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City of West University Place
• A Neighborhood City Workshop
® Recycled Paper
Building & Standards Commission
3826 Amherst Street, In the Public Works Building,
Located in the Public Conference Room,
West University Place, TX. 77005
Meeting Minutes
January 10th, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bryant Slimp, John Ayres and J. Denis Powers.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None.
COUNCIL LIASION: None.
STAFF PRESENT: Annette Arriaga, Dennis Mack and Jim Dougherty.
GUESTS PRESENT: None.
[Call to Order.] With a quorum, present Bryant Slimp called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.
1. Base Flood Elevations. Not discussed.
2. Structural. Workshop referred to the draft amendment of the Standard Codes Schedule
regarding structural framing dated 01-06-05. The structural workshop agreed to omit the A2LA
Lab requirements. Jim Dougherty stated that was put in just in case someone needed to use a
• lab that was referenced.
The workshop discussed structural framing and what the code should have included for new
buildings or additions to existing buildings. Jim Dougherty stated that the word Structural is a
broad definition and it needs to be clarified.
Decks were discussed. Decks less than three feet from grade are not problems and do not need
structural design, however, second floor decks can be very dangerous and should require
structural design. The workshop discussed other structures, which can include things like
flagpoles, and masonry fences. Dennis Mack stated that he wouldn't have a problem with
requiring masonry fences to be engineered.
John Ayres asked about the codes in general all ready being defined then why are we asking for
other requirements. He stated that the BSC does not want to tell engineers to how to do their
job or tell them how to do engineering. Dennis Mack stated that the International Building
Codes and the International Residential Codes only set minimum standards, and that this BSC
is taking it a step further than what the building codes allow. We want to set a minimum design
criteria for the engineers.
Jim Dougherty stated, and the workshop participants agreed that the plans must meet
specifications and meet criteria as to scope, content and form etc.
Bryant Slimp talked about large horizontal beams (beams that support other beams and joists),
how they must carry the load to the vertical studs to the foundation and that they should meet
certain criteria. Dennis Mack gave examples of each. He stated that the supporting vertical
studs must have a width equal to the width of the beam being supported.
For example: If you have a 4 x 10-inch beam then the support must be at least 4 inches. This
could be accomplished by using 2 2x4s properly joined together.
Dennis Mack added that all headers must have two 2X4's or better or at each end or each point.
The workshop discussed each vertical element bearing the load of beams and or similar
• elements and must meet all criteria specified. (See section b. Additional Regulations.) They
continued to discuss trusses and Dennis Mack stated that as long as it is installed to the
manufactures plans, design and specifications he did not have a problem with requiring the
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Building and Standards Commission Meeting Minutes
January 10t", 2005
Page 2of 2
*design engineer to be responsible for that. The workshop continued to discuss the beams,
joists, rafters and similar hangers or similar structural connectors must be installed to
manufacturer's recommendations.
Workshop committee agreed that the practice of toe nailing as a support methods for any beams
should not be allowed.
Jim Dougherty stated that he would make changes and modifications and have the draft ready
before the next scheduled BSC meeting.
[Adjournment.] Meeting adjourned at 4:20 p.m.
PASSED THIS I DAY OF , 2005.
Bryant Sl mp, hairma
ATTEST: (1-Y
Ms. Annette R. Arriaga Developme t rvices Secretary
•