Building Code Development Committee (BCDC) Minutes San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk San Antonio, TX 05/3-4/2016 8 am Travis Room 1.0 Administrative Business. 1.1 Welcome and Roll-Call. M Bailey (absent) S DiCristina R Kelly J Laux J Sayers (in-part by phone) R Strand (absent) J Wooldridge R Breezee M Joiner (absent) M Kopczynski (in-part by phone) J Muir, Chair S Stokes B Wert Staff: R Bizal 1.2 BCDC Recruitment. We are still looking for more persons interested in serving on the BCDC. Please let Bizal know of any candidates. 1.3 Approval of the Minutes. Consideration of the minutes from the meeting held in Pompano Beach on 11/3-4/2015, and conference calls held 11/24/2015, and 03/08/2016. Motion Wert, 2 nd Laux, to approve the minutes. 1.4 Administrative Issues. Bizal reviewed expense reporting and resource needs. The expense reimbursements will be handled differently in the future. Be sure to have reasonable expenses itemized with receipts. Email reimbursement requests to Bizal. BCDC Assessment. NFPA will be assessing the scope and applicability of the BCDC. This may result in changes regarding the scope, presence and visibility of the BCDC. Tools. NFPA is interested in learning the types of tools building safety personnel would be interested in using to help make their jobs easier. BCDC members are asked to give some thought to those types of tools related to codes and standards that might help. For the next meeting, BCDC members to consider inspection and plan review related tools as follows: NEC: Wert, Bailey, Kelly NFPA 13: DiCristina, Kelly, Wooldridge BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 1 of 20
NFPA 72: DiCristina, Wooldridge This would be a general description of what you want a new inspection or plan review tool to do. Wooldridge indicated he would want to apply different NFPA standards to a BIM model and generate a plan review and critical items inspection list. 2.0 General Information. 2.1 Six Year Code Cycle Legislation. Some states have introduced legislation to mandate frequency of code adoptions to be 6 and even 9 years. Usually residential energy, and sprinklers requirements are behind the legislation. If you hear about this in your state, let Bizal know. 2.2 Lawsuit. Bizal provided a synopsis of where we are in the lawsuit at this time. 2.3 Enforcer Forum. NFPA is intending to host an enforcer forum for bringing code enforcers together to discuss current issues and trends and determine needs. Stokes and Muir are members of this new steering committee. 2.4 Enforcement Segment. Segment Directors have been added to the NFPA staff to provide outreach to particular segments of the NFPA constituency, including the enforcement community. They are including advisory committees and Laux is on the advisory committee. 2.5 Review of the NFPA Codes and Standards Making Process. Bizal offered to review the NFPA codes and standards making process. 3.0 Emerging Issues 3.1 Guidelines for Enforcement of Tiny Homes. The Task Group has put together a draft which has been distributed. The BCDC members reviewed the draft and some revisions were made. The BCDC members are to review the draft and provide additions and revisions to Bizal for the next conference call. Please note your revisions in a different color of text. 3.2 Guidelines for Video Inspections. The Task Group has put together a draft which has been distributed. The BCDC members should review and provide comments, additions, revisions to Bizal for the next conference call. Please note your revisions in a different color of text. 3.3 Other Emerging Issues. Bizal asked if there were other emerging issues that need to be considered, such as needed research. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 2 of 20
Staffing. BCDC members identified that it was becoming difficult to find qualified people to work in building safety. Fewer people are reaching for positions in building safety departments. Those coming in from the trades are usually 10 years or less from full retirement. Help is needed to encourage younger folks to consider building safety as a career path. Muir shared efforts by Clark County to reach college aged people through their Fear the Zombie Career Path campaign. Some BCDC members indicated that they allow interns at no pay and may earn college credit. Bizal to explore how NFPA can assist. Higher Education. It was pointed out that the number of colleges offering an Associates of Arts degree in building inspection technology has diminished a great deal since the recession. Now, there is a need for qualified personnel. Bizal to explore how NFPA can assist. Religious Beliefs. BCDC members shared that some people fight smoke alarm requirements in their homes due to religious beliefs. It was pointed out that some Amish would not allow powered devices like smoke alarms. Some suggested that as long as they don t own the device, they could allow it to be in their home. Bizal to see if others are aware of this issue. 4.0 Work Assignments. 4.1 Annual 2017 Revision Cycle. BCDC members to present potential Public Comments for consideration by the BCDC based on work assignments. Public Comment closing date is 5/16/16. See 2017 Annual Cycle work assignment sheet. NFPA 1 Section 11.9 (PI 235). Not used by TC. No action taken. Ch 46 (CI 152). Motion Laux, 2 nd DiCristina, to comment as follows: The draft of Chapter 46 uses the term engineer of record in several places, such as 46.6.3.3.2, and 46.6.3.3.4.1. The term registered design professional is used in NFPA 5000. Consideration should be given to using the term registered design professional. Ch 34 (FR 159). Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Sayers, to comment as follows: 34.10.4 Outside Storage at Pallet Manufacturing and Recycling Facilities. 34.10.4.1* The outside storage of pallets on the same site as a pallet manufacturing or recycling facility shall comply with 34.10.4. Reason: The BCDC agrees with Tony Apfelbeck s comment that this is intended to apply to pallet manufacturing facilities, not any manufacturing facility with pallets. Section 50.7 (FR 98) Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Laux, to comment as follows: BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 3 of 20
