Chambana Sun

The city of Champaign Code Review and Appeals Board met June 22 to approve proposed amendments.

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the board:

"The Board reviews and advises Council regarding all building construction codes as it applies to new construction. The Board also hears appeals by persons or entities affected by a code violation or decision involving building codes as it applies to new construction."

CITY OF CHAMPAIGN CODE REVIEW AND APPEALS BOARD MINUTES JUNE 22, 2016

Meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m.

Roll Call: Members Present: John Frauenhoffer, Neil Strack, Kirk Skelton, James Gleason, Chip Craddock and Scott Kunkel.

Members Absent: Mike Scott, Steve Billhymer and Kenwood Sullivan

Staff Present: Larry Happ, Jaymie Huffman, Charles Montgomery and Kaelob Capel

Visitors Present: Paul Phillips

Approve the Agenda:

• MOTION by Neil Strack to approve the agenda as presented; seconded by Jim Gleason. All: Aye

Approve the Minutes:

Meeting Minutes 5-25-2016

• MOTION by Neil Strack to approve the minutes as presented; seconded by Jim Gleason. All: Aye

Old Business:

None.

New Business:

Continued reviewing the substantial changes to the 2012 and 2015 International Residential Code – Chapters 5, 6 & 7. Code sections that the Board initiated further discussion on are as follows:

CHAPTER 5 – FLOORS

• MODIFICATION - R502.3.1 Floor Joist Spans. Discussed decreased span lengths for floor joists. Current lumber dimensions and capacities have decreased changing the allowable floor joist span lengths.

• AMEND – R507.2.4 Deck Lateral Load Connection. The deck joist to ledger board connection shall be with approved joist hangers and fastened with manufacturer approved fasteners. The code prescribed lateral load connections are for more earthquake prone areas. With approved joist hangers and fasteners at each joist, lateral loads are fully addressed. It also simplifies the code and keeps it in the realm of what is typical in Champaign County.

• ADD - R507.8 Deck Posts. New Section establishes minimum sizes of wood posts supporting wood decks and describes the requirements for connection of deck posts to the footing.

CHAPTER 6 – WALL CONSTRUCTION

• MODIFICATION: R602.3 Fastening Schedule

The Fastening Schedule now contains multiple nail size options. Clarification of roof rafter connections at ridge, valley and hip is added.

• MODIFICATION: R602.3.1 Stud Size, Height and Spacing. Table R602.3.1 is deleted and the exception for walls greater than 10 feet tall is added to the text of Section R602.3.1. If studs in a tall wall meet Exception 2, they meet the requirements of the IRC and do not need engineering or use of an alternate standard. There was further discussion on stud height and spacing for the various sized lumber. Kirk Skelton questioned wall height for studs. The Board discussed this further at the end of the meeting. The decision was made to create and review a prescriptive design proposal to include in the code. This will be submitted for review at a later date.

• MODIFICATION: R602.6.1 Drilling and Notching of Top Plate. Changed to 10d nails from 16d nails in previous code cycles. In Figure R602.6.1 changed 16d nails to 10d nails to match the text.

• ADD: R602.7 Headers. There was discussion about header construction concerning the energy code and how this code change helps by allowing room for insulation inside the header.

• AMEND: R602.7.4 Nonbearing walls. Reviewed headers required in interior and exterior nonbearing walls in accordance with Table 602.7.4

• ADD: TABLE R602.7.4 MAXIMUM SPANS FOR HEADERS OVER OPENINGS IN WALLS

MAX. SPAN OF HEADERS IN SIZE OF HEADER1

NONBEARING WALLS 2-2 x 4 < 6’ 2-2 x 6 8’ 2-2 x 8 10’ 2-2 x 10 12’ 2-2 x 12 16’ 1

Nominal 4-inch-thick single headers may be substituted for double members.

• MODIFICATION: R602.7.5 Supports for Headers. Reviewed Table R602.7.5 Minimum Number of Full Height Studs at Each End of Headers in Exterior Walls.

• AMEND: TABLE R602.7.5

MINIMUM NUMBER OF FULL HEIGHT STUDS AT EACH END OF HEADERS IN EXTERIOR WALLS

MAX. HEADER SPAN MINIMUM NUMBER OF STUDS

<4’ 1 12’ 2 16’ 3

After discussion, it was decided to remove/delete the 24” column and reduce the number of full height studs on each side of headers.

• MODIFICATION: R602.10.1 Braced Wall Lines. For the purpose of determining the amount and location of bracing required in each story level of a building, braced wall lines now shall be designated as straight lines in the building plan placed in accordance with this section.

CHAPTER 7 – Wall Covering

• John Frauenhoffer requested further discussion of section R702.7 Vapor Retarders. There was discussion of the various types of vapor barriers and the proper ways to alleviate the moisture buildup. The Board was satisfied with the current code language.

• MOTION by Chip Craddock to approve the amendments to Chapter 5, 6 & 7 as proposed; Seconded by Neil Strack. All: Aye.

Comments from the Audience:

NONE

Next Meeting:

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 4:30 pm Champaign Fire Department – Basement Training Room

Adjournment:

Motion by Scott Kunkel to adjourn; Seconded by Kirk Skelton. All: Aye. The meeting adjourned 6:05 pm