19 the concrete with my fingers right where it’s thinner…meaning…and that’s right where the
20 stress is maximum. So all this stuff coming together, coupled with this overstress, tells me that
21 these things could fail. And, in my mind, my task was very narrow…the remand is very clear.
22 They gave us a recurrence interval, we went to that recurrence interval, we looked at the stresses,
23 and then based on the definition that was given to us, it was ‘could they fail?’ And there’s
24 clearly enough overstress and additional factors that I can easily reach that conclusion.
25 MS. WHITE: Just the last couple points we’d like to make here. Mr. Gebo explained
26 how he reached his conclusion that he recommended to you in his letter, and he said, if, in fact,
27 under certain conditions, they could fail, that’s not imminent in my book. That is not the
28 definition of imminent; the definition of imminent is ‘could fail’ and ‘could cause injury or death
29 at any time.’ So, it’s also clear that Mr. Gebo is not correctly interpreting the Code, and that is
30 the underlying basis of our appeal.
31 I had another quote I was going to read here…but, I think the point is that, the answer
32 you get depends on the question you ask, and there are lots of questions that have been asked and
33 answered here today. Nobody is disputing how often it is likely that there will be 80 to 90 mile
34 an hour winds; we know the answer to that, it’s one in ten years. All the information about how
35 often the wind speed is likely to exceed that number is not relevant to the question of could the
36 silos fail if that wind event occurs? But the precise question of, could they fail if that wind event
37 occurs, is the only question in front of you today, and the only evidence you have to that point
38 indicates that the answer to that question is yes. For that reason, we believe that the Exponent
39 report doesn’t answer the right question, Mr. Gebo’s analysis specifically misinterprets the Code
Attachment 2
27
1 requirements and applies the data in an incorrect way and for that reason, we ask that you uphold
2 the appeal because the answer to the question is yes, the silos could fail in a ten year wind event.
3 Thank you.
4 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Thank you Ms. White. Now we have questions from the
5 Building Review Board to Woodward. Tim, go ahead.
6 MR. TIM JOHNSON: I have a question for Ms. White…in a second here. It appears that
7 you’re kind of…when we’re talking about this ‘could fail at any time’ statement, that you’re
8 really sitting on the word ‘could,’ and it appears that you’re kind of equating that to imminent. Is
9 that an accurate statement of what you’re representing?
10 MS. WHITE: I’m not equating it; I’m using the definition.
11 MR. JOHNSON: Okay. So what Mr. Gebo went through when he went through the
12 IPMC codes, is there’s the dangerous and there’s the imminent danger states. And within
13 dangerous, there’s still an imminent threat option…versus the imminent danger state is a
14 condition which could cause serious or life-threatening injury or death at any time. So, that’s
15 where that ‘at any time’ comes in. And kind of what I’m…I feel like we’re dancing around a
16 couple different words here and really focusing on them. But, the imminent piece, even in a
17 dangerous structure, does appear to be there, but the question becomes, could it happen at any
18 time? And that’s…my understanding is…you kept jumping on the word ‘could,’ and I wanted to
19 make sure I’m accurately representing how you’re going with that. Could, you’re pulling from
20 the definition of imminent, right?
21 MS. WHITE: Whether you look at imminent in either of those two contexts, yes, the
22 definition of imminent includes the question of ‘could happen at any time.’ The IPMC definition
23 of imminent includes that.
24 MR. JOHNSON: Of imminent danger?
25 MS. WHITE: Yes.
26 MR. JOHNSON: But then there’s…so then, in the dangerous structure code definition,
27 how would that be looked at? Because you pulled ‘could’…and it was early in your slides from
28 definitions, and the Merriam Webster definition, and that’s what I wasn’t sure about.
29 MS. WHITE: Could you tell me which two definitions you’re comparing?
30 MR. JOHNSON: I’m looking at, in Mike’s…in Mr. Gebo’s Woodward appeal write-up,
31 there was the definition of the IMPC [sic] terms that had substandard structures, dangerous
32 structures, or imminent danger…and that’s where I’m pulling this information from. And the
33 dangerous structure note was a structure or premise is dangerous if any part, element, or
34 component thereof is no longer within its serviceability limit or strength limit state as defined in
Attachment 2
28
1 this Code, or when considered in totality, the structure or premises poses an imminent threat to
2 the health and safety or the public or the occupants of the structure or premises as referenced in
3 Exhibit A of this Code. That’s what I’m reading from.
4 MS. WHITE: You are correct that the word imminent appears both in the definition of
5 dangerous and of imminent danger, yes.
6 MR. JOHNSON: And my question, then, is the word ‘could’ you’re pulling from the
7 definition of imminent or you’re pulling from ‘at any time’…you’re relating it to ‘at any time.’
8 MS. WHITE: I’m putting ‘could’ and ‘at any time’ to tie to imminent, because the only
9 difference between dangerous and imminently dangerous is the definition of imminent, which is
10 ‘could’ and ‘at any time.’
11 MR. JOHNSON: Okay.
12 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Any other questions from the Board?
13 MR. MARZONIE: No.
14 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Do you have anything Rick? Go ahead Tim.
15 MR. JOHNSON: I have now a question for Mr. Carpenter.
16 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: And I have a couple questions after for Mr. Carpenter so you
17 can stay up there.
18 MR. JOHNSON: Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Bennett kind of boiled it down into some layman’s
19 terms with his paper towel roll. My question for you…you’re describing fail, and then there’s
20 sort of this question of failure, but Mr. Bennett kind of described it as the failure point is the
21 crushing or falling apart of a single stave, is that kind of the…and then who knows what would
22 happen at that point? And we saw that video of, you know, one could fall and the whole thing
23 could fall down, but…is that the right determination the way that he laid it out, or is there some
24 clarity you want to give to that?
25 MR. CARPENTER: I think there’s sort of two separate things here. What I believe he’s
26 saying is that there’s still enough interaction between the staves that the load disperses, and so
27 you could have a global type of buckling where the whole silo is acting together, and that is, and
28 I totally agree, a very complicated analysis. And that would be the way that the silo was
29 constructed in 1912. What I contend is that it has deteriorated so much that the mechanism that
30 holds the staves together no longer allows it to act as one unit. So now, we have a series of…it
31 turns out that the perimeter of that guy makes 60 of these 10 inch staves…so we’ve got these
32 individual pieces that no longer act together. And so…it’s the same failure mechanism, buckling
33 is a common failure mechanism, but I’m looking at it as an individual piece because I’m saying
34 that it can’t share because of that deterioration. And I’m sorry, that’s sort of complicated.
Attachment 2
29
1 MR. JOHNSON: Okay, I’m good for now.
2 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Mr. Carpenter, there was a couple questions I had regarding
3 your analysis as well. You mentioned the foundation not having positive attachment…was that
4 the stave silo or the cast-in-place?
5 MR. CARPENTER: Neither have positive attachment.
6 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, is that something that is alarming or was it common
7 practice, or is it something that really affects what we’re considering here? Is that a big
8 component to it?
9 MR. CARPENTER: It depends on the shape, the height, the width of the silo. It’s
10 alarming if there’s enough force on the silo to cause an overturning that there’s not enough dead
11 load to resist. In this case, that’s not the case with the stave. On the cast-in-place, what’s
12 alarming is not so much the lack of positive attachment, it’s just that all the deterioration has
13 occurred right at the base so there is no physical contact whatsoever between the silo and the
14 base. There’s…it’s very narrow, but there’s a three, four, five inch gap around quite a bit of it.
15 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: That kind of leads me into my second question. Is…we heard
16 a lot of evidence about the stave silo and how it could fail, but it seemed like we didn’t have as
17 much information on the cast-in-place, and you had talked about these other factors other than
18 just the engineering side of it, but also other factors that you witness while you’re there. And
19 you had just mentioned some of it being the base, but can you speak to that a little bit more about
20 specifically the cast-in-place and why that one is an imminent threat in your opinion? And then,
21 as well, Mr. Bennett had mentioned something about your analysis did not include the
22 reinforcement in the concrete; if you could explain that to us as well.
23 MR. CARPENTER: Sure, so that silo is a totally different construction type. It’s cast-in-
24 place instead of these individual pieces that were assembled like an erector set. It’s thicker; it
25 started out as six inches thick. It does have reinforcing. Unfortunately, right at the base, just like
26 the bottom six inches where it’s eroded away, there is no longer reinforcing, or at least it’s
27 discontinuous at those voids. So, there is…you just come up like 24 inches and there is some
28 reinforcing remaining. The higher you get the better shape it’s in. Unfortunately, for both silos,
29 where the stress is concentrated the most is where the silo has deteriorated away. The stress is
30 mostly at the base, and that’s just where the silage acid seeped down, stayed there and just ate
31 away the concrete, ate away everything in contact. And so, it’s above that zone that silo is in
32 much better shape. It can redistribute loads. But, it’s redistributing loads to a place where
33 there’s, you know, six inches of void. And so that’s the reason that…and still, you know, under
34 the definition of the remand, you know, I’m not comfortable saying that it can’t fail. So,
35 my…you know…the corollary there is that it could fail. And it’s just…it’s almost impossible to
36 get in there and measure that quantitatively. There’s so much stuff, you know, sediment, dust,
Attachment 2
30
1 plants growing in there…it would be almost like an archeological type project to measure all the
2 base of that guy.
3 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, thank you. Any other questions from the Building
4 Review Board? Go ahead Tim.
5 MR. JOHNSON: Sorry, Mr. Carpenter…one other thing that Mr. Bennett hit on, and his,
6 kind of, report talked about it as well, and there appeared to be a little bit of maybe a disconnect
7 of what he said versus what was in the report…or you had commented in your presentation about
8 it. But, Mr. Bennett had commented that, with the calculations you were using on the ten year
9 event, that a recent 40 mile an hour gust situation could or would have collapsed the silos. Do
10 you agree with that analysis…obviously, it didn’t, but…
11 MR. CARPENTER: Correct. I disagree with that, and this gets back into, you know, the
12 design methodology versus the analysis methodology and, you know, these factors that the Code
13 have you use, and not using them. And I’ve run this both ways, and what happens…the factors
14 are there for a good reason. The Code has evolved over a hundred years, and the factors are
15 there for uncertainties and materials, uncertainty in loads and all that stuff. But, I do agree that,
16 you know, look at it in place without the factors, and when I look at it in place without the
17 factors, it seems like it’s about 65% stressed under its own dead load, and the cutoff area might
18 be a 65 or 70 mile per hour wind. But, you know, that was not the focus of the remand. And,
19 just…that’s without the additional factors that I listed. You know, that’s assuming the one inch
20 thickness, the 2,000 psi concrete, which I question at the key location.
21 MR. JOHNSON: Okay.
22 MR. MARZONIE: Excuse me, I have one more question…I noticed on the silos there’s
23 tension rings and bands around…
24 MR. CARPENTER: Yes sir.
25 MR. MARZONIE: Every so many feet…three feet apart or whatever. And those tension
26 bands have foundry shoes on them of some sort to tighten them down…
27 MR. CARPENTER: Yes sir.
28 MR. MARZONIE: Could you lend some light on that?
29 MR. CARPENTER: Okay, so on the stave silo, they’re at 15 inches on center.
30 MR. MARZONIE: Okay.
31 MR. CARPENTER: And the reason for that is the stave is 30 inches tall; each one is 10
32 inches wide by 30 inches tall, and so the primary reason that those are there is when the silo is
33 full, there’s obviously a big lateral force component pushing out. And so those rings resolve that
Attachment 2
31
1 component. The concrete is a great material in compression, not so much in tension. So
2 that…those rings help resolve that component. On the cast-in-place silo, they’re farther apart;
3 they’re more like the two or three feet that you described because you don’t have the interlocking
4 pieces. But, they serve a secondary purpose on the stave. They are actually…they’re tightened,
5 and we call that post-tensioning. What that tension force does is it transfers to the concrete as a
6 compression force and so it locks those guys together with that tongue-in-groove mechanism that
7 was there when it was initially built; it’s not there now.
8 MR. MARZONIE: Thank you.
9 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, any further questions? Okay, we will now move on to
10 the Chief Building Official’s rebuttal presentation.
11 MR. GEBO: Thank you. So we’re back to this definition of imminent and whether or
12 not, as the Building Official, I properly interpreted what this definition means: a condition which
13 could cause serious or life-threatening injury or death at any time. I contend still that so far all
14 the evidence has pointed to dangerous structures. I think it’s pretty clear these are dangerous
15 structures. In using the Property Maintenance Code, the Code Officials have the body of the
16 Code, which is the Code written, and then they also have the commentary. The commentary is
17 additional information to help the Building Official understand what these particular Code
18 sections are talking about. The commentaries are written by the engineers and the professionals
19 of the Code-writing body, the International Code Council. So the commentaries, although not
20 Code…not the specific Code section…it helps better understand what the codes are trying to talk
21 about because the codes are not always very clear.
22 Could this definition in the Property Maintenance be rewritten? I agree, it certainly could
23 have. But in the Property Maintenance, there’s, in the admin section, section 109, there’s a
24 section called emergency measures. And, section 109.2, there are…it’s a code section talking
25 about temporary safeguards: notwithstanding other provisions of this Code, whenever, in the
26 opinion of the Code Official, there is imminent danger due to an unsafe condition, the Code
27 Official shall order the necessary work to be done, including the boarding up of openings, to
28 render such structure temporarily safe, whether or not the legal procedure herein described has
29 been instituted, and shall cause such other action to be taken as the Code Official deems
30 necessary to meet such emergency. That’s the Code. The commentary piece talks about: this
31 section recognizes the need for immediate and effective action in order to protect the public.
32 This section empowers the Code Official to cause the necessary work to be done to temporarily
33 minimize the imminent danger without regard to due process. This section has to be viewed
34 critically insofar as the danger of the structural failure must be imminent, that is readily apparent
35 and immediate. So, even the commentary throughout some of these Code sections…they’re
36 trying to provide a better understanding of what poorly worded code is talking about I’d suspect.
Attachment 2
32
1 But, if we go back to…I need to find it again, sorry…the actual remand, and it is talking
2 about, to receive and consider evidence and analysis regarding the effects of natural conditions
3 and events of a one in ten year probability…I think we’ve done that. I think it’s very clear that
4 the engineers have done their analysis, they’ve looked at the natural conditions, wind seems to be
5 the one main factor, they’ve used the one in ten year probability on one or both of the silos, for
6 you to consider…for the BRB to consider whether one or both poses an imminent threat or
7 danger. Now…yes…if you want to stay with poorly worded definitions…in my mind this
8 imminent danger is poorly written because there is other information and other evidence and
9 other definitions of substandard and dangerous and imminent, that the definition alone of
10 imminent doesn’t seem to feel as dangerous…as a higher level than dangerous, but in my mind it
11 certainly is, and I think that is what I’ve been asked to do. Are these an imminent danger or are
12 these just dangerous? I believe everybody is absolutely on track; these are dangerous, they need
13 to be stabilized, they need to be secured. But for the purposes of my opinion, I do not believe
14 these are imminent danger that they need to knock down tomorrow, they’re that imminently
15 dangerous. So, I think it’s poor definitions. I think that we’re possibly taking a stronger
16 stand…we’re taking less of a stand on a term that is supposed to be the highest danger available:
17 the imminent danger. Thank you.
18 MR. YATABE: And Chair, Mr. Bennett would like to make a comment as well please.
19 MR. BENNETT: Paul Bennett with Exponent…just briefly I wanted to say…I wanted to
20 respond to Woodward’s statements that our report did not address the Council’s requests. I
21 believe it did, and I believe it speaks for itself, and I believe that the report and analysis I would
22 like to think is obvious to those of you that have read it. But, if it’s not, certainly would love to
23 give you the opportunity to ask any questions and to respond to anything you may have, if that’s
24 not clear to you what our position is in responding to the Council’s remand.
25 Additionally, and I don’t want to get argumentative with Mr. Carpenter, but I do want to
26 point out that our statements about taking their equations that show that it would be unsafe in a
27 ten year event, taking that same analysis with the factors of safety that went into that opinion,
28 and plugging in the 40 mile an hour wind speeds…that analysis would show that they’re unsafe
29 and overstressed. They did and additional analysis for the existing conditions to show that it
30 could stand up under its own weight. That analysis took out the factors of safety. That was their
31 methodology, fair enough, but I want to point that out…it’s a little bit of a double standard in my
32 opinion to put the factors of safety in in the one hand to show that it can resist it, but then not to
33 then include them in the other. I do know why they did it; I appreciate why they did it, they want
34 to put factors of safety in for that ten year event. But again, if we’re trying to look at real world
35 behavior and historic performance, we would argue that there’s not room for those factors of
36 safety and let’s calibrate the equations and these unknowns the best we can with the interaction
37 between the staves and these things based on the historic performance. So that was all I had, is
38 there any questions you guys have for me?
Attachment 2
33
1 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Do we have any other presentations from the City?
2 MR. GEBO: No sir.
3 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, yes, so we can go into questions. Anybody have
4 questions?
5 MR. MARZONIE: No.
6 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Go ahead.
7 MR. JOHNSON: Mr. Bennett, correct me if I’m wrong, but when you went through your
8 presentation you described…Mr. Carpenter had talked about the tongue-in-groove and how it
9 could potentially not, you know…under the example with the floor that we have up here…that
10 therefore it wouldn’t be providing any of that same structural benefit. And you commented that
11 you were assuming in your calculations that it was. If, as Mr. Carpenter described, there would
12 be a time shrinkage of materials, or whatever, where there was clearly no connection between
13 those two items, would that change your view on sort of the imminent danger of what we’re
14 looking at?
15 MR. BENNETT: Well, so, two parts to that. I think I heard you describe the difference
16 in our opinions, and I think you described it well, you understand it well. We believe there’s
17 interaction between the staves, and that’s based on, again, the past performance and seeing
18 what’s happened there. If we were to redo our analysis with no interaction between those staves,
19 then yes, that would change our opinion as to its stability in a ten year wind event, just based off
20 the calculations; the calculations would look much more like JVA’s.
21 MR. JOHNSON: No, that’s it for me.
22 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: I have a couple questions. Mr. Bennett, a lot of your report
23 talks about the historic consideration of these silos; can you speak to that some more and is that
24 common in the structural engineering world that we can rely on historical performance of a
25 building rather than calculations?
26 MR. BENNETT: Sure…certainly we can look at the historical data, and we do with
27 existing buildings; it gives us some qualitative information. But, still, we’re engineers…we’re
28 going to go to the code books and we’re going to go to the calculations and perform those
29 calculations. I’m not saying that we should only look at the historical performance, but certainly
30 any structural analysis of an existing structure we believe should include some recognition of
31 past performance, especially recent past and recent weeks and months.
32 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Does the Code allow for that in the existing structures, where
33 you may not know everything that’s inside…the reinforcing, exactly what’s happening…does
34 the Code allow for past performance to be included in the analysis or decision of, you know, not
Attachment 2
34
1 particularly this project but any project? You want to add load to a roof and you don’t know
2 exactly what’s happening in that structure because it’s concrete, can you assume with some level
3 per Code that you can add weight because of past performance, or…?
4 MR. BENNETT: So there are provisions in the Code for what we call alternate means
5 and methods outside of the codes and standards, and that often is done with historic structures.
6 A real common scenario is historic masonry structures. There was such variability in the mortar
7 and the maintenance over the years, and the clay quality used for the bricks, and how the bricks
8 were fired for older structures, that…there are firms out there…there’s a firm in Boulder that,
9 primarily their work is they go around to these existing structures and they have ways to test
10 them in place. So if you could imagine this brick wall behind you, if it was a hundred years old,
11 they could go in and remove some mortar and do some load testing in place and determine its
12 sheer capacity and its compression capacity, and that’s what we often do with those older
13 structures, and then we can take that data and better calibrate our equations and predict their
14 future behavior. So, it is commonly done with existing structures and there’s means for it in the
15 Building Code.
16 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: At…I guess…the thing I’m having a tough time with, and I
17 appreciate the historic…I mean, I think from a common sense, you think about all these things
18 have been standing, but at what point, in your opinion, when you look at these type of structures,
19 can you not rely on the historical data? What does it take when you’re looking at a structure
20 when you are asking…either my calculations are so far over that even though they’re standing
21 and they have stood for a hundred years, I can’t rely on that historical data. Or, by visual, what
22 does it take for you to say the historical data…I can’t consider that? Does that make sense, what
23 I’m asking?
24 MR. BENNETT: I think so…I mean, definitely deterioration comes into play, right? Just
25 because it’s stood historically doesn’t mean it’s that strong now; structures deteriorate over time,
26 and that’s an important consideration. But, again, we can quantify the in-place strength…there
27 are ways to do that; I mentioned a firm in Boulder that does that. And so, if we’re really having
28 doubts about the capacity, we often will bring in firms like that to do some in-place testing to
29 help us better understand the in-place strength. Does that answer your question?