50.7.1.4.3 When wood or charcoal is used, a minimum of one 2A portable fire extinguisher or an approved hose line shall be provided. Reason: The BCDC agrees with negative comments that indicate the approved hose line is undefined. NFPA 54 Section 4.4 (PI 101). Not used by TC. No action taken. Section 5.1.2.2 (PI 102). Used by the TC as FR 6. No action taken. Section 5.4.3 (PI 103). Used by the TC as FR 7. No action taken. Section 5.4.4 (PI 104). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Laux, to comment as follows: Don t change the title, but keep the revisions to the paragraph. Reason: This comment is submitted to address the Technical Committee statement. The title allowable pressure drop is kept for familiarity and use with the tables, but the text of the provision is simplified. Section 7.2.2.2 (PI 105). Not used by TC. No action taken. Section 9.1.1.3 (PI 106). Not used by TC. No action taken. Section 9.1.8.2 (PI 107). Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Muir, to resubmit with new reason: Reason: The committee statement appears to not account for existing structures and/or replacement equipment that may not be accounted for in the original structural design. In such cases, review by the AHJ is important. Section 10.1.1 (PI 108). Not used by the TC. No action taken. Section 11.1.1 (PI 109). Not used by the TC. No action taken. NFPA 90A Section 6.4.3.1 (PI 32). Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Breezee, to comment to change stop to shunt. Reason: The desire is for fans to immediately begin to spin down upon detection of smoke to prevent the spread of smoke by the air handler. An example is a 135,000 cfm system that ran for three and a half minutes after the detection indicated smoke. This circulated 472,000 cf of smoke. The intent of this comment is to have the power to the fans immediately shunted, so that the spin down of the air handler begins immediately. This avoids the time it may take to relay through the system to begin shutdown. As noted BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 4 of 20
by the committee s reason for not utilizing PI 32, it would be nearly impossible to immediately stop the airflow, which was not the intent of PI 32. Having a shunt will immediately begin the process of stopping the air handler, much like the shunting of an elevator upon heat detection. Motion passed, unanimously. Section 7.2 (PI 33). Used by the TC as FR 11 with modification. No action taken. Section A7.2 (PI 34). Used by the TC as FR 11. No action taken. NFPA 90B No action taken. NFPA 101 Section 8.7.3.3 (PI 60). Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Stokes, to comment to delete it altogether. Sections 38.1.7 and 39.1.7 (CI 5544 and 5545). Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Wooldridge, to comment as follows: Comment: There is a concern about a suite of meeting rooms in an office building. In NFPA 101 under assembly occupancy, there must be 50 occupants. If there are multiple rooms with each less than 50, is the aggregate considered? And would this be considered a mixed occupancy? In NFPA 5000, as long as this example is under 25% of the area of the floor, it is considered a minor accessory use and would be calculated at 150 sq.ft. Consideration should be given to this scenario, which appears more like a mixed use. Section 36.4.4 (CI 5546). Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Stokes, to comment as follows: 36.4.4.7.2 Initiation. Initiation of the required fire alarm system shall be by means of the required automatic sprinkler system in accordance with 9.6.2.1 (3). 36.4.4.7.4 Emergency Control. Only sprinklers associated with the mall concourse shall actuate The fire alarm system shall be arranged to automatically actuate smoke management or smoke control systems in accordance with 9.6.5.2 (3). Reason: Section 36.4.4.7.4 says smoke control system is activated by the mall structures fire alarm system. Section 36.4.4.7.2 says the fire alarm system must be initated by the mall structures fire sprinkler system. This means that any sprinkler in the mall structure can activate the smoke control system and potentially pull a fire from the tenant space into the mall concourse. NFPA 220 Section 1.4.1 (PI 8). Not used by TC. No action taken. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 5 of 20
Section 4.1.5.2 (PI 9). Not used by TC. No action taken. NFPA 221 Section 1.4.1 (PI 14). Not used by TC. No action taken. Section 4.8.4.2.1(2) (PI 15) (now 4.9.4.2.1). Not used by TC. No action taken. Section 5.2.4 (PI 16). Not used by TC. No action taken. NFPA 720 No action taken. NFPA 1144 Section 5.3.4 (PI 22) Used by the TC in FR 12. No action taken. Section 3.3.5 (FR 18). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Laux, to comment as follows: 3.3.5 Defensible Space. The area in which the opportunity for fire to burn directly to a structure is minimized by the selection, location, grouping, and maintenance of vegetation and other combustible materials on the property in such a manner that the opportunity for fire to burn directly to a structure is minimized. Reason: The requirements for defensible space may include limiting the quantity and location of firewood for example (or requiring fire-resistant covering, etc.) and other combustible fuels and materials, ignition resistant construction requirements for deck construction, gazebos, or other building extensions, etc. not just vegetation. Sections3.3.23 Structure Ignition Zone, and 4.1.2(2) Structure Assessment contain a similar mention of other potential fuels in addition to vegetation. Annex Note A.3.3.14 Immediate Landscaped Area, which is often referred to as defensible space and mentions combustible materials and vegetation. Section 3.3.22 (FR 23). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Breezee, to comment as follows: 3.3.20 Slope. Upward or downward incline or slant, usually calculated as a percentage that is calculated by dividing the change in elevation vertical rise (or fall) of a surface by the or a given horizontal distance, calculated as rise divided by run. Reason: This proposed revision provides more simple and accurate text. Section 4.1.2 (PI 3). Motion Breezee, 2 nd Kelly, to comment as follows: 4.1.2* The structure assessment shall, as a minimum, include the following: BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 6 of 20
