HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning December 10 20131
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WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
Planning and Development Committee
December 10, 2013
CALL TO ORDER
Committee Chair Bill Knutzen called the meeting to order at 3:22 p.m. in the Council
Chambers, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington.
ROLL CALL
(3:22:27 PM)
Present: Ken Mann, Bill Knutzen and Barbara Brenner.
Absent: None.
Also Present: Pete Kremen.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
1. DISCUSSION OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CURRENT STATE
BUILDING CODE AND REPEALING THE EXISTING TITLE 15 OF THE
WHATCOM COUNTY CODE (AB2013 -271)
Wain Harrison, Planning and Development Services Department, read through the
staff report in the Council packet. The State adopts the body of the code, which went into
effect in July 2013. The County cannot amend the main body of the code. The County may
amend the administrative chapters and appendices. This item is to discuss adoption of the
State codes and proposed amendments that the County would like to make.
Knutzen stated he would like to have a copy of the State code to see the State's
changes. He was also looking for Appendix B.
Harrison read through the proposed changes in the ordinance. He referenced section
15.04.040(3) on page 23, which does not include the proposed changes. He read the
language as it should be amended, "103.2 Appointment. The Fire Marshal is the Department
Director, except that a Fire Marshal and /or Deputy Fire Marshal may be appointed by the
Department Director. The Fire Marshal or Deputy Fire Marshal shall not be less than a
supervisor." He continued to read through the proposed changes in the ordinance.
Knutzen asked and there was discussion of how a packinghouse would be affected by
the fire code, especially if they smoke meat.
Linda Twitchell, Building Industry Association of Whatcom County, asked and there
was discussion of how distilling or making crops into alcoholic beverages fit into the fire
code.
Harrison continued to read through the proposed changes in the ordinance.
Knutzen referenced page 29, the section regarding minimum fire flow and duration
requirements for buildings other than one- and two - family dwellings and Group U buildings.
He asked and there was discussion of whether a credit is eliminated if they are required to
Planning and Development Committee, 12/10/2013, Page 1
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have 500 gallons per minute (gpm) for one hour on the available hydrant. Harrison stated
they can still consider decreases.
Gary Honcoop, Honcoop Construction, stated meeting the requirements in rural
areas is a challenge. Two hundred fifty gallons is more than adequate. Another fire
marshal can come along and interpret the language differently.
Brenner stated include language that allows a reduction in the requirement as
determined by the fire marshal during the permit phase.
Mann referenced the language in item two at the top of page 29. He asked and
there was discussion of eliminating the fire flow while keeping the duration of flow.
Knutzen referenced page 29, the section regarding minimum fire flow and duration
requirements for buildings other than one- and two - family dwellings and Group U buildings.
He asked and there was discussion of multi- occupancy groups.
Mann asked and there was discussion of the purpose of fire flow for saving lives.
Harrison stated fire flow is also for the protection of emergency responders.
Knutzen referenced table B105.1 on page 31 of the packet insert and stated
processing facilities and greenhouses are being shut down because of fire flow
requirements. He would like to make a few minor changes. He moved to amend table
B105.1 on page 31 of the packet insert on the duration of fire flow: From 500 to 2,000 gpm,
the duration should be one hour; from 2,250 to 3,000 gpm, the duration should be 1.5
hours; from 3,250 to 4,000, the duration should be two hours; from 4,250 to 5,000, the
duration should be three hours, and; from 5,250 and more, the duration should be four
hours. There was discussion of the motion.
Harrison stated he is concerned that a lower threshold may compromise the County's
insurance rates. Whatcom County is due for an insurance service audit in 2014. They will
look at this and compare the County to other jurisdictions.
Knutzen stated he's asking for minimal reductions.
Brenner stated they can separate nurseries and greenhouses. Harrison stated
greenhouses are considered agricultural buildings and already get significant reductions.
The project Councilmember Knutzen talks about has to do with attached storage and mixed
use occupancies.
Honcoop stated consider the percentage of the building that is a mixed use.
Harrison stated and there was discussion of including fire resistant construction to
allow different fire flow requirements for different sections a building.
Mann asked and there was discussion of how insurance rates are affected.
Knutzen stated and there was discussion of fire flow requirements and infrastructure
for urban areas compared to rural areas.
Mann asked and there was discussion of building smaller roads and culs de sac.
Will Anderson, Planning and Development Services Department, answered questions.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Planning and Development Committee, 12/10/2013, Page 2
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Ayes: Mann and Knutzen (2)
Nays: Brenner (1)
Harrison stated and there was discussion of road standards in the proposed
ordinance.
Knutzen stated this item will be held in committee.
OTHER BUSINESS
There was no other business.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.
ATTEST:
, Council Clerk
-, Minutes Transcription
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Bill Knutzen, Committee Chair
Planning and Development Committee, 12/10/2013, Page 3