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Agenda 03/18/2008 W BCC WORKSHOP AGENDA WITH THE FIRE REVIEW TASK FORCE MARCH 18, 2008 AGENDA March 18, 2008 9:00 a.m. BCC- Fire Review Task Force Workshop 3'd Floor Boardroom W. Harmon Turner Building Tom Henning, Chairman, District 3 Donna Fiala, Vice-Chairman, District 1 Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5 Frank Halas, Commissioner, District 2 Fred W. Coyle, Commissioner, District 4 NOTICE: ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SPEAKING. SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER eBlQB TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE AGENDA ITEM TO BE ADDRESSED. ALL REGISTERED PUBLIC SPEAKERS WILL RECEIVE UP TO THREE (3) MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN. COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 2004-05, AS AMENDED, REQUIRES THAT ALL LOBBYISTS SHALL, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE BOARD OF RECORDS DEPARTMENT. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT 3301 EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112, (239) 774-8380; ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE. 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Opening Remarks/Presentation by the Task Force Chair 3. Task Force Report -- Findings and Recommendations 4. Public Comment 5. Adjourn INQUIRIES CONCERNING CHANGES TO THE BOARD'S AGENDA SHOULD BE MADE TO THE COUNTY MANAGER'S OFFICE AT 774-8383. FIRE REVIEW TASK FORCE INTERIM REPORT PRESENTED TO: THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MARCH 18,2008 1.) TOPIC: FLORIDA BUILDING AND FIRE CODES POINT OF INFORMATION: In Florida the construction of buildings is governed by two Codes which reference many technical standards. The Florida Fire Prevention Code which is made up of the National Fire Protection Associations Uniform Fire Code (NFPA 1) and The Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), both have Florida specific amendments. It is empowered by Section 633.0215, Florida Statutes, and implemented by Florida Administrative Code (F AC) 69A-60 and overseen by The State Fire Marshal with The Florida Fire Code Advisory Council. This is the Code that the Fire Code Official honors. The Florida Bnilding Code which is based on the International Code Councils International Building Codes with Florida specific amendments. It is empowered by Section 553.73, Florida Statutes and implemented by Florida Administrative Code (F AC) 9B-3-047 and overseen by The Department of Community Affairs with The Florida Building Commission. This is the Code that the Building Code Official honors. There are some areas where both govern the similar topics. At the state level effort is made to make the requirements in harmony, however, if compliance is different, the most restrictive requirement applies. Both Codes are simultaneously upgraded on three year cycles. The 2007 versions will take effect October 1,2008. 2.) TOPIC: EARL Y WORK A UTHORIZA TION & PHASE PERMITS ISSUE 1: EARLY WORK AUTHORIZATION: Section 105.12 of the 2004 Edition of the Florida Building Code allows the Building Official to approve a specific amount of work to proceed prior to issuance of the parent permit. However, the work shall not to proceed past the first required inspection. It is imperative that the Fire Code Official be informed of the approvals. It is also important that a system be in place for tracking these projects and a follow up by field inspectors to make sure that contractors are not going beyond what was approved. A record of spot checks on the progress should also be instituted with clear records available to fire districts, code enforcement and building inspectors. ISSUE 2: PHASE PERMITS: Phase Permits are authorized under Section 105.13 of the 2004 Edition of the Florida Building Code. Phased Permits allow specific construction prior to obtaining the parent permit; they are obtained with drawings that only show a particular phase of construction and no other work. All inspections necessary are authorized and required to 3-11-08 - Final complete the work authorized by the Phased Permit. It is imperative that the Fire Code Official approve these applications prior to issuance. It is also important that a system be in place for tracking of these projects and a follow up by field inspectors to make sure that contractors are not going beyond what was approved. A record of spot checks on the progress should also be instituted with clear records available to fire districts, code enforcement and building inspectors. RECOMMENDATION: If spot checks are required then it is recommended that a formal process be established and an appropriate inspection fee be charged. In addition, the Fire Code Official as well as the Building Official must sign off on all Early Work and Phased Permits. ACTION: A process is now in place that requires approval sign off by both the Fire Code Official and the Collier County Building Official for both processes. A compatible inspection process must now be developed to assure that only approved work is being performed on site and the CDES fee schedule must be amended to note the appropriate fee for the respective inspection service. (See Appendix - Topic 2) 3.) TOPIC- 6IGI5 - BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS RULES ISSUE: A building has many components that require the Professional Engineers' control. To obtain a building permit the Engineer shall prepare engineering documents establishing the components compliance with the governing codes. During construction shop/layout documents are prepared by the installing contractor and will be used to obtain a sub-permit. The Florida Building Code requires this process but the Fire Protection components also require acceptance by the Fire Code Official. The Fire Code Official established stakeholder advisory groups (see Appendix Topic 3) to organize the information exchange for these documents. The outcome is policies, procedures and checklists to that