1. Identification and documentation of the wildland fire hazards in the ignition zone(s) for each structure within wildland fire hazard areas, according to the elements and conditions in Section 4.2 2. Determination of mitigation measures for vegetation, other combustibles, and the structure, including the periodic maintenance associated with such measures 3. Establishment of priorities relative to mitigating the risks from wildland fire 4. Triage the site for conflagration hazards associated with the property and the establish a strategy for fire operations should the site or surrounding properties become involved in fire. Reason: Clarification. Section 5.2 (FR 2) Motion Breezee, 2 nd DiCristina, to comment as follows: 5.2 Construction Design and Materials. 5.2.1* Ignition-resistant building materials shall maintain their fire and mechanical performance under conditions of use. A material that complies with any one of the following shall be considered a noncombustible material: (1) The material, in the form in which it is used, and under the conditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subjected to fire or heat. (2) The material is reported as passing ASTM E136, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 Degrees C. (3) The material is reported as complying with the pass/fail criteria of ASTM E136 when tested in accordance with the test method and procedure in ASTM E2652, Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Tube Furnace with a Cone-shaped Airflow Stabilizer, at 750 Degrees C. 5.2.2 Ignition-resistant building materials shall maintain their fire and mechanical performance under conditions of use. Reason: The first sentence really has nothing to do with the main subject of noncombustibility in section 5.2.1. This is a performance issues regarding ignition resistance and should stand alone in its own section. Section 5.3.2 (FR 14). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Breezee, to comment as follows: Roof gutters, downspouts, and connectors shall be noncombustible and covered with an approved noncombustible means to prevent the accumulation of debris When installed, roof gutters, gutter cover devices, downspouts, and connectors shall be noncombustible materials. Reason: The TC Statement says it is clarifying the provision, but the revision unintentionally removes the requirement for a means to prevent accumulation of debris in gutters when gutters are present. So, the existing definition is better than the proposed change. Note that the inclusion of prevention of the accumulation of debris is also consistent with ICC and some state requirements. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 7 of 20
Section 5.3.3 (FR 9). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Kelly, to comment as follows: 5.3.3 Attic or foundation ventilation louvers, or ventilation openings in vertical walls Vents shall be screened with a corrosion-resistant, noncombustible wire mesh with the mesh opening not to exceed nominal 1 4 in. (6.3 mm) in size. Vents or vent assemblies shall resist the intrusion of flames and embers according to either of the following: 1. Vents shall be screened with a corrosion-resistant, noncombustible wire mesh with the mesh opening not to exceed nominal 1 8 in. (3.1 mm) in size. 2. Only vents and assemblies comprising vents tested in accordance with ASTM E2886, Test Method for Evaluating the Ability of Exterior Vents to Resist the Entry of Embers and Direct Flame Impingement, shall be used. Reason: Section 5.3.6 is proposed to be removed per First Revision No. 11, which is fine, except that the language above would then need to be added to this section in order to provide clarification and for accuracy. Section 5.4 (FR 16). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Laux, to comment as follows: 5.4 Overhanging Projections. All projections (exterior balconies, carports, decks, patio covers, unenclosed roofs and floors, and similar architectural appendages and projections) shall be of heavy timber construction; be and constructed of noncombustible material, fire-retardant-treated wood, or other ignition-resistant materials; or be a 1-hour fire-rated assembly. Reason: Editorial. It can t be heavy timber and noncombustible. It is likely that the intent was to say one or the other. Section 5.6 (FR 29). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Wert, to comment as follows: 5.6.4* Structural elements that result in or could result in the collection of combustible materials proximal to the structure shall be protecteda minimum of 6 in. (150 mm) horizontal surface-to-siding separation, where noncombustible vertical surface is exposed, shall be maintained. Reason: This comment reverts back to the original text because no technical justification was provided for the 6 inch requirement. Section 5.6 (FR 29). Motion Stokes, 2 nd DiCristina, to comment as follows: 5.6.1 Exterior vertical wallswall coverings shall meet the requirements for heavy timber construction,an ignition-resistiveresistant material, or exterior fire-retardant-treated wood, noncombustible material, or be a minimum 20-minute1-hour fire-rated exterior wall assembly with a minimum Class B flame spread index where walls are potentially exposed to a wildland fire, unless the AHJ determines that the wildland fire risk and structure assessment requires greater protection. (Yellow Highlights show the change) BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 8 of 20
