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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-5939 Staff AnalysisJanuary 30, 1995 File No.• Owner• Addre Description• Zoned• V riance Re a ted Justification: Present Use of Property: Proposed Use of Property: Staff Report: A. Engineering Issues: Z-5939 Arkansas Cattlemen's Foundation, Incorporated 310 Executive Court Lot 3, Executive Park Addition O-2 From the area regulations of Section 36-280 to permit construction of a second floor landing and stairway with a reduced side yard setback of 6 feet. The Ordinance requires a side yard setback of 25 feet in the 0-2 district. The applicant is currently remodeling this existing building. To comply with the Arkansas Fire Prevention code, a fire exit and stairway must be constructed allowing exit from the second floor directly to the outside. The existing building design and fire code standards limit the required exit to the area proposed. Offices and museum Offices and museum The f lood hazard data submitted is outdated and incorrect. B. Staff Anal sis: The reason for this request is the Arkansas Cattlemen's Foundation current structure is used as a mixed occupancy, a museum use on the bottom floor and business office use on top. The building code requires a fire rated ceiling assembly to separate the uses. The rated ceiling is in place but a proposed renovation to enhance existing and new exhibits would require the removal of the ceiling for an January 30, 1995 Item No.: 5(Cont.) aesthetic effect. (Ceiling removal, paint black, install can vents.) The building code will allow the removal of the rated ceiling if the entire structure was treated as assembly use. At this point, it should be noted that the intended maximum occupancy load would never exceed 75 persons total. The changes required to upgrade the upper office area to assembly use requirements would be to add a fire exit stair which exits directly to the outside, panic hardware, and emergency lighting. The stair being built within the ten foot rear area would improve egress capacity from the upstairs and give another means of egress which would be remote. (Another means of escape if fire blocked the only existing fire stair on the second floor which will improve life safety) . At this time, this is the only alternative the design professional and the building official have found which would satisfy the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and allow the applicant to incorporate the aesthetic changes necessary for the enhancement of the educational exhibits. The proposed stairway will be built over a 10 foot easement. All utility companies and the Public Works Department have approved the stairway intrusion into the easement. Staff feels that the proposal is reasonable and supports the request with the understanding that neither the landing or the stairway are to be enclosed or covered with a roof. C. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of variance with the condition stairway are to be enclosed BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: the requested side yard that neither the landing nor or covered with a roof. (JANUARY 30, 1995) Wingfield Martin was present representing the Arkansas Cattlemen's Foundation. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval subject to the condition that neither the landing nor stairway are to be enclosed or covered with a roof. Mr. Martin offered no additional comments. A motion was made to approve the requested side yard setback variance subject to compliance with the condition outlined in the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes, 2 absent and 1 open position. 2