Building Code Board of Appeals Agenda and Packet 2024 11 13

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Building Code Board of Appeals Agenda September 25, 2024 Page 4 of 56 home where interior lithium batteries are on fire, except for an initial search, due to the toxicity of the materials that burn from lithium storage. By keeping lithium storage on the exterior of the building envelope, the fire department can attempt to control the burn and keep it from spreading. Root: If lithium batteries catch on fire inside the home, the home will need to be gutted due to the toxic buildup from the materials, if the home is still standing. This requirement was included in the Home Hardening Code proposal since it relates to the fire department's ability to keep the fire from spreading from one structure to the adjoining property. Berry explained that the term "hardening" refers to a flame and ignition starting from outside the home and that the lithium battery restriction would refer to a fire started inside the home which should be addressed through fire "rating" rather than home hardening. In response to Gatto's comment that this should not be in the Home Hardening Code and belongs in the Building Code, Henderson explained that by having this item in the Home Hardening Code, they are trying to create a space currently to prevent lithium batteries (e-scooter batteries, solar batteries, and other lithium batteries) from being stored inside the home because there are no other restrictions at the moment. Henderson confirmed that this requirement is part of the 2024 code, and if the 2024 code is adopted by the City, it would be addressed with that code. Berry questioned if this requirement could be added as an amendment to the current code. Root explained that since the Home Hardening Code is currently being reviewed it made sense to include it with this proposal. Berry states that the "hardening" code prevents or stalls the ignition of a home, whereas the ability to safely exit a home on fire is part of the building code, and that the lithium requirement should be part of the building code. Dino also expressed concern that by requiring these batteries to be outside the home, if there were only a few companies that make these batteries capable of installation on the outside, we could be supporting a monopoly.