City of Austin Founded by Congress, Republic of Texas, 1839 Planning and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr 78752 P.O. Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767 July 13, 2024 To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members From: Alan Schumann, Chair, Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Meeting date: July 11, 2024 Subject: Recommendation for Council Action: 2024 IFC Dear Mayor and Council Members, At the July 11, 2024 Special Called Meeting, the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals held a public hearing regarding the adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code. Board members present were Alan Schumann, Chair, and board members Ben Abzug, Ron Buys, Oren Mitzner, Allison Satt and Jim Rumbo. Absent from the meeting were Gary Wilks and Aubrey Brasfield, Vice Chair. The Development Services Department began the presentation and there were few questions. The Board had been briefed on the 2024 International Fire Code and proposed amendments at our regular meeting on 6/26/2024 by Ben Flick and Todd Wilcox, Development Service Department. As there were no public speakers, Chair Schumann closed the public hearing. After review with Board Members and Staff, the Board was satisfied with the amendments. Allison Satt made a motion to recommend the City Council adopt the 2024 International Fire Code with local amendments as written by staff. The motion was seconded by Alan Schumann, Chair. The Board members voted and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. Sincerely, Alan Schumann Chair, Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Xc: Building and Fire Code Board of Appeal board members Jose Roig, Director, Development Services Department Todd Wilcox, Building Official, Development Service Department Brenda De La Garza, Assistant Director, Development Service Department. Tim Taylor, Chief Building Inspector, Development Service Department Martin Starrett, Commercial Building Division Manager, Development Service Department Scott Cochran, Residential Building Division Manager, Development Service Department
City of Austin Founded by Congress, Republic of Texas, 1839 Planning and Development Center, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr 78752 P.O. Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767 July 13, 2024 To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members From: Alan Schumann, Chair, Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Meeting date: July 11, 2024 Subject: Recommendation for Council Action: 2024 ISPSC Dear Mayor and Council Members, At the July 11, 2024 Special Called Meeting, the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals held a public hearing regarding the adoption of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Board members present were Alan Schumann, Chair, and board members Ben Abzug, Ron Buys, Oren Mitzner, Allison Satt and Jim Rumbo. Absent from the meeting were Gary Wilks and Aubrey Brasfield, Vice Chair. Todd Wilcox, Development Services Department began the presentation and indicated Staff intended to minimize amendments and revert to the model code. There were no questions from the Board members, and no public speakers. So Chair Schumann closed the public hearing. Oren Mitzner made a motion to recommend the City Council adopt the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The motion was seconded by Alan Schumann, Chair. The Board members voted and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. Sincerely, Alan Schumann Chair, Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Xc: Building and Fire Code Board of Appeal board members Jose Roig, Director, Development Services Department Todd Wilcox, Building Official, Development Service Department Brenda De La Garza, Assistant Director, Development Service Department. Tim Taylor, Chief Building Inspector, Development Service Department Martin Starrett, Commercial Building Division Manager, Development Service Department Scott Cochran, Residential Building Division Manager, Development Service Department
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Board Meeting APPROVED Minutes The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals met in a Special Called Meeting on July 11, 2024 Board Member, Schumann called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ben Abzug, Ron Buys, Allison Satt, Oren Mitzner, Jim Rumbo and Alan Schumann Board Members Not in Attendance: Aubrey Brasfield, Gary Wilks and Ashley Juraska Staff in Attendance: Rick Arzola (DSD) and Todd Wilcox (DSD), Benjamin Flick (AFD), Beth Culver (AFD), Patricia Chawla (AE), Mark Leger (AE), Heidi Kasper (AE) July 11, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. The minutes from the June 26 2024, regular called meeting were approved as written. Board member Satt made a motion to accept the minutes as written, Chair Schumann second the motion. Motion passed 6-0. Board member Brasfield, Wilks and Juraska were absent. DISCUSSION: 2. 