Agenda Packets - 2003/05/05 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Item No: 1 Meeting Date: May 5, 2003 Type of Business: Worksession City of Mounds View Staff Report To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Kathi Osmonson, Building Official / Fire Marshal James Ericson, Acting City Administrator Item Title/Subject: Discussion Regarding Proposed Changes to the Building and Fire Codes Introduction: The State of Minnesota is replacing the current Minnesota Uniform Building and Fire Codes with the new Minnesota State Building and Fire Codes, which will be based on the 2000 editions of the International Building and Fire Codes or I-Codes. Cities within the 11 county metropolitan area are mandated by state law to adopt the State Fire and Building Code. The proposed code amendment involves perpetual adoption of the most current MN State Building and Fire Codes. Discussion: Until this code adoption cycle, there have been three major model codes used throughout the United States. Each was unique in its administration, design, construction requirements and enforcement of the construction industry. Since 1997 the three model code groups have been working together to provide one set of comprehensive and coordinated construction codes that can be used across the country. On January 21, 2003 this became a reality with the introduction of the 2000 edition of the International Code Series or I-codes. This consolidation of the three codes combines more than 190 years of building and fire safety code development. The I-codes feature time tested safety concepts, updated means of egress and interior finish requirements, comprehensive roof provisions, innovative and up to date construction and fire protection technology, updated structural provisions and the latest industry standards in material design. One of the significant changes incorporates trade-offs for buildings protected by automatic extinguishing systems. The City Building Official / Fire Marshal and members of the fire department have been promoting the advantages of installing sprinkler systems for years. The codes now give building owners relief from other code requirements based on the proven success of sprinkler systems. These systems not only protect lives and property but they are essential if we are to maintain the volunteer fire department that provides cost effective protection to this community. Based on the importance of sprinkler systems we are recommending the continued adoption of Chapter 1306 (former Appendix E), which has been incorporated into the Mounds View code since 1983. The changes in this chapter involve modifications to some of the sprinkler thresholds to ensure the protection of assembly and high hazard occupancies. The code also redefines town homes to ensure that they fall into the existing threshold of 8500 square feet for multi family structures. The I-codes will involve some changes but overall they will allow for greater design flexibility through the use of new technology, materials and performance based design. Additional Changes: