Loading...
Building Code Update Minutes 2011 03-21-11 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE BUILDING CODE UPDATE COMMITTEE Monday, March 21, 2011, 6:30 p.m. City Council Conference Room 800 Game Farm Rd. Yorkville, IL 60560 Committee Members in Attendance: Alderman Rose Spears Alderman Joe Plocher Billy McCue Fire Marshal Jeremy Canavan, Chairman Mike Skinner Don Duffy Richard Scheffrahn Adam Dontz Cheryl Lee City Officials in Attendance: Krysti Barksdale-Noble, Community Development Director Paul Zabel, Building Code Official Guests in Attendance: John Spurgeon Mike Angelo Richard Blondin Meeting Called to Order Meeting was called to order at 6:38 p.m. Roll Call Roll call was taken. Previous Minutes: February 9, 2011 minutes were approved as read. Motion made by Fire Marshal Canavan, seconded by Mr. Skinner. Motion was approved by unanimous voice vote. Citizen's Comments Fire Marshal Canavan moved to table Citizen's Comments until guest speaker Mike Angelo arrived. Motion seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. 2008 National Electric Code Mr. Zabel reminded the committee that there was one more code to adopt. Mr. Zabel proposed adopting the 2008 National Electric Code. He pointed out that there were concerns about the 1 National Electric Code at the previous Building Code Update meeting and introduced Mr. John Spurgeon and Mr. Richard Blondin of B&F Technical Code Services, Inc. Mr. Spurgeon discussed the differences in the 2008 National Electric Code primarily the requirements of"arc fault" devices throughout the entire house, this caused the most concern because "arc fault" devices are more costly. Mr. Spurgeon referred to "ground fault" stating that they are more robust and reliable and considered a life saving device, rather than a property protector. Mr. Dontz asked what kind of safety issues have arisen. Particularly, have smoke detectors failed because of arcing? Mr. Spurgeon answered in the negative. Mr. Duffy asked if the benefit to equip a home with all "arc fault" devices out-weigh the added costs. Fire Marshal Canavan stated that electrical fires happen all the time and arc fault interrupters would prevent these types of occurrences. Mr. Angelo stated that the cost to equip a new house with arc fault interrupters would cost around $1,000. He agreed that arc fault interrupters do prevent fires, but testing and implementing the new code requirement is problematic. Mr. Scheffrahn asked if there is anything in the code which calls for an upgrade of an existing system. Mr. Angelo answered that only the 2011 National Electric Code will be retroactive. Mr. Dontz asked to set aside the cost issue and to explore the problem of electrical fires. Fire Marshal Canavan told the committee that there were 3 fires in the past 2 months that were determined to be electrical, fortunately there were no lives lost and the fires were easily extinguished. The committee discussed the surrounding municipalities and the codes they have adopted. Mr. Angelo stated that the economic factor is the reason most municipalities have adopted the 2005 NEC rather than the 2008 National Electric Code which requires arc fault interrupters. Mr. Scheffrahn asked how the 2008 National Electric Code would impact plan review and electrical inspections of new residential or commercial projects. Mr. Zabel answered that the only way to test the arc fault interrupter receptacles is to use the breaker for each and this would not be time efficient. Mr. Zabel also voiced his concern that his tester will not work with all arc fault devices. Testing equipment will have to be improved. Mr. Skinner asked if the 2009 International Residential Code require arc faults and suggested that until the system is proven fail-safe the City of Yorkville not adopt the 2008 National Electric Code. Alderman Plocher asked if Mr. Angelo would recommend arc fault interrupters. Mr. Angelo responded that arc fault interrupters are great; they are very safe and very expensive. Alderman Spears asked Mr. Angelo if he were building a new home would he use arc fault interrupters. Mr. Angelo stated that he would. Mr. Scheffrahn moved to adopt the 2008 National Electric Code as presented, Alderman Spears seconded. Roll call vote taken: 2 Ayes: Canavan, Scheffrahn, Plocher, Spears Nays: Skinner, Duffy, McCue, Lee, Dontz The motion failed to carry. Mr. Dontz then moved to adopt the 2005 National Electric Code, Mr. McCue seconded. Discussion: Mr. Spurgeon pointed out the significant differences. The 2005 National Electric Code requires arc fault interrupters in bedrooms only. As stated earlier the 2008 National Electric Code requires arc fault interrupters for the total structure. Fire Marshal Canavan noted that the City currently is under the 2002 National Electric Code and asked if there are significant differences between the 2002 National Electric Code and the 2005 National Electric Code; specifically if conduit is required for fire alarm systems. Mr. Angelo answered that the 2005 National Electric Code does not require conduit. Mr. Zabel asked if the 2009 International Codes would impact the 2005 National Electric Code. Mr. Angelo answered in the negative. Where conflict exists between codes, the most stringent would apply. Mr. Skinner asked if in the 2005 National Electric Code ground fault interrupters are required for the entire kitchen. Mr. Spurgeon answered that they are required only near water. Roll call vote taken, motion carried. Ayes: Skinner, Plocher, Duffy, Lee, McCue, Dontz Nays: Canavan, Scheffrahn, Spears Next Phase of the Building code Update Adoption Process Ms. Noble explained the next procedures required to adopt the new codes. Staff will summarize all amendments and send to the Building Update Committee, the draft of ordinances will then go to the city attorney for review. Ms. Noble and Mr. Zabel will present a comprehensive memorandum outlining the proposed codes and amendments to the Economic Development Committee; the proposal then goes to City Council. Following City Council the proposal is presented at a public hearing. Then upon approval the codes will be adopted. Adjournment Fire Marshal Canavan thanked the committee for their time and hard work; he made the motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Schef rahn. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:44 pm. Respectfully submitted by D Weinert 3