M I N U T E S FIFTH BUILDING SUB-COUNCIL MEETING OF 2016

Transcription

1 DATE: December 8, 2016 M I N U T E S FIFTH BUILDING SUB-COUNCIL MEETING OF 2016 TIME: LOCATION: PRESENT: 9:00 a.m. to 4:07 p.m. Radisson Edmonton South, Edmonton Sub-Council Members Don Dessario, Chair Greg Beck Colin Belliveau Mark Brodgesell (until 1:40 p.m.) Roger Clemens Russell Croome, Vice Chair North Rick Gratton Stephen Hill Lee Phillips Kenneth Roskell Bruce Schultz, Vice Chair South Ulrik Seward Andrew Smith Terene Tharagan Robert Zifkin Safety Codes Council Peter Thomas, Yvonne Willie (ASCA) Alberta Municipal Affairs James Orr, Paul Chang, Nabil Habashy Guests Michael Bos (FSC Liaison), Yvette Werenka (BFSC Liaison) RECORDER: Sandi Orr 2017 MEETINGS: January 26; March 23; May 18; September 28; November 16

2 1. Meeting Opening The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m., a round table introduction was held and housekeeping notes were provided Agenda Adoption It was clarified that no new business will be added to today s agenda, that the Matters for Decision are a priority for today s meeting and the matrix review will be held today the end of the day, in-camera. Robert Zifkin / Rick Gratton moved that the agenda be adopted as circulated; CARRIED 1.2. Previous Minutes Adoption of October 20 The minutes were reviewed and the following corrections were made: Under F. c) iii): The following was reported: There is good information Relative to the Action List included on the agenda, Mark Brodgesell to be added to the following: HVAC and Consumer Protection industry reps to follow up with nominating organizations to gather further information. Mark Brodgesell / Kenneth Roskell moved to adopt the minutes of the October 20, 2016 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED 2. Matters for Decision 2.1. Matters for Decision Working Group Revisions re: Stacked and Unstacked Townhouses It was reported that the Working Group took away all comments from the last meeting and incorporated the feedback into the draft. An extensive review was conducted of each of the building types relative to fire separations, limiting distances, wall construction and eave construction. Additional feedback was provided throughout the review and it was suggested that the comments should remain in generalities and that more specific feedback could be provided to AMA for further consideration as they are developing the Interpretation Bulletin. The City of Edmonton wished to provide a great deal of additional feedback and this will be compiled and submitted to the Working Group Chair and the Chief Building Administrator. [Brodgesell] During the discussion, Vice Chair Russell Croome assumed the Chair and chaired for the majority of the discussion of this agenda item. MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 2 of 12

3 SECTION A Row Housing, Duplexes and Condominiums (not stacked) Relative to the drawings, it was questioned regarding the deck in Figure 3 and whether fire rating would have to be extended. It was noted that where there is no common care and control, fire separation would need to be extended. This would be applicable to all scenarios where there is individual ownership. SECTION B Row housing mixed stacked and not stacked dwelling units and associated ancillary spaces Concerns were expressed regarding spatial separation, construction methods and the inclusion of non-combustible construction in the middle of combustible construction, recognizing that not all Authorities Having Jurisdiction have the same level of expertise. There is a need for the interpretation to be written is such a way as to ensure the right materials are being used as this may not be found in the development or permit stage. SECTION C Single Family Dwellings Constructed at the Property Line (Zero Lot Line Homes) It was questioned and clarified that the roof assembly was not addressed by the working group. Concerns were expressed that some of the requirements were onerous and unnecessary. It was suggested that if not following the interpretation but proven to be an equal level of safety, a variance could be requested. It was questioned whether this needed to be a province-wide variance and clarified that the same results can be achieved through an Interpretation. Relative to Limiting Distance, 1.5 m was used as 1.2 m is required for firefighting and then the allowance of a window well. Don Dessario resumed the Chair. Bruce Schultz / Kenneth Roskell moved to accept the presentation compiled by the Working Group, along with additional comments or feedback received by no later than December 19, 2016, for submission to the Chief Building Administrator for consideration of drafting an Interpretation STANDATA; CARRIED Matrix Review The discussion relative to the Matrix Review was held in camera. Upon returned from being in camera, the following decisions were made: Robert Zifkin / Terene Tharagan moved to reconfirm the existing matrix; CARRIED Bruce Schultz / Gregory Beck moved to reject the request from the Association of Accredited Corporations for a seat on the sub-council as the points raised within their request are addressed in the current matrix; CARRIED MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 3 of 12