30 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Sort of…I guess, from what you saw out there, you didn’t see
31 anything that would alarm you and say, we’ve got to do this extra testing, we can rely on this
32 historical data. I guess what my concern is, if we are relying on historical data and…or, the
33 historical performance. That’s good until it actually fails. And so, at what point do we cut that
34 off and say, it’s not performing and we are going to have to just rely on our calculations? Is
35 there a certain overstress amount that you’re looking at in your calculations that you say, you
36 know what, this is just too far over and we can’t rely on the way its performed in the past twenty
37 years?
Attachment 2
35
1 MR. BENNETT: Yeah, I think it depends on the situation and the structure. This
2 particular stave silo…it’s a complex animal; I think we both agree on that. And this phenomena
3 of interaction, or lack thereof, between the staves is complicated. So, in this case, I think to
4 answer your question, I would look at…I would focus on my observations in the field and what
5 they tell me, recent performance, and how quick it is degrading, and if it’s even safe enough to
6 get in and have a crew in there doing restoration. So, those are the types of things we consider; I
7 don’t see anything in this case that tells me that it’s not safe enough to have a crew in there to do
8 the restoration, and I don’t see deterioration happening so fast that my opinion is going to change
9 from, you know, one month or even a couple months from now.
10 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, thank you. And one last question…sorry to ask you so
11 many…but, another thing I’m wrestling is the difference between the stave silo and the cast-in-
12 place silo. So, in your…if you could just give me a summary of each as far as one that would be
13 more likely to fail versus the other, could you talk about that some more in your analysis?
14 MR. BENNETT: Sure. Yeah, I think we would both agree, myself and Mr. Carpenter,
15 that the stave silo is definitely more likely to fail. It’s thinner, quite a bit thinner, at the base, and
16 you do have this stave action and trying to understand the interaction between them. You don’t
17 have the reinforcement in the stave silo, so…the stave silo is in much worse condition and is
18 more likely to fail.
19 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, thank you. Any other questions from the Building
20 Review Board? Tim?
21 MR. JOHNSON: Kind of refocusing back on the remand and the overall
22 conversation…Mr. Gebo kind of reread that back to us. What I pulled from that is, kind of, in
23 this ten year period, does an event…could an event occur that poses an imminent threat or
24 danger? And, my question is, because there appears to be just some disconnect on the way
25 you’re looking at this and the way Mr. Carpenter is looking at it. Where, kind of just looking at
26 your calculations, and I am by no means an engineer, so there’s a lot of letters and numbers on
27 here that I remember from some point in high school or something…but, it appears that you’re
28 looking at what would a ten year event do to the silo, and Mr. Carpenter is looking at it from a
29 design…how would he design something with these parameters that are already there with a ten
30 year event, an 85 mile an hour wind event, occurring to them. And, therefore…and I think this is
31 where I’m understanding the difference, and I may ask Mr. Carpenter the same thing to clarify to
32 see if I’m…and I’m not going to repeat it, so I hope you are listening. But, it seems like what
33 you’re saying there is that’s where there’s this safety factor getting added by Mr. Carpenter on
34 his analysis, whereas you’re looking at it without the safety factor because you’re looking at
35 what would happen in the event of that ten year occurrence. Am I understanding that correctly
36 from sort of the two different views that you guys are taking on this?
Attachment 2
36
1 MR. BENNETT: Yeah, I think that’s a good summary. There’s a difference in the
2 factors of safety, but there’s also a difference in just looking at one individual stave that would
3 fail, which is Mr. Carpenter’s analysis, and our analysis, looking at some interaction between the
4 staves, and accounting for that.
5 MR. JOHNSON: Okay.
6 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Alright, we are going to move on to any additional questions
7 for either Woodward or the Chief Building Official…so you can ask Mr. Carpenter…
8 MR. JOHNSON: Yeah, we’ll keep the theme going. If you could Mr. Carpenter…
9 MR. CARPENTER: Steve Carpenter with JVA. So, I remember your question.
10 MR. JOHNSON: Okay good.
11 MR. CARPENTER: And, yes…that’s part of the reason that when I finished my
12 calculations and I’m sitting here at 33% overstressed using ACI 313, or 54% using ACI 318,
13 Chapter 22, that alone did not lead me to my conclusion. I leaned on these other factors that are
14 adding here. The fact that at that critical section it’s even thinner than the one inch, the fact that
15 that concrete strength at that critical section is not 2,000 psi. I’m…I’ve got to be out there, I’ve
16 got to visually see it, I’ve got to touch it…I’m a feel and touch type of guy. And so I do the
17 calculations, but I put the two together. And so I feel like, that even though ACI says that you
18 use 1.2 times the dead load, and 1.6 times these certain factors, and so on and so forth, those are
19 far offset by these additional factors that are not captured in my equation. So that’s how I come
20 up with my conclusion.
21 MR. JOHNSON: Okay, thank you.
22 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Any other questions from the Board?
23 MR. YATABE: Mr. Chair, Woodward’s general counsel does have one comment they’d
24 like to make about one of Mr. Bennett’s answers to his question.
25 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay.
26 MR. FAWZY: Chris Fawzy, Woodward, thank you. The response is really in regard to
27 one of the questions to Mr. Bennett relating to the historic behavior of the silos and whether it’s
28 predictive of its current safety condition. I’m not an engineer also, but I am Woodward’s…in
29 addition to general counsel, I’m also Woodward’s Chief Compliance Officer. In my capacity, I
30 sit on the Corrective Action Board, I sit on the Corrective Review Board of our organization and
31 I ensure that, when there are potential safety issues, we handle it appropriately. And these
32 meetings involve lots of engineers. When there are design issues that could result in safety
33 issues, we do the same. I also happen to have a statistical background and I could tell you
34 with…when you have one product to look at, or two products, so, in this case, two silos…to look
Attachment 2
37
1 at their historic function over a period of time…it cannot be used as a prediction of how they
2 could exist in their current state. And Mr. Bennett said it well: these things have deteriorated
3 over the 17 years since our last ten year wind event. Any product, any specific product that fails
4 for its first time, by definition…and that includes whether it’s product or whether it’s a
5 structure…any structure that fails for the first time, you could look at its history, and I can tell
6 you, it will never have failed prior to that. But, you can’t use that fact to predict that it didn’t
7 fail, because in each instance, it does fail.
8 So, Woodward urges the Board to consider the information that we have, to consider the
9 calculations that were in fact done by Mr. Carpenter. To the extent there could have been other
10 calculations that Mr. Bennett or Exponent believes could have been more effective, or more
11 sophisticated and more predictive, they weren’t done. So, this is what we have, and I can tell
12 you Woodward is not comfortable with the safety, the imminent safety, of these silos. Thank
13 you.
14 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: No more questions? Okay, so at this time we are closed on
15 taking any additional evidence. So now it’s deliberation time for the Board; we have discussion
16 and at some point have a motion and finding of fact.
17 I guess I do have one question for…just a point of clarification on the remand if I can
18 Brad? The question posed…and I don’t have it right in front of me, I’m sorry. But, looking at
19 the ten year event…we’re considering that…but I guess I have…we’re still also determining
20 whether or not we believe that’s an imminent threat. There’s two pieces to that…I heard that
21 we’re only listening to the remand as far as the ten year event, but we’re also determining if we
22 think that ten year event is an imminent threat, is that correct?
23 MR. YATABE: That is my understanding of the direction given to the Building Review
24 Board by Council. The…I think to the degree that Council wanted to define an imminent threat
25 as something, in this case, that could be overstressed in a one in ten year event…that would have
26 been stated explicitly as part of the direction given to the BRB. I think at this time, it’s still an
27 open question for you to determine what the definition…the interpretation of imminent should
28 be, whether that was correctly interpreted and applied by the Chief Building Official, and
29 whether the…in addition to the existing record that you have and the additional information that
30 was presented today and entered into the record, whether that meets the definition. So I think in
31 many ways it’s a two part analysis for you to first, or whatever order you want to look at it…you
32 need to figure out what, to the Building Review Board, that interpretation should be of imminent
33 danger, and whether the facts as entered into the record satisfy that or not in terms of whether
34 you’re going to uphold or overturn the Chief Building Official’s opinion.
35 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Thank you.
Attachment 2
38
1 MR. YATABE: And, Mr. Chair, if you want to take…anyone wants to take a little bit of
2 time to review any documentation or anything like that, that’s also an available option…before
3 you enter into deliberation.
4 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Do you guys have any thoughts?
5 MR. REIDER: Well, I have a few. I think…you know if I think back to our October 29
6 decision, I thought we got it right. I thought that the facts that we looked at…and I thought that
7 the definition between imminent and dangerous, that the Board got it correct. As I read through
8 all this stuff, and all the new information, I sort of drew a conclusion that I either needed new
compelling evidence to change my mind from our decision of the 29
th
9 , or maybe even some new
10 direction. And, I as I listened to everything today, I think there is some new evidence that
11 supports a higher degree of danger of these structures failing. I think we did get some direction
12 too, and I’m kind of struggling with Council’s direction. And if I look at it, and I kind of think it
13 through in my kind of simple sense of thinking about this, I think about a one in ten year event.
14 And if I were to take that one in ten year event and I were to, say, condense it into 30
15 seconds…in other words, whatever would happen in ten years is going to happen in 30 seconds.
16 Would I stand in or under or around those silos for that 30 second period of time? And I think
17 my answer would be no, I wouldn’t do it. I would think that within that ten year period, given
18 the new facts that we’ve heard, that I wouldn’t stand in or under the silos.
So, for me, it seems like we made a good decision on the 29
th
19 , but Council is asking us to
20 consider this a little bit differently. They’re not saying imminent as Mr. Gebo defines imminent,
21 as something that’s going to happen, like, pretty much right now. Or the example that we saw
22 from the City’s engineer where that family was living in a building and the building really
23 looked like it could collapse on the family. If I take that ten years and I compress it into a 30
24 second period of time, I don’t think I’d want to stand around those silos. So, I’m trying to match
25 that with all the information that we’ve heard. I…you know, I heard Mr. Bennett say something
26 that sort of struck me, and I made a note of it…and he said, who’s right, nobody knows. And I
27 have heard sort of conflicting argument from engineers…from experts, I would expect that’s
28 pretty typical. But the nobody knows or who’s right sort of concludes me to say that in the…in
29 my 30 second, sort of period of time, I wouldn’t stand under the silos or in them. And that might
30 make them somewhat imminent.
31 MR. JOHNSON: So I guess where I land on that is kind of related to what I was hitting
32 on when we were talking about it in terms of the IPMC codes…is there still an imminent piece of
33 dangerous that I think is…that’s where this…nobody’s arguing these are substandard, I mean it’s
34 dangerous or more dangerous. So I think there’s an imminent piece there, without a doubt. But,
35 the event…you know one in ten year or…and that idea is the idea of an 85 mile an hour gust. I
36 mean there’s, as shown in the information, you know, there’s a probability related to when that
37 will happen. Going back in time that Mr. Bennett did, the last one was 17 years ago…that
38 doesn’t mean we won’t have one tomorrow, it doesn’t mean we won’t have one for 20 years, it
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1 just means that’s when the last one was. We have factual data, we just don’t have predictive data
2 and we’re looking at probability. And, to me, it’s…that 85 mile an hour gust has to happen, and
3 then even in the instance of that 85 mile an hour gust happening, it may not cause anything to
4 happen to the silos. So…I read it as they could continue standing from an 85 mile an hour gust,
5 they also could fall. And, you know, your comment of standing in the silo I generally agree
6 with, but that’s why I would call them dangerous and why we shouldn’t be near them, so we
7 should never have that situation. I agree with what you’re saying, but it’s that imminent piece
8 where, you know, the probability of it happening in that 85 mile an hour gust, and then whether
9 it would, you know, the probability of that then causing the silo to fall. And I just feel like we’re
10 getting, you know, that…at any time statement, which is still a piece of this…that doesn’t feel
11 like that’s at any time to me; it feels like it could happen, but the ‘at any time’ which is what
12 pushes it to imminent danger is where I feel like is why it’s still in dangerous but not imminent.
13 I mean, you make some really good points, I think that’s…the idea of standing in the silo
14 is a little, you know, it’s a good point. You know, I wouldn’t want to be out there in a tornado,
15 but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere outside in a tornado either.
16 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: If I can…and it brings up a good point as well, that we
17 don’t…we don’t…I guess we don’t know for sure if that would happen even in 85, although
18 their calculations show that it may. But we also heard that it’s possible with the calculations that
19 JVA had, Mr. Bennett said, it could happen in a 40 mile an hour, and that hasn’t. So, I don’t
20 know where to put the calculations…it’s something that we have to think about, I mean it’s what
21 we have to go by. But, you know, again, I don’t know that that’s the only determination in
22 thinking if these are imminent. And then the dangerous structure does not allow for people to be
23 in it either…am I correct? Those are…that definition also acknowledges that it could be
24 dangerous to life, and so it’s not just that you wouldn’t stand for that 30 seconds, well you
25 wouldn’t want to do that probably in a dangerous structure either. Just a thought.
26 MS. ANDREA DUNLAP: Exactly…you wouldn’t go over and just get in it for any
27 reason; that’s why they have the fencing around it and signs.
28 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: The other piece I’ll throw in just as a comment for the Board
29 here, is that I still am having a hard time on both reports of determining…I heard a lot of
30 analysis, a lot of talk about the stave silo, and I really didn’t get any new evidence on that one
31 that made me think it was any different than what we had heard before, or that it was as
32 dangerous as it was before. I don’t know what your guys’ thoughts were…I just…there was so
33 much talk about these staves, and…
34 MR. REIDER: You mean the cast-in-place or the stave?
35 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Yeah, the cast-in-place and we talked about, you know, if
36 these staves are not touching each other, then the structure…being able to I guess compensate for
37 that piece happening. I didn’t hear enough about that I guess…about the cast-in-place to know
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1 that it wouldn’t perform even better and that it may not be as dangerous as the stave silo. So I’d
2 have a hard time lumping those two together actually at this point, without…
3 MR. REIDER: No…I would agree. I think what I heard on the stave silo causes me to
4 believe it’s a lot more dangerous than the cast-in-place. I would concur. Are you thinking that
5 you would have two different opinions then; an opinion on the stave versus an opinion on the
6 cast-in-place?
7 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: You know, if we go to…potentially, yes, I think so.
8 MR. JOHNSON: I guess in part, Justin, kind of what you’re describing is, you’re almost
9 ready to take the cast-in-place and call that one…that’s definitely dangerous. Just talk about the
10 stave and maybe we can wipe them both out with one finding of fact, but…
11 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Yeah, just, to me, I didn’t hear enough to make me think it’s
12 as serious as the stave. And I don’t know that it means the stave is imminent either, but…
13 MS. DUNLAP: I don’t mean to move backwards on this but, how costly is it for like the
14 outfit in Boulder to do further testing, since we’re saying we don’t really hear enough statistical
15 evidence.
16 MR. REIDER: I’m not sure that more information is really going to help me; I think they
17 could analyze it to death. I think they’ve already spent a lot of time, a lot of money, trying to
18 determine, you know, the difference between dangerous and imminent. I do agree that…what
19 I’ve heard caused me to look at the silos as an individual project. I agree though with, sort of,
20 separating them argumentatively and saying the stave one most concerns me and the cast-in-
21 place probably…probably a lot less. And I think what I’m hearing from the engineers is that the
22 stave silo is much more dangerous than the cast-in-place. And if it is as thin as we’re hearing,
23 and if it does rely on that tongue-in-groove type of action to hold it together and…Bernie, you
24 asked a question about how those…
25 MR. MARZONIE: Yeah, the post tension rods…
26 MR. REIDER: Yeah, and how they’re connected. I’m sure if those things are loose, why,
27 it wouldn’t take much for that to become an imminent danger.
28 MR. MARZONIE: I look at the two scenarios between what is dangerous and imminent,
29 and there’s such a fine line, but in between there’s no grey area, and we have to decide, you
30 know, one way or the other. And, like you said, the evidence has been brought forward on both
31 sides very well. But, nothing really has changed my mind a whole lot as far as what…I was not
32 here in the October meeting, but I’ve read through the verbatim minutes and also watched the
33 video in length and got a real good feel for how all that went. So I feel like I’m on top of where
34 we were with that meeting, and I think that the information here.
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1 It seems like in the original report that I read at the end, that the three engineers all
2 concluded that there was not imminent danger, but today we have two engineers and it seems we
3 have one going imminent and one not. So, I just…that concerns me a little bit on what we’re
4 looking at.
5 MR. REIDER: Yeah, and that’s why I said, if you condense ten years into ten…or 30
6 seconds…I wouldn’t really want to be under those. For me, that really sort of elevates it to an
7 imminent danger. I recognize it’s something that’s dangerous, you probably shouldn’t be in
8 there either. But if…and, you know, when I look at this thing, in my opinion, it’s a large pie.
9 There’s a lot of components, or a lot of people, that are concerned about the silos, we’ve heard a
10 lot of history about them; I appreciate all of that. Unfortunately, the slice of the pie that we get
11 to look at is razor thin, and it’s sort of this imminent versus dangerous, and we looked at that on
the 29
th
12 and I think we made a good decision.
13 Today I think our tiny little slice of the pie…and somebody else is going…is making a
14 determination about the rest of the pie…but our tiny little slice of the pie has now been further
15 defined, and the two defined terms that we had, imminent and dangerous, are only defined by
16 going outside the Code and looking at Webster’s Dictionary or listening to people tell us what
17 those terms mean. They’re not really, in my mind, clearly defined within the Code…they simply
18 presume that you know what dangerous is, and they presume that you know what imminent is.
19 But when City Council expanded it to a ten year, sort of, timeframe, then to me it changed it
20 dramatically. And so I see…I see where, within a ten year timeframe, it’s a much more
21 imminent probability of something happening.
22 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: And did you hear enough evidence today that you think that
23 ten year would be an imminent? I mean…you had mentioned…
24 MR. REIDER: Yeah, I wouldn’t want to stand under them, you know, like I said. I think
25 that in a ten year time period…and again, that tiny little slice of the pie that we’re dealing
26 with…yeah, I think that I would have some concern with what I heard today.
27 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Would you stand under them today or just not on a windy
28 day?
29 MR. REIDER: Well, you know, listening to the engineers…they’ve walked through
30 them, they’ve cored them, they’ve…you know, they’ve done a number of things to them. So, I’d
31 have no problem walking in them or standing under them today. But, if you looked at the ten
32 year period, again, condensing it into 30 seconds…no I would not.
33 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: You know, I’ll offer this as, you know…it’s not by any
34 means a definition, it’s just I want to throw this out there as another thought as far as imminent.
35 We have the calculations and then we had engineers that looked at historical data. I’m also
36 struggling with the fact that, if you were standing in that or, you know, looking at that structure
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1 with a 40 mile an hour wind and it was imminent at this 85, would we be visually seeing
2 something on the silo that’s starting to fail. I mean when you think about these pictures of the
3 imminent, you can visually see something that’s happening…there’s more…I don’t know if I
4 want to say swaying, or if the buckling is actually happening, or you see concrete pieces falling
5 off on lighter wind…that to me, just…I’m thinking the big picture of imminent and that’s what
6 I’m thinking of. Maybe that’s not correct, but that’s initially what I think of when I’m thinking
7 imminent; that thing is…it’s collapsing, and it seems like not just the 85 mile or 120 mile an
8 hour would affect it, you’d think you would really start seeing more than that at lower wind
9 speeds as well. I didn’t hear that piece of it…again, it’s not the definition, it’s just a thought of
10 what I think of when I’m thinking of imminent threat.