Reason: No technical justification was provided to support the change from 20 minute to 1-hour requirement. Also the negative comment questions the class B flame spread index. NFPA 5000 Section 1.7.5.2.2 (PI 111). Used by TC. No action taken. Section 1.7.6.3.3.4 (PI 113). Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Laux, to resubmit as follows: 1.7.6.3.3.4 Deferred submittal of construction documents shall be approved by the authority having jurisdiction prior to the issuance of a building permit. The RDP for design shall identify all deferred submittals in writing with the application for permit. All documents prepared by people other than the RDP shall be reviewed by the RDP for design for general conformance to the RDP's design and then submitted with a letter, or stamp, or other evidence indicating that they have been reviewed by the RDP. Deferred submittal items shall not be installed until their performance requirements and construction documents have been approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Reason: Currently there is no requirement for evidence that the RDP has in fact reviewed the deferred submittal. This comment clarifies the PI which requires proof from the RDP that the deferred submittals are in general conformance with the RDP s design. This clarifies that a letter is not the only way to provide such evidence. This change clarifies that the RDP is responsible for overall coordination and compatibility of all design documents. Section 677.1 (CI 6032). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Kelly, to comment to not delete the text. 3.3.677.1 Public Way Reason, this CI would remove text that is an important part of the definition. The text is essential to the definition of public way because it is the part that refers to the public aspect of a public way. Section 4.4.1 (PI 114). Motion Laux, 2 nd Wooldridge, to comment as follows: safety in case any single safeguard is rendered ineffective due to inappropriate human actions, building failure, or system failure. Reason: This comment eliminates the laundry list and subjectivity of the term inappropriate. The redundancy of safeguards is desirable in case one fails. The Manual of Style Table 2.2.2.3 lists possible unenforceable and vague terms, which includes the term appropriate and thus inappropriate. Section 6.2.1.1 (PI 115). Used by the TC as FR 6076. No action taken. Section 6.2.1.5 (PI 116). Motion Breezee, 2 nd Kelly, to comment as follows: BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 9 of 20
Where minor accessory functions of an occupancy uses do not occupy more than 25 percent of the area of any floor of a building, nor more than the basic area permitted for the occupancy by 7.4.2 for such minor use accessory functions, for the purpose of determining permitted area, the principal the predominant use function of the building shall determine the occupancy classification for the purpose of determining allowable area. Reason: This comment clarifies a confusing provision in the code. Additionally, the term use is defined twice in Chapter 3.3.666, neither of which is applicable in this section. Section 6.2.4.1a (PI 118). Not used by the TC. No action taken. Section 8.2.2.1.1 (PI 119). Used by the TC as FR 3501. No action taken. Section A8.2.2.1.1 (PI 121) Used by the TC as FR 3501. No action taken. Section 8.4.3.3 (PI 123). Motion Laux, 2 nd Wooldridge, to submit a comment as follows: 8.4.3.3 Where impact protection is added to a fire-protected covering, the impact protection shall not reduce the fire resistance rating. Reason: This comment changes the term degrade to reduce in order to eliminate a term that the TC felt was vague. Note that the term degrade is used eight times in NFPA 5000. Sections 8.7.4.1 and 8.7.4.2 (PI 124). Used by TC as FR 3515. No action taken. Section 8.8.5 (PI 125). Not used by the TC, but under consideration. No action taken. Section 8.14.1.1(2) (PI 126). Used by the TC as FR 3508. No action taken. Section 8.15.4 (PI 127). Motion Wooldridge, 2 nd DiCristina, to resubmit. Reason: This should not be a building code issue. This should be a fire code issue. As such, this should be deleted from the NFPA 5000 and NFPA 101 for all occupancies. Note that Section 8.7.3 of NFPA 101 (FR-2507) addresses hand sanitizers. Section 11.1.5.1 (PI 128). Motion Wert, 2 nd Wooldridge, to comment as follows: Means of egress shall be designed and maintained to provide headroom in accordance with other sections of this Code, and such headroom shall be not less than 7 ft 6 in. (2285 mm)., with Projections from the ceiling not shall provide a headroom of not less than 6 ft 8 in. (2030 m), with a tolerance of - 3 4 in. (-19 mm), above the finished floor. Reason: This comment corrects the text of the provision. Currently the text suggests that a projection may be 6ft 8 in, when it really means that the vertical clearance should not be less than 6 ft 8 in above finished floor. It should be noted that this provision seems to consider door headers to be projections, which they are not. Door openings and BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 10 of 20
clearances are already addressed under accessibility codes. The tolerance issue is not deleted as it was in the Public Input. Section 11.2.1.1.2 (PI 129). Motion Wert, 2 nd Laux, to change the term way to path. Reason: The term path is used more commonly, such as in section 3.3 for definitions, section 11.1 for means of egress, section 12.2 for accessibility, and chapter 16 for common paths of travel, etc. Section 11.2.1.1.3.1 (PI 130). Not used by the TC. No action taken. Section 11.2.1.3.2 (PI 131). Used by the TC as FR 6001. No action taken. 