HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12.17.1996 0 •
CITY OF PLAINVIEW
BUILDING CODE AND FIRE CODE BOARD OF APPEALS
MINUTES
DECEMBER 17, 1996
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Willis McCutcheon.
Board Members Present were: Chairman, Willis McCutcheon, Gary Garrison, Bernard
Vering, Roger Dowdy, and Terry Carter.
Staff Members Present were: Larry Gould, Code Enforcement, Jim Lindstrom, Code
Enforcement, and Roland Asebedo, Fire Marshall.
Gary Garrison made a motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting as written,
seconded by Bernard Vering. Motion passed 5 - 0.
Larry Gould presented the request of Larry and Laura Bennett to discuss the window
sizes in the bedrooms of the house they moved into town, and make renovations and
alterations to the house. The Bennett's remodeled and updated the house and changed
the size of the windows. Mr. Gould read a statement from the Uniform Building Code.
In a previous meeting the Board gave some relief to the window sizes in the bedrooms
to make it easier for the homeowner. Section 6 of Code of Ordinances, amends Section
310.4 of the Uniform Building Code to change the size from 20 x 24 to either 20 width or
20 height and the square footage from 5.7 to 3.8. Jim Lindstrom did some measurements
and inspections, and determined the windows are too small.
Larry Bennett came forward and explained the reasons for the discussion. Mr. Bennett
pointed out that the windows are 34 x 16 1/2. Mr. Bennett said he has the 3.8 ft and 20
inches either width or height out of an amendment in the Uniform Building Code Book.
He argued that the book requires 20 inches in either width or height.
Jim Lindstrom said he verified the measurements. John Castro and Mr. Lindstrom
measured the windows. The clear opening is 33 1/2 x 14 1/4. The idea behind the code
is to have enough access to get out of the window. According to the City Attorney the
20 inch goes both ways, width and height.
Laura Bennett came forward and explained she spoke with John Castro and he assumed
people would know what the code book meant.
The Board had a discussion over what the code book meant.
Mrs. Bennett said she spoke with an attorney, and he said you can not interpret the intent
of what a code book is supposed to say, the code should be written clearly.
Gary Garrison made a motion if Mr. Bennett has 3.8 square feet and a minimum
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clearance of 20 inches either one way or the other that he be allowed to keep the
windows, seconded by Terry Carter. The motion passed 4 - 0.
Roger Dowdy opposed the motion.
Mr. Bennett said he was told to replace the doors. They need to be 3.0 and he has 32
inch doors. Why should he replace them if other people have 32 inch doors?
The Board discussed the Uniform Building Code, and what it meant by either, or.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
, JL g4
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Chairman, Building Code and Fire Code Board of Appeals
Secretary, ode Enforcement