11 MR. REIDER: Sure, no, I mean, we didn’t see evidence of parts and pieces laying on the
12 ground or, you know, some of that banding laying on the ground. It does sound like a lot of the
13 base of these silos though are in pretty poor condition, and I’m not an engineer either, but I think
14 of a lever, and if the fulcrum of the lever is in really bad shape…and I heard one of the engineers
15 testify that a force sort of near the bottom of these silos was the area that they made a
16 calculation…I would think that a force at the very top of that lever would have a significant
17 impact on the fulcrum. And if quite a bit of the base has been deteriorated, then that’s why I
18 think maybe…maybe in light of Council’s direction with the ten years, today’s decision could be
19 different than the October 29 decision.
20 MR. JOHNSON: I would certainly agree with that…I think that that narrowed window of
21 time makes it a different conversation.
22 MR. REIDER: Yeah.
23 MR. JOHNSON: But, for me, it’s that…it’s all…the ten year window is that 85 mile an
24 hour gust. And that is…there’s a probability of that occurring. It comes back to that for me…we
25 could go the next ten years and not have that gust happen, it could happen tomorrow…you
26 know…it could be either one, and that’s why we’ve got to look at it in that mindset of what’s the
27 probability of that ten year gust occurring. And we didn’t get exactly what those numbers were,
28 but we saw some information that showed that, maybe it would survive that ten year gust, maybe
29 it wouldn’t. And the fact that, by calculation, right, wrong, or indifferent, using the fulcrum or
30 the lever concept or anything else like that, it could survive that ten year gust even if the ten year
31 gust happens. So, you could theoretically stand there in your…going back to your original
32 analogy of your 30 second window in there, you could stand in there during that ten year event
33 and it could not…something could not happen. Something also could happen, but, it’s that lack
34 of definitive it will or it won’t is where I struggle with calling it, at any time. It’s definitely
35 imminent, which is why I think it hits the dangerous category very, very definitively. But the ‘at
36 any time’ part is where I struggle with saying that’s what it is. And I think it’s…looking at it
37 from the remand and looking at it from what, you know…we could sit here and talk until we’re
38 blue in the face about, you know, different idiosyncrasies of the science of it, but I feel like the
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1 ‘at any time’ versus is it just imminent…that’s where I’m landing on dangerous more than I’m
2 landing on the imminent side. It definitely…ten years versus 135 mile an hour gusts, much
3 harder to talk about. But, that’s where I’m landing at least.
4 MR. REIDER: What was our…what did we hear with the 40-some mile an hour winds?
5 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Well, from what I recall it was Mr. Bennett stating that the
6 equations that JVA used…and I’m sorry, I guess if we could ask for a point of clarification on
7 that…but the safety factors involved with that would actually show that it would also fail at a 40
8 mile an hour wind, not just the 80…can we ask if that’s…at this point? I don’t know if that’s
9 worthwhile.
10 MR. YATABE: Generally now that you’re in discussion…I think it’s your prerogative if
11 you want to open it up, but I would suggest that if you want clarification that you get
12 clarification from both the appellant and the appellee.
13 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Is that important?
14 MR. REIDER: Yeah, I think…
15 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: If we could have Mr. Bennett speak to that one more time,
16 and then also Mr. Carpenter, we should give him the opportunity to address that as well I think,
17 if you could. So, if you want to state that question real quick.
18 MR. REIDER: Mr. Bennett, did you testify to wind speeds in the 40 mile per hour range?
19 MR. BENNETT: Yes.
20 MR. REIDER: And can you…can you elaborate on what you opinion is as to what would
21 happen to either silo in that sort of wind range?
22 MR. BENNETT: Our calculations, and of course recent performance, would show that in
23 40 mile an hour wind speeds, both silos are stable.
24 MR. REIDER: They remain stable?
25 MR. BENNETT: Yes.
26 MR. REDIER: Okay…did you have any other recollection of comments that you made
27 about 40 mile per hour winds?
28 MR. BENNETT: I think the discussion you were having was the point I had made about
29 JVA’s calculations that determined, under a ten year wind, it was unsafe. If you take those same
30 calculations, same analyses, and plug in 40 mile per hour winds, those calculations would show
31 that it’s overstressed and would collapse. If you do the same analysis with 40.
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1 MR. REIDER: Now say that again, if you…if you did the same analysis at 40 mile per
2 hour winds as what analysis?
3 MR. BENNETT: So, using JVA’s analysis that led them to the conclusion that under a
4 ten year wind, they are unsafe and overstressed…if you plug into that same analysis a 40 mile an
5 hour wind rather than the 90 for the ten year, it would also show that they’re overstressed and
6 unsafe. And so, based on that, we’re making the point that the calculations aren’t representing
7 the real world performance which we’ve seen recently.
8 MR. REIDER: So, you disagree with the calculations that JVA did? Or you disagree
9 with what?
10 MR. BENNETT: We disagree with the capacity calculations that JVA did.
11 MR. REDIER: So even at the 90 mile per hour wind, you disagree with their
12 methodology of calculation?
13 MR. BENNETT: For the capacity side, yes.
14 MR. REIDER: Okay, I’m not sure that…yeah, that might be clear as mud. Well, let
15 me…so, Mr. Carpenter, let me hear from you, if you would please. So what I’m hearing are a
16 couple of things…I’m hearing that you did a type of analysis that Mr. Bennett might disagree
17 with, and you applied that to 90 mile an hour winds, correct?
18 MR. CARPENTER: That is correct, the 90 mile an hour part.
19 MR. REIDER: And then he applied it to 40 mile per hour winds…
20 MR. CARPENTER: I don’t know exactly what he did, but we stayed focused on the
21 remand and did the 90…the ten year recurrence interval. The City of Fort Collins is in a special
22 wind region, and so just within the city limits we have 80, 85, and 90, and so, you know, I ended
23 up splitting the difference and going with 85.
24 MR. REIDER: And that 80, 85 and 90, are those design wind loads that you would
25 design a new building to today?
26 MR. CARPENTER: They would…design and analysis.
27 MR. REDIER: And so what happens at 40 mile per hour winds?
28 MR. CARPENTER: I didn’t run a 40 analysis. I have looked at this and gone back, and
29 sort of gone backwards, and I think the magic point is about 60 or 65 miles an hour.
30 MR. REIDER: So the magic point, 60 to 65…
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1 MR. CARPENTER: I don’t have that calculation in my large notebook; I have all sorts of
2 calculations, but that’s my gut feeling.
3 MR. REIDER: So your recollection is, or your gut feeling is that at 60 to 65 mile per hour
4 winds, the structures would fail.
5 MR. CARPENTER: They start to get overstressed.
6 MR. REIDER: They get overstressed.
7 MR. CARPENTER: And at that point then, again, I come back to the subjective half of
8 the equation. And when I say these calculations show overstress, or might show overstress at 60
9 or 65 miles an hour, that’s making the assumption that we have a one inch effective width and
10 we have 2,000 psi concrete…I don’t think we have these, and that’s the reason I’m considering
11 both sides of this. There’s a lot of input and output here in this process, and so that’s where it
12 gets into a combination of the calculations and just leaning on some experience.
13 MR. REIDER: So let me see if I understand…that if the concrete in the base of…are we
14 talking about the stave silo right now?
15 MR. CARPENTER: Yes, sir…I’m assuming…
16 MR. REIDER: So the concrete in the base of the stave silo, if it’s of a certain psi and a
17 certain thickness, you believe it would be overstressed at 60 miles per hour.
18 MR. CARPENTER: Oh sure…
19 MR. REDIER: However, it seems like your concern is that it may not be that thick or
20 may not have that psi, and therefore it could be overstressed at even a lower wind.
21 MR. CARPENTER: That’s correct; and just fundamentally in these equations, the
22 concrete strength is a linear contributor, what’s left of the area is an exponential contributor. So,
23 as you go from just an inch to 9/10 of an inch, it makes a bit difference. You go down to 7/10 of
24 an inch, it makes an exponential difference. So that’s…that’s really the driver more…all of
25 these components go into this, but that’s the single biggest driver, is what’s left of the section.
26 MR. REIDER: And when you…when you design stuff, say a new silo, if you were to
27 design a new silo, you used the word overstressed and you used a term that seems to be, sort of,
28 stress plus right, 100% plus something…
29 MR. CARPENTER: Once it gets over 100%, I stand back and look at it and say, okay,
30 what’s happening?
31 MR. REIDER: Stressed?
32 MR. CARPENTER: Yes.
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1 MR. REIDER: So, what would you design a new silo to…a hundred…
2 MR. CARPENTER: At that location, it would clearly be a risk category two because it’s
3 so close to the building, so we’d design for the 130 mile per hour wind.
4 MR. REIDER: Okay. So these being overstressed, that would be significant in
5 comparison to something that you would build new? You wouldn’t build a new silo to, say, the
6 standard of one hundred. If you’re telling me that they’re overstressed, and they’re 10%
7 overstressed, would a new structure be…do you design it to that hundred level so then design
8 winds, it wouldn’t be 101% overstressed?
9 MR. CARPENTER: For something new, we would go to the current code and use what
10 we interpret to be the right risk category. And that’s going all the way back to October when you
11 first looked at this. And, you know, not knowing the twists and turns that this was going to take,
12 we assumed a risk category two in our analysis. And we said that there’s a chance of imminent
13 failure when we did that. Now, we’ve gone through various hearings and back, and you know,
14 the threshold has come down and now we’re assigned this ten year reoccurrence interval. And I
15 believe that someone asked this question in October, or something similar to this, and they said,
16 well what wind speed would it start getting in trouble at? And I think my quote was something
17 approaching 130 because I hadn’t run all of these numbers; I knew that it was significantly
18 overstressed at 130, I suspected it was somewhere down here in the 90, 80 range, but had not run
19 the numbers.
20 MR. REIDER: And now it might be even lower?
21 MR. CARPENTER: But, again, I mean to run every one of these wind speeds is…it’s a
22 big task.
23 MR. REIDER: Have you…have you done anything between October 29 and today that
24 would cause you to say that you’ve determined the silos to be more dangerous than they were on
25 October 29?
26 MR. CARPENTER: Well, we go back through, you know, and certainly reexamine
27 things, look at, you know…just have people within our company look at it. It was nice to have
28 Martin Martin, you know, look at the calculations. And so that’s sort of reaffirming from that
29 standpoint. You know, I think getting a better handle on the buckling and looking at the various
30 ways that that occurs. I think…I don’t think…I certainly considered that when I wrote my first
31 report, but it’s evolved and I’ve considered it more since then.
32 MR. REIDER: And the cast-in-place, what wind speed concerns you with that structure?
33 MR. CARPENTER: So, I’m concerned at 90…or, I’m concerned at even less than 90, but
34 not because of the structure per se, because of the lack of contact between the structure and the
35 foundation. The structure above this four inch or six inch zone is better than the stave silo. I
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1 think you guys are processing that correctly, in my opinion. But, there’s this missing link at the
2 bottom of that guy…it’s just not in contact with the foundation. And so, that’s just subjectively
3 the problem with that guy.
4 MR. REIDER: Anybody else?
5 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Thank you Mr. Carpenter.
6 MR. YATABE: Mr. Chair, I would suggest…it sounds like the questioning went a little
7 beyond the 40 mile an hour wind question, so, out of fairness, if Mr. Bennett has any response to
8 any of the additional topics, you might provide that opportunity.
9 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Sure, do you have any comments about that? Okay.
10 MR. REIDER: Well, what do you guys think?
11 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: One point that I will make here…it just was a thought about
12 the…small point. But I read the email from Ms. Lane from Martin and Martin that reviewed the
13 calculations from JVA. Although she said she agrees that the silo structures could fail at 85 to
14 90 mile per hour, I read above…she reviewed them in a brief and general manner, the report and
15 calculations, and did not perform any of their own calculations. And so, that could be anything.
16 And I have a hard time just saying that, you flip through and it’s the right procedures, but
17 without doing your own calculations, I have a hard time stating that Martin and Martin would
18 have the same valid opinion that these two engineers would have.
19 MR. REIDER: And you are an engineer.
20 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: I’m not a structural engineer. Do we have any motions that
21 anybody wants to try to craft here? And, if and when we do so, or I should say when we do so,
22 we want to try to put the finding of fact within that motion, if we can.
23 MR. REDIER: Well, I don’t have a motion yet, but I…as I stated, I do think we got it
right on the 29
th
24 , and I think there’s some new information. The wind speeds are lower; I do
recall thinking about 130 mile per hour winds on the 29
th
25 , and I remember thinking to myself that
26 my very office, which is a barn on my property, would probably disappear in 130 mile per hour
27 winds. So, I thought a lot of things in town would fall apart. In these lower wind speeds, and
28 given the condition of the silos, I wouldn’t have a problem walking around them today. But if I
29 think of that in terms of ten years, then it does concern me. And again, I realize…I know a lot of
30 people have some strong opinion about this. For me, we’re looking at a very tiny slice of this
31 pie, and other people have the opportunity to make a decision on this. Ours is just strictly, did
32 Mike Gebo get it right. And I think Mike Gebo interpreted the Code correctly; I take no
33 exception to Mike’s interpretation of the Code, how he explained it to us. I think he went above
34 and beyond. I think he hired an independent engineer, I think he was very diligent in trying to
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1 make a good decision and I think Mike did. I think what could change it for me is the ten year
2 timeframe.
3 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: So, Rick, just to understand the…not the implications,
4 but…is that going to then be, you know, thinking about another structure, is our ten year window
5 going to be our threshold for determining imminent on future structures? Because you mention
6 your barn…would it also fail under a 90 mile an hour potentially?
7 MR. REIDER: I’m not sure I’d want to be in it…and I…
8 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: That’s what I’m saying…is that at a point where it’s so
9 imminent that you don’t want to be around it, is it dangerous…you know…I’m picking on your
10 barn, but that’s any structure in town.
11 MR. REIDER: No, no, no…I think that’s a good question, and I think I would stand
12 behind Mike Gebo’s decision on dangerous versus imminent. I think he got it right. I think we
13 got it right on October 29. I think, though, when you put ten years into it, that’s where I really
14 struggle with it. So…and I don’t think that we are setting any kind of precedent, and I don’t
15 think that a future discussion about dangerous or imminent would necessarily apply unless City
16 Council said to us, consider it as a ten year event and not, as Mr. Gebo determined, the definition
17 between dangerous and imminent. So I think if we heard these cases all the time, I’d say Mr.
18 Gebo got it right. If this unique case came up where City Council remanded it and said look at it
19 over a ten year timeframe, then I think it could be different…a different decision by us.
20 MR. JOHNSON: Well, and to be clear, you’re…because Mike also ruled on the ten year
21 window, which is what…part of why we’re back here. And you’re saying that he got it right for
22 the previous ruling, and your question is now, we’re just looking at this ten year window, and is
23 Mike still falling in that same category. Just to be clear for the record.
24 MR. REIDER: Yeah, thank you. No, I didn’t consider that when I made my statement. I
25 was thinking he got it right with his definition of imminent versus dangerous, and I think if you
26 look at a ten year window, I would say then maybe he got it wrong.
27 MR. JOHNSON: Right, that’s where you’re dancing on…
28 MR. REIDER: Yep, thank you for that clarification.
29 MS. DUNLAP: I’m back on Justin’s thought about, has there been significant
30 deterioration on the building and since some of these folks have been back out there, is there
31 something really actively going on?
32 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: You know, to be honest with you, from my perspective…I’m
33 considering what you’re saying, Rick, and I think that if we were to have a motion to overturn, I
34 would certainly be only willing to do that on the stave silo because I just didn’t hear the evidence
Attachment 2
49
1 otherwise. But I’m struggling with both, to be honest with you. To overturn that…the imminent
2 part…I didn’t hear…I guess I’m having a hard time thinking of the ten year window versus the
3 imminent. I don’t think that the ten year says that that is imminent, even though it was directed
4 to look at that ten year event, I don’t draw the correlation that that means that that is imminent, if
5 the calculations show that that is…so I think we have to determine ourselves what that imminent
6 still is, even with the information of the ten year event.
7 MR. REIDER: And I agree with the struggle between the stave and the cast-in-place. I
8 think they are somewhat different. Are you saying you might agree that one is imminent and the
9 other one is dangerous?
10 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Honestly, for me, I’m struggling on both. But, the one…the
11 only one I would consider at this point would be the stave, if we determine that through further
12 discussion I guess. Any other thoughts for you guys on that? I mean, is there…
13 MR. MARZONIE: I agree the stave is a little shakier ground than the cast-in-place. But I
14 don’t know, with the evidence that we have, if that’s enough to delay a decision or if it’s
15 something that we’d want to look at today. It goes back to the imminent and dangerous issue,
16 and with the evidence today…both sides gave great evidence of what they think is there and
17 what we have to look at. But I think that the condition they’re in…just the fact they’re
18 dangerous means they’re being, you know, fenced off and having to be protected. What is the
19 next step if they are decided to be not imminent, then what happens from there I guess would be
20 a concern. You know, do they fence off and never get used again? Do they get fenced off and
21 repaired? I know that there was a directive…that was the option for them to do, to do some
22 corrections to them.
23 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: As I understand it, that is the directive…it’s not an option,
24 that they must shore it up and make it safe.
25 MR. YATABE: Mr. Chair, if I could just chime in on that topic. I think the particular
26 consequences of your decision are not really necessarily relevant in making your decision…in
27 making your decision as to whether you find them dangerous or imminent and what may or may
28 not happen to the silos. So, I do agree, I think that slice of the pie is pretty narrow in terms of the
29 relevance for your consideration.
30 MR. JOHNSON: I guess for me, a lot of it…I mean, it really comes down to a probability
31 piece for me. And I think wind was determined by both Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Bennett as that’s,
32 of all the potential outcomes, that’s the most likely thing that would occur that would cause a
33 failure event. And I think, you know, it speaks to the fact that you could look at hail, snow, rain,
34 all these other things, seismic, and an event could occur that would cause a problem, but the
35 probability is so low that everybody just looks at that and says, alright those are off the table
36 because they’re not feasible. You know…it could happen…that still is something that could
37 happen tomorrow, but it’s so improbable that we’re not looking at it. So, we then start to talk
Attachment 2
50
1 with wind, at what…what’s the threshold of probability at which point we’re calling it
2 imminent? And, you know, yes the structures have their dangers, yes they have their, you
3 know…it would have been interesting to see a video of the 40 mile an hour wind gusts a few
4 weeks ago of what’s happening, is something occurring? But, it still comes down to, in my
5 mind, a probability question of…even if there is that probability, and even if it does happen, it
6 still may not cause failure. And that’s just…that’s why, for me at least, where I’m really able to
7 look at a black and white imminent versus dangerous mindset…it’s…we’re still talking about
8 chance, we’re not talking about, it’s going to happen. You know, eventually, if they stand as
9 they are right now for another hundred years, they will eventually fall down in some way, shape
10 or form, whether it’s from deterioration, wind, whatever else. But, it’s…it’s always a chance
11 piece and a probability piece, and that’s why I…to call it ‘at any time’ or to call it imminent, for
12 me, is not…I can’t do that because it’s, you know, because arguably there could be a, you know,
13 seventeen foot snowstorm and knock them down too.
14 MR. REIDER: Well, so, what I’m somewhat hearing you say is that the…I want to call
15 them the claimant…but Woodward in this case, really has not proven their appeal to you. The
16 evidence that they’ve presented, the new evidence, hasn’t really proven the case. And then, I
17 guess I’m also hearing from you that within that ten year timeframe that I’ve sort of condensed
18 into my 30 seconds and said, would I stand there. You’re looking at that as a probability and
19 your sense of that probability is that it’s less likely than likely.