11.2.1.9.2 (4) (PI 132) Motion Muir, 2 nd Laux, to comment as follows: Upon operation of approved smoke detectors, door leaves held open for any period of time shall close and the power-assist mechanism shall be deactivated. ceases to function upon operation of approved smoke detectors installed in such a way as The smoke detectors shall be installed to detect smoke on either side of the door opening in accordance with the provisions of NFPA 72. Reason: As written, the provision is confusing. The use of hyphens amplifies the confusion. This clarifies the intent of the provision. Section 11.2.1.10.4 (PI 133). Used by the TC as FR 6002. No action taken. Section 11.2.2.2.3.2 (PI 134). Motion Wert, 2 nd Muir, to re submit. Reason: Spiral staircases can be designed and specified in the clockwise and counter clockwise direction for the descending user. The handrail will be on the wider side of the tread in either case. Motion passed, DiCristina and Wooldridge opposed. Section 11.3.4.1.1 (PI 135/136). Not used by the TC. No action taken. Chapter 12 (PI 137). Motion DiCristina, 2 nd Laux, to resubmit. Reason. The PI proposes the use of ICC/ANSI A117.1, which is a safe harbor document. The Technical Committee statement says that the PI appears to create more restrictive requirements than are currently in place. Thus, the Technical Committee is indicating that the provisions in NFPA 5000 are less restrictive than the DOJ safe harbor document, which means that the provisions of chapter 12 do not meet the minimum federal requirements. This Public Comment intends to upgrade chapter 12 to meet minimum federal requirements. Section 13.1 (PI 138). Not used by the TC. No action taken. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 11 of 20
Section 17.2.1.4 (FR 3003). Motion Stokes, 2 nd DiCristina, to comments as follows. 17.2.1.5 Where bathtubs, bathtub-shower combinations, or showers are present, grab bars shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of 11.1.6.5. Reason: Not every shower space is necessarily required to be handicapped accessible, a gymnasium locker room for example may only need for one (or some) of the showers to be accessible, not every single one. If the bathtub or shower is required to be accessible then grab bars are already required and it doesn t need to be re-stated again here. If the intention is to require grab bars in every bathtub and shower (even those which are not required to be accessible) then there is not sufficient information to support the change. Section 18.2.1 (FR 3012). Motion Stokes, 2 nd DiCristina, to comments as follows. 18.2.1.2 Where bathtubs, bathtub-shower combinations, or showers are present, grab bars shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of 11.1.6.5. Reason: Not every shower space is necessarily required to be handicapped accessible. If the bathtub or shower is required to be accessible then grab bars are already required and it doesn t need to be re-stated again here. If the intention is to require grab bars in every bathtub and shower (even those which are not required to be accessible) then there is not sufficient information to support the change. Section 18.5.5 (FR 153). Motion Stokes, 2 nd DiCristina, to comments as follows. 18.5.5* Grab Bars for Bathtubs, Bathtub-Shower Combinations and Showers. New bathtubs, bathtub-shower combinations and showers, for use by occupants, shall be provided with grab bars complying with 18.5.5.1, 18.5.5.2, and 18.5.5.3 with all dimensions referring to the centerline of the grab bar unless otherwise stipulated. If a dedicated shower does not expose users to changes in elevation exceeding 0.5 inch (13 mm), as described in 11.1.6.2, and if it provides slip resistance for all surfaces when wet, as a foreseeable condition described in 11.1.6.4, the requirements of 18.5.5.1, 18.5.5.2 and 18.5.5.3 shall apply only if grab bars are installed. 18.5.5.1 A vertical grab bar shall be provided either [option 1] installed on the control end wall of the bathtub, bathtub-shower combination and shower as specified in 18.5.5.1.1 or [option 2] as a free standing, external pole as specified in 18.5.5.1.2 18.5.5.1.1* [Option 1] A vertical grab bar, with a minimum length of 24 inches (610 mm), and its lower end between 36 and 39 inches (915 and 990 mm) above the finished floor, shall be installed on the entry/egress side of the control end wall of the bathtub, bathtub-shower combination and shower unit. The grab bar shall be located at least 6 inches (150 mm), measured horizontally, from any shower curtain rod fixing point on the wall. 18.5.5.1.2* [Option 2] A vertical pole-type grab bar fixed to the floor and either the room ceiling or an adjacent wall shall be installed outside of the bathtub, bathtub-shower combination or shower unit within 6 inches (150 mm), measured horizontally, outside of the outer edge of the bathtub, bathtub-shower combination or shower and within 30 BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 12 of 20
inches (760 mm), measured horizontally, of the vertical plane of the control end wall if there is such a wall. 18.5.5.2 For bathtubs and bathtub-shower combinations bounded on three sides by walls, a grab bar shall be provided on the back wall either [Option 1] as a diagonal grab bar as specified in 18.5.5.2.1 or [Option 2] as a horizontal grab bar as specified in 18.5.5.2.2 18.5.5.2.1* [Option 1] A diagonal grab bar shall be installed on the back wall with a minimum length of 24 inches (600 mm) with its higher end placed closer to the control end wall and located a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) from the control end wall, with a height of 25 to 27 inches (635 to 685 mm) above rim of the bathtub. The lower end of the diagonal grab bar shall be located at a height of 8 to 10 inches (205 to 255 mm) above the rim of the bathtub and 28 to 30 inches (710 to 760 mm) from the control end wall. 18.5.5.2.2 [Option 2] A horizontal grab bar shall be installed on the back wall at a height of 8 to 10 inches (205 to 255 mm) above the bathtub rim with one end located a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) from the control end wall and the other end located a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) from the opposite or head end of the bathtub. 