4 The Chair and Sub-Council Liaison will correspond with the Association of Accredited Corporations regarding the sub-council s decision. [Dessario / Thomas] Stephen Hill / Russell Croome moved to reject the request from the City of Red Deer for a seat on the sub-council as their industry sector is already represented in the current matrix through the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA); CARRIED The Chair and Sub-Council Liaison will correspond with the City of Red Deer regarding the sub-council s decision and suggest discussions with AUMA be initiated. Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Council Administration] Review of STANDATAs The Director of Codes and Standards reported that the intent was to provide a lot more time for review of the STANDATAs. An overview was provided of the new process for STANDATAs where the Assistant Deputy Minister and Executive Director have been reviewing the STANDATAs before being presented to the sub-councils to allow a better sense of how they might impact policies. All STANDATAs relative to the Energy Codes are also being reviewed by the Minister. Reference was made to the Summary Document included in the portal and that the staff has been working hard to get through the review and revisions. It was clarified that nothing in today s package is urgent should additional review time be needed. It was requested that the focus of the review should be on the overall content and technical accuracy rather than editorial. Clarification was provided regarding the difference between a Variance and an Interpretation and the following was noted: All SCOs can issue a variance within his or her jurisdiction and scope of practice Only the Chief Administrator can issue a Province-wide Variance An SCO cannot be forced to issue a variance Changes to the Act will allow for an appeal of the refusal of a variance but this has not yet been enacted on as the framework is not yet in place A Province-wide Variance is not mandatory; however, if issued all conditions in the variance are mandatory An Interpretation Bulletin that applies province-wide means that this is what the Chief Administrator believes the code to mean and carries a lot of weight An SCO can disagree with an interpretation but if an order is issued and appealed, discussion regarding the two would be relevant A variance is not a relaxation of the code but rather a different way of doing things that proves an equal or greater level of safety MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 4 of 12

5 Information Bulletins are strictly information Alerts or Safety Notices are to inform or heighten awareness of different things An overview was also provided on the relaxation of barrier free provisions. Consideration of granting a relaxation is not taken lightly and typically only granted when barrier free provisions are not possible when there is a change in occupancy or major renovation of an existing building. Tall Wall Generic Engineering Details Variance STANDATA The draft variance was reviewed and the following revisions suggested: Wording should state details that have been engineered The Variance state Guideline acceptable to the Chief Building Administrator and that the guideline referenced in the Variance is one of the guidelines already recognized It was noted that industry can still get their own engineering done. Mark Brodgesell / Andrew Smith moved to support the issuance of the Tall Wall Generic Engineering Details Province-wide Variance STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED Fenestration Performance Generic Engineering Details Variance STANDATA As there are no engineering details in the reference document, it was suggested the Variance be retitled. It was reported that industry is asking for similar guidelines for Part 3 low-rise buildings and it was clarified that this is only relative to Part 9 Buildings. It was noted that industry can utilize the variance or follow the requirements within the code. Bruce Schultz / Andrew Smith moved to support the issuance of the Fenestration Performance Generic Engineering Details Variance STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED with one noted opposition Mark Brodgesell Mark Brodgesell noted that his opposition is strictly relative to the actual referenced guideline itself. Application of Energy Efficiency Requirements to Equipment Installations in Existing Buildings Interpretation STANDATA A brief overview was provided on proposals being discussed at the national level relative to retrofitting and climate change. The draft was reviewed and the following revisions were suggested for consideration: Clarification be included regarding construction that was already permitted before the Energy Code was in force MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 5 of 12

