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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Building Board of Appeals Minutes 07/02/2012 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS AMES, IOWA JULY 2, 2012 I. The regular meeting of the Building Board of Appeals was called to order by Chairman Larry Cormicle at 4:00 p.m., July 2, 2012, in Room 235 in City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue. Present from the Building Board of Appeals were Larry Cormicle, Larry Brandt, Brad Heemstra, and Chuck Haselhoff, via telephone live. Dan Nutini, David Francis, and Nathan Werstein were absent. Staff members present were Clint Petersen, David Brown, Judy Parks, Bruce Kinkade, and Mike Makelbust. Guest in attendance was Bill Bossenberger. Larry Cormicle reminded those present about the role of the Board. The Board has authority to affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the Building Official. Moved by Brandt, seconded by Heemstra, to approve the minutes of April 2, 2012. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion passed unanimously. II. New Business Appeal of Troy McIntyre of SYS-KOOL, LLC, of the Ames Building Code Section 5.208 (12). The appellant was not present. Cormicle asked city staff for their comments on the appeal. Mike Makelbust reviewed the request by the appellant to use Aquatherm polypropylene piping in the new Web Filings building at 2900 University Blvd. Aquatherm has IAPMO/UPC approval for use in potable water systems. Staff has no objections to it. It is to be used on the interior of the building only, not on the exterior. It is not listed as an approved material in our local amendments. Cormicle summarized that the appellant is asking for a variance to the existing code. The issue is whether the Board can modify the code, which would require city ordinance. So, the request is actually a one-time appeal variance hearing. Judy Parks confirmed that a variance is correct for this specific situation. The Board can then direct staff to seek a code amendment to add Aquatherm polypropylene piping to the list of approved materials, which would require adoption by City Council as an ordinance. Cormicle reviewed the variance request again; clarifying that it is for interior above grade, no interior sub-grade, no exterior sub-grade. Brad Heemstra questioned why the appellant has requested to use the product. Makelbust stated that the appellant contacted city staff with the request to use the product because the appellant believes that the product is a superior material which has been used for several years in Europe. It has a reinforced central core with a protective outside. It is not to be confused with the polypropylene that has been used in the past in manufactured homes and campers. Cormicle pointed out that the appellant requests to use Aquatherm polypropylene piping specifically, not just any manufacturer of polypropylene. Therefore, if approved, a substitution by brand would not be allowed. Heemstra added that if this product was added to the list of approved materials in the code, it would specified by product type. Bruce Kinkade said staff has no objections to the use of the product for this application. Cormicle stated that this variance request is specific to this project only, and variance requests do not give precedence to other projects that have to do a similar variance request. Chuck Haselhoff stated that he was not familiar with the product and questioned the reliability, longevity, strength, and durability of the product compared to other products. Makelbust explained that as long as the product has certification from IAPMO/UPC, the product is considered reliable. He also added that it has been used primarily in industrial settings. Cormicle referred to the written materials provided by the appellant regarding the specifications and certifications of the product. Motion by Heemstra, seconded by Brandt, to approve the one-time project variance for the use of Aquatherm polypropylene piping as documented in the appellant’s request, as written and by brand name. Vote on Motion: 4-0. Motion passed unanimously (Haselhoff was present for the vote). III. Old Business A. Staff update on 2915 Oakland St in regard to a Notice to Abate a Dangerous Building and Public Nuisance by demolition. David Brown stated that a buyer from Minnesota purchased the house and plans to renovate the entire house. The buyer has taken out permits and is getting inspections, and is aware of the corrections that need to be made. Judy Parks mentioned that once the house is renovated and becomes habitable again, staff will need to ask the Board to rescind the Dangerous Building declaration. B. Staff update on 268 Village Dr in regard to a Notice to Abate a Dangerous Building and Public Nuisance by demolition. Brown stated that he went to the house and verified that owner had made some repairs. The owner has fixed the roof, replaced shingles, and painted. The building is not currently being used, and Brown considers the case closed. It is no longer an eyesore to the neighborhood. No further action is required at this time. IV. Board or staff comments or concerns Heemstra thanked Bill Bossenberger for attending the meeting. V. Adjournment Moved by Heemstra, seconded by Brandt, to adjourn the meeting at 4:28p.m. Vote on motion: 4-0. Motion passed unanimously. ____________________________ Eileen Carter, Recording Secretary