20 MR. JOHNSON: It’s less likely than imminent I think is what I would…or ‘at any time’
21 is what I would refer to it as. Because it could happen…but it’s just not…to go to that definition
22 of imminent feels too far on that probability piece for me. There is an imminent danger as noted
23 in the dangerous definition in the IPMC, but it’s not an ‘at any time’ in my mind.
24 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Do you want to draft a motion?
25 MR. JOHNSON: I want to know where Rick lands.
26 MR. REIDER: I’m thinking about all your comments and I…my sense is that Woodward
27 did a fine job, but they maybe didn’t push it over the line. But I could find in their favor given
28 the ten year period of time that, you know, Council suggested in the remand. And I’ve listened
29 to many experts over time, and they never agree if they’re on opposing sides. And frankly, you
30 often find experts that agree with you before you really engage them, or you make sure that they
31 do agree with you before you engage them. So I’m not surprised that the experts somewhat
32 disagree. They’re very cordial and they’ve been very helpful to each other and most respectful,
33 so listening to them has, you know, been easy and pleasurable frankly.
34 Yeah, I struggle with the ten years, but I get your argument that…well, let me back up. I
35 understand what Justin is saying; I think there is a difference between these structures. And I get
36 your argument that the probability…you’re looking at it a little bit different than me with that
37 imminent component of…within the ten year probability. So, I’m not…I don’t think any of us is
Attachment 2
51
1 too far afield of the other. I think we’re very close to the middle on this darn thing with the two
2 of us being a percentage point off, at the most. So…
3 And again, I think we’re looking at just a tiny little piece of the…we get one piece of a
4 500 piece puzzle to consider. I’m a little stuck on the ten years though. I don’t think I would…if
5 I condense that into 30 seconds, I wouldn’t stand under them.
6 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Do we want to draft a motion to that and see where we land
7 on our vote?
8 MS. DUNLAP: Okay, I’ll try it. After considering the remand to look at the event in a
9 one in ten year probability, we the Board still uphold the Chief Building
10 Superintendent’s…Officer’s position that the buildings are dangerous, but not proven to be
11 imminently dangerous.
12 MR. MARZONIE: I’ll second.
13 MR. YATABE: And just for that motion, we’ll just note that as the Chief Building
14 Official.
15 MR. REIDER: So, discussion, right? Andrea, do you…are you…
16 MR. YATABE: And if there were any findings of fact that you wanted to add, now
17 would be the time, before discussion. And if not, that’s fine…you can move forward on it.
18 MR. REIDER: Yeah, do you want to do that first or do you want to answer my question?
19 MS. DUNLAP: I don’t know what your question is.
20 MR. REIDER: Are you looking at both silos as the same in your decision?
21 MS. DUNLAP: Yes.
22 MR. REIDER: So you don’t split the hair between the stave silo and the…
23 MS. DUNLAP: No, I agree that the stave is in worse condition, but, no I’m not spitting
24 them.
25 MR. REIDER: And so I think…I think Brad was asking if you have a finding of fact to
26 add to your…
27 MR. YATABE: If you do have any particular findings of fact, you can add them now. If
28 you don’t have any particular findings of fact, the motion has been made.
29 MS. DUNLAP: Okay, it’s made.
30 MR. YATABE: Okay, it’s made a seconded.
Attachment 2
52
1 MR. MARZONIE: I will second the motion.
2 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Call for a vote or do we have more discussion?
3 MR. JOHNSON: The only question I have is do we want to add the IMPC Code piece to
4 it as a finding of fact to that to help clear it up a little bit? And if that’s the case, I think it could
5 be added as…sorry I’ve got to find the right paperwork here.
6 MR. REIDER: Are you looking for the 14-71(b)…are you talking about that?
7 MR. JOHNSON: I’m talking about the definitions that were in the Section 108.1.5,
8 dangerous structure or premises.
9 MS. DUNLAP: Okay.
10 MR. JOHNSON: From Mike’s…
11 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Do you have that Andrea?
12 MS. DUNLAP: So, I’m not sure where to go with that, honestly. Under…
13 MR. JOHNSON: More I think it’s that the information presented today would…would
14 define the structures as dangerous per that Code, as opposed to imminently dangerous.
15 MS. DUNLAP: So, under the Section 108.1.5, dangerous structure or premises, we find
16 the two silos dangerous, but not imminently dangerous as under the Chapter 2 definition.
17 MR. JOHNSON: I second that.
18 MR. YATABE: No, that’s fine…unless somebody has disagreement to that finding being
19 added to it, and the second. If you have an issue with it, we can discuss it; otherwise, I would
20 just consider…that to be the motion with that finding and with the second. But, again, if anyone
21 has concern over that, they can voice it now. Okay, motion is made, seconded, discussion or a
22 vote?
23 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Any other discussion?
24 MR. MARZONIE: I second.
25 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Alright, I guess we’ll call for a vote.
26 MS. LISA OLSON: Marzonie?
27 MR. MARZONIE: Yes.
28 MS. OLSON: Johnson?
Attachment 2
53
1 MR. JOHNSON: Yes.
2 MS. OLSON: Montgomery?
3 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Yes.
4 MS. OLSON: Reider?
5 MR. REDIER: Yes.
6 MS. OLSON: Dunlap?
7 MS. DUNLAP: Yes.
8 CHAIR MONTGOMERY: Okay, the motion passes. And that is all we have for today so
9 we’ll call the end of the Building Review Board meeting at 4:49. Thank you.
Attachment 2
Attachment 3
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Sec. 5-27. Amendments and deletions to code.
The 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE adopted herein is hereby amended in the
following respects:
(1) Section 101. Title is hereby amended to read as follows:
“101.1. Title. “These regulations shall be known as the General Building Code of the City
of Fort Collins, hereinafter referred to as ‘this code’.”
(2) Section 101.4.1 through 101.4.10 Referenced codes, is amended to read as follows:
[A] 101.4.1 Gas. The provisions of the International Fuel Gas Code shall apply to the
installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories
as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the
point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of
residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.
[A] 101.4.2 Mechanical. The provisions of the International Mechanical Code shall apply
to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including
equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating,
heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-
related systems.
[A] 101.4.3 Plumbing. The provisions of the International Plumbing Code shall apply to
the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including
equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water
or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provisions of the
International Private Sewage Disposal Code shall apply to private sewage disposal
systems.
[A] 101.4.4 Property maintenance. The provisions of the International Property
Maintenance Code shall apply to existing structures and premises; equipment and facilities;
light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and fire safety hazards; responsibilities of
owners, operators and occupants; and occupancy of existing premises and structures.
[A] 101.4.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of the International Fire Code shall apply to
matters affecting or
relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising
from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions
hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and
from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression,
automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the
premises from occupancy or operation.
[A] 101.4.6 Energy. The provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code shall
apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy
efficiency.
Attachment 3
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[A] 101.4.7 Existing buildings. The provisions of the International Existing Building Code
shall apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and
relocation of existing buildings.
“101.4.1 Electrical. All references to the Electrical Code shall mean the electrical code
currently in effect as enacted by the State of Colorado.
101.4.2 Gas. All references to the International Fuel Gas Code shall mean the fuel gas
code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.3 Mechanical. All references to the International Mechanical Code shall mean the
mechanical code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.4 Plumbing. All references to the International Plumbing Code shall mean the
plumbing code currently in effect as enacted by the State of Colorado.
101.4.5 Property Maintenance. All references to the International Property Maintenance
Code shall mean the property maintenance code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.6 Fire Prevention. All references to the International Fire Code shall mean the fire
code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.7 Energy. All references to the International Energy Conservation Code shall mean
the energy code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.8 Residential. All references to the International Residential Code shall mean the
residential code currently in effect as enacted by the City.
101.4.9 Areas prone to flooding. All references to ‘flood hazard’ and ‘areas prone to
flooding’ in this code and appendices adopted therewith shall be as specified in the City
Code, “Chapter 10, Flood Prevention and Protection.”
101.4.10 Existing buildings. All references to existing buildings may be regulated
pursuant to the 2012 IBC Chapter 34 titled “Existing Buildings and Structures” previously
adopted by the City of Fort Collins and no longer a chapter in this code.
Note: may want to reference other codes such as swimming pool which are not specifically
adopted?
(3) Section 103 Department of Building Safety is amended in its entirety to read as follows:
SECTION 103
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SAFETY
[A] 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Department of Building Safety is hereby
created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the building official.
Attachment 3
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[A] 103.2 Appointment. The building official shall be appointed by the chief appointing
authority of the jurisdiction.
[A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed procedures of this jurisdiction and
with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official shall have the
authority to appoint a deputy building official, the related technical officers, inspectors,
plan examiners and other employees. Such employees shall have powers as delegated by
the building official. For the maintenance of existing properties, see the International
Property Maintenance Code.
“SECTION 103 CODE ADMINISTRATION
103.1 Entity charged with code administration. The Community Development and
Neighborhood Services Department (CDNS), as established by the City Code, is hereby
charged with the administration and enforcement of this code.
The building official, appointed by the City Manager, is charged with the direct overall
administration and enforcement of this code; and, in the performance of said duties, may
delegate the necessary authority to the appropriate technical, administrative, and
compliance staff under the supervision the building official.”
(4) Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit, under the heading of “Building” is amended or
added to read as follows:
“Building:
1 One-story, detached, accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and
similar uses, for lawn and garden equipment storage, tool storage and similar uses,
including arbors, pergolas, and similar structures, provided the floor area is not greater than
120 square feet (11.15 m
2
)
or 8 feet (2.438 m) in height measured from grade, do not house
flammable liquids in quantities exceeding 10 gallons (38 l) per building and are located at
least 3 feet (0.914 m) from an adjoining property line or are constructed entirely of non-
combustible materials if located less than 3 feet to the adjoining property line.
2. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) 6 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks
4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom
of the footing low side grade to the top of the wall, provided the horizontal distance to the
next uphill retaining wall is at least equal to the total height of the lower retaining wall,
unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons
(18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
Attachment 3
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6. Platforms intended for human occupancy or walking, sidewalks and driveways not more
than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over any basement window or story
below and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
9. Prefabricated and portable swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are
less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925 L) and are
installed entirely above ground. or wading pools, hot tubs or spas if such structures are
supported directly upon grade when the walls of such structure are entirely above grade and
if such structures cannot contain water more than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including
service systems. Hoop houses constructed with a flexible frame such as PVC tubing used
for starting plants
11. Swings and other playground equipment or play structures accessory to detached one-
and two-family dwellings provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet (11.15
m
2
)
or 8 feet (2.438 m) in height measured from grade, including one elevated playhouse
per lot designed, and used exclusively for play. Elevated play houses or play structures
shall not exceed 64 square feet (5.9 m2)
of floor area or 6 feet (1.82 m) in height as
measured from the floor to the highest point of such structure.
12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall
which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall, do not require
additional support, and do not extend over the public right of way. Window replacement
requiring no structural alteration. Window replacement requiring no change in the window
configuration which reduces the size of the window clear opening. Window replacement
when such work is determined not to be historically significant. Storm window, storm door
and rain gutter installation.
13. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9
inches (1753 mm) in height.
14. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area that are not more than 30
inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a building, and do not serve
an exit door required by Chapter 10.
15. Roofing repair or replacement work not exceeding one square (100 square feet) of
covering per building.
16. Replacement of nonstructural siding when the removal of siding is performed in
accordance with State laws regarding asbestos and lead paint.
Attachment 3
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17. Minor work valued at less than $500 when such minor work does not involve alteration
of structural components, fire-rated assemblies, plumbing, electrical, mechanical or fire-
extinguishing systems.
18. Decorative ponds, fountains and pools which cannot contain water more than 24 inches
(610 mm) deep.
(5) Section 105.2 Work exempt from permit, is further amended by deleting all headings and
references under Electrical, Gas, Mechanical, and Plumbing.
Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the
connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed
receptacles.
Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to
electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions, but do apply to
equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any
temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or
apparatus.
Gas:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make
such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated
by this code.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
Attachment 3
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7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of
refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less.
Plumbing:
1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however,
that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes
defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new
material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained
and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the
removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or
require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
(6) Section 105.3.2 Time limitation of application is hereby amended to read as follows:
105.3.2 Time limitation of application An application for a permit for any proposed work
shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless such
application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued; except that the
building official is authorized to grant one or more extensions of time for additional periods
not exceeding 90 180 days each provided the application has not expired and is considered an
active application. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause
demonstrated. Applications which have expired for 30 days or more will be considered as
null and void and all plans discarded.
(7) Section 105.5 Expiration is hereby amended by adding a second paragraph to read as
follows:
Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such
permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site
by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is
commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions
of time, for periods not more than 180 days each, provided the permit has not expired for
more than 30 days. The extension shall be requested in writing and justifiable cause
demonstrated.
“Both prior to and subsequent to the effective date of this code, any work authorized by a
permit regulated by this code or any other building construction code administered by the
building official that involves the construction or alteration of an exterior building
component, assembly or finish material, such as the foundation, wall and roof framing,
sheathing, siding, fenestration, and roof covering, shall be fully finished for permanent
outdoor exposure within 24 months of the date of the issuance of such permit. regardless of
when the permit was issued. ”
(7) Section 105.8 Transfer of permits, is added to read as follows:
Attachment 3
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“105.8 Transfer of permits. A current valid building permit may be transferred from one
party to another upon written application to the building official. When any changes are
made to the original plans and specifications that substantially differ from the plans
submitted with the permit, as determined by the building official, a new plan review fee
shall be paid as calculated in accordance with Section 109. A fee of $50 shall be paid to
cover administrative costs for all building permit transfers. No change shall be made in the
expiration date of the original permit.”
(6) Section 106 Floor and Roof Design Loads is amended by deleting sections 106.1, 106.2
and 106.3
SECTION 106
FLOOR AND ROOF DESIGN LOADS
[A] 106.1 Live loads posted.
In commercial or industrial buildings, for each floor or portion thereof designed for live
loads exceeding 50 psf (2.40 kN/m2), such design live loads shall be conspicuously posted
by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent in that part of each story in which they apply,
using durable signs. It shall be unlawful to remove or deface such notices.
[A] 106.2 Issuance of certificate of occupancy.
A certificate of occupancy required by Section 111 shall not be issued until the floor load
signs, required by Section 106.1, have been installed.
[A] 106.3 Restrictions on loading.
It shall be unlawful to place, or cause or permit to be placed, on any floor or roof of a
building, structure or portion thereof, a load greater than is permitted by this code.
(8) Section 107.3.1 Approval of construction documents, is hereby amended to read as;
“107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. When the building official issues a permit,
the construction documents shall be approved in writing or by a stamp which states
“REVIEWED FOR CODE COMPLIANCE”. One set of construction documents so
reviewed shall be retained by the building official. The other set shall be returned to the
applicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall be open to inspection by the building
official or his or her authorized representative.”
(9) Section 108 Temporary Structures and Uses is deleted in its entirety.
SECTION 108 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES
[A] 108.1 General. The building official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary
structures and temporary uses. Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shall
not be permitted for more than 180 days. The building official is authorized to grant
extensions for demonstrated cause.
Attachment 3
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[A] 108.2 Conformance. Temporary structures and uses shall conform to the structural
strength, fire safety, means of egress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary
requirements of this code as necessary to ensure public health, safety and general welfare.
[A] 108.3 Temporary power. The building official is authorized to give permission to
temporarily supply and use power in part of an electric installation before such installation
has been fully completed and the final certificate of completion has been issued. The part
covered by the temporary certificate shall comply with the requirements specified for
temporary lighting, heat or power in NFPA 70.
[A] 108.4 Termination of approval. The building official is authorized to terminate such
permit for a temporary structure or use and to order the temporary structure or use to be
discontinued.
(10) Section 109, FEES, is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
[A] 109.1 Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid until the fees prescribed by law
have been paid, nor shall an amendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, if
any, has been paid. [A] 109.2 Schedule of permit fees. On buildings, structures, electrical,
gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems or alterations requiring a permit, a fee for each
permit shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by the
applicable governing authority.
[A] 109.3 Building permit valuations. The applicant for a permit shall provide an
estimated permit value at time of application. Permit valuations shall include total value of
work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as electrical,
gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment and permanent systems. If, in the opinion of the
building official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the permit shall be
denied, unless the applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the
building official. Final building permit valuation shall be set by the building official.
[A] 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any
work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before
obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee established by the building official
that shall be in addition to the required permit fees.
[A] 109.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or
demolition for work done in connection to or concurrently with the work authorized by a
building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of
other fees that are prescribed by law.
[A] 109.6 Refunds. The building official is authorized to establish a refund policy.
SECTION 109 FEES
“109.1 Payment of fees. No permit shall be valid until the fees prescribed by the City
Manager pursuant to Chapter 7.5, Article I of the City Code, entitled, ‘Administrative
Fees’, have been paid.
Attachment 3
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109.2 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the construction, alteration, removal or
demolition for work done in connection with or concurrently with the work authorized by a
building permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of the permit from the payment of
other fees that are prescribed by law.
109.3 Fee refunds. Any fee paid hereunder that is erroneously paid or collected shall be
refunded. The building official may authorize the refunding of 100 percent of a plan review
fee or building permit fee to the applicant who paid such fee provided the plan review is
withdrawn or cancelled and the plan review and/or work authorized under a permit issued
in accordance with this code has not commenced; and further provided that such plan
review or permit is valid and not expired as set forth in Section 105.5. Prior to authorizing
the refunding of any fee paid to the original applicant or permitee, a written request from
such party must be submitted to the City within 180 days of the date of the fee payment.”
Section 110.3 Required inspections is hereby amended to read as follows:
110.3 Required inspections The building official, upon notification, shall make or shall
cause to be made the inspections set forth in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.10.
Section 111.2 Certificate issued is hereby amended by deleting items numbered 10, 12
After the building official inspects the building or structure and does not find violations of
the provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced by the department of building
safety, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:
1. The building permit number.
2. The address of the structure.
3. The name and address of the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.
4. A description of that portion of the structure for which the certificate is issued.
5. A statement that the described portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance
with the requirements of this code for the occupancy and division of occupancy and the
use for which the proposed occupancy is classified.
6. The name of the building official.
7. The edition of the code under which the permit was issued.
8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 3.
9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.
10. The design occupant load.
11. If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whether the sprinkler system is required.
12. Any special stipulations and conditions of the building permit.
(11) Section 113, Board of Appeals, is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
SECTION 113 BOARD OF APPEALS
[A] 113.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or
determinations made by the building official relative to the application and interpretation of
this code, there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. The board of appeals shall
Attachment 3
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be appointed by the applicable governing governing authority and shall hold office at its
pleasure. The board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business.
[A] 113.2 Limitations on authority. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim
that the true intent of this code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly
interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fully apply or an equally good or better form
of construction is proposed. The board shall have no authority to waive requirements of this
code.
[A] 113.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consist of members who are qualified
by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to building construction and are
not employees of the jurisdiction.
“SECTION 113 BOARD OF APPEALS
113.1 General. The Building Review Board (hereafter "Board") established in Section 2-
117 of the City Code is hereby empowered in accordance with the procedures set forth in
this section and as authorized under Section 2-119 of the City Code to hear and decide
appeals of orders, decisions, or determinations made by the building official relative to the
application and interpretation of this code; to determine the suitability of alternative
materials or alternative methods of construction; and to grant permit extensions and
reinstatements as prescribed by Section 105.5. The building official shall serve as the
Secretary of the Board. The Board shall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its
business and shall render all decisions and findings in writing.
113.2 Applications/Hearings. When a building permit applicant or a holder of a building
permit desires relief from any decision of the building official related to the enforcement of
this code, except as is otherwise limited in Section 113.4, such building permit applicant,
building permit holder, or representative thereof may appeal the decision of the building
official to the Board, stating that such decision by the building official was based on an
erroneous interpretation of the building regulations or that an alternative design, alternative
materials and/or the alternative methods of construction proposed by the appellant are
equivalent to those prescribed by this code, considering structural strength, effectiveness,
fire resistance, durability, safety and any other pertinent factors.