18.5.5.3.1* Grab bars shall be circular in cross section with a minimum diameter of 1.25 inches (32 mm) and a maximum diameter of 2 inches (51 mm). If, attached to a wall, the grab bar shall provide a minimum clearance, for hand grasp, of 1.5 inches (38 mm). These size and clearance dimensions shall be provided for at least the height requirements and the minimum length requirements of 18.5.5. 18.5.5.3.2 Grab bars shall be designed and constructed to the structural loading conditions in Section 4.5 of ASCE/SEI 7 as stipulated in Section 35.6.5.1.) Reason: Not every shower space is necessarily required to be handicapped accessible. If the bathtub or shower is required to be accessible then grab bars are already required and it doesn t need to be re-stated again here. If the intention is to require grab bars in every bathtub and shower (even those which are not required to be accessible) then there is not sufficient information to support the change. Section 23.2.1 (CI 7003). Motion Stokes, 2 nd DiCristina, to comments as follows. 23.2.1 General. 23.2.1.1 The provisions of Chapter 11 shall not apply to means of escape, unless specifically referenced in this chapter. 23.2.1.2 Where bathtubs, bathtub-shower combinations, or showers are present, grab bars shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of 11.1.6.5. Reason: There is no explanation pertaining to why Chapter 11 should not apply, as previously stated in other comments. Section 23.5.3 (PI 157). Motion Stokes, 2 nd DiCristina, to comments as follows: 23.5.5* Grab Bars for Bathtubs, Bathtub-Shower Combinations and Showers 23.5.5* Grab Bars for Bathtubs, Bathtub-Shower Combinations and Showers. New bathtubs, bathtub-shower combinations and showers, for use by occupants, shall be provided with grab bars complying with 23.5.5.1, 23.5.5.2, and 23.5.5.3 with all BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 13 of 20
dimensions referring to the centerline of the grab bar unless otherwise stipulated. If a dedicated shower does not expose users to changes in elevation exceeding 0.5 inch (13 mm), as described in 7/11.1.6.2, and if it provides slip resistance for all surfaces when wet, as a foreseeable condition described in 7/11.1.6.4, the requirements of 23.5.5.1, 23.5.5.2 and 23.5.5.3 shall apply only if grab bars are installed. 23.5.5.1 A vertical grab bar shall be provided either [option 1] installed on the control end wall of the bathtub, bathtub-shower combination and shower as specified in 23.5.5.1.1 or [option 2] as a free standing, external pole as specified in 23.5.5.1.2 23.5.5.1.1* [Option 1] A vertical grab bar, with a minimum length of 24 inches (610 mm), and its lower end between 36 and 39 inches (915 and 990 mm) above the finished floor, shall be installed on the entry/egress side of the control end wall of the bathtub, bathtub-shower combination and shower unit. The grab bar shall be located at least 6 inches (150 mm), measured horizontally, from any shower curtain rod fixing point on the wall. 23.5.5.1.2* [Option 2] A vertical pole-type grab bar fixed to the floor and either the room ceiling or an adjacent wall shall be installed outside of the bathtub, bathtub-shower combination or shower unit within 6 inches (150 mm), measured horizontally, outside of the outer edge of the bathtub, bathtub-shower combination or shower and within 30 inches (760 mm), measured horizontally, of the vertical plane of the control end wall if there is such a wall. 23.5.5.2 For bathtubs and bathtub-shower combinations bounded on three sides by walls, a grab bar shall be provided on the back wall either [Option 1] as a diagonal grab bar as specified in 23.5.5.2.1 or [Option 2] as a horizontal grab bar as specified in 23.5.5.2.2 23.5.5.2.1* [Option 1] A diagonal grab bar shall be installed on the back wall with a minimum length of 24 inches (600 mm) with its higher end placed closer to the control end wall and located a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) from the control end wall, with a height of 25 to 27 inches (635 to 685 mm) above rim of the bathtub. The lower end of the diagonal grab bar shall be located at a height of 8 to 10 inches (205 to 255 mm) above the rim of the bathtub and 28 to 30 inches (710 to 760 mm) from the control end wall. 23.5.5.2.2 [Option 2] A horizontal grab bar shall be installed on the back wall at a height of 8 to 10 inches (205 to 255 mm) above the bathtub rim with one end located a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) from the control end wall and the other end located a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) from the opposite or head end of the bathtub. 23.5.5.3.1* Grab bars shall be circular in cross section with a minimum diameter of 1.25 inches (32 mm) and a maximum diameter of 2 inches (51 mm). If, attached to a wall, the grab bar shall provide a minimum clearance, for hand grasp, of 1.5 inches (38 mm). These size and clearance dimensions shall be provided for at least the height requirements and the minimum length requirements of 23.5.5. 23.5.5.3.2 Grab bars shall be designed and constructed to the structural loading conditions in Section 4.5 of ASCE/SEI 7 as stipulated in Section 35.6.5.1. Reason: Not every shower space is necessarily required to be handicapped accessible. If the bathtub or shower is required to be accessible then grab bars are already required and it doesn t need to be re-stated again here. If the intention is to require grab bars in every bathtub and shower (even those which are not required to be accessible) then there is not sufficient information to support the change. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 14 of 20