2024 International Energy Conservation Code-Austin Energy- Energy Efficiency Services Managers Patricia Chawla-Residential and Mark Leger-Commercial presented to the board significant changes and new appendices to the 2024 IECC. This was a courtesy presentation for the board. Significant Residential changes include a demand response control to be included on electrical water heaters, bathrooms with intermittent exhaust fans are to include controls to help remove excess moisture, air leakage reduction from 5 ACH50 to 4 ACH50 for climate zone and prescriptive attic insulation requirement from R49 to R38. Residential appendices include demand response on controls are required on electric storage water heaters and demand thermostat options in R408. For electricity vehicle readiness, 1 and 2 family dwellings and townhomes, 1 EV capable (capacity and conduit), EV ready or EVSE ready (capacity, conduit, wiring and charging station) per dwelling. Appendix RK-Electric readiness, dedicated branch circuit outlets shall be installed and terminate within 3 ft of and a rating not less than 240 volts, 40 amp for cooking appliances: clothes dryer-240 volts, 30 amps and water heaters, either 240 volts, 30 amps or 120V, 20 amps. Commercial changes include air leakage, updates to HVAC efficiency tables, total system performance ratio (TPSR) allows for trade-offs within HVAC design system and updates to additional efficiency section C406 that provide credit paths to align with ASHRAE standard 901.12022. Proposed local amendment, adopt Appendix CG-Electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Appendix CH- electric ready commercial building provisions, Appendix CI, demand responsive controls and Appendix CJ- Electrical energy storage systems. Appendices-ESS and renewable energy, prescriptive requirement …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING BUILDING and FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS Wednesday June 26, 2024 @ 1:30 PM- In Person Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401-1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzner (Qadri) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from May 22, 2024 2. DISCUSSION- 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) by Austin Code. 3. DISCUSSION- 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) 4. DISCUSSION- 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface (IWUI) FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS- ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Board Meeting Approved Minutes The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals met in a Regular Meeting on June 26, 2024 Board Member, Schumann called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ben Abzug, Ron Buys, Aubrey Brasfield, Allison Satt, Oren Mitzner, Jim Rumbo and Alan Schumann Board Members Not in Attendance: Gary Wilks and Ashley Juraska Staff in Attendance: Rick Arzola (DSD) and Marty Starrett (DSD) June 26, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. The minutes from the May 22, 2024, regular called meeting were approved as written. Board member Mitzner made a motion to accept the minutes as written, Vice Chair Brasfield second the motion. Motion passed 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent. DISCUSSION: 2. 2024 International Property Maintenance Code- Austin Code- Austin Code Supervisor Moses Rodriguez presented to the board the 2024 Local amendments proposed changes to the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). In his presentation, staff highlighted infestation to include scorpions and bed bugs as part of their rodent infestation, which was not included previously. Also included in the amendment of major changes is upgrading from 60 amps to 100 amps for single family dwellings only if the electrical system is defective or damaged. Cooling facilities, to maintain a room temperature of at least 15 degrees cooler than the outside temperature but not higher than 85 degrees in each occupiable room. Not having these changes would be considered an unfit structure for human occupancy and would be considered a hazard for the occupants of that structure and or to the public. The property owner shall then provide an action plan for repairs to the code official within two days of the initial notice. In concerns of these changes with affordability, board inquired as to what is defined as a damaged electrical system for it to be upgraded, staff for now does not have a definition but it would be a case-by- case situation. Austin Code will take the IPMC Code amendments to the Building and Standard commission for recommendation and hope to have council approved at the September 12 date with a January 1, 2025 implementation. 2024 International Fire Code- Austin Fire- Austin Fire engineer Ben Flick addressed the board on significant changes 2024 International Fire code and changes to the 25-12 local amendments. These changes are to address the changing technology that has …
AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT 2024 International Fire Code Adoption 2024 International Fire Code L o c a l A m e n d m e n t A d o p t i o n The Our Mission Goes Beyond Our Name is the cornerstone of the Austin Fire Department. A leader in the fire service, AFD is on the cutting-edge of technology and training. A leader in the fire service, the Austin Fire Department protects lives and property through extensive fire prevention and safety education efforts, in addition to a quick and effective response to emergencies. 2 Proposed Adoption In accordance with ICC latest publication, Austin Fire Department is on track to implement the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) on January 1, 2025. 