HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/03/1996 - Regular Minutes - Construction Board of Adjustments MINUTES
CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
Wednesday,July 3, 1996
6:30 P.M.
Council Chambers
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman James Holster, Vice Chairman Wick McKean,
Board Members; Glenn Thomas, Robert Mooney, Jean C. Bailey,
George McLean,and Bill Lewis
MEMBERS ABSENT: Board Member Dan Sears
STAFF PRESENT: Building Official(Acting)Carl Warren, Building Technician Lisa
Hankins,and Building Secretary Melissa Rodgers
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Elect Chairman and Vice Chairman seats
(Temporary Chairman elect were James Holster and Vice-Chairman
elect were Wick McKean.)
AGENDA ITEM NO.2: Call meeting to order
The meeting was called to order by Chairman James Holster
AGENDA ITEM NO.3: Hear visitors
Ther were no visitors
AGENDA ITEM NO.4: Approve minutes from Construction Board of Adjustments and
Appeals Meeting on Thursday,February 29, 1996,
Glenn Thomas moved to accept the minutes,Jean C. Bailey seconded the motion,The Board concurred,
(7-0).
CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
Wednesday July 3, 1996
Minutes
AGENDA ITEM NO.5: Consider Variance request for Vestal,Loftis,and Kalista
Architects for Ordinance No. 1203.2"Room Dimensions." Section 1203,2,1 states: Occupiable rooms
and habitable spaces shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 ft.6 inches(2286 mm). Corridors,
bathrooms,toilet rooms,kitchens,storage rooms and laundry rooms shall be permitted to have a ceiling
height of not less than 7 ft(2134 mm).
Carl Warren took the floor at this time to present to the Board and the applicants the code in its context
discussing the definitions of occupiable rooms and habitable spaces. The area in question is a new
orchestra pit to be constructed in the existing auditorium at A&M Consolidated High School.
The architectural plans indicate that a part of the orchestra pit(the last row and storage area)is to be
located under the existing stage with a head clearance height that varies from 6'-0 114"to 5'-9 314".
Mr. Warren explained to the board that the minimum height requirement by code is a height of not less
than 7' 6" in these types of spaces.
The concern is for the band members who occupy the area of the last row. They take the risk of possibly
injuring themselves due to the lower ceiling when moving in or out of the orchestra pit.The Building
Staff recommendation is that the building code shall be enforced.
At this time,Mr.Tom Eyeington with the City of College Station School District took the floor to
introduce Mr. Jeff Kalista,representing the architectural firm.
In his experience with this architectural design, Mr.Kalista found many of his previous clients were very
satisfied with the structural performance of the orchestra pit scheme. He pointed out the location of the
orchestra pit to the board members to show the exact sizes and dimensions,and why,due to the sound
acoustics, the depth had to be at the level proposed.Mr.Kalista also pointed out the section where the
conductor would stand with this new design and how significant it would be for the orchestra or drama
students because of the lowered pit. The students would be able to fully see the conductor and the
audience would be closer to the stage to appreciate the sound and dimension of the performance. In past
performances,this idea proved to be very rewarding to the conductor and the students.
The board members individually addressed Mr.Kalista as to the safety conditions of this design and of
any improvements that had been made to keep it safe for the occupants of this area. He explained that in
the last projects,a thick cushion had been installed under the ceiling to keep the students from hurting
themselves if they should hit their head. He said he had conversations other conductors and students of
the other schools,and no one person had ever been injured due the height in the orchestra pit.
Mr.Kalista believed that the orchestra pit design his company proposed be built for the existing school
auditorium at A&M Consolidated High School to be safe and free from any future injuries or liabilities.
After some follow-up questions with Mr. Kalista,the board members took a brief moment to discuss the
variance request for vote
James Holster moved to accept the variance; (5)concurred,(1)dissented, (1)abstained,
variance request granted
CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
July 3, 1996
Minutes
page 2
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7 Other Business
The board members had a brief discussion regarding previous variance request on CPVC piping.
AGENDA ITEM NO.8 Adjourn
APPROVED:
James liter
ATTEST:
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ng Technician: Lisa Hankins
CONSTRUCTION BOARD OE ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
July 3, 1996
Minutes
page 3