assist the Engineer in predictable document review. The local Fire Alarm checklist is in the appendix of The National Fire Protection Associations alarm design handbook. Prior to January I, 2008 the Fire Code Official provided the reviews for the engineering documents and the shop/layout documents. Now the review for the engineering documents is under the Building Code Official and both Officials review the shop/layout documents. Testimony showed a slow down in the review process occurs when there is deviation between the engineering documents and the shop/layout documents. This requires the Engineer to revise the engineering documents and/or direct the revision to the shop/layout documents and then obtain the acceptance of the Building/Fire Code Officials before installing the components. Testimony also showed that the shop/layout documents were submitted late in the buildings construction delaying the inspection process. 2 3-11-08 - Final 4.) TOPIC: PERMIT PROCESS & PLAN REVIEW ISSUE 1: In the past permits were issued to contractors who were not qualified to do specific types of work such as commercial hoods or underground gas tanks, but the problem is not limited to these examples. RECOMMENDATION: Ongoing traInIng of intake Permit Techs on the different types of permits and the types of licenses required completing certain types of work, and the revision of applications to identify clearly the type of license required. ACTION: County staff has implemented new application forms that will help designate the specific type of licenses for certain types of work. Contractor's Licensing Supervisor is currently training the intake staff to ensure proper licensing. ISSUE 2: Application documents are not being distributed to the reviewers in a productive manner creating down time within the department and creating frustration within the industry. RECOMMENDATION: Purchase a document tracking system to more accurately determine where documents are and identity where they need to go next. ACTION: A bar code tracking system has been purchased and is being fielded to electronically track applications and control the simultaneous distribution of plan sets through out the department. ISSUE 3: ELECTRONIC SUBMITTALS. RECOMMENDATION: This committee strongly recommends electronic filing of plans. Electronic filing is used in many municipalities around the country and eliminates quite a bit of paperwork as well as makes it easier for reviewers and design professionals to talk about issues. ACTION: Evaluate commercial off-the-shelf software systems to implement an electronic submittal process. ISSUE 4: REVIEW TIMES RECOMMENDATION: Set a defined level of service for review times which will apply to the Planning, Fire, and Building Departments with the current review time updated and posted at the front desk every week. ISSUE 5: Interaction between Fire, Building and Planning departments during the review process and how certain types of information are inconsistent on the documents. RECOMMENDATION: Increased interdepartmental communication will better serve everyone. Application documents should be sent to Fire, Planning and Building departments at the same time and all should have SDP information (formatted as required for each) available for coordination. Information unrelated to the site plan (detailed building area calculations, 3 3-11-08 - Final construction type, and suite addresses, etc.) is indicated on the SDP application only. This can be accomplished with a software program. 5.) TOPIC: PRIVATE PROVIDERS ISSUE: Private Providers and projects under their control. Private Providers are allowed under the Florida Building Code and used by owners to review and inspect projects. The Private Provider is required by law to submit paperwork on review and inspections on regular intervals to the local jurisdiction. The Committee heard testimony about projects that had been completed without any paperwork being submitted and of possible Building Code violations on the approved documents. Note: Private Providers are not allowed to review zoning or Fire Code issues. RECOMMENDA TION: A lot of changes have occurred over the last year regarding the handling of this type of review and inspection here in Collier County. It is the recommendation ofthis Committee that a tracking list of the providers is created in order to look for patterns on types of problems and/or successes, be it missing review items or inspection reports. ACTION: A spot check system of reviews and inspections of construction documents, which is a requirement of the FBC, has been implemented. All issues raised during Fire Review related to the FBC, and reported to the Building Official are acted upon immediately. Private Providers with a consistent record of infractions will be reported to the DBPR. 6.) TOPIC: REVISIONS ISSUE 1: This committee heard testimony about submitting an 8 \-'," x 11" sheet from design professionals to cut down on the paperwork for certain types of revisions. The issue for the reviewers is what other items are being affected by this change. RECOMMENDATION: When a revision is submitted the original filed documents should be pulled from the records room and passed along with the revision. The Committee heard that reviewers have to go to records, ask for the file, and then wait while it is found. Another way around this is better records management and the electronic availability of all these records. ISSUE 2: Clarifications: There are some instances in which a field inspector might request a clarification of an item or the intent from the design professional on a particular set of documents. That field inspector will also ask that this clarification be submitted for the records. RECOMMENDATION: A clear definition from both the Fire and Building Departments of what a revision is and what a clarification is needs to be established. This is needed to help with minor changes in the field that are requested or seen by inspectors that do not affect the overall project or to clarify the design professionals intent on a certain subject. Plan revisions (caused by special field conditions), should be simplified by a quick review by both the plan reviewer and inspector, then with both in agreement, approvals should be expeditiously processed and contractors should be able to proceed with work in the field. Appointments could be made by the contractor with the plan reviewer for a walk thru approval of the revision. 