Building Code Board of Appeals Agenda and Packet 1997

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`! City of Louisville Building Safety Division March 31, 1997 Mr Tom Aten Westwood Homes of Boulder 4725 Greylock Street Boulder, CO 80301 Re. Use of DAP, Below Ground Woodlife Dear Tom. I have reviewed your request for use of the DAP product,Below Ground Woodlife, as an acceptable product in treating Hem Fir for use in window well construction below grade. The Uniform Building Code requires wood retaining earth to be of a species with natural resistance to decay or be treated in accordance with the standards for pressure treated wood, see 1994 UBC sections 2302 1, 230i1 and 2317 11 Pressure treatment of wood is the accepted standard in the Building Code for increasing the resistance of wood to decay in such applications. In my review, I have talked with a representative in the technical department of the DAP Company His comment was that this field applied product called Below Ground Woodlife does not meet the standards for pressure treated wood. To meet an equivalency the product would have to be reapplied every"few years" according to the DAP representative. By receipt of this letter please be advised that I can not at this time approve this product for use as a permanent structure like window wells for a house The window wells must remain in tack with the life of the house in order to provide an effective means of retaining the earth around the basement windows These windoss are or will be a required means of emergency escape and rescue Any deterioration in the structural integrity of these window wells might not be noticed and they could fail at a time when they are needed most. We have discussed several methods of constructing window wells that I would accept. Please submit details as to how you intend to correct the current installation as soon as possible. The Temporary Certificate of Occupancy we issued for 530 Fairfield Lane will expire on May 16, 1997, and the corrections must be made and inspected prior to that date. Your immediate attention in this matter is greatly appreciated Please be advised that if you wish to appeal my decision you must submit an application to the Board of Appeals within 30 days from the date of this notice or by 5 00 PM, April 30, 1997 Regretfully yours, Thomas Talboom, Chief Building Official 749 Main Street Louisville, Colorado 80027 (303) 666-6565 Ext. 153 Fax: (303) 673 9043