City of Lawrence

Mechanical Board of Appeals

August 18, 2004 minutes

MEMBERS PRESENT:		Tom Patchen, Bryan Wyatt, Lynn Barrington, Jim Sparkes

MEMBERS ABSENT:		Frank Estrada

GUEST PRESENT:		Ken Christianson, IAPMO

EX-OFFICIO:		Patrick O’Brien

Meeting called to order at 6:35 p.m.

Review and approve minutes from May 17, 2004 and June 30, 2004, meeting

After review of the May 17, 2004 minutes, Member Bryan Wyatt had one change to be made. Member Lynn Barrington moved to approve the minutes as changed. Member Tom Patchen seconded. Pass 4-0.

After review of the June 30, 2004 minutes, Wyatt moved to approve the minutes as written. Seconded by Patchen. Pass 4-0.

Discuss comparison of 2003 UMC and IMC, Chapters 6-10

Draft Wyatt started discussion of chapter by asking staff about flexible air connectors and wanted to clarify that the UMC does not allow them and the IMC does allow them. Staff concurred. Barrington stated that his concern with the IMC reading that flexible ducts shall not be limited in length. He stated that performance is reduced greatly by allowing that. Wyatt stated that the code had been amended limiting individual flexible duct lengths to 15 feet. Sparkes asked about a section in the UMC, gypsum products exposed in duct and if that had ever been done. Barrington stated that gypsum products are exposed in return air. Staff stated that the IMC requires Class 0 or Class 1 duct products. Patchen mentioned that the UMC has more charts and information than what the IMC has. The board agreed. Barrington mentions that the IMC references another duct construction standards book. Wyatt stated chapter 6 insulation refers to the International Energy Conservation Code(IECC). Wyatt stated that the City Commission is discussing implementing the IECC. Barrington mentioned chapter 6 also refers to the International Building Code(IBC).

Patchen mentioned chapter 7 of the IMC refers to the IECC and the UMC places in the body of the book. Wyatt stated that the IMC regularly refers to the other family of code books where the UMC has the calculations right in the book.

Wyatt mentioned about Chapter 8 that the venting tables are in the UMC but not in the IMC. Barrington refers to the International Fuel Gas Code(IFGC)for the venting tables. Staff mentioned that the comparison published by IAPMO states that multistory venting is prohibited in the IMC and the UMC allows it and actually multistory is allowed in the IMC with certain provisions. Barrington mentioned about the IMC that when giving thickness of metal vent connectors, the IMC gives a gage of metal and the UMC only gives a decimal thickness.

Barrington mentioned that in Chapter 9 that the IMC lists many different products and then refers to the manufacturers specifications and the UMC lists the products and gives some clearances to follow. Barrington mentioned that the UMC appears to be more stringent than the IMC and has a more complete book to refer to.

Barrington mentioned that in Chapter 10 of the IMC, it states that water heaters and boilers shall be installed in accordance to the manufacturers specifications. Wyatt mentioned that in Lawrence, a Mechanical contractor can not do anything that has to do with water on a water heater, but the mechanical code regulates them so why not allow Mechanical contractors install water heaters. Barrington mentions again the UMC has all information in one book as where the IMC references many other books.

Miscellaneous

Barrington mentioned that the board had requested the inspection department revise the letter it uses to notify homeowners of open permits. Staff stated that the letter to the homeowner is being reviewed and that it would be made more clear to the homeowner that the letter is only a copy of the letter sent to the contractor. Staff mentioned the response increased when a letter was sent to the homeowner. The board is requesting from building inspections to change the timing of the letters and not send a letter to homeowner first but let the contractor get the first letter and have a chance to take care of the open permit. Also requesting a written response to the board on what changes are going to be made.

Next meeting September 15, 2004. Review Chapters 11-15.

Adjourn

Motion to adjourn made by Wyatt, seconded by Patchen, pass 4-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.