Section 17.2.2.2.3.4 (FR 3004). Motion Stoke, 2 nd Breezee, to comment as follows: 17.2.2.2.4 Classroom Door Locking to Prevent Unwanted Entry. Classroom doors shall be permitted to be locked to prevent unwanted entry provided that all of the following conditions are met: 1. The locking means is approved. 2. The locking means can be engaged without opening the door. 3. The unlocking and unlatching from the classroom side of the door can be accomplished without the use of a key or tool. 4. The unlocking and unlatching requires not more than one releasing operation. 5. The unlocking and unlatching means are mounted at a height not exceeding 48 in. (1220 mm) above the finished floor. 6. Locks, if remotely engaged, can be unlocked from the classroom side. 7. The door is capable of being unlocked and opened from outside the room by staff with the necessary key or other credential. 8. The locking means does not modify the door closer, panic hardware, or fire exit hardware. 9. Modifications to fire door assemblies, including door hardware, shall be in accordance with NFPA 80. 10. An emergency action plan shall be provided, addressing the use of the locking and unlocking means, from within and outside the room. 11. Staff is drilled in the engagement and release of the locking means, from within and outside the room, as part of emergency egress drills. Reason: This is a good start for a conversation that needs to happen, however until more issues are resolved such as classrooms which serve as an intervening spaces for egress, and emergency responder access to classrooms, and many more issues related to potential unintended consequences (there is tremendous potential to cause harm), the section should not be added. Section 17.3.1.1 (FR 3006). Discussed but no action taken. Section 17.3.2.1 (FR 3007). Motion Stokes, 2 nd Muir, to comment as follow: 17.3.2.1 General. Rooms or spaces for the storage, processing, or use of materials specified in the list that follows shall be protected in accordance with the following: Reason: to delete redundant text. Section 17.3.4.3.1 (PI 74). Discussed, no action taken. Section 18.6.3.4 (FR 3016). Motion Laux, 2 nd Stokes, to comment as follows: 18.6.3.4 Detection, Alarm, and Communications Systems. 18.6.3.4.1 Smoke alarms shall be installed within all day-care homes and shall be installed in accordance with 55.2.2.10 and 55.2.2.6. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 15 of 20
18.6.3.4.2 Where the day-care home is located within a building of another occupancy, such as in an apartment building or office building, any corridors serving the day-care home shall be provided with a smoke detection system in accordance with Section 55.2, except as otherwise provided in 18.6.3.4.3. 18.6.3.4.3 The corridor smoke detection system addressed in 18.6.3.4.2 shall not be required where all of the following conditions are met: 1. The day-care home is in a building of another occupancy that is not required to have a fire alarm system by some other provision of this Code. 2. Smoke alarms are installed in accordance with 55.2.2.10 in the corridor serving the day-care home. 3. Smoke alarms are installed within the day-care home as required by 18.6.3.4.1. 4. Additional smoke alarms are installed within the day-care home within 15 ft (4.6 m) of all sleeping rooms. 5. The smoke alarms required by 18.6.3.4.3(2), 18.6.3.4.3(3), and 18.6.3.4.3(4) are interconnected as required by NFPA 72 so that each sounds an alarm when any of these smoke alarms detects smoke. Reason: 18.6.3.4.1: Section 55.2.2.6 only requires a manual pull station, it is not a section that provides requirements for smoke alarm installations in day-care homes. 18.6.3.4.3 (1): This makes no sense to me, doesn t the more restrictive occupancy requirement apply? Otherwise by that logic you could put a less hazardous occupancy within a building of a more hazardous occupancy and nullify the requirements of the more hazardous use, that is not the typical approach and the only explanation is that it would cost less. I would like to see a better explanation of the reason before lessening the safety requirements of smoke detectors. (The committee statement in Public Input No. 144-NFPA 5000-2015 [ Section No. 23.1.3.3 ] concerning alarms in lodging or rooming houses states In mixed occupancies the more restrictive requirements must be met throughout the building ) 18.6.3.4.3 (2): The first sentence says smoke detectors shall not be required in corridors where (2) smoke alarms are installed in the corridors. 18.6.3.4.3 (3): This says if they are installed in the day-care then they are not required in the corridor that serves the day-care? 18.6.3.4.3 (4) & (5): Maybe I m completely missing the point but I don t see why any of these would negate the need for smoke detectors in the corridor serving the day-care, and the only reason given was to save cost, I would need to see some more information pertaining to the reason before lessening the safety requirements of smoke detectors. Section 22.1.1.2 (PI 139). Motion Laux, 2 nd Kelly, to resubmit. Reason: The code already addresses the transient versus non-transient nature of the inhabitants. The code should not try to define family. And the use of the term outsider is vague. This definition would prohibit four nonrelated persons from inhabiting a four bedroom house, which happens all the time. Also, the definition should not address whether the home is being occupied by an owner or a renter(s). BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 16 of 20
Section 22.1.8.2 (PI 140). Motion Muir, 2 nd Laux, to resubmit but only delete items 1 and 2. Reason: These occupancies should not be referenced because the scope of this chapter includes only 1 and 2 family dwellings. All non-1 and 2 family dwelling occupancies already do not apply. Section 22.2.4.8 (1) (PI 141). Motion Kelly, 2 nd Wert, to resubmit. Reason: A door larger than 36 inches could have a 36 inch landing as this is currently written in the code. This would change the provision to require the landing to be at least the width of the door. If the landing, as currently written, is less than the door, persons could egress from the building onto uneven ground because the landing is smaller. It could also require a person to stand off the landing to open the door to enter the building. This is a tripping hazard. Section 22.3.4.1.1 (PI 142). Motion Wert, 2 nd Stokes, to resubmit but flip the language in the code and annex. Reason: Currently the code text is more open-ended and the annex text is specific. This Comment takes the specific requirement of 21 feet and puts it in the code and the proposed annex text lets the reader know that the intent is to place the detector within the immediate space outside of the sleeping room. Section 22.3.4.3 (PI 143). Not used by the TC. No action taken. Section 23.1.3.3 (PI 144). Not used by the TC. No action taken. Sections 23.3.4.6.1, 23.3.4.6.2, 23.3.4.6.3 (PI 86). Discussed, no action taken. Section 33.3.2.3 (PI 145). Used by the TC as FR 6080. No action taken. Section 33.3.7 (PI 146). Not used by TC. No action taken. Section 41.2.2.1 (PI 147). Not used by TC. No action taken. Section 41.6 (PI 148). Not used by TC. No action taken. Section 41.6.3.1 (PI 149). Not used by TC, but CI 7513 considers the issue. No action taken. Section 42.1 (PI 150). Used by TC as FR 7514. No action taken. Section 53.1 (PI 151). Used by TC as FR 2005. No action taken. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 17 of 20