3 Coordinate and Clarify Goal: To clarify previously adopted local amendments with changing technology and published code and coordinate changed or outdate references to other adopted codes and standards. Reasons for amendments: 1. To support operating procedures for Operations, both in and outside of structures 2. Clarification purposes 3. Provide higher level of safety for properties utilizing hazardous materials 4 2024 IFC Significant Changes • Chapter 2 § 202 Definitions • Flammable Gas Definition - A material which is a gas at 68°F or less at 14.7 psia subdivided as follows: • 1. Category 1A. A gas that meets either of the following: • 1.1. A gas which is ignitable at 14.7 psia when in a mixture of 13% or less by volume with air; or • 1.2. A gas with a flammable range at 14.7 psia with air of not less than 12%, regardless of the lower limit, unless data shows compliance with Category 1B. • 2. Category 1B. A gas which meets the flammability criteria for Category 1A, is not pyrophoric or chemically unstable, and meets one of more of the following: • 2.1. A lower flammability limit of more than 6% by volume of air; or • 2.2. A fundamental burning velocity of less than 3.9 inches/second. • The limits specified shall be determined at 14.7 psi and a temperature of 68°F in accordance with ASTM E681. Where not otherwise specified, the term “flammable gas” includes both Category 1A and 1B. • Occupiable Roof – an exterior space on a roof that is designed for human occupancy, other than maintenance and repair, and which is equipped with a means of egress system meeting requirements …
2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) The IPMC is a model code intended to establish minimum standards for structural conditions, lighting, ventilation, sanitation, and fire safety. The IPMC is administered by local building code officials nationwide with local amendments that are approved by City Council. Purpose of Presentation To provide an overview of the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) amendment process and share major proposed changes Background The City of Austin will adopt the International Code Council (ICC)’s 2024 IPMC updates from the current 2021 IPMC The DSD Code Compliance Division established an internal amendment committee to draft proposed amendments to the code Purpose of proposed changes is to ensure public safety and maintain consistency with other city codes 2024 IPMC Adoption Timeline Review Phase #1 (Internal) October 2023 – December 2023 Stakeholder Engagement March 25, 2024 – May 2024 Legal Review July 2024 Implementation – January 1, 2025 Review Phase #2 (Internal) December 2023 – February 2024 Building and Standards Commission – June 26, 2024 City Council Hearing – September 12, 2024 Primary Goal The proposed amendments aim to ensure public safety when unsafe or hazardous conditions are found on a property by requiring: • 100 amps minimum for a single family dwelling. • Cooling Facilities Primary Goal The proposed amendments aim to ensure public safety when unsafe or hazardous conditions are found on a property by requiring: • 100 amps minimum for a single family dwelling. • Cooling Facilities Major Changes in the 2024 IPMC Draft The following language was added as section 603 Cooling Facilities 603.7 Cooling Facilities Required. (1) Air conditioning. (A) An owner shall: (i) provide, and maintain, in operating condition, refrigerated air equipment capable of maintaining a room temperature of at least 15 degrees cooler than the outside temperature, but in no event higher than 85° F. in each habitable room; (ii) maintain all air conditioning systems, including air conditioning unit covers, panels, conduits, and disconnects, properly attached, and in operating condition. (B) The required room temperatures shall be measured 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor near the center of the room and 2 feet (610 mm) inward from the center of each exterior wall (C) It is a defense to prosecution under this paragraph that at least one habitable room is 85° F, if the outside temperature is over 110° F.” 111.1.3 - Structure unsafe for human occupancy. A structure is …
AUSTIN FIRE DEPARTMENT 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code Adoption 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code L o c a l A m e n d m e n t A d o p t i o n Our Mission Goes Beyond Our Name is our cornerstone As a leader in the fire service: We are on the cutting-edge of technology and training. We protect lives and property through extensive fire prevention and safety education efforts, in addition to a quick and effective response to emergencies. 2 Proposed Adoption In accordance with ICC latest publication, Austin Fire Department is on track to implement the 2024 International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and local amendments 30 days following City Council adoption, tentative date mid-October 2024. 3 Coordinate and Clarify Goals: Clarify previously adopted local amendments with changing technology and published code. Adjust requirements based on challenges and successes of initial implementation of the IWUIC. Reasons for amendments: 1. To support operating procedures for Wildfire Operations. 2. Formalize WUI Proximity Zones to clarify structure hardening requirements. 3. Align requirements with current wildfire research. 4. Clarification purposes and formalizing 2015 WUIC interpretations. 4 2024 IWUIC Significant Changes Significant Changes to IWUIC model code: • 104 Determination of Compliance (COA amendments refer to Fire Code) • Outlines requirements for technical opinions, reports, and alternative materials, design and methods • 503.2 Ignition-resistant building material. Reorganized and clarified. • 504.5.1 Flashing. Additional requirements above International Residential Code. • 504.10, 505.10, 506.5 Vents • Performance and Prescriptive requirements • 1/8” max. mesh openings, in alignment with current COA regulation 5 Wildland An area in which development is essentially nonexistent including but not limited to grassland, pastures and farmland, shrub-covered and treed areas, easements, unmitigated parkland, and other natural surfaces that are not regularly maintained. • Wildland is no longer defined as 40 acres or 750 acres. • Wildland mapping will reflect approximately 10 acres, to be specified within Fire Protection Criteria Manual. • Expands examples of wildland types and includes easements. • Compared to the model code, the amendment does not exempt roads, railroads, power lines or similar facilities from being wildland. • Additional guidance will be included in the Fire Protection Criteria Manual. 