Building Code Board of Appeals Agenda and Packet 2013 11 21

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Building Code Board of Appeals Meeting Minutes September 19, 2013 Page 2 of 8 Staff commented this is the first meeting and a follow up meeting can be scheduled in October to have the Board's formal recommendation to bring to City Council. Van Pelt asked if the Board's recommendation differs from Staff how would it be brought to City Council. Staff commented both recommendations will be brought to City Council. Staff highlighted the changes which were made starting with the wind Toads which were to be unchanged. Berry mentioned in the 2012 codes there are slight changes to the wind loads and it may be a slight factor and may end up being the same wind Toad as before. Based on the current wind speeds, there might need to be a slight change in the speeds. The new wind speed code needs to be fully reviewed and Berry will review these more. Staff stated the October meeting should be scheduled for follow up the code discussions. There looks to be a possible difference between the re -roof wind speeds and the building wind speeds. Adding a footnote stating our wind speed is based on a 100 year event may be enough to cover the change. Staff noted there is a change in the frost line depth based on a survey of surrounding jurisdictions. The city is currently at 30". Superior, Broomfield, Westminster, Lafayette are currently 36", Longmont is currently 30" and the City of Boulder is 32". Staff purposes to move the frost line depth to 36". Geise asked if the change is for fence posts and foundation. Staff replied it is for foundation. The current required depth for fence posts is currently 24" not the 30". The Board has no issues with the change. Staff also made a change to termites from "zero to slight" to "slight to moderate" based on a few cases of termite damage in the area. Berry asked if Staff had polled other jurisdictions. Berry has seen a few cases of termite damage, but in an older home where the wood plates were in direct contact with soil. Staff added they wilt took into other jurisdictions and how they look at the termite codes. Johnson added he has seen termites in 50 year old homes. Geise asked if staff could look into what classifies as zero to slight and slight to moderate. Berry asked when the termite code would come into play. Staff said there are codes for existing structures and additions and alterations would fall under the currently adopted code. Berry added an example of a second story addition to an existing house would they have to reframe the first floor also.