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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/27/1999 - Regular Minutes - Construction Board of Adjustments "SUBJECT TO APPROVAL" MINUTES CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS September 27, 1999 6:00 P.M. Training Room MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Dan Scars, Vice Chairman Steve Abalos Board Members George McLean,Robert Mooney, Helene Weber, Frank Cox, Alternate Kevin Kuddes MEMBERS ABSENT: Board Member Glenn Thomas, Alternate Shannon Schunicht STAFF PRESENT: Building Official Lance Simms,Plans Examiner Carl Warren Senior Secretary Melissa Rodgers AGENDA ITEM NO. I: Call meeting to order The meeting was called to order by Chairman Dan Sears AGENDA ITEM NO.2: Hear visitors for items not on agenda There were no visitors AGENDA ITEM NO.3: Approve minutes from Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals Meeting on August 23, 1999. Frank Cox motioned to approve the minutes, George McLean seconded the motion, and The Board concurred,(7-0). AGENDA ITEM NO.4: Consider Variance request 99-006,to request modification to the City of College Station Code of Ordinances. Chapter 3, Appendix 2,Amendment No. 12 to the 1996 National Electrical Code. Dan Sears asked for staff to explain the variance request CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS September 27, 1999 Minutes "SUBJECT TO APPROVAL" Lance Simms,Building Official,took the floor to explain the variance request to the board members. Lance began by showing the board a short video about MC cable so that they could gain a better understanding of the variance request. He also had several samples of MC cable available for the board members to examine. Lance said that CDI,LLC applied for a building permit to remodel a lease space in Post Oak Mall. The applicant met with building staff to explain the extent of the remodel,which included the use of"MC"or metal clad cable as the wiring method. Lance said the 1996 National Electrical Code recognizes type MC cable as a wiring method in commercial buildings in article 334, however, the City of College Station has a local amendment which prohibits the use of MC in commercial buildings. After viewing the video.Lance explained why he thought the city had amended the code to prohibit MC cable. Lance told the board that he was not employed by the city at the time the amendment was originally adopted, but he believes there were two reasons for the amendment. He said the first reason was because a special tool is required to cut the cable in the field. Lance said that if this tool is not used to cut the cable, damage to the metal casing could occur as a result. The second reason the code may have been amended to prohibit MC cable is that an anti-short bushing can be used that provides a degree of protection from the sharp edges of the metal casing after it has been cut. The bushing is required on type AC cable, however, it is not required on type MC cable.Lance told the board that one advantage of type MC cable is labor savings. With the MC cable,all the conductors are installed in the metal casing at the factory. This results in tremendous time saving installation when compared to the conventional method of installing the conduit and later installing the conductors. Lance assured the board that if a variance were granted, he would make sure the inspectors check for proper installation. Lance read the staffs report to the board and said that staff recommends approval of the variance with the condition that the MC cable be installed in compliance with Article 334 of the National Electrical Code. He also recommended that the board require the use of anti-short bushings on the MC cable if a variance is granted. The board held discussion on the variance request,asking about the special tool used to cut the cable and the significance of it. They also asked how many cities allow the use of this type of cable. Lance showed the board the tool used in cutting MC cable and gave a demonstration. He also said that most of the larger municipalities allow the use of MC cable. Lance also reiterated the time saving characteristics of MC cable verses the conventional method. Dan Sears opened the public hearing. The applicant,Larry LeVick,took the floor to speak on behalf of the variance request. He stated that he was a specialty contractor associated with CDI,LLC. Mr.LeVick introduced Roger Ealey,who was also employed by CDI,LLC and previously worked as an electrical inspector from Los Angeles; Jim Butler,a Master Electrician from Arkansas and project superintendent,Rick Graham. Mr. LeVick stated that Mr. Graham worked on a job in Memphis,Tennessee where they did not allow MC cable and had to request a variance. CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS September 27, 1999 Minutes Page 2 "SUBJECT TO APPROVAL" Mr. LeVick also introduced Steve Harris, the project manager, who does support network for all the builders' computer equipment and carries several master licenses' throughout the country. He also introduced Mr. Gosney who is an Arizona electrical contractor and another general superintendent For CDI,LLC. Mr. LeVick told the board members that his company was not in business to endanger the public. He said that eight years ago their client, in conjunction with CDI,LLC, started using MC cable and have been very successful with it. He said that the company only performed work for Dillard's Department Store and used this type of cable for all their construction. Mr. LeVick said they strongly believed in the National Electrical Code and the safety issues outlined in the code. He said his company would not use MC cable if they felt it was an unsafe product. He showed the board some photographs taken at previous job sites where MC cable was used as the wiring method.He also said that some inspectors from other municipalities mentioned were very thorough in checking the work to make sure it was done right and met safety requirements. He said that the people working for the company were very consistent in the work they do all across the country because they want to keep builders business by doing the work right. Mr. LeVick concluded by saying they were requesting a variance to use MC cable as the wiring method in their building.. At this time,Mr. Roger Ealey-took the floor to speak in favor of the variance request. He said that the company had safety features outlined in their booklet that they followed because of the safety assurance needed. He said that they wanted the work done safely and properly because they didn't want callbacks from contractors who would be concerned for the public. Mr.Ealey pointed out another book they brought that contained some of the major cities across the country that do allow-MC cable. Mr. Ealey stated that they believe MC cable is a good wiring method and the company followed contemporary standards required by code. Mr. Ealey pointed out a manual that contained testimonial letters from several cities that verified that MC cable was accepted in their cities. He also said that the company supplied their workers with the tool necessary to cut the cable so as to follow safety requirements. Mr. Ealey presented a report on electrical fire accidents regarding the various types of wiring methods including but not limited to metal clad cable. He pointed out that any type of wiring method has a potential for being unsafe_however, he assured the board that for the installation of MC cable, the company took the time to install it properly, and supplied the tool necessary for correctly cutting it. Mr. LeVick and Mr. Ealey continued discussion on thier company's reputation for safety and the efforts they make to assure the work they perform meet all building requirements. Mr. LeVick and Mr. Ealey showed the board a display of MC cable and connectors that demonstrated the proper installation technique. The applicants continued discussion about the display board and answered some generic questions from the board members about the product. CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS September 27, 1999 Minutes Page 3 "SUBJECT TO APPROVAL" Dan Sears closed the public hearing. Dan asked the board if they were ready for a motion. Robert Mooney made a motion to grant the variance with the condition the protective bushing be used on the MC cable. Steve Abalos seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously(7-0). AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Adjourn Robert Mooney motioned to adjourn Frank Cox seconded the motion The board concurred unanimously CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS September 27. 1999 Minutes Page 4 "SUBJECT TO APPROVAL" APPROVED: Chairman: Dan Sears ----- ATTEST: t f . ildin echnician: Lisa Hankins CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS September 27, 1999 Minutes Page 5