6 Proximity Zone Section 302.4 The designation given to a structure to determine the enhanced ignition resistant construction required to reduce the effects of a wildfire on the structure. The proximity zone is …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING BUILDING AND FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS Wednesday May 22, 2024 @ 1:30 PM- In Person Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401-1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzer (Qadri) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from March 27, 2024 2. PUBLIC HEARING- Conduct a public hearing related to an appeal of 25-11-93 of approved Building permit for 2701 Cavileer Avenue. 3. DISCUSSION AND ACTION-2024 Nominations of Chair and Vice Chair. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
REGULAR CALLED MEETING BUILDING AND FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS REVISED AGENDA Wednesday May 22, 2024 @ 1:30 PM- In Person and WebEx Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401-1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzer (Qadri) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from March 27, 2024 2. PUBLIC HEARING- Conduct a public hearing related to an appeal of 25-11-93 of approved Building permit for 2701 Cavileer Avenue. 3. DISCUSSION AND ACTION-2024 Nominations of Chair and Vice Chair. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Board Meeting APPROVED Minutes The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals met in a Regular Meeting on March 27, 2024 Board Member, Schumann called the meeting to order at 1:36 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ben Abzug, Ron Buys, Aubrey Brasfield, Allison Satt, Oren Mitzer, Jim Rumbo and Allan Schumann Board Members Not in Attendance: Gary Wilks and Ashley Juraska Staff in Attendance: Rick Arzola (DSD) and Todd Wilcox (DSD) May 22, 2024 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. The minutes from the March 27, 2024, regular called meeting were approved as written. Board member Abzug made a motion to accept the minutes as written, board member Schumann second the motion. Motion passed 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent. PUBLIC HEARING: 2. Conduct a public hearing related to 25-11-93 of an approved building permit for 2701 Cavileer Dr. – After some concerns and reaching out to City legal advisors, it was recommended that the board remove the appeal from the agenda due to the ongoing boundary line dispute between the addresses at 2701 and 2703 Cavileer Avenue. Building Official Todd Wilcox then placed a notice of intent to suspend the building permit under 25-1-417 at 2701 Cavileer until the boundary line dispute has been resolved. At that point, the appeal process will follow the proper appeal procedure, on the decision to suspend the building permit at 2701 Cavileer Ave. by the Building Official. 3 DISCUSSION AND ACTION- 2024-Nominations of Chair and Vice Chair. Board member Brasfield nominated Alan Schumann as Chair; Board member Buys seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. Board member Buys made a motion to nominate Aubrey Brasfield as V. Chair. Board member Schumann seconded the motion, motion passed 7-0. 4 FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS • Code Adoption Recommendations on IBC, IEBC, IRC. IPMC which will not be a recommendation but a presentation by Austin Code. • Possible Appeal Hearings 5 ADJOURN – Without objection, board member Schumann adjourned the meeting at 1:49pm. The minutes were approved at the June 26, 2024 meeting on board member Mitzner motion, board member Brasfield second the motion on a 7-0 vote. Board member Wilkes and Juraska were absent.
REGULAR CALLED MEETING BUILDING AND FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS Wednesday March 27 @ 1:30 PM- In Person Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401-1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) A.J Juraska(Pool); Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzer (Qadri) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from August 23, 2023 APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION - 2. Approve a recommendation for a local code amendment that will require natural lighting in a bedroom of residential use commercial property in accordance with the International Building Cod, section 1204 DISCUSSION 3. Review of the proposed 2024 International Property Maintenance Code amendments. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Code Amendments for Bedroom Window Requirements Engagement Format • Presentation followed by question and answer session • Two ways to participate: - Written questions can be handed in; they will be read aloud and answered live. - Raise your hand. A microphone will be provided for you to ask one question out loud. (We can return to you if you have additional questions) What Prompted the Proposed Changes? • Concerns about UT student housing were shared with Council Member Zo Quadri's office. • The concerns focused on the code compliance of windowless bedrooms. • This led to conversations with DSD and AIA Austin about amending code related to windowless bedrooms and resulted in the creation of an Austin City Council Resolution. Austin City Council Resolution – Sept. 2023 • Initiated Code amendments to require access to natural light for all sleeping rooms in new buildings • The intent of the amendment is to provide natural light to all sleeping rooms in commercial construction, whether it be borrowed or direct light to the outside through a window. • Included proposed language for the Code amendments • Directed the City Manager to bring a proposed ordinance to Council before August 2024 Timeline for Bedroom Window Code Amendment Process* * Dates subject to change Code Adoption Timeline* • If approved in April 2024, the bedroom window amendments will go into effect on May 1, 2024*. • Upon approval these amendments will be carried over to the 2024 Code • If the 2024 code amendments are approved by City Council, it is anticipated that they will go into effect in 2025.