Memorandum

City of Lawrence

Planning & Development Services

TO:	David L. Corliss, City Manager
FROM:	Sheila M. Stogsdill, Planning Administrator Scott McCullough, PDS Director Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager Casey Toomey, Assistant City Manager
DATE:	July 2, 2014
RE:	Lawrence Community Shelter – Occupancy Limits and Plumbing Fixtures

Background

At the June 24, 2014 meeting, the City Commission approved increased occupancy at the Lawrence Community Shelter during cold weather conditions defined as 40 degrees or colder from 125 to 140 persons and directed Staff to prepare a revised ordinance for SUP-1-3-10.  Ordinance No. 9020 incorporates the original conditions of approval and allows the additional occupancy during cold weather conditions.

During that discussion, questions were raised regarding the number of plumbing fixtures available to support the Shelter’s occupancy.  Staff was directed to review conditions and report on compliance with the plumbing code requirements.

Staff reviewed the building plans for compliance with the expanded occupancy request.  The limiting factor was plumbing fixtures.  According to the plans there are 7 water closets and 7 lavatories each for men and women in the residential portion of the space.  They are required to provide one of each of those types of fixtures for every 10 occupants.  Also according to the plans, there are 18 showers.  They are required to provide one shower per 8 occupants. 

Fixture Type	# currently existing	Ratio of fixtures to occupants per code	Total # occupants allowed
Water closet	14 (7 men’s/7 women’s)	1:10	140
Lavatory	14 (7 men’s/7 women’s)	1:10	140
Shower	18 (9/9)	1:8	144

Therefore, the existing number of water closets & lavatories resulted in the maximum occupancy cap of 140 persons.

The building code permits up to 50% of the fixtures in men’s restrooms to be urinals.  The plans indicate there are 4 water closets and 3 urinals in the designated men’s restrooms.

Staff has inspected the facilities and confirmed the fixtures are operable and in place.

Action

Adopt on first reading, Ordinance No. 9020, to allow increased occupancy during cold weather periods at the Lawrence Community Shelter. SUP-1-3-10, the Special Use Permit for LCS, currently caps the shelter’s occupancy to 125 people. Ordinance No. 9020 would permit up to 140 guests when nighttime temperatures are 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.