The Board shall hear and decide all appeals made to it and shall have the authority to rule
in favor of the appellant when the Board determines that the interpretation of the building
regulations of the City by the building official was erroneous, or when the Board
determines an alternative design, alternative materials and/or the alternative methods
proposed by the appellant are equivalent to those prescribed by this code, considering
structural strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability, safety and any other pertinent
factors. The Board shall require that sufficient evidence be submitted to substantiate any
claims made regarding the proposed alternative design, alternative materials and/or
alternative methods of construction. A quorum of 4 members shall be necessary for any
meeting of the Board.
113.3 Fees and Notification. Persons desiring to appeal to the Board any decision of the
building official as provided in this section shall, at the time of filing such appeal, pay to
Attachment 3
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the City a filing fee in the amount of $50. Written notice of hearings shall be given to the
Appellant and, with respect to requests for exceptions or variances to Section 1101.1 of this
code, to the secretary to the Commission on Disability, at least 4 days prior to the hearing
by mailing the same to such party's last known address by regular U.S. mail.
113.4 Limitations. The Building Review Board shall have no authority with respect to any
of the following functions:
1. The administration of this code except as expressly provided otherwise;
2. Waiving requirements of this code, except as provided in this section;
3. Modifying the applicable provisions of, or granting variances to, this code, or approving
the use of alternative designs, alternative materials and/or alternative methods of
construction except as provided for in this section and based upon a specific appeal from a
determination or decision of the building official on an individual case basis; and
4. Modifying, interpreting, or ruling on the applicability or intent of the zoning and land
use regulations or other laws of the City except as expressly empowered otherwise.”
(12) Section 114.4, Violation penalties is amended to read as follows:
“114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to
comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a
building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the
building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall
be subject to penalties as prescribed by law. shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be
subject to the penalties and fines specified in Section 1-15 of the City Code.”
(13) Section 114.5 Work commencing before permit issuance, is added to read as follows:
“114.5 Work commencing before permit issuance. In addition to the penalties set forth
in 114.4, any person or firm who, before obtaining the necessary permit(s), commences
any construction of, or work on, a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or
plumbing system that is not otherwise exempted from obtaining a permit, shall be subject
to a fine in addition to the standard prescribed permit fee. Said fine shall be equal in
amount to the permit fee, except that it shall not be less than $50 nor more than $1,000
for the first such violation. A person or firm committing the same such violation
repeatedly shall be subject to a fine equal to double the amount of the permit fee or
double the amount of the fee imposed for the preceding violation, whichever is greater,
for every such subsequent violation committed within 180 days of a previous violation.
Said fines may be appealed to the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 2, Article VI of the
City Code.”
(14) Section 202, DEFINITIONS, terms are hereby amended or added in alphabetical sequence
in the following respects:
“COMMISSIONING. A process to verify and document that the selected building and
systems have been designed, installed, and function in accordance with the construction
documents, manufacturers’ specifications, and minimum code requirements.
Attachment 3
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DWELLING. Shall mean a building used exclusively for residential occupancy and for
permitted accessory uses, including single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and
multi-family dwellings. , and which contains: (a) a minimum of 800 square feet of floor
area, or (b) in the case of a dwelling to be constructed on the rear portion of a lot in the L-
M-N, M-M-N, N-C-L, N-C-M, N-C-B, C-C-N, C-C-R, H-C or E zone districts, a minimum
of 400 square feet of floor area, so long as a dwelling already exists on the front portion of
such lot. The term dwelling shall not include hotels, motels, homeless shelters, seasonal
overflow shelters tents or other structures designed or used primarily for temporary
occupancy. Any dwelling shall be deemed to be a principal building.
DWELLING UNIT. Shall mean one or more rooms and a single kitchen and at least 1
bathroom, designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate quarters for the
exclusive use of a single family for living, cooking and sanitary purposes, located in a
single-family, two-family or multi-family dwelling or mixed-use building.
FAMILY. Shall mean any number of persons who are all related by blood, marriage,
adoption, guardianship or other duly authorized custodial relationship, and who live
together as a single housekeeping unit and share common living, sleeping, cooking and
eating facilities.
FIRE CONTAINMENT AREA. A portion of a story or basement which is totally
enclosed by not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction and, as prescribed in Section
709 entitled Fire Partitions and in Section 710 entitled Smoke Barriers. Openings other
than doors and ducts shall be protected as specified in Section 715.5 and shall be limited to
a maximum of 25 percent of any one wall. Self-closing devices may be used in place of
automatic closing devices on doors unlikely to be fixed open during normal conditions.
Examples are doors at toilet rooms, closets and small storage rooms and similar areas.
GRADE (ADJACENT GROUND ELEVATION). The lowest point of elevation of the
finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk between the building and the property
line or, when the property line is more than 5 feet (1.524 m) from the building, between the
building and a line 5 feet (1.524 m) from the building.
ROOM, SLEEPING (BEDROOM). A habitable room within a dwelling or other
housing unit designed primarily for the purpose of sleeping. The presence of a bed, cot,
mattress, convertible sofa or other similar furnishing used for sleeping purposes shall be
prima facie evidence that such space or room is a sleeping room. The presence of closets or
similar storage facilities shall not be considered relevant factors in determining whether or
not a room is a sleeping room.
TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed as part of a group of three two
or more attached individual dwelling units, in which each unit extends from the foundation
to roof and with open space on at least two sides. each of which is separated from the other
from the foundation to the roof and is located entirely on a separately recorded and platted
Attachment 3
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parcel of land (site) bounded by property lines, which parcel is deeded exclusively for such
single-family dwelling.
VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUND (VOC): Any compound of carbon, excluding
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and
ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photochemical reactions. VOCs
include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short-and long-term adverse health
effects emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids.”
(15) Section 419.1General is amended to read as follows:
419.1 General.
A live/work unit shall comply with Sections 419.1 through 419.9.
Exception: Dwelling or sleeping units that include an office that is less than 10 percent 20
percent of the area of the dwelling unit are permitted to be classified as dwelling units with
accessory occupancies in accordance with Section 508.2.
(16) Section 501.3 Premises Identification is hereby added to read as follows:
“501.3 Premises Identification During Construction. The approved permit number and
street address number shall be displayed and be plainly visible and legible from the public
street or road fronting the property on which any building is being constructed or
remodeled.”
(17) Section 505.2.1 Area Limitation is amended by adding a new exception number 3 to read as
follows:
“3. Within individual dwelling units of Group R occupancies, the maximum aggregate area
of a mezzanine may be equal to one-half of the area of the room in which it is located,
without being considered an additional story. The mezzanine may be closed to the
room in which it is located as long as exits from the mezzanine are in conformance with
Section 505.2.2.”
(18) Section 705.3 Buildings on the same lot is amended by adding a third paragraph to read as
follows:
“Lines or walls which are established solely to delineate individual portions of a building
or of a planned unit development (PUD) need not be considered as property lines for the
purposes of this code, provided that such building is entirely located on property which is
under common ownership and further provided that required distances, set forth in Section
503.1.2 for assumed property lines between buildings located on the same property, are
maintained.”
(19) Table 903.1 Maximum Allowable Fire-Containment Area is added as follows:
Attachment 3
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“TABLE 903.1
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE FIRE-CONTAINMENT AREA
(IN SQUARE FEET)
Types of Construction
Occupancy I A I B II A II B III A III B IV-HT VA VB
A1 10,000 10,000 NP NP NP NP NP NP NP
A2, 10,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
A3, 4 10,000 10,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 5,000
B, F1, S1, S2
M, U 10,000 10,000 7,000 5,000 7,000 5,000 7,000 7,000 5,000
F2 20,000 20,000 10,000 7,000 10,000 7,000 10,000 10,000 5,000
E 10,000 10,000 7,000 5,000 7,000 5,000 7,000 7,000 5,000
NP = Not Permitted
Exception:
S2 Open parking garages in accordance with Section 406.5”
(20) Section 903.2 Where required, is amended by adding an exception number 2 to read as
follows:
“2. Except for Group R Occupancies, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in all
buildings which are not divided into fire containment areas as specified in Table 903.1.”
Section 903.2.1.1 Group A-1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.1.1 Group A-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-1 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the
following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 5000 square feet (1115 464.5 m2).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving such
occupancies.
4. The fire area contains a multitheater complex.
Section 903.2.1.3 Group A-3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Attachment 3
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903.2.1.3 Group A-3. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-3 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the
following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 5000 square feet (1115 464.5 m
2
).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge s
such occupancies.
Section 903.2.1.4 Group A-4 is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.1.4 Group A-4. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-4 occupancies and intervening floors of the building where one of the
following conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 12,000 5000 square feet (1115 464.5 m
2
).
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a level of exit discharge serving
such occupancies.
Section 903.2.1.8 Group B is hereby added to read as follows:
903.2.1.8 Group B. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas containing
Group B occupancies when the fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
Section 903.2.3 Group E is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.3 Group E. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies
as follows:
1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than 12,000 5000 square feet
(1115 464.5m
2
) in area.
2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the lowest level of
exit discharge serving that portion of the building.
Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest
level of exit discharge serving that area where every classroom throughout the building
has not fewer than one exterior exit door at ground level.
Section 903.2.4 Group F-1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Attachment 3
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903.2.4 Group F-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings containing a Group F-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group F-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 5000 square feet (1115 464.5 m
2
).
2. A Group F-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group F-1 fire areas on all floors, including any
mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m
2
).
4. 3. A Group F-1 occupancy used for the manufacture of upholstered furniture or
mattresses exceeds 2500 square feet (232 m
2
).
Section 903.2.6 Group I is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.6 Group I. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings with
a Group I fire area.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2 shall be
permitted in Group I-1 Condition 1 facilities.
2 1. An automatic sprinkler system is not required where group I-4 day care facilities are
at the level of exit discharge and where every room where care is provided has not fewer
than one exterior exit door and the fire area does not exceed 5000 square feet (464.5 m
2
).
3 2. In buildings where Group I-4 day care is provided on levels other than the level of
exit discharge, an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 shall
be installed on the entire floor where care is provided, all floors between the level of care
and the level of exit discharge, and all floors below the level of exit discharge other than
areas classified as an open parking garage.
Section 903.2.7 Group M is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.7 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings
containing a Group M occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 5000 square feet (1115 464.5 m
2
).
2. A Group M fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group M fire areas on all floors, including any mezzanines,
exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m
2
).
4 3. A Group M occupancy used for the display and sale of upholstered furniture or
mattresses exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m
2
).
Attachment 3
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Section 903.2.9 Group S-1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.9 Group S-1. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings containing a Group S-1 occupancy where one of the following conditions exists:
1. A Group S-1 fire area exceeds 12,000 5000 square feet (1115 464.5 m
2
).
2. A Group S-1 fire area is located more than three stories above grade plane.
3. The combined area of all Group S-1 fire areas on all floors, including any
mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet (2230 m
2
).
4 3. A Group S-1 fire area used for the storage of commercial motor vehicle where the
fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m
2
).
5 4. A Group S-1 occupancy used for the storage of upholstered furniture or mattresses
exceeds 2500 square (232m
2
).
Section 903.2.9.1 Repair Garages is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.9.1 Repair garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout all
buildings used as repair garages in accordance with Section 406, as shown:
1. Buildings having two or more stories above grade plane, including basements, with a
fire area containing a repair garage exceeding 10,000 5000 square feet (929 464.5 m
2
).
2. Buildings not more than one story above grade plane, with a fire area containing a
repair garage exceeding 12,000 5000 square feet (1115 464.5 m
2
).
3. Buildings with repair garages servicing vehicles parked in basements.
4. A Group S-1 fire area used for the repair of commercial motor vehicles where
the fire area exceeds 5000 square feet (464 m
2
).
Section 903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages is hereby amended to read as follows:
903.2.10 Group S-2 enclosed parking garages. An automatic sprinkler system shall be
provided throughout buildings classified as enclosed parking garages in accordance with
Section 406.6 where either of the following conditions exists:
1. Where the fire area of the enclosed parking garage exceeds 12,000 5000 square feet
(1115 464.5 m
2
).
2. Where the enclosed parking is located beneath other groups.
Attachment 3
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Exception: Enclosed parking garages located beneath Group R-3 occupancies.
Section 903.2.11.1.3 Basements is amended by deleting potions of the sentence to read as
follows:
“903.2.11.1.3 Basements. Where any portion of a basement is located more than 75 feet (22
860 mm) from openings required by Section 903.2.11.1, or where walls, partitions or other
obstructions are installed that restrict the application of water from hose streams, the
basement shall be equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.”
(22) Section 903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems is amended to read as follows
903.3.1.2 NFPA 13R sprinkler systems. Automatic Sprinkler systems in Group R
occupancies up to and including four stories in height in buildings not exceeding 60 feet (18
288mm) in height above grade plane shall be permitted to be installed throughout in
accordance with NFPA 13R Section 903.3.1.1
Exception: NFPA 13R and Section 903.3.1.2 allowed when the following conditions exist:
1. The building does not contain more than 6 individual dwelling units and all units are
separated with a minimum 1 hour fire separation on all sides or,
2. The building does not contain more than 12 individual dwelling units and is divided into
no more than 6 individual dwellings units (complying with number 1 above) by a
minimum 2 hour fire separation.
The number of stories of Group R occupancies constructed in accordance with Sections
510.2 and 510.4 shall be measured from the horizontal assembly creating separate buildings.
(23) Section 907.2.11 Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms is amended by adding a
second paragraph thereto to read as follows:
“When one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing Group R Occupancies,
the entire building shall be provided with smoke detectors located and installed as required
for new Group R Occupancies as described herein.”
(24) Section 908.7 Carbon monoxide alarms is amended by deleting the exception:
Exception: Sleeping units or dwelling units which do not themselves contain a fuel-
burning appliance or have an attached garage, but which are located in a building with a
fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage, need not be equipped with single-station
carbon monoxide alarms provided that:
1. The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story above or below
any story which contains a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage;
2. The sleeping unit or dwelling unit is not connected by duct work or ventilation
shafts to any room containing a fuel-burning appliance or to an attached garage; and
3. The building is equipped with a common area carbon monoxide alarm system.
Attachment 3
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(25) Section 1007.3 1009.3 Stairways, Exceptions 1, 2, 5 are amended to read as follows:
“Exceptions:
2 The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required in buildings
not more than 4 stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
5 Areas of refuge are not required at stairways in buildings not more than 4 stories above
grade plane equipped throughout by an automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.”
(26) Section 1007.4 1009.4 Elevators is amended by adding a new exception #6 to read as:
“6. Elevators in buildings not more than 4 stories above grade plane are not required to be
considered an accessible means of egress when the building is equipped throughout with an
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.”
(27) Section 1007.8 Two-way communication exception #1 is amended to read as follows:
Exception:
“1. Two-way communication systems are not required at the elevator landing where the
two-way communication system is provided within of buildings not required to provide
areas of refuge in accordance with Section 1007.4.”
(28) Section 1008.1.5 1010.1.5 Floor elevation is amended by adding a new, Exception 6 (7), to
read as follows:
“6. 7 Exterior doors serving individual dwelling units, other than the main entrance door to
a dwelling unit, may open at one intervening exterior step that is equally spaced between
the interior floor level above and exterior landing below, provided that the step has a
minimum tread depth of 12 inches, a maximum riser height of 7 ¾ inches (7.75”), and a
minimum width equal to the door width, and further provided that the door does not swing
over the step.”
(29) Section 1008.1.5 1010.1.5 Floor elevation is amended by adding a second paragraph after
the exceptions, to read as follows:
“All exterior steps, slabs, walks, decks and patios serving as exterior door landings or
exterior stairs shall be adequately and permanently secured in place by approved methods
to prevent such landings or stairs from being undermined or subject to significant
displacement due to improper placement of supporting backfill or due to inadequate
anchoring methods.”
Attachment 3
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(30) Section 1009.15 1011.11 Handrails is amended to read as follows:
“1009.15 1011.11 Handrails. Stairways of more than 1 riser shall have handrails on each
side and shall comply with Section 1012 1014. Where glass is used to provide the handrail,
the handrail shall also comply with Section 2407.”
(31) Section 1013.8 Window Sills 1015.8 Window openings is amended to read as follows:
“1013.8 Window sills. 1015.8 Window openings In Occupancy Groups R-2 and R-3, one-
and two-family and multiple-family dwellings, where the opening of the sill portion of an
operable window is located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or
other surface below, the lowest part of the clear opening of the window shall be at a height
not less than 36 inches (915 mm) 24 inches (304.8 mm) above the finished floor surface of
the room in which the window is located. Operable sections of windows shall not permit
openings that allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere where such openings
are located within 36 inches (915 mm) 24 inches (304.8 mm) of the finished floor.
Exceptions:
1. Operable windows where the sill portion of the opening is located more than 75 feet
(22 860 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below and that are provided
with window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F 2006.
2. Windows whose openings will not allow a 4 inch diameter (102 mm) sphere to pass
through the opening when the window is in its largest opened position.
3. Openings that are provided with non-removable window fall prevention devices that
comply with ASTM F 2090.
4. Windows that are provided with non-removable window opening control devices that
comply with Section 1013.8.1.
5. Emergency escape and rescue windows shall be installed per Section 1029.”
(32) Section 1013.9 1015.9 Below grade openings is amended by adding a new section to read
as follows:
“1013.9 1015.9 Below grade openings. All area wells, stair wells and light wells attached
to any building that are located less than 36 inches from the nearest intended walking
surface and deeper than 36 inches below the surrounding ground level, creating an opening
with a horizontal dimension greater than 24 inches measured perpendicularly from the
building, with the side walls of such well having a slope steeper than 2 horizontal to 1
vertical, shall be protected with guardrails conforming to this Section around the entire
opening, or be provided with an equivalent barrier.
Attachment 3
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Exceptions:
1. The access side of stairways need not be barricaded.
2. Area wells provided for emergency escape and rescue windows may be protected with
approved grates or covers that comply with Section 1029.4 of this code.
3. Covers and grates may be used over stairways and other openings used exclusively for
service access or for admitting light or ventilation.”
(33) Section 1029.1 1030.1 General Exceptions 1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Exceptions:
“1. Basements with a ceiling height of less than 80 inches (2032 mm) 72 inches (1828.8
mm) shall not be required to have emergency escape and rescue openings.”
(34) Section 1029.3.1 1030.3.1 Minimum height from floor is added to read as follows:
“1029.3.1 1030.3.1 Minimum height from floor. Emergency escape and rescue openings where
the opening of the sill portion of an emergency escape and rescue openings is located more than
72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below, the lowest part of the clear
opening of the window shall be at a height not less than 36 inches (915 mm) above the finished
floor surface of the room in which the window is located.
(35) Section 1029.5 1030.5 Window Wells is amended by adding a new exception to read as
follows:
“Exception:
With the window in the full open position, the bottom window well step may encroach a
maximum of 12 inches (304 mm) into the minimum horizontal projection, provided the
well meets the criteria of 1 and 2 below:
1. The bottom of the well is not less than 36 inches wide (914 mm), centered
horizontally on the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door or
window, and
2. An unobstructed clear horizontal projection of 36 inches (914 mm) is maintained at the
centerline of the openable portion of the emergency escape and rescue door or window.”
(36) Section 1029.5.3 1030.5.3 Drainage is hereby added to read as:
Attachment 3
- 22 -
“1029.5.3 1030.5.3 Drainage. Window wells shall be designed for proper drainage by
connecting to the building’s foundation drainage system required by Section 1805.4.2 or
by an approved alternative method. The inlet to the drainage system shall be a minimum
of 4 inches (101 mm) below the window sill. Where no drains are required, the window
well surface shall be a minimum of 4 inches (101 mm) below the window sill.
Exceptions:
1. A drainage system for window wells is not required when the foundation is on well-
drained soil or sand-gravel mixture soils as determined by the foundation engineer of
record.
2. A drainage system is not required for new window wells on additions to existing
dwellings.”
(37) Section 1101.2 Design is amended to read as follows:
“1101.2 Design. Buildings and facilities shall be designed and constructed to be accessible
in accordance with this code and the most recently published edition of ANSI ICC A117.1
as referenced by the building official.”