6 Perhaps some examples should be provided It was questioned regarding windows and reported that this is relative to systems that would require a permit It was questioned regarding repair after fire as most authorities having jurisdiction would allow the exact rebuilding because insurance will only cover what was there before Stephen Hill / Mark Brodgesell moved to support the issuance of the Application of Energy Efficiency Requirements to Equipment Installations in Existing Buildings Interpretation STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED Elevator in a Barrier-Free Path of Travel Variance STANDATA The draft variance was reviewed and it was clarified that this is only applicable for those situations where a lift could be used but the owner decides to voluntarily install an elevator instead. It was suggested that the wording include something like where an elevator is not required. It was questioned regarding single-family homes and noted that this Variance would not be applicable. It was noted that this variance will replace the existing Limited Use Limited Application (LULA) Elevators Variance (06-BCV-006) and Elevators & Passenger Elevating Devices 06-BCI-028. Mark Brodgesell / Kenneth Roskell moved to support the issuance of the Elevator in a Barrier-Free Path of Travel Province-wide Variance STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED Barrier-Free Design Requirements: Relaxations Interpretation STANDATA The draft was reviewed and it was suggested that this should say applicable to those buildings accessible to the public. Suggestions were provided to the Chief Building Administrator to ensure clarity particularly relative to Alternate Use. It was also suggested that reference to ABC (2) (d) and other relevant references to 3.8 be added. Stephen Hill / Mark Brodgesell moved to support the issuance of the Barrier-Free Design Requirements: Relaxations Interpretation STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED CSA-A Procedure for Certification of Prefabricated Buildings, Modules, and Panels Province-wide Variance STANDATA The draft was reviewed. It was questioned and clarified that SIPs are not covered by this STANDATA. MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 6 of 12

7 Andrew Smith / Bruce Schultz moved to support the issuance of the CSA-A Procedure for Certification of Prefabricated Buildings, Modules, and Panels Province-wide Variance STANDATA; CARRIED Spans for Joists, Rafter and Beams Province-wide Variance STANDATA The draft was reviewed and no additional feedback was provided. Rick Gratton / Stephen Hill moved to support the issuance of the Spans for Joists, Rafter and Beams Province-wide Variance STANDATA; CARRIED Association of Accredited Corporations Request This item was covered under the Matrix Review. Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Council Administration] 2.2. Routine Decisions (Motion to Accept for Information) There were no routine decisions required. 3. Matters for Discussion 3.1. Technical Matters for Discussion Professional & Constructor Responsibilities Working Group Due to time constraints, this item was deferred to the next meeting BSC/FSC Liaison Report Due to time constraints, this item was deferred to the next meeting BFSC Report from Liaison It was reported that the Barrier Free Design Guide should be published in January Alberta Municipal Affairs Report The Director of Codes and Standards reported the following: The sub-council is valued for this input into the STANDATAs and more will be added to the portal for future review A new exemption order is being worked on regarding the pause of the PDD STANDATA that is due to expire on December 31, 2016 and more communications will be forthcoming An overview was provided on the work being done by the Federal task force consultation group on what a regulation should look like regarding the MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 7 of 12

8 legalization of cannabis. A province-wide STANDATA is on hold and these facilities are being dealt with on a case-by-case basis. It was reiterated that under no circumstances are these operations considered agricultural. A brief overview was provided on the harmonization project Discussions are being held at the national level regarding a National Standard for Part 10 structures An overview was provided on the work being done on Administrative Penalties including documentation being developed for municipalities and staff being hired. It was noted that the Regulation has not yet been adopted. Adoption of the new Building Code Professional Schedules are temporarily deferred With the work now settling relative to PDD, work can continue regarding other care facilities Clarification was sought regarding the Professional Schedules. It was noted that although appendices are not mandatory, the Schedules are referred in the code which makes the existing published schedules law. The Professional Act also references those same schedules. Clarification was sought regarding recognizing new standards when published. It was clarified that a new standard can be used but an Authority Having Jurisdiction cannot mandate them until referenced in the current code Alberta Building Code 2014 There was nothing further to report Upcoming Code Cycle It was suggested that discussion be held regarding any merit in deferring the adoption of the 2015 National model codes and work toward adoption of the 2020 codes. This item will be added to the next agenda. [Dessario / Council Administration] NECB There was nothing further to report. 4. Meeting Finalization Prior to the meeting finalization, it was recognized that Ann Paches is retiring from the Council. The Building Sub-Council appreciates the significant support that Ann Paches has provided to the sub-council and Peter Thomas will pass along well wishes in her retirement. [Thomas] Peter Thomas provided an overview of other Council staff changes that will be included in a forthcoming formal communication. MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 8 of 12

