HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11101987 - 2.9 2.9
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on November 10, 1987 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers, Fanden, Schroder, Torlakson, and McPeak
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SUBJECT: Proposed Ordinance amending the 1985 Uniform Building Code
to provide for area separation walls without openings in the
absence of a sprinkler system; and requiring sprinklers in
buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet in floor area.
This being the time for hearing on the proposed ordinance
amending the 1985 Uniform Building Code to provide for area separation
walls without openings in the absence of a sprinkler system; and
requiring sprinklers' in buildings exceeding 10,000 square feet in
floor area;
Mr. Nels Carlson, 5550 Sally Ride Drive, Concord,
representing the Building Industry Council appeared and advised that
he was of the opinion that the need for sprinklers in buildings over
10,000 square feet had not been demonstrated; and that the need for
sprinklers is not based on square footage alone, but also contents and
us.e. He commented that the Uniform Building Code is the standard of
the industry and that having special provisions imposed by various
local agencies does not provide for uniformity.
Mr. Carlson then addressed the issue of fire separation
walls, when they are. necessary, when they need doors, and when
sprinklers might also be desired, and how the type of construction is
an important determining consideration. He urged that options be
allowed and overkill not be mandated. He suggested looking at
inspection fees rather than the proposed ordinance.
Chief Darrell Harguth of the Contra Costa Fire Protection
District discussed the needs and problems of the fire district with
respect to fire separation walls, openings and fire sprinkler systems.
He noted that the Internal Operations Committee of this Board had
reviewed, suggested amendments and subsequently agreed to the changes
in the Uniform Fire Code now contained in the proposed- ordinance. He
stated that the Uniform Building Code is a minimum requirement and
could not be expected to meet the needs of each individual community.
Supervisors Schroder and Powers discussed with Mr. Carlson
and Chief Harguth the provisions of the proposed ordinance, inquiring
as to data to support the need, the consequent cost, and the need for.
uniformity, the efficiency of..fire doors, the frequency of inspections
by the fire departments; and they then indicated their desire for
additional information on these as well as other issues.
Claude Van Marter, Assistant County Administrator, suggested
introducing the ordinance, and then the Supervisors desiring
additional information reviewing the diagrams and background
information the fire district has put together prior to the date set
for adoption of the ordinance.
IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that Ordinance No. 87-100
amending the 1985 Edition of the Uniform Building Code to generally
require sprinklers in all buildings (except agricultural buildings and
open parking garage buildings) exceeding 10,000 square feet in floor
area, and to disallow openings in area separation walls unless
sprinklers are installed, is INTRODUCED and December 1, 1987 is FIXED
for adoption, and representatives of the fire district and building
industry are REQUESTED to meet with Supervisors Schroder and Powers to
provide them with additional information as requested and to respond
to their concerns with respect to the proposed amendments.
I hereby certity that this Is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of SupervieWs on the date shown.
ATTESTED: 4 LJ 60, I9 fJ
PHIL BATCHELOR,Clark of the Board
of Supervisors and County Administrator
Ely .Deputy
cc: County Administrator (Van Marter)
County Counsel
Building Inspector
CCC Fire Protection District (D. Harguth)
Building Industry Council (Carlson)