HomeMy WebLinkAbout07011993 BSC Minutes_~
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• BUILDING AND STANDARDS COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
3800 UNIVERSITY BLVD.
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 1993
6:30 P.M.
The Building and Standards Commission convened in the Municipal
Building, 3800 University Blvd., in the City of West University
Place, on July 1, 1993, for a Regular Session with the following
regular members present: Nick Ashliman, Carolyn Hodgins,
Alternates, Jeann Howse and Margaret Wallace. Also present from
the City were Ed Beasley, Building Official and Susan Thorn,
Building Secretary.
HEARING OF RESIDENTS:
None Present
CONSIDERATION OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6509 SEWANEE, NORTH 1/2 OF LOT
8 BLOCK 33, WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE FIRST ADDITION:
Mr. Ed Beasley, Building Official explained that the applicants
wish to finish out the attic space of a two story house into a
playroom. At the time that the home was built the plans show a
future playroom, however, the house is constructed with the studs
• on the first floor and with the sheetrock throughout the house as
as if it were to be a two story house. A three story house would
require 2 x 6 studs or double studs on the first floor and 5/8 inch
sheetrock throughout the house. The house was permitted in under
the 1985 Building Code. Mr. Beasley presented a copy taken from
the 1982 Building Code. Mr. Beasley explained that this requirement
has been in place for several years as it is the same as in the
1991 Standard Building Code, which is the code the City has
adopted. Chapter 400 in the sec~ion concerning allowable height
states that the maximum number of`stories without protection is 2
stories.
Mr. Beasley showed where the 1991 Buildinq Code reads identical to
the 1982 Building Code. The attic spac~ only has disappearing
~tairs Gnd he believes that the space was not intended to be living
space. He explained that this these are ~onsidered to be life
safety items and that it is his determination that this should not
be allow~ad. . : .
Gorden Wittenberg, Architect of Wittenberg Properties explained
that he is representing the applicants Robin and Herb Ashe. They
are requesting a variance to allow a finish out of the attic space
to convert the space into a playroom. He explained that when the
house was designed in 1988 there were pl~ns to convert the attic
into a playroom in the future and that the original approved plans
• had two notes for "future playroom."
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• Mr. Wittenberg explained that they would have an engineer to
approve the load as it stands for a third floor. They would also
add additional fire protection. He explained that this space is
~ only intended to be a recreational room and not a sleeping room.
Mr. Wittenberg stated that he had called the City of Houston and
was informed that the City of Houston allows rooms in the attic of
a two story house with 2 x 4, 16" o.c. framing and 1/2" drywall
with the provision that the area must be equal or less tha~l 500
s.f. and a letter be provided from an engineer certifying that the
existing structure can take the additional load safely. They also
intend to sheetrock the stairwell with 5/8" sheetrock.
After a discussion among the Board Members it was determined that
the applicant needed to do additional research and find a specific
alternative and appear before the Board again with those findings
before a decision could be made. He suggested to the applicant
that they make some calls to different smaller cities which use the
same code and see what their requirements would be.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Carolyn Hodgins made a motion to approve the minutes from the
February 4, 1993 and the March 4, 1993 meetings.
• This motion was seconded by Margaret Wallace.
All voting aye.
Voting No:
None.
•
ADJOURNMENT:
Carolyn Hodgins made a motion to adjourn the meeting. This motion
was seconded by Margaret Wallace.
All voting aye.
Voting No:
None.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20
ATTE T:
Secretary