9 4.1. Review Actions to be Taken 4.2. Meeting and Agenda Feedback It was noted that for future agendas, the review of action items will come before Meeting Finalization. It was requested that discussions regarding revisiting the curriculum of certification requirements to enable Group A Level 1 Building SCOs to inspect houses with fire suppression systems be added to the next meeting agenda. [Dessario / Council Administration] Meeting Dates The following 2017 schedule was reconfirmed: Thursday, January 26 9:00 a.m. in Edmonton Thursday, March 23 9:00 a.m. in Edmonton Thursday, May 18 9:00 a.m. in Edmonton Thursday, September 28 9:00 a.m. in Edmonton Thursday, November 16 9:00 a.m. in Edmonton 4.4. Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 4:07 p.m. MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 9 of 12

10 ACTION ITEMS FROM TODAY S MEETING Working Group Revisions re: Stacked and Unstacked Townhouses The City of Edmonton wished to provide a great deal of additional feedback and this will be compiled and submitted to the Working Group Chair and the Chief Building Administrator. [Brodgesell] Matrix Review The Chair and Sub-Council Liaison will correspond with the Association of Accredited Corporations regarding the sub-council s decision. [Dessario / Thomas] The Chair and Sub-Council Liaison will correspond with the City of Red Deer regarding the sub-council s decision and suggest discussions with AUMA be initiated. Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Council Administration] Association of Accredited Corporations Request Being no further action, this item will be removed from the agenda. [Council Administration] Upcoming Code Cycle It was suggested that discussion regarding any merit in not adopting the 2015 National model codes and work toward adoption of the 2020 codes. This item will be added to the next agenda. [Dessa 4. Meeting Finalization The Building Sub-Council appreciates the significant support that Ann Paches has provided to the sub-council and Peter Thomas will pass along well wishes in her retirement. [Thomas] 4.2. Meeting and Agenda Feedback It was requested that discussions regarding revisiting the curriculum of certification requirements to enable Group A Level 1 Building SCOs to inspect houses with fire suppression systems be added to the next meeting agenda. [Dessario / Council Administration] MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 10 of 12

11 MOTIONS 1.1. Agenda Adoption Robert Zifkin / Rick Gratton moved that the agenda be adopted as circulated; CARRIED Adoption of October 20 Mark Brodgesell / Kenneth Roskell moved to adopt the minutes of the October 20, 2016 meeting, as corrected; CARRIED Working Group Revisions re: Stacked and Unstacked Townhouses Bruce Schultz / Kenneth Roskell moved to accept the presentation compiled by the Working Group, along with additional comments or feedback received by no later than December 19, 2016, for submission to the Chief Building Administrator for consideration of drafting an Interpretation STANDATA; CARRIED Matrix Review Robert Zifkin / Terene Tharagan moved to reconfirm the existing matrix; CARRIED Bruce Schultz / Gregory Beck moved to reject the request from the Association of Accredited Corporations for a seat on the sub-council as the points raised within their request are addressed in the current matrix; CARRIED Stephen Hill / Russell Croome moved to reject the request from the City of Red Deer for a seat on the sub-council as their industry sector is already represented in the current matrix through the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA); CARRIED Review of STANDATAs Mark Brodgesell / Andrew Smith moved to support the issuance of the Tall Wall Generic Engineering Details Province-wide Variance STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED Bruce Schultz / Andrew Smith moved to support the issuance of the Fenestration Performance Generic Engineering Details Variance STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED with one noted opposition Mark Brodgesell Application of Energy Efficiency Requirements to Equipment Installations in Existing Buildings Interpretation STANDATA MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 11 of 12

12 Stephen Hill / Mark Brodgesell moved to support the issuance of the Application of Energy Efficiency Requirements to Equipment Installations in Existing Buildings Interpretation STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED Mark Brodgesell / Kenneth Roskell moved to support the issuance of the Elevator in a Barrier-Free Path of Travel Province-wide Variance STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED Stephen Hill / Mark Brodgesell moved to support the issuance of the Barrier-Free Design Requirements: Relaxations Interpretation STANDATA with suggested revisions; CARRIED Andrew Smith / Bruce Schultz moved to support the issuance of the CSA-A Procedure for Certification of Prefabricated Buildings, Modules, and Panels Province-wide Variance STANDATA; CARRIED Rick Gratton / Stephen Hill moved to support the issuance of the Spans for Joists, Rafter and Beams Province-wide Variance STANDATA; CARRIED MINUTES: Building Sub-Council December 8, 2016 Page 12 of 12