PC 010908 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Commissioner Fox's inquiry if the occupancy of this building would be a "B" classification, Mr. Deaver said yes. He added that the building at 55 West Angela Street would has some light retail mercantile and would be similar to "B" as well. He noted that on the other hand, the Redcoats building and this proposed structure, as a restaurant or bar, are categorized as an assembly where the number of people is much more than that of a mercantile business. He pointed out that when more people are introduced into a building, exiting becomes a concern, and the Fire Department needs to come up with methods of providing fire safety. In response to Chair Blank's inquiry if Livermore required all new buildings to be sprinklered regardless of size, Mr. Deaver said yes. He continued that this is a local ordinance and that any facility with any occupancy is required to be sprinklered. Chair Blank inquired if this applied to remodels as well, and Mr. Deaver replied that remodels are tied to certain evaluations. He noted that in both the Pleasanton and Livermore Fire Codes, there are certain occupancies that can be put inside the building that would require automatic sprinklers. Chair Blank inquired if there would be a significant difference in terms of costs of installing a sprinkler system at the time of construction versus retrofitting a completed building for a conditional use permit requirement. Mr. Deaver replied that there are factors that raise the cost of retrofitting an existing building. He noted that it would need to take into account the condition of the building's structure and would require extra labor. He added that the designers and architects would probably not run exposed pipes through the building. Chair Blank noted that Chief Code had indicated that the Fire Department is working with Planning and Building on an ordinance this coming year. He inquired if requiring all new buildings to be sprinklered is anticipated. Mr. Deaver replied that the Fire Department and the new Codes are moving in that direction. He noted that the ordinance would be a bit more performance based, giving much more leniency to edit Code provisions if the buildings are provided with an automatic sprinkler system. He stated that the Codes would be offered as a minimum and that cities that take no action on sprinklers would be required to comply with the minimum Codes. He added that the Codes do not get much into mixed-use, operations, or the desires of the cities; they look at the big picture and incorporate fire safety by inspecting the general building, making a lot of assumptions, and requiring separations. Commissioner Narum noted that she initiated the change for the pavers and that she understood the recommendation based on the aerial picture. She indicated that she was willing to withdraw Condition No. 15.c. Commissioner Olson agreed with the removal of the condition for the pavers but indicated that Condition No. 72 should be retained. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, January 9, 2008 Page 12 of 28