(38) Section 1103.1 Where required is amended by adding a second and third paragraphs to read
as follows:
“When the Building Review Board considers granting exceptions or variances either to this
chapter pursuant to Section 113 of this code or to Colorado Statutes pursuant to Section 9-
5-102, C.R.S., it shall require the applicant requesting the exception or variance to
demonstrate that the application of a particular standard or specification relating to access
for persons with disabilities would impose an extraordinary hardship on the subject
property. For the purposes of this Section, an extraordinary hardship shall mean a
substantial and unusual hardship which is the direct result of unique physical site
conditions such as terrain, topography or geology, or which is the direct result of other
unique or special conditions encountered on the subject property, but which are not
typically encountered elsewhere in the City. Constraints, complications or difficulties that
may arise by complying with this chapter and/or with the statutory standards for
accessibility but that do not constitute an extraordinary hardship shall not serve to justify
the granting of an exception or variance.”
(39) Section 1107.2 Design is amended by adding a second and third paragraph to read as
follows:
“When any building or buildings, classified as Group R, Division 1 or Group R, Division 2
Occupancy, are constructed as a single building project (or any phase thereof) on any one
site, and such building project (or phase) contains one or more accessible dwelling units as
required by this chapter or Colorado law, said building project (or phase) shall be
constructed such that all such required accessible dwelling units in such building project (or
Attachment 3
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phase) provide the same functional features as are provided in the nonaccessible units in
such building project (or phase). Furthermore, all such functional features except dwelling
unit bedroom-types shall be provided in the same proportion as in the nonaccessible units.
Not less than 50 percent of the required accessible dwelling units shall be constructed with
the distribution of accessible dwelling unit bedroom-types being proportionally the same as
the distribution of nonaccessible dwelling unit bedroom-types, provided that at least one of
each dwelling unit bedroom-type constructed in the building project (or phase) shall be an
accessible dwelling unit.
For purposes of this Section, the following definitions shall apply. Dwelling unit bedroom-
type shall mean the number of bedrooms within the dwelling unit. Functional feature shall
mean a closet, garage, carport, patio, deck, additional room (such as a bedroom, bathroom,
den, storeroom, laundry or similar room) or any other significant feature built at the time of
original construction that offers occupants improved convenience or comfort. Aesthetic or
decorative features such as colors, architectural design elements, trim and finish materials,
decorative heating appliances not providing the primary comfort heat source, lighting
fixture style, cabinet and hardware style, plumbing fixture style, the type and location of
windows and glazed lights, or any similar miscellaneous features shall not be construed as
functional features.”
Table 1107.6.1.1 Accessible Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units is hereby amended to read as
follows:
TABLE 1107.6.1.1
ACCESSIBLE DWELLING UNITS AND SLEEPING UNITS
Total number of
units provided
Minimum required number of
accessible units without roll-in
showers
Minimum required number
of accessible units with
roll-in showers
Total number of required
accessible units
1 - 25 1 0 1
26 - 50 2 1 0 1 2
51 - 75 3 2 1 2 4
76 - 100 4 3 1 2 5
101 - 150 5 2 7
151 - 200 6 2 8
201 - 300 7 3 10
301 - 400 8 4 12
401 - 500 9 4 13
501 - 1000 2% of total 1% of total 3% of total
Over 1000 20, plus 1 for each 100, or fraction
thereof, over 1000
10, plus 1 for each 100, or
fraction thereof, over 1000
30, plus 1 for each 100, or
fraction thereof, over 1000
(40) Section 1203.3 1203.4 Under-floor ventilation is hereby amended in its entirety to read as
follows:
1203.3 Under-floor ventilation. The space between the bottom of the floor joists and the
earth under any building except spaces occupied by basements or cellars shall be provided
Attachment 3
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with ventilation openings through foundation walls or exterior walls. Such openings shall
be placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the under-floor space.
1203.3.1 Openings for under-floor ventilation. The net area of ventilation openings shall
not be less than 1 square foot for each 150 square feet (0.67 m2 for each 100 m2) of crawl-
space area. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the
following materials, provided that the least dimension of the covering shall be not greater
than 1/4 inch (6 mm):
1. Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
2. Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
3. Cast-iron grilles or gratings.
4. Extruded load-bearing vents.
5. Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
6. Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension not greater than 1/8 inch (3.2
mm).
1203.3.2 Exceptions. The following are exceptions to Sections 1203.3 and 1203.3.1:
1. Where warranted by climatic conditions, ventilation openings to the outdoors are not
required if ventilation openings to the interior are provided. 2. The total area of ventilation
openings is permitted to be reduced to 1/1,500 of the under-floor area where the ground
surface is covered with a Class I vapor retarder material and the required openings are
placed so as to provide cross ventilation of the space. The installation of operable louvers
shall not be prohibited.
3. Ventilation openings are not required where continuously operated mechanical
ventilation is provided at a rate of 1.0 cubic foot per minute (cfm) for each 50 square feet
(1.02 L/s for each 10 m2) of crawl space floor area and the ground surface is covered with
a Class I vapor retarder.
4. Ventilation openings are not required where the ground surface is covered with a Class I
vapor retarder, the perimeter walls are insulated and the space is conditioned in accordance
with the International Energy Conservation Code.
5. For buildings in flood hazard areas as established in Section 1612.3, the openings for
under-floor ventilation
shall be deemed as meeting the flood opening requirements of ASCE 24 provided that the
ventilation openings are designed and installed in accordance with ASCE 24.
“1203.3 1203.4 Under-floor ventilation All exposed earth in a crawl space shall be
covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap
by 6 inches (152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall
extend at least 6 inches (152 mm) up the perimeter stem wall and any footing pads on
grade, and be permanently attached and sealed to the stem wall or footing pads.
1203.3.1 1203.4.1 Crawl space. Crawl spaces shall be designed and constructed to be
inside the building thermal envelope, in accordance with the insulation and air sealing
requirements for crawl space walls and rim joists of Section N1102 of the International
Residential Code as amended or the International Energy Conservation Code as amended.
Crawl spaces shall not be vented to the exterior. They shall be conditioned using one of the
following approaches:
Attachment 3
- 25 -
1. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per
minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7m2) of crawl space floor area, including an
air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille);
2. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47
L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of under-floor area, including a return air pathway to
the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille);
3. Plenum in existing structures complying with Section M1601.5, if under-floor space is
used as a plenum.
Exception:
Crawl spaces shall be permitted to be designed and constructed as unconditioned spaces,
outside the building thermal envelope, provided the following requirements are met:
1. The floor above the crawl space is part of the building thermal envelope. It shall meet
the insulation requirements of Table N1102.1.1 of this code and shall be air-sealed in
accordance with Section N1102.4.1 of this code.
2. Ventilation openings shall be placed through foundation walls or exterior walls. The
minimum net area of ventilation openings shall not be less than 1 square foot (0.0929
m2) for each 1,500 square feet (140 m2) of under-floor space area. One such
ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of each corner of the building.
3. Ventilation openings shall be covered for their height and width with any of the
following materials provided that the least dimension of the covering shall not exceed
1/4 inch (6.4 mm):
a. Perforated sheet metal plates not less than 0.070 inch (1.8 mm) thick.
b. Expanded sheet metal plates not less than 0.047 inch (1.2 mm) thick.
c. Cast-iron grill or grating.
d. Extruded load-bearing brick vents.
e. Hardware cloth of 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) wire or heavier.
f. Corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with the least dimension being one-eighth (1/8) inch
(3.2 mm) thick.
4. The installation of operable louvers is allowed.”
Mechanical ventilation systems for spaces under below grade floors shall be designed by a
professional engineer, addressing moisture controls and by approved methods considering
the impact of negative pressures created by exhaust fans, clothes dryers and similar
appliances.
1203.3.2 1203.4.2 Ventilated under-floor spaces. Floor systems above ventilated under-
floor spaces, or floors open to the exterior with no enclosed space below shall be insulated
to R-30 in accordance with the adopted International Energy Conservation Code Table
402.1.1. The floor system shall be sealed to prevent heat loss and air infiltration.”
Attachment 3
- 26 -
(41) Section 1211 Radon-Resistant Construction is hereby added to read as follows:
1211 – Radon-resistant construction
1211.1 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to new R-2 Occupancies, new I-1
occupancies, and new I-2 nursing homes.
1211.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum requirements to
enhance the public safety, health and general welfare, through construction methods
designed and installed to resist entry of radon gas into the occupied spaces of buildings
regulated by this code.
1211.2 - Definitions
1211.2.1 General. For the purpose of these requirements, the terms used shall be defined
as follows:
FOUNDATION DRAIN SYSTEM. A continuous length of drain tile, perforated pipe,
or filter mat extending around all or part of the internal or external perimeter of a
basement or crawl space footing designed to collect and drain away excess subsurface
water.
RADON. A naturally occurring, chemically inert, radioactive gas that is not detectable
by human senses, that can move readily through particles of soil and rock, and that can
accumulate under the slabs and foundations of homes where it can easily enter the living
space through construction cracks and openings.
SOIL-GAS-RETARDER. A continuous membrane of 3-mil (0.075 mm) cross-linked
polyethylene or other equivalent material used to retard the flow of soil gases into a
building.
SUBFLOOR. A concrete slab or other approved permanent floor system that directly
contacts the ground and is within the walls of the living spaces of the building.
SUB-MEMBRANE DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM. A system designed to achieve
lower sub-membrane air pressure relative to crawl space air pressure by use of a vent
drawing air from beneath the soil-gas-retarder membrane.
SUB-SLAB DEPRESSURIZATION SYSTEM (Passive). A system designed to
achieve lower sub-slab air pressure relative to indoor air pressure by use of a vent pipe
routed through the conditioned space of a building and connecting the sub-slab area with
outdoor air, thereby relying on the convective flow of air upward in the vent to draw air
from beneath the slab.
1211.3 - Requirements
Attachment 3
- 27 -
1211.3.1 General. The following required construction methods are intended to resist
radon entry and prepare the building for post-construction radon mitigation.
1211.3.2 Subfloor preparation. A layer of gas-permeable material shall be placed under
all subfloors. The gas-permeable layer shall consist of one of the following methods
except that where fills of aggregate size less than that described in Method 1 are used
beneath a slab, Method 2,3, 4, or 5 must be used.
1. A uniform layer of clean aggregate, a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick. The
aggregate shall consist of material that will pass through a 2 inch (51 mm) sieve and be
retained by a 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) sieve. In buildings where interior footings or other
barriers separate sub-grade areas, penetrations through the interior footing or barrier
equal to a minimum of 12 square inches (0.094 m
2
) per 10 feet (3.048 m) of barrier
length shall be provided. A minimum of 2 penetrations shall be provided per separation
and be evenly spaced along the separation.
Exception:
In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area,
separate radon vent pipes may be installed for each sub-grade area as specified in
Section 1211.5.2 in place of penetrations through the barrier.
2. A foundation drain pipe system installed under concrete floor slab areas less than
2,000 square feet (186 m
2
), consisting of a continuous loop of minimum 3 inch (76
mm) diameter perforated pipe shall be laid in the sub-grade with the top of the pipe
located 1-inch (25.4 mm) below the concrete slab. The pipe may be rigid or flexible but
shall have perforations fully around the circumference with a free air space equal to
1.83 square inches per square foot (127 cm
2
/m
2
) of exterior pipe surface area. Such pipe
shall be wrapped with approved filter material to prevent blocking of pipe perforations.
The pipe loop shall be located inside of the exterior perimeter foundation walls not
more than 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls. In buildings where
interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the loop of pipe shall
penetrate or pass beneath such interior footings or barriers. For slab areas greater than
2,000 square feet (186 m
2
) but less than 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
), the preceding
configuration may be used, provided a minimum of 4 inch diameter (102 mm) pipe is
installed. Slabs in excess of 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
) shall have under them separate
loops for every additional 2,000 square feet (186 m
2
) of slab area when 3 inch (76 mm)
diameter pipe is used, or slabs may have separate loops provided for each additional
increment in area between 2,000 square feet (186 m
2
) and 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
)
when 4-inch (102 mm) diameter pipe is used.
3. A foundation drain soil gas collection mat system installed under concrete floor slab
areas of 2,000 square feet (186 m
2
Attachment 3
- 28 -
grade. The mat shall be constructed of a matrix that allows for the movement of air
through it and be capable of supporting the concrete placed upon it. The matrix shall be
covered by approved filter material on all four sides to prevent dirt or concrete from
entering the matrix. All breaches and joints in the filter material shall be repaired prior
to the placement of the slab. The loop shall be located inside the exterior perimeter
foundation walls and within 12 inches (305 mm) from the perimeter foundation walls.
In buildings where interior footings or other barriers separate the sub-grade area, the
mat shall penetrate these interior footings or barriers to form a continuous loop around
the exterior perimeter.
Slabs larger than 2,000 square feet (186 m
2
) but less than 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
)
shall have under them an additional strip of mat that bisects the loop forming two areas
approximately equally divided by the two halves of the rectilinear loop. Slabs larger
than 4,000 square feet (372 m
2
) shall have separate loops for each 2,000 (186 m
2
)
square feet, or for each 4,000 square feet (372 m2) if a loop is bisected as specified in
the preceding configuration.
4. A uniform layer of sand (native or fill), a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) thick,
overlain by a layer or strips of geo-textile drainage matting designed to allow the lateral
flow of soil gases.
5. Other materials, systems or floor designs with demonstrated capability to permit
depressurization across the entire sub-floor area.
1211.3.3 Entry routes. Potential radon entry routes shall be closed in accordance with
Sections 1211.3.4.1 through 1211.3.4.8
1211.3.3.1 Floor openings. Openings around bathtubs, showers, water closets, pipes,
wires or other objects that penetrate concrete slabs or other floor assemblies shall be
filled with a polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant applied in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.
1211.3.3.2 Concrete joints. All control joints, isolation joints, construction joints and
any other joints in concrete slabs or between slabs and foundation walls shall be sealed
with a caulk or sealant. Gaps and joints shall be cleared of loose material and filled with
polyurethane caulk or other elastomeric sealant applied in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.
1211.3.3.3 Condensate drains. Condensate drains shall be trapped or routed through
non-perforated pipe to daylight.
1211.3.3.4 Sumps. Sump pits open to soil or serving as the termination point for sub-
slab or exterior drain tile loops shall be covered with a gasketed or otherwise sealed lid.
Sumps used as the suction point in a sub-slab depressurization system shall have a lid
designed to accommodate the vent pipe. Sumps used as a floor drain shall have a lid
equipped with a trapped inlet and view port.
Attachment 3
- 29 -
1211.3.3.5 Foundation walls. Hollow block masonry foundation walls shall be
constructed with either a continuous course of solid masonry, one course of masonry
grouted solid, or a solid concrete beam at or above finished ground surface to prevent
passage of air from the interior of the wall into the living space. Where a brick veneer
or other masonry ledge is installed, the course immediately below that ledge shall be
sealed. Joints, cracks or other openings around all penetrations of both exterior and
interior surfaces of masonry block or wood foundation walls below the ground surface
shall be filled with polyurethane caulk or equivalent sealant. Penetrations of concrete
walls shall be filled.
1211.3.3.6 Dampproofing. The exterior surfaces of portions of concrete and masonry
block walls below the ground surface shall be damp-proofed in accordance with
Section 1805.
1211.3.3.7 Air-handling units. Air-handling units in crawl spaces shall be sealed to
prevent air from being drawn into the unit.
Exception:
Units with gasketed seams or units that are otherwise sealed by the manufacturer to
prevent leakage.
1211.3.3.8 Ducts. Ductwork passing through or beneath a slab shall be of seamless
material unless the air-handling system is designed to maintain continuous positive
pressure within such ducting. Joints in such ductwork shall be sealed to prevent air
leakage. Ductwork located in crawl spaces shall have all seams and joints sealed by
closure systems in accordance with the International Mechanical Code.
1211.3.4 Sub-membrane depressurization system. In buildings with interior structural
floors directly above under-floor spaces containing exposed soil surfaces that are not
protected by a sub-slab depressurization system, the following components of sub-
membrane depressurization system shall be installed during construction.
Exception:
Buildings in which an approved mechanical ventilation system complying with Section
1203 or such other equivalent system that provides equivalent depressurization across
the entire sub-membrane area as determined by the building official is installed in the
under-floor spaces.
1211.3.4.1 Ventilation. Crawl spaces and similar under-floor spaces shall be provided
with ventilation complying with Section 1203.
1211.3.4.2 Soil-gas-retarder. The exposed soil in under-floor spaces shall be covered
with a continuous layer of soil-gas-retarder. Such groundcover joints shall overlap 6
inches (152 mm) and be sealed or taped. The edges of the groundcover shall extend a
Attachment 3
- 30 -
minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) up onto all foundation walls enclosing the under-floor
space and shall be attached and sealed to foundation walls in an approved manner.
1211.3.4.3 Vent pipe riser. A plumbing tee or other approved connection shall be
inserted horizontally beneath the sheeting and connected to a 3- or 4-inch-diameter (76
mm or 102 mm) fitting with a vertical vent pipe installed through the sheeting. The vent
pipe shall be extended up through the building floors, and shall terminate at least 12
inches (305 mm) above the roof in a location at least 10 feet (3.048 m) away from any
window or other opening into the conditioned spaces of the building at a point that is
less than 2 feet (0.610 m) below the exhaust point and 10 feet (3.048 m) from any
window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent buildings.
1211.3.5 Sub-slab depressurization system. The following components of a sub-slab
depressurization system shall be installed during construction under basement or slab-on-
grade floors.
1211.3.5.1 Vent pipe riser. A minimum 3-inch-diameter (76 mm) ABS, PVC or
equivalent gas-tight pipe shall be embedded vertically into the sub-slab aggregate or
other permeable material before the slab is cast. A 'T' fitting or equivalent method shall
be used to ensure that the pipe opening remains within the sub-slab permeable material.
Alternatively, the 3-inch (76 mm) pipe shall be inserted directly into an interior
perimeter drain tile loop or through a sealed sump cover where the sump is exposed to
the sub-slab aggregate or connected to it through a drainage system.
All vent pipes shall be extended up through the building floors and shall terminate at
least 12 inches (305 mm) above the surface of the roof in a location at least 10 feet
(3.048 m) away from any window, air intake, or other opening into the conditioned
spaces of the building at a point that is less than 2 feet (0.610 m) below the exhaust
point, and 10 feet (3.048 m) from any window or other opening in adjoining or adjacent
buildings. The discharge end of vent pipe terminations shall be unobstructed and
protected from small animal entry with a corrosion-resistant screen having openings
between ¼ inch (6.4 mm) and ½ inch (12.7 mm).
1211.3.5.2 Multiple vent pipes. In buildings where interior footings or other barriers
separate the sub-slab aggregate or other gas-permeable material, each area shall be
fitted with an individual vent pipe. Vent pipes shall connect to a single vent that
terminates above the roof or, in the alterantive, each individual vent pipe shall terminate
separately above the roof.
1211.3.6 Vent pipe drainage. All components of the radon vent pipe system shall be
installed to provide positive drainage to the ground beneath the slab or soil-gas retarder.
1211.3.7 Vent pipe accessibility. Radon vent pipes shall be accessible for fan installation
through an attic or other area outside the habitable space.
Exception:
Attachment 3
- 31 -
The radon vent pipe need not be accessible in an attic space where an approved roof-top
electrical supply is provided.
1211.3.8 Vent pipe identification and notification. All exposed and visible interior
radon vent pipes shall be conspicuously identified with at least one label on each floor
and in attics provided with access openings. The label shall read substantially as follows:
Radon Reduction System. In addition to the preceding label, a notice shall be placed in a
conspicuous area near the vent pipe that includes the following statement:
“This radon reduction system is not required to be tested and is a 'passive' system,
relying entirely on natural ventilation. Occupants are advised to test for radon and take
remedial action as necessary by installing a continuously operating fan located in the
vent pipe (access typically provided in the attic) and connected to the nearby provided
electrical outlet. Call 1-800-767-radon for more information.”
