City of Lawrence

Building Code Board of Appeals Meeting

February 12, 2015 Minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:    

Dan Wethington, Sean Reardon, Dennis Odgers, Kevin Markley

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Micah Kimball

 

STAFF PRESENT:

Development Services

Barry Walthall-Building Official, Lee Queen-Building Inspector, Janet Smalter- Plans Examiner

 

 

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Bobby Flory

 

 

 

 

Meeting called to order 11:09 a.m.

 

The Board reviewed minutes from the July 1, 2014 meeting.  Kevin Markley moved to approve minutes as written, Seconded by Sean Reardon.  Motion passed 4-0.

 

All board members present received IBC code books 2015 editions, as well as significant changes books.

 

A standard meeting date and schedule for review was discussed by Board members.  Members agreed to a once a month meeting schedule that can be changed to more frequent meetings as needed.  Development Services staff suggested review of the 2015 codes be complete and draft ordinances submitted to the City Commission by the end of 2015 calendar year with a recommended  July 1, 2016 effective date.  Flory endorsed the date of July 1, 2016 so Lawrence Home Builders (LHBA) can be informed and organize educational events prior to July 1 proposed adoption.  Flory stated it is important to LHBA to have a six month learning period. 

 

Current City of Lawrence amendments were not handed out.  Smalter described a total 144 page document (IRC amendment 16 pages) - available on website.

 

Significant changes discussed.  HERS rating appears to be significant.  Reardon commented on the incremental changes introduced in the ICC 2012 adoption.  The ICC website has significant changes available, and Smalter will send links to city amendments and important code changes from ICC.  Reardon suggest that Board members review Significant Changes to the IRC 2015 book before the next meeting.

 

Markley inquired on procedure for review.  Wethington responded to review and accept the 2015 code and then draft amendments for the city code.

 

Wethington requested a motion to review the IRC 2015 for next progress meeting second Thursday of the month at 11:00 a.m.  Seconded by Sean Reardon, Motion passed 4-0.  March 12, 2015 11:00 am meeting scheduled.

 

Barry Walthall was introduced to discuss List Serve procedure.  List Serve is setup so any citizen can request notification of meetings and Board information.  Board members can access information, draft minutes, agenda and meeting notification.  Board members, as well as Bobby Flory, Lawrence Home Builders Association and Chad Lawhorn, Lawrence Journal World have been added to the roster to receive List Serve notifications.

 

Markley did not receive notification by List Serve, staff to investigate.  Staff requested updated email address from present attendees.

 

There was additional discussion regarding the schedule for code review.  Wethington suggested that the IRC (Residential Code) 2015 be reviewed first, including current city amendments. Address only items that have changed in the code.  The 2015 IBC (Building Code) would be reviewed second.  The order and type of review of the IECC (Energy Code), and IEBC (Existing Building Code) will be determined later.  Regarding the Property Management Code (PMC) – Walthall commented that code enforcement staff will work on a proposal to put in front of the Board.  The Board will then review and comment.  The PMC review may require one or more meetings. The last code to review will be the Property Maintenance Code.  There will be no review of rental licensing. 

 

Walthall comments that Chapter 34, Existing Building and Structures, IBC 2015 is removed from the 2015 IBC, so the topic of existing buildings may be a focus during the review process.  Walthall also suggested that the Board carefully review the plumbing fixture count tables as the number of fixtures required for projects is a common review issue; he noted that plumbing fixture counts have increased in previous I-code editions.

 

Wethington suggests that members be prepared to begin review of the IRC at the next meeting. Smalter will send current amendments and ICC significant changes video to members.

 

Dennis Odgers motioned to adjourn, Seconded by Sean Riordan.  Motion passed 4-0.  Meeting adjourned 11:40 p.m.