Section G.3 (PI 152). Not used by TC. No action taken. The BCDC completed the task for the Annual 2017 cycle. 4.2 Annual 2018 Revision Cycle. BCDC members to present potential Public Input for consideration by the BCDC based on work assignments. Public Input closing date is 6/29/16. See 2018 Annual Cycle work assignment sheet. NFPA 88A Motion Dicristina, 2 nd Breezee, to submit as follows: Section 5.5.3 interior walls lines and column lines shall be at least 20 percent open, with openings distributed to provide ventilation. Reason: The intent of the section is to provide openness for ventilation in walls, not wall lines or column lines. Motion Breezee, 2 nd DiCristina to submit as follows: 6.6.2 an approved, supervised automatic fire detection and alarm system shall be installed in enclosed parking structures having a mechanical ventilation system. located at or above grade, or within, or immediately below a building used for another occupancy. Reason. These systems should be installed in all enclosed parking structures. Motion Breezee, 2 nd Muir, to submit as follows: 9.2.2.3 travel distance to the exterior or to an enclosed stair shall not exceed 122m (400ft). comply with NFPA 101 or 5000. Reason: the provisions would be consistent with other NFPA documents by referencing the provision in NFPA 101 or 5000. NFPA 150 Motion Breezee, 2 nd Muir, to submit as follows: 1.3 Application 1.3.3 (4) A building or structure with where an animal housing facility is relocated. Reason: for clarification. Section 4.1.3.1.2.4 was discussed. 4.1.3.1.2.4 Facilities shall be designed and constructed to reasonably protect adjacent persons, animals and structures from injury, death or substantial damage as a result of fire. Reason: the term substantial is vague. No action taken. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 18 of 20
Motion Breezee, 2 nd Stokes, to submit as follows; 4.2.2 Appropriateness of Safeguards (5) Height, size, and type of construction of the facility. Reason: Size should be considered in addition to height and type of construction. Size will related to travel distances and area limitations. Motion Breezee, 2 nd Wooldridge to submit as follows: 4.2.4 Occupant Notification in every facility of such size, arrangement, or occupancy that a fire itself might not provide adequate occupant warning, fire alarm systems shall be provided where necessary to warn human occupants of the existence of fire. Reason: It does not make sense to warn animal occupants, but it does make sense to warn human occupants. Motion Breezee, 2 nd Wooldridge to submit as follows: 4.3.2 Delete. Reason. This is unnecessary as section 1.1.1 already states that this is a minimum standard. Motion Breezee, 2 nd Laux, to submit as follows: 4.3.4.2.1 Where deemed necessary, A a disaster/emergency management program shall be developed in accordance with NFPA 1600 and shall include the procedures for reporting emergencies, the occupant and staff response to emergencies, the design and conduct of disaster/emergency drills, the type and coverage of building fire protection systems, and other items approved by the AHJ. Reason: This requirement is applicable to large facilities such as zoos and race tracks, but it does not seem appropriate for small facilities such as small veterinary clinics. Motion Breezee, 2 nd DiCristina to submit as follows: 5.1.1 Application The requirements of this chapter shall apply to buildings or, structures, portions of buildings or and structures, or and the building systems designed in accordance with the performance- based option permitted by section 4.3 Reason, this clarifies that the requirements apply to all facilities, not just one or the other. 5.0 Other Business. There was no other business. 6.0 Next meeting. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 19 of 20
6.1 Work Assignments, Next Meeting. BCDC members to select document work assignments for Public Comments in the 2017 Fall Cycle and Public Input in the 2018 Fall Cycle. BCDC members selected work assignments as shown on the 2017 Fall Cycle and 2018 Fall Cycle work assignment sheets. 6.2 Conference Calls. A conference call is not needed to finish discussing Public Comments for the 2017 Annual Cycle (deadline 5/16/16). Two conference calls are scheduled May 24, Tuesday, and June 7, Tuesday, both at 10am Pacific (11am Mountain, noon Central, 1pm Eastern) to discuss remaining items on the 2017 Annual Cycle work assignment sheet(deadline 6/29/16). A conference call is scheduled June 3, Friday, at 10am Pacific (11am Mountain, noon Central, 1pm Eastern) to discuss the Tiny Homes Guide. A conference call is scheduled June 10, Friday, at 10am Pacific (11am Mountain, noon Central, 1pm Eastern) to discuss the Video Inspections Guide. 6.3 Meeting. A meeting is needed after 9/8/16 and before 11/17/16 to discuss the following: 11/17/16 Public Comment Closing on 2017 Fall Cycle (First Draft posted 9/8/16) 1/5/17 Public Input Closing on 2018 Fall Cycle Manual of Style. Meeting is tentatively scheduled in San Diego October 6-7, 2016. 7.0 Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 4:30pm May 4, 2016. BCDC San Antonio Minutes 05/2016 Page 20 of 20