1211.3.9 Combination foundations. Combination basement/crawl space or slab-on-
grade/crawl space foundations shall have separate radon vent pipes installed in each type
of foundation area. Each radon vent pipe shall terminate above the roof or shall be
connected to a single vent that terminates above the roof.
1211.3.10 Building depressurization. Joints in air ducts and plenums in unconditioned
spaces shall be substantially air tight and permanently sealed with an approved sealant,
mastic, or other approved methods. Thermal envelope air infiltration requirements shall
comply with the energy conservation provisions in the energy conservation code
currently enacted by the City. Firestopping shall be in conformance with the most recent
general building code enacted by the City.
1211.3.11 Provisions for future depressurization fan installation. Permanent
provisions shall be made for the future installation of an in-line fan to be connected to
every radon vent pipe. Such designated fan locations shall be outside of the conditioned
envelope of the building, such as in the attic, garage and similar locations, excluding
crawl spaces and other interior under-floor spaces. Designated locations shall
accommodate an unobstructed permanent cylindrical space with the following minimum
dimensions: 12 inches (305 mm) measured radially around the radon vent pipe along a
vertical distance of 30 inches (760 mm). Designated fan locations shall be permanently
accessible for servicing and maintenance. An electrical circuit shall be provided within 4
feet (1.219 m) of and within sight from designated fan locations. Such circuit shall have a
means of positive disconnection and be terminated in an approved electrical outlet in
accordance with the applicable current electric code.
1211.3.11.1 Depressurization fan system activation. When a passive system
constructed in accordance with this code is to be converted to an active system, an
approved in-line fan shall be installed in a designated fan location as specified in
Section 1211.11.1. Additionally, an approved permanent electric light fixture and in-
line pipe couplings that facilitate fan replacement shall be provided. The in-line fan
shall be designed to operate continuously for a period of not less than 5 years and have
Attachment 3
- 32 -
a minimum air-flow rating as established by the building official. A readily accessible
manometer or other approved warning device that notifies occupants of a fan
malfunction by a visible or audible signal shall be installed within the dwelling unit.”
(42) Section 1404.9 Vinyl siding is hereby amended in its entirety to read as:
1404.9 Vinyl siding. Vinyl siding shall be certified and labeled as conforming to the
requirements of ASTM D 3679 by an approved quality control agency.
“Section 1404.9 Vinyl siding shall not be installed on new buildings within the limits of
the City of Fort Collins.”
(43) Section 1404.12 Polypropylene siding is hereby amended in its entirety to read as:
1404.12 Polypropylene siding. Polypropylene siding shall be certified and labeled as
conforming to the requirements of ASTM D 7254 and those of Section 1404.12.1 or
1404.12.2 by an approved quality control agency. Polypropylene siding shall be installed in
accordance with the requirements of Section 1405.18 and in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions. Polypropylene siding shall be secured to the
building so as to provide weather protection for the exterior walls of the building.
1404.12.1 Flame spread index. The certification of the flame spread index shall be
accompanied by a test report stating that all portions of the test specimen ahead of the
flame front remained in position during the test in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723.
1404.12.2 Fire separation distance. The fire separation distance between a building with
polypropylene siding and the adjacent building shall be no less than 10 feet (3048 mm).
“Section 1404.12 Polypropylene siding shall not be installed on new buildings within the
limits of the City of Fort Collins limits.”
(44) Section 1405.13.2 Fenestration installation is amended by adding a new section to read as
follows:
“1405.13.2 Fenestration installation. For all new construction and additions, all new
fenestration installations shall be in accordance with American Architectural Manufacturers
Association (AAMA) Standards/Specifications for Windows, Doors and Skylights and
shall be supervised and inspected by an individual certified as an Installation Master by
Architectural Testing, Inc. (ATI), or other nationally recognized agency.”
(45) Section 1503.4 Roof drainage is hereby amended to read as follows:
“1503.4 Roof drainage. All buildings shall have a controlled method of water disposal
from roofs that will collect and discharge roof drainage to the ground surface at least 5 feet
(1524 mm) from foundation walls or to an approved drainage system. Design and
installation of roof drainage systems shall comply with Section 1503 of this code and
Sections 1106 and 1108, as applicable, of and the International Plumbing Code.”
Attachment 3
- 33 -
(46) Section 1503.6 Crickets and saddles is amended by adding a new exception number two to
read as follows:
“1503.6 Crickets and saddles. A cricket or saddle shall be installed on the ridge side of
any chimney or penetration greater than 30 inches (762 mm) wide as measured
perpendicular to the slope. Cricket or saddle coverings shall be sheet metal or of the same
material as the roof covering.
Exceptions:
1. Unit skylights installed in accordance with Section 2405.5 and flashed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions shall be permitted to be installed without a cricket or
saddle.
2. Re-roofing per section 1510.”
(47) Section 1505.1 General is amended to read as follows.
1505.1 General. Roof assemblies shall be divided into the classes defined below. Class A,
B and C roof assemblies and roof coverings required to be listed by this section shall be
tested in accordance with ASTM E 108 or UL 790. In addition, fire-retardant-treated wood
roof coverings shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D 2898. The minimum roof
coverings installed on buildings shall comply with Table 1505.1 based on the type of
construction of the building.
“1505.1 New Construction. The roof-covering classification on any new structure
regulated by this code shall be Class A.
Exceptions:
1. Noncombustible roof coverings as defined in Section 1507.3, 1507.4, 1507.5 may be
applied in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications in place of a fire-retardant
roofing assembly.
2. Any Class B or Class C roof covering may be applied on any new construction that is
added to an existing building classified as a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy, provided
the roof extremities of such existing building and new construction are located a
minimum distance of 5 feet from the nearest adjacent property line and are a minimum
distance of 10 feet from any other building.
3. Skylights and sloped glazing that comply with Chapter 24 or Section 2610.”
(48) Table 1505.1, Minimum Roof Covering Classifications for Types of Construction, is
hereby deleted.
Section 1507.2.1 Deck requirements is hereby amended to read as follows;
Attachment 3
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1507.2.1 Deck Requirements. Asphalt shingles shall be fastened to solidly sheathed decks.
Gaps in the solid decking shall not exceed ¼ inch.
(49) Section 1507.2.9.4 Sidewall flashing is amended by adding a new section to read as
follows:
“1507.2.9.4 Sidewall flashing. Flashing against a vertical sidewall shall be by the step-
flashing method. The flashing shall be a minimum of 4 inches (102 mm) high and 4 inches
(102 mm) wide. At the end of the vertical sidewall the step flashing shall be turned out in a
manner that directs water away from the wall and onto the roof and/or gutter.
Exception:
Re-roofing where step flashing would require removal of siding material, provided
adequate flashing is installed.”
(50) Section 1507.2.9.5 Other flashing is amended by adding a new section read as follows:
“1507.2.9.5 Other flashing. Flashing against a vertical front wall, as well as soil stack,
vent pipe and chimney flashing shall be applied according to the asphalt shingle
manufacturer’s printed instructions.”
(51) Section 1510.1 General is amended by adding two paragraphs at the end to read as follows:
“No portion of an existing nonrated roof covering may be permanently replaced or covered
with more than one square of nonrated roof covering.”
Any existing roof covering system may be replaced with a roof covering of the same
materials and classification, provided the replacement roof covering has a minimum rating
of Class C.”
(52) Section 1608.2 Ground snow load, the first sentence is hereby amended to read as follows:
“1608.2 Ground Snow Loads. The ground snow loads to be used in determining the
design snow loads for roofs shall be shall be determined in accordance with ASCE 7 or
Figure 1608.2 for the contiguous United States and Table 1608.2 for Alaska. 30 psf.”
(53) Section 1609.3 Basic wind speed, the first sentence is hereby amended to read as follows:
“1609.3 Basic wind speed. The ultimate design wind speed, Vult, in mph, The basic wind
speed, in mph, for the determination of the wind loads shall be 100 miles per hour (161
kph) nominal or 129 miles per hour (208 kph) ultimate. as determined by Figures 1609A,
1609B, and 1609C.”
Attachment 3
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(54) Section 1804.3.1 Final Grading is amended by adding a new section to read as follows:
“1804.3.1 Final Grading. Final grading adjacent to the foundation shall be compacted
sufficiently and in such a manner that it is not undermined or subject to significant
settlement or displacement due to improper placement of backfill.”
(55) Section 2406.4.7 Glazing adjacent to the bottom stair landing is hereby amended to read as
follows:
“2406.4.7 Glazing adjacent to the bottom stair landings. Glazing adjacent to the stair
landings at the bottom of a stairway where the glazing is less than 36 inches (914 mm)
above the landing and within 60 inches (1524 mm) horizontally of the top or bottom tread
shall be considered a hazardous location.
Exception: The glazing is protected by a guard complying with Section 1013 and 1607.8
where the plane of the glass is more than 18 inches (457 mm) from the guard.”
(56) Section 2902.1.3 Touch-free toilet facilities is amended by adding a new section read as
follows:
“2902.1.3 Touch-free toilet facilities. Toilet facilities installed for occupancies associated
with food preparation or food service to the public shall be provided with:
1. Automatic touch-free water control valves on lavatories.
2. Automatic touch-free paper towel dispensers.
3. Toilet facilities exit doors that allow exiting without requiring touching by hand of any
door hardware such as knobs, levers, sliding bolts, latches and similar devices.
Exception:
Toilet facilities designed as a single occupant use may be provided with exit door
locking hardware to afford privacy, doors may swing inward or outward.”
(57) 2902.2 Separate facilities is amended to read as follows:
“2902.2 Separate facilities. Where plumbing fixtures are required, separate facilities shall
be provided for each sex.
Exceptions:
1. Separate facilities shall not be required for dwelling units and sleeping units.
2. Separate facilities shall not be required in structures or tenant spaces with a total
occupant load, including both employees and customers, of 15 30 or less.
3. Separate facilities shall not be required in mercantile occupancies in which the
maximum occupant load is 100 or less.
Attachment 3
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4. Multiple single-user Unisex facilities may be used provided total fixture count as
calculated per 2902.1 is satisfied.”
(58) Section 3109.6 Barriers around decorative pools, fountains, and ponds is hereby added to
read as follows:
“3109.6 Barriers around decorative pools, fountains, and ponds. Decorative pools,
fountains, and ponds which can contain water deeper than 24 inches (610 mm), shall be
protected by barriers installed in accordance with section 3109.4”.
Section 3109 Swimming pool enclosures and safety devises is hereby deleted in its entirety and
amended to read as follows:
SECTION 3109
BARRIER REQUIREMENTS
3109.1 General.
The provisions of this section shall apply to the design of barriers for pools and spas. These
design controls are intended to provide protection against the potential drowning and near
drowning by restricting access to such pools or spas. These requirements provide an integrated
level of protection against potential drowning through the use of physical barriers and warning
devices.
Exceptions:
1. Spas and hot tubs with a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
2. Swimming pools with a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
3109.2 Outdoor swimming pools and spas.
Outdoor pools and spas and indoor swimming pools shall be surrounded by a barrier that
complies with Sections 3109.2.1 through 3109.7.
3109.2.1 Barrier height and clearances.
Barrier heights and clearances shall be in accordance with all of the following:
1. The top of the barrier shall be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade where
measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa. Such height shall exist
around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance of 3 feet (914 mm) measured
horizontally from the outside of the required barrier.
2. The vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall not exceed 2
inches (51 mm) for grade surfaces that are not solid, such as grass or gravel, where measured on
the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa.
Attachment 3
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3. The vertical clearance between a surface below the barrier to a solid surface, such as
concrete, and the bottom of the required barrier shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm) where
measured on the side of the required barrier that faces away from the pool or spa.
4. Where the top of the pool or spa structure is above grade, the barrier shall be installed on
grade or shall be mounted on top of the pool or spa structure. Where the barrier is mounted on
the top of the pool or spa, the vertical clearance between the top of the pool or spa and the
bottom of the barrier shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm).
3109.2.2 Openings.
Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.
3109.2.3 Solid barrier surfaces.
Solid barriers that do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions that form
handholds and footholds, except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.
3109.2.4 Mesh fence as a barrier.
Mesh fences, other than chain link fences in accordance with Section 3109.2.7, shall be installed
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and shall comply with the following:
1. The bottom of the mesh fence shall be not more than 1 inch (25 mm) above the deck or
installed surface or grade.
2. The maximum vertical clearance from the bottom of the mesh fence and the solid surface
shall not permit the fence to be lifted more than 4 inches (102 mm) from grade or decking.
3. The fence shall be designed and constructed so that it does not allow passage of a 4-inch
(102 mm) sphere under any mesh panel. The maximum vertical clearance from the bottom of the
mesh fence and the solid surface shall not be more than 4 inches (102 mm) from grade or
decking.
4. An attachment device shall attach each barrier section at a height not lower than 45
inches (1143 mm) above grade. Common attachment devices include, but are not limited to,
devices that provide the security equal to or greater than that of a hook-and-eye type latch
incorporating a spring-actuated retaining lever such as a safety gate hook.
5. Where a hinged gate is used with a mesh fence, the gate shall comply with Section
3109.3.
6. Patio deck sleeves such as vertical post receptacles that are placed inside the patio surface
shall be of a nonconductive material.
7. Mesh fences shall not be installed on top of on ground residential pools.
3109.2.5 Closely spaced horizontal members.
Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the
Attachment 3
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tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the horizontal members shall
be located on the pool or spa side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not
exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical
members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm) in width.
3109.2.6 Widely spaced horizontal members.
Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the
tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, spacing between vertical
members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical
members, the interior width of the cutouts shall not exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm).
3109.2.7 Chain link dimensions.
The maximum opening formed by a chain link fence shall be not more than 1 3/4 inches (44
mm). Where the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top and bottom which reduce the
openings, such openings shall be not more than 1 3/4 inches (44 mm).
3109.2.8 Diagonal members.
Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, the maximum opening formed by the
diagonal members shall be not more than1 3/4 inches (44 mm). The angle of diagonal members
shall be not greater than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) from vertical.
3109.2.9 Clear zone.
There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) between the exterior of the
barrier and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters that can be
used to climb the barrier.
3109.2.10 Poolside barrier setbacks.
The pool or spa side of the required barrier shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm) from the
water’s edge.
3109.3 Gates.
Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3109.3.1 through 3109.3.3 and shall
be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away
from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-latching device.
3109.3.1 Utility or service gates.
Gates not intended for pedestrian use, such as utility or service gates, shall remain locked when
not in use.
3109.3.2 Double or multiple gates.
Double gates or multiple gates shall have at least one leaf secured in place and the adjacent leaf
shall be secured with a self-latching device. The gate and barrier shall not have openings larger
than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the latch release mechanism. The self-
latching device shall comply with the requirements of Section 305.3.3.
3109.3.3 Latches.
Attachment 3
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Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches (1372
mm) from grade, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool or spa side of the gate not
less than 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate, and the gate and barrier shall not have
openings greater than 1/2inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism.
3109.4 Structure wall as a barrier.
Where a wall of a dwelling or structure serves as part of the barrier and where doors or windows
provide direct access to the pool or spa through that wall, one of the following shall be required:
1. Operable windows having a sill height of less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the indoor
finished floor and doors shall have an alarm that produces an audible warning when the window,
door or their screens are opened. The alarm shall be listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance
alarm in accordance with UL 2017. In dwellings or structures not required to be Accessible units,
Type A units or Type B units, the operable parts of the alarm deactivation switches shall be
located 54 inches (1372 mm) or more above the finished floor. In dwellings or structures
required to be Accessible units, Type A units or Type B units, the operable parts of the alarm
deactivation switches shall be located not greater than 54 inches (1372 mm) and not less than 48
inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor.
2. A safety cover that is listed and labeled in accordance with ASTM F 1346 is installed for
the pools and spas.
3. An approved means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching devices, is
provided. Such means of protection shall provide a degree of protection that is not less than the
protection afforded by Item 1 or 2.
3109.5 On ground residential pool structure as a barrier.
An on ground residential pool wall structure or a barrier mounted on top of an on ground
residential pool wall structure shall serve as a barrier where all of the following conditions are
present:
1. Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the bottom of the wall is on grade, the top
of the wall is not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool,
the wall complies with the requirements of Section 3109.2 and the pool manufacturer allows the
wall to serve as a barrier.
2. Where a barrier is mounted on top of the pool wall, the top of the barrier is not less than
48 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool, and the wall and the
barrier on top of the wall comply with the requirements of Section 3109.2.
3. Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are capable of being secured, locked
or removed to prevent access except where the ladder or steps are surrounded by a barrier that
meets the requirements of Section 3109.5.
4. Openings created by the securing, locking or removal of ladders and steps do not allow
the passage of a 4inch (102 mm) diameter sphere.
Attachment 3
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5. Barriers that are mounted on top of on ground residential pool walls are installed in
accordance with the pool manufacturer’s instructions.
3109.6 Natural barriers.
In the case where the pool or spa area abuts the edge of a lake or other natural body of water,
public access is not permitted or allowed along the shoreline, and required barriers extend to and
beyond the water’s edge not less than 18 inches (457 mm), a barrier is not required between the
natural body of water shoreline and the pool or spa.
3109.7 Natural topography.
Natural topography that prevents direct access to the pool or spa area shall include but not be
limited to mountains and natural rock formations. A natural barrier approved by the governing
body shall be acceptable provided that the degree of protection is not less than the protection
afforded by the requirements of Sections 3109.2 through 3109.5.
3109.8 Entrapment avoidance.
Suction outlets shall be designed and installed in accordance with ANSI/APSP-7.
3109.9 Barriers around decorative pools, fountains, and ponds.
Decorative pools, fountains, and ponds which can contain water deeper than 24 inches (610
mm), shall be protected by barriers installed in accordance with section AG105.2.”
(60) Chapter 36 Sustainable Building Construction Practices is amended by adding a new
chapter read as follows:
“Chapter 36 Sustainable Building Construction Practices
3601 General
3601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern sustainable building
construction practices for new construction and additions and remodels over 5,000 square
feet that require a building permit, unless otherwise noted.
3602 Resource Efficiency
3602.1 Construction waste management. For new buildings and additions over 2,500
square feet or remodels over 2,500 square feet, a construction waste management plan
acceptable to the building official that includes recycling of concrete and masonry, wood,
metals and cardboard, is required at the time of application for a building permit. The
construction waste management plan shall be implemented and conspicuously posted on
the construction site. Compliance shall be certified by the hauler through receipts and
signed affidavits. Substantive changes to the plan shall be subject to prior approval by the
building official.
Attachment 3
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3602.1.1 Building demolitions. Buildings or portions of buildings which are removed
shall be processed in such a way as to safely remove all asbestos and lead paint
contaminants. Where possible, all remaining materials, such as doors, windows, cabinets,
and fixtures, concrete and masonry, wood, metals, and cardboard, shall be recycled.
Compliance shall be certified by the hauler through receipts and signed affidavits.
3602.2 Certified tropical hardwood. All tropical hardwoods used in new construction,
additions and alterations requiring a building permit, shall be certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council or other approved agency. Certification demonstrating compliance
shall be required with delivery of such materials and shall be available for inspection.
3603 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
3603.1 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
3603.1.1 Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Design. Prior to and during
construction, reasonable efforts shall be made to minimize the release of particulates and
accumulation of debris, and the specific requirements of this section shall apply.
3603.1.1.1 Air handling system access. The arrangement and location of air handling
system components including, but not limited to, air handler units, fans, coils and
condensate pans, shall allow access for cleaning and repair of the air handling surfaces of
such components. Piping, conduits, and other building components shall not be located
so as to obstruct the required access.
3603.1.1.2 Durability of air handling surfaces. Surfaces exposed to airflow within air
handling systems shall be constructed of materials that are resistant to deterioration and
will not break away, crack, peel, flake off, or show evidence of delamination or continued
erosion when tested in accordance with the erosion test in UL 181.
3603.1.1.3 Airstream surfaces. Materials exposed to airflow within ducts, within air
plenums, or on top of suspended ceilings, shall not break away, crack, peel, flake off, or
show evidence of delamination or continued erosion when tested in accordance with the
erosion test in UL 181.