* * Dates subject to change 2021 International Bldg Code (IBC) Chapter 2 Definitions Dwelling Unit – A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. Sleeping Unit - A single unit that provides rooms or spaces for one or more persons, includes permanent provisions for sleeping and can include provisions for living, eating and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units. 2021 International Bldg Code (IBC) Section 1204 Lighting 1204.1 General Every space intended for human occupancy shall be provided with natural light by means of exterior glazed openings in accordance with Section 1204.2 and shall be provided with artificial light in …
Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals Board Meeting Approved Minutes March 27, 2024 The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals met in a Regular Meeting on March 27, 2024 Board Member, Schumann called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Board Members in Attendance: Ben Abzug, Ron Buys, Aubrey Brasfield, Allison Satt, Oren Mitzer, Jim Rumbo and Allan Schumann Board Members Not in Attendance: Gary Wilks and Ashley Juraska Staff in Attendance: Rick Arzola (DSD), Todd Wilcox (DSD), Shirley Ellis(DSD) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 1. The minutes from the February 21, 2024, Special called meeting were approved as written. Board member Abzug made a motion to accept the minutes as written, board member Buys second the motion. Motion pass 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent. DISCUSSION and ACTION: 2. Recommendation for Code Amendment for Bedroom Requirement- Development Services Department Building Official Todd Wilcox provided and presented a power point to board members in lieu of an Austin City Council resolution that initiated a code amendment to require access to natural light for all sleeping rooms in buildings. This resolution was initiated by Council member Zo Quadri’s office where concerns were shared from University of Texas student housing that having bedroom less windows could lead to concerns for human health in physical health, sleep, depression, lack of productivity and mortality rates. After the presentation was concluded and very few comments from board members, a recommendation was made to approve the code amendment change, which if approved the bedroom window amendments will go into effect on May 1, 2024, and will be carried over the 2024 Code which is anticipated to go into effect in 2025. Board member Satt made a motion to approve the recommendation, Board member Schumann seconded. Motion passed 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent. 3 FUTURE AGEND ITEMS: 1. Code Amendments to be determined. 4 ADJOURN – Board member Brasfield a made a motion to adjourn the meeting, board member Schumann second the motion to adjourn. Motion passed 7-0. Board member Wilks and Juraska were absent for this meeting. The minutes were approved at the May 22, 2024 meeting on board member Abzug motion, board member Schumann second the motion on a 7-0 vote. Board member Wilkes and Juraska were absent.
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING of the BUILDING AND FIRE BOARD OF APPEALS Wednesday February 21ST @ 1:00 PM- In Person and WebEx Permitting Development Center; Conference Room 1401-1402 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr Austin, Texas 78752 Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Ron Buys(R. Alter); Alan Schumann-Chair(Ellis); Ben Abzug(Velasquez); Aubrey Brasfield-V Chair(Fuentes) A.J Juraska(Pool); Gary Wilks(Kelly); Jim Rumbo(Alter), Alison Satt(Madison) Oren Mitzer (Qadri) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the Minutes from Regular Called Meeting from August 23, 2023 DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Discussion and approval of the 2024 Board Schedule FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
2024 Approved Meeting Schedule for Building & Fire Code Board of Appeals The board shall meet monthly at 1:30 pm or when the board is legally required to meet to comply with a legal deadline. MEETING DATES CANCELLED DATES Notes (The 4th Wednesday) Election of Officers Annual Report Due January 24, 2024 February 28, 2024 March 27, 2024 April 24, 2024 May 22, 2024 June 26, 2024 July 24, 2024 August 28, 2024 September 25, 2024 October 23, 2024 November 21,2024 Moved to 3rd Thursday Thanksgiving- Nov 28&29 December 19, 2024 Moved to 3rd Thursday Christmas on 4th Wed Remember to note change in regular meeting date if it conflicts with a holiday.
2024 Approved Meeting Schedule for Building & Fire Code Board of Appeals The board shall meet monthly at 1:30 pm or when the board is legally required to meet to comply with a legal deadline. MEETING DATES CANCELLED DATES Notes (The 4th Wednesday) Election of Officers Annual Report Due January 24, 2024 February 28, 2024 March 27, 2024 April 24, 2024 May 22, 2024 June 26, 2024 July 24, 2024 August 28, 2024 September 25, 2024 October 23, 2024 November 21,2024 Moved to 3rd Thursday Thanksgiving- Nov 28&29 December 19, 2024 Moved to 3rd Thursday Christmas on 4th Wed Remember to note change in regular meeting date if it conflicts with a holiday.