3603.1.2 New Building pollutant flush-out. After all interior finishes are installed, the
building shall be flushed out by ventilating at a minimum rate of 0.30 cfm per ft
2
of outside
air or the design outdoor airflow rate determined from Chapter 4 of the IMC, whichever is
greater, for at least 14 days while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60°F, and
relative humidity not higher than 60 percent. Occupancy shall be permitted to start 1 day
after start of the flush-out, provided that flush-out continues for the full 14 days. The
building shall not be “baked out” by increasing the temperature of the space above the
occupied set point. Where continuous ventilation is not possible, the aggregate of flush-out
periods shall be equivalent to 14 days of continuous ventilation. Flush-out reports shall be
provided to the building official prior to approval. (needs further discussion, not sure this is
being done and how to relate this to strip malls or core and shells only.)
Attachment 3
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Exception: All residential buildings.
3603.2 Low-volatile organic compound (VOC) materials. All construction materials,
including but not limited to floor coverings and site-applied finishes, including sealants and
adhesives, resilient flooring, carpeting and pad, site-applied paints, stains and varnishes,
structural wood panels, hardwood veneer plywood, particle board and fiber board building
products, and insulation shall meet specified volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
limits in accordance with relevant standards California Department of Public Health
(CDPH) 01350; GREENGUARD Environmental Institute GGPS.001 standard for building
materials and finishes, and Green Seal® standards. Documentation demonstrating
compliance shall be required with delivery of such materials and shall be available for
inspection.
Exception: For alterations to existing buildings, carpeting and pad, structural wood
panels, hardwood, veneer plywood, particle board and fiber board building products and
insulation are not subject to this requirement.
3603.3 Acoustical control. Minimum requirements for exterior-to-interior sound
transmission, interior sound transmission, and background sound levels in new construction
and additions thereto, except as noted hereunder, shall be provided as specified herein.
3603.3.1 Sound transmission. Buildings and tenant spaces shall comply with the
following sound transmission requirements:
Exceptions:
1. Portions of buildings or structures that have the interior environment open to the
exterior environment.
2. Concession stands and toilet facilities in Group A-4 and A-5 occupancies.
3603.3.1.1 Exterior sound transmission. Where a Group A1, A3, E and I occupancy
building, a Group B occupancy building used for educational purposes, or a Group R
occupancy building is constructed at a location listed herein, the wall assemblies
making up the building thermal envelope shall have a composite sound transmission
class (STCc) rating of 39 or greater in the following locations:
1. within 500 feet (152 m) of a multi-lane highway designed for high-speed travel
by large numbers of vehicles, and having no traffic lights, stop signs, or other
regulations requiring vehicles to stop; fire stations; heavy industrial or
manufacturing areas or facilities; commercial storage facilities with back-up
alarms; outdoor music amphitheaters; or sports arena or stadium;
2. within 250 feet (76 m) of a roadway containing 4 or more traffic lanes; or
Attachment 3
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3. within 1,000 feet (305 m) of an active railway. (satisfied at plan review how
inspected.)
3603.3.1.2 Interior sound transmission. Interior wall and floor/ceiling assemblies,
separating interior rooms and spaces shall be designed in accordance with the following
requirements:
1 Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating adjacent tenant spaces, tenant spaces
and public places, hotel rooms, motel rooms, patient rooms in nursing homes and
hospitals, and adjoining classrooms shall have a composite STC rating of 50 or
greater.
2 Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating classrooms from rest rooms and
showers shall have a composite STC rating of 53 or greater.
3 Wall and floor-ceiling assemblies separating classrooms from music rooms,
mechanical rooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums, and indoor swimming pools shall
have a composite STC rating of 60 or greater.
Exception: Residential Group R occupancies addressed in Section 1207 of this code.
(satisfied at plan review how inspected.)
3603.3.1.3 Background Sound. The average background sound levels within
unoccupied rooms (from heating, ventilating and air conditioning and other building
systems) shall be below the maximum A-weighted sound level for specific occupancies
from Table 3603 below. This shall be confirmed by spot checks during the
commissioning process. (not all buildings are commissioned, what are we doing in
smaller buildings)
Table 3603 Maximum Allowable Background Sound in Rooms
Occupancy Maximum
A-weighted sound
level (dBa)
Small auditoriums (≤500 seats) 39
Large auditoriums, large live indoor theaters, and large churches (for very good speech articulation)
(>500 seats)
35
TV and broadcast studios (close microphone pickup only) 35
Small live indoor theaters (≤ 500 seats) 35
Private residences:
Bedrooms
Apartments
Family rooms and living rooms
39
48
48
Schools:
Lecture and classrooms
Core learning space with enclosed volume ≤ 20,000 cu ft (<566 cu m)
Core learning space with enclosed volume > 20,000 cu ft (>566 cu m)
Open-plan classrooms
35
40
35
Attachment 3
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Hotels/motels:
Individual rooms or suites
Meeting/banquet rooms
Service support areas
44
44
57
Office buildings:
Offices
executive
small, private
large, with conference tables
Conference rooms
Large
Small
Open-plan areas
Business machines, computers
Public circulation
44
48
44
39
44
48
53
57
Hospitals and clinics
Private rooms
Wards
Operating rooms
Laboratories
Corridors
Public areas
39
44
44
53
53
52
Movie theaters ≤ 500 seats 48
Churches, small (≤500 seats) 44
Courtrooms 44
Libraries 48
Restaurants 52
Light maintenance shops, industrial plant control rooms, kitchens, and laundries 62
Shops and garages 67
3603.3.1.4 Outdoor Environmental Quality (OEQ)
3603.3.1.4 Exterior lighting. All building mounted exterior lighting fixtures associated
with new buildings shall have the “Fixture Seal of Approval” from the International
Dark-Sky Association (IDA) or, meet equivalent criteria approved by the Building
Official. Lighting placement shall conform to IDA Model Lighting Ordinance for
Lighting Zone LZ-1. Light shall be shielded such that the lamp itself or the lamp image is
not directly visible outside the property perimeter. Exterior lighting associated with
existing buildings shall comply with the Land Use Code as adopted by the City.”
3604 Commissioning, Operations & Maintenance
3604.1 Building commissioning. For new buildings with a gross floor of greater than
15,000 ft
2
Attachment 3
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building. This material shall be assembled and organized into a systems manual that
provides necessary information to the building operating staff to operate and maintain all
commissioned systems identified with the building project. The owner shall retain the
system manual and final commissioning report described below. An electronic formatted
copy of the final commissioning report shall be provided to the building official.
The following commissioning activities shall be completed prior to approval:
1. The owner shall designate an approved project commissioning authority (CxA) to
lead, review, and oversee completion of the commissioning process activities.
2. The owner, in conjunction with the design team as necessary, shall develop the
owner’s project requirements (OPR) to guide the CxA. The OPR shall be distributed
to all parties participating in the project programming, design, construction, and
operations, and the commissioning team members.
3. The design team shall develop the basis of design (BOD).
4. The CxA shall:
a. review the both the OPR and BOD for clarity and completeness,
b. incorporate construction phase commissioning requirements into project
specifications and other construction documents developed by the design team,
c. develop and implement a commissioning plan containing all required forms and
procedures for the complete testing of all equipment, systems, and controls included
in Section 3604.1.1,
d. verify the installation and performance of the systems to be commissioned,
e. complete a final commissioning report satisfactory to the building official,
f. verify the owner requirements for training operating personnel and building
occupants are completed, and
g. verify that a system manual in a form satisfactory to the building official has been
prepared. At a minimum, the system manual shall include operations and
maintenance documentation and full warranty information, and shall provide
operating staff the information needed to understand and operate the commissioned
systems as designed.
3604.1.1 Systems. The following systems, if included in the building project, shall be
commissioned:
1. heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, indoor-air-quality, and refrigeration systems
and associated controls;
2. building thermal envelope systems, components, and assemblies to verify thermal,
air, and moisture integrity;
3. all lighting controls and shading controls;
4. service water heating systems;
5. renewable energy systems;
6. background sound levels;
7. cooling towers water use.”
Attachment 3
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(61) Chapter 35 Referenced Standards is hereby amended by adding the following additional
referenced standard in alphabetical sequence:
CDPH California Department of Public Health
1615 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95814
CDPH 01350 Standard Method for Testing VOC emissions from indoor sources
Referenced in Amended 12 IBC Section 3603.2 Low-volatile organic compound (VOC)
materials
FSC Forest Stewardship Council U.S. (FSC-US)
212 Third Avenue North, Suite 504
Minneapolis, MN 55401
GEI GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
2211 Newmarket Parkway, Suite 110
Marietta, GA 30067
GGPS.001.GREENGUARD IAQ Standard for Building Materials, Finishes and Furnishings
Referenced in Amended 12 IBC Section 3603.2 Low-volatile organic compound (VOC)
materials
Green Seal®
1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 827
Washington, DC 20036-5525
GS-11 Paintings and Coatings
GS-43 Recycled Content Latex Paints
Referenced in Amended 12 IBC Section 3603.2 Low-volatile organic compound (VOC)
materials
(62) Appendix C GROUP U AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS is adopted in its entirety.
(63) Appendix E SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, is adopted in its
entirety.
(64) Appendix I PATIO COVERS is adopted in its entirety.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 21st day of
January, A.D. 2014, and to be presented for final passage on the 4th day of February, A.D. 2014.
__________________________________
Mayor
Attachment 3
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ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 4th day of February, A.D. 2014.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
Attachment 4
4/29/16
7/5/16
7/28/16
Proposed changes to the adopted Structures and Premises Condition Code of the City of Fort
Collins (2006 International Property Maintenance Code)
102.7 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and standards referenced in this code shall be those
that are listed in the International Building Code as adopted by the City and considered part of the
requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. Where differences occur
between provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions of this code shall apply.
104.1 General. The Community Development and Neighborhood Services Director or Chief Building
Official as may be appointed by the City Manager shall serve as the executive code official responsible
for supervising the administration, compliance, and enforcement of this Article. In the performance of
said duties, such code official may delegate authority to the appropriate technical, administrative, and
compliance staff under the supervision of said code official as he or she deems necessary. The code
official is hereby authorized to, and shall, enforce the provisions of this code.
104.3 Inspections. The code official shall make or shall cause to be made all of the required inspections,
or shall accept reports of inspection by approved agencies or individuals. All reports of such inspections
shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible officer of such approved agency or by the responsible
individual. The code official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as deemed necessary to report
upon unusual technical issues that arise.
108.1 General. When any building, structure, or equipment or portion thereof is found to be substandard,
unfit for human occupancy, unlawful or dangerous, imminently dangerous, or when any equipment or
fixture installed or used therein is found to be substandard, such condition shall be abated or otherwise
corrected, repaired, or removed pursuant to the provisions of this code. Classifications addressed in
sections 108.1.1 through 108.1.5 are arraigned in order from least concern, (substandard), to highest
concern, (imminent danger).
108.1.1 Substandard buildings, structures, or equipment. A substandard building or structure
is one that may pose a risk to the life, health, property or safety of the occupants thereof or the public,
even though it does not constitute a dangerous building or structure as defined in Section 108.1.5, either
because the building or structure lacks the equipment necessary to protect or warn occupants in the event
of fire, or because it contains substandard or missing equipment, systems or fixtures, or is damaged,
decayed, dilapidated, or structurally unsound.
108.1.1.1 Substandard equipment. Substandard equipment or fixtures may include any
boiler, heating equipment, elevator, moving stairway, electrical wiring or device, flammable
liquid containers, potable water, plumbing, sanitation systems or fixtures, or other equipment on
the premises or within the building or structure which is in such disrepair or unsound condition
that the equipment or fixtures may pose a potential risk to life, health, property or safety of the
public or occupants of the premises.
Attachment 4
108.1.2 Building or Structure unfit for human occupancy. A building or structure is unfit for
human occupancy whenever the code official finds that such building or structure is unlawful or, because
of the degree to which the building or structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, vermin
or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating
facilities or other essential equipment required by this code, or because the location of the building or
structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or the public.
108.1.3 Unlawful building or structure. An unlawful building or structure is one found in
whole or in part to be occupied by more persons than permitted under this code, the City Code or any
other code adopted by the City, or which building or structure was erected, altered or occupied contrary to
law.
108.1.4 Dangerous building, structure, or equipment. A building, structure, or equipment is
dangerous if any part, element or component thereof is no longer within its serviceability limit or strength
limit state as defined in this code.
108.1.5 Imminently Dangerous building, structure, or equipment. An imminently dangerous
building or structure is one that poses an immediate risk, as determined by the code official, to the life,
health, property or safety of the occupants thereof or the public,
108.3 Notice. Whenever the code official has classified a building, structure, or equipment as dangerous
or imminently dangerous under the provisions of this section 108 and 109, notice shall be posted in a
conspicuous place in or about the building or structure or equipment affected by such notice and served
on the owner or the person or persons responsible for the building or structure or equipment in accordance
with the adopted building code section 114 or 116 as deemed applicable by the code official.
108.4 Placarding. Buildings or structures classified as dangerous or imminently dangerous by the code
official shall be placarded on a form deemed appropriate by the City.
109.1 Dangerous or Imminently dangerous. When, in the opinion of the code official, there is a danger
or imminent danger of failure or collapse of a building or structure which endangers life, or when any
building or structure or part of a building or structure has fallen and life is endangered by the occupation
of the building or structure, or when there is actual or potential danger to the building occupants or those
in the proximity of any building or structure because of explosives, explosive fumes or vapors or the
presence of toxic fumes, gases or materials, or operation of defective or dangerous equipment, the code
official is hereby authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the premises
forthwith. The code official shall cause to be posted at each entrance to such building or structure a notice
reading as follows: “Dangerous Structure. By Order of the Chief Building Official, This Structure Has
Been Inspected and Found to be Unsafe to Occupy” or “Imminently Dangerous Structure, By Order of the
Chief Building Official, This Structure Has Been Inspected and Found to be Imminently Dangerous and
is Hereby Unsafe to Enter or Occupy” It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such Dangerous or
Imminently Dangerous building or structure except for the purpose of securing the building or structure,
making the required repairs, removing the hazardous condition or of demolishing the same.
109.2 Temporary safeguards. Notwithstanding other provisions of this code, whenever, in the opinion
of the code official, there is either a dangerous or an imminently dangerous condition, the code official
Attachment 4
shall order the necessary work to be done, including the boarding up of openings, to render such building
or structure temporarily safe whether or not the legal procedure herein described has been instituted; and
shall cause such other action to be taken as the code official deems necessary to meet such emergency.
109.3 Closing streets. When necessary for public safety, the code official shall temporarily close
buildings or structures and close, or order the authority having jurisdiction to close, sidewalks, streets,
public ways and places adjacent to dangerous or imminently dangerous buildings or structures, and
prohibit the same from being utilized.
109.5 Costs of emergency repairs. For the purposes of this section, the code official shall employ, or
cause to be employed, the necessary labor and materials to perform the work required as expeditiously as
possible. Costs incurred in the performance of emergency work shall be paid by the jurisdiction. The
legal counsel of the jurisdiction shall institute appropriate action against the owner of the building,
structure, or equipment including a lien upon the property pursuant to Section 107.2 where the dangerous
or imminently dangerous building, structure, or equipment is or was located for the recovery of such
costs.
109.5.1 Disconnection of service utilities. The code official shall have the authority to authorize
disconnection of utility service to the building, structure, or equipment regulated by this Code and the
other codes referenced in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate a dangerous or imminently
dangerous hazard to life or property. The code official shall notify the serving utility and, wherever
possible, the owner and occupant of the building, structure, or equipment of the decision to disconnect
prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner or occupant of the building,
structure, or equipment shall be notified in writing as soon as feasible thereafter.
SECTION 110
REPAIR or DEMOLITION
110.1 Repair. The code official shall order the owner of any premises upon which is located any
building. structure, or equipment which in the code official’s judgment is so old, dilapidated or has
become so out of repair as to be classified as dangerous, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human
habitation or occupancy to repair and make safe such building, structure, or equipment.
Exception: Buildings or structures declared to be dangerous may be removed subject to the
limitations of Chapter 14 of the City Code titled Landmark Preservation.
110.2 Demolition. Buildings or structures which have been declared to be imminently dangerous by the
code official shall be repaired or demolished, as determined by the owner, within the time frame specified
by the code official.
110.3 Failure to comply. If the owner of a premises fails to comply with a demolition order within the
time prescribed, the code official shall cause the building, structure, or equipment to be demolished and
removed, either through an available public agency or by contract or arrangement with private persons,
and the cost of such demolition and removal shall be charged against the real estate upon which the the
building, structure, or equipment is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate.
Attachment 4
110.4 Salvage materials. When any building, structure, or equipment has been ordered demolished and
removed, the governing body or other designated officer under said contract or arrangement aforesaid
shall have the right to sell the salvage and valuable materials at the highest price obtainable. The net
proceeds of such sale, after deducting the expenses of such demolition and removal, shall be promptly
remitted with a report of such sale or transaction, including the items of expense and the amounts
deducted, for the person who is entitled thereto, subject to any order of a court. If such a surplus does not
remain to be turned over, the report shall so state.
Definitions
IMMINENT DANGER or IMMINENT THREAT. A condition which could cause serious or life-
threatening injury or death at any moment. Appearing as if about to happen without delay, impending.
BUILDING shall mean any permanent structure built for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals,
chattels or property of any kind, which is governed by the following characteristics:
(1) is permanently affixed to the land;
(2) has one (1) or more floors and a roof; and
(3) is bounded by either open space or the lot lines of a lot.
STRUCTURE shall mean a combination of materials to form a construction for use, occupancy or
ornamentation whether installed on, above or below the surface of land or water.
(Note: Building and Structure are defined in the City’s Land Use Code which is why I placed these here
as well)
Community Development &
Neighborhood Services
Planning
281 North College Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580
970.221.6376
970.224.6111- fax
2017 Annual Work Plan
Building Review Board
The Building Review Board will continue to meet on the last Thursday of each month
when there are public discussion or hearing items placed on the regular monthly agenda.
The Board may also meet as needed in order to convene special hearings.
Staff anticipates that the Building Review Board will hear several appeals by contractor
license applicants who do not strictly meet the qualification criteria specified in the City
Code. Under its quasi-judicial review authority, the Board is empowered to grant variances
from such criteria when it determines there are practical difficulties or that an undue
hardship would be imposed on the applicant; or, when the Board determines the applicant
has sufficient specialized training, education, or additional relevant experience.
The Board is also empowered to render disciplinary action, including suspension or
revocation of regulated contractor licenses, under which any specified infractions listed in
the regulations are committed.
Additionally, in its code appellate function, the Board may hear appeals from strict
application of the building codes or from an interpretation of the codes by the Building
Official. The Board will continue to hear cases involving challenges to the Building
Official’s interpretation of the adopted building codes, as well as the adopter International
Property Maintenance Code (IPMC).
In its advisory capacity, the Board is expected to participate, as a member of the Code
Review Committee, in the review of the 2015 International Building Codes including
updates addressing sustainable building-construction standards and make
recommendations to Council regarding any suggested revisions based on local
conditions and community standards.
The Board will continue to work on its operational procedures and other matters of interest.
_____________________________________ ___________________________
Alan Cram, Building Review Board Chair Date of Approval
(1,395 m
2
) and additions with a gross floor of greater than 15,000 ft
2
(1,395
m
2
), commissioning shall be performed in accordance with this section. A
commissioning process shall be incorporated into the design and construction of the
building project that verifies that the delivered building and its components, assemblies,
and systems comply with the documented owner project requirements (OPR).
Procedures, documentation, tools and training shall be provided to the building operating
staff to sustain features of the building assemblies and systems for the service life of the
) or less, consisting of a continuous rectilinear loop of
soil gas collection mat or drainage mat having minimum dimensions of 1 inch in height
by 12 inches in width (25.4 mm in height x 305 mm in width) and a nominal cross-
sectional air flow area of 12 square inches (0.0078 m
2
) may be laid on top of the sub-