4 3-11-08 - Final ACTION: Request that DSAC look at different types of issues and come forward with a process for handling revisions in a timely manner. 7.) TOPIC: INSPECTIONS ISSUE 1: Each of the independent Fire Districts and MSTU Fire Districts schedule inspections differently. RECOMMENDATION: Ask the Fire Service Steering Committee to standardize this process. ISSUE 2: Contractors are being told to modify rough-in boxes for fire alarm devices, change wall framing for commercial hoods, and alter framing to run fire sprinkler piping. RECOMMENDATION: To have DSAC study whether final framing inspection shall not occur (Building Department will put an inspection hold) until the fire alarm, fire sprinkler, and commercial hood permits are issued. This approach should help the sub-contractors be ahead of the game. ISSUE 3: During a normal inspection of an existing building, when Fire District Inspectors find building Code issues (such as unpermitted work) that do not fall under Fire District Jurisdiction yet need to be addressed, Fire Inspectors need to be able to call Code Enforcement and have an investigator take over and issue a possible a red tag. ACTION: A working relationship has been established among the Fire Districts, Code Enforcement, and the Building Department for such items found by the Fire Districts. Also a process is now in place for the Fire Districts to call Code Enforcement and an inspector to issue a case number and bring the issue forward for further action. 8.) TOPIC: TECHNOLOGY ISSUE 1: The Building Department technology is outdated and cannot handle the different departments and their needs. RECOMMENDATION: A new software system has been purchased and is in the process of being implemented for the entire department. The Fire Districts also need to be involved in the design and implementation of technology upgrades so the system has the information needed by all parties. ISSUE 2: The subject of "Red Tagged" jobs came up in a few discussions. Red Tag meaning the stopping of specific work in violation from that point on until the issue(s) is resolved. With the existing software it is difficult to tell if a project is red tagged, if the red tag has been lifted, or if the work is still proceeding without permission. RECOMMENDATION: A reliable system needs to be set up to track red tags. This needs to be accessible to the Fire Districts, Code Enforcement, and Building Departments during their normal days to be able to tell if work is progressing on sites that have a red tag and if further fines need to be issued. 5 3-11-08 - Final 9.) TOPIC: FIRE ALARMS & MONITORING ISSUE: The current process of obtaining a fire alarm permit is difficult. There is an unacceptable failure rate of Fire Alarm permit applications. RECOMMENDATIONS: A. The current fire alarm permit checklists should be re-vamped, should be a guideline only, and not cause a rejection of the permit. B. As the fire alarm "shop drawings" are contractor derived, the minor clerical and riser/floor plan discrepancies should be "red line corrected" by the contractor and other minor corrections are allowed with stipulations. C. Change in monitoring company on existing fire alarm systems that do not require new equipment should be a simple letter of said change. D. Revisions, minor replacement of fire alarm system components, systems less than $1,000.00, and monitoring permits if required should be permitted using express permitting forms to expedite these permits. 10.) TOPIC: DESIGN PROFESSIONALS ISSUE: One subject that was discussed numerous times was the fact that many of the 61 G 15 documents submitted by Design Professionals were extremely poor. RECOMMENDA TION: Design Professionals who consistently turn in incomplete documents and show a complete lack of knowledge to correct such documents should be reprimanded and in blatant cases be reported to the State Board of Professionals. 11.) TOPIC: INTERFACE WITH FIRE CODE OFFICAL'S OFFICE ISSUE: Design Professionals and General Contractors are able to readily access and communicate with the Office of the Fire Official via a number of methods. Telephone and email communications are the most frequently utilized and easily accessed. The Fire Code Official's Office has placed in practice an accessible telephone response system that attempts to balance the communications needs and the study time necessary for permit application plan reviews. Additional methods of access are available via US Mail or a personal meeting with the Fire Official for a pre-application or post application reviews. The Fire Code Official's office reports that it attempts to schedule meetings as promptly as possible in response to requests from Design Professionals. The Fire Code Official's Office accepts walk-in appointments however staff may not always be available without appointments. During the course of the meetings conducted by the Fire Review Task Force an invitation to attend was forwarded to the local contractors via the Collier Building Industry Association (CBlA). Local contractors did attend to speak on topics in very limited numbers however audience attendance was noted on several occasions during various topics. The Task Force members include two (2) local General Contractors & three (3) local Architects. We have no testimony otherwise. 6 3-11-08 - Final 12.) TOPIC: SIMULTAENOUS REVIEW & SDP PROCESS ISSUE: Simultaneous Review Process - Building Plans and SDP'S RECOMMENDATION: Provide for specific standardized placement of information required for SDP submittals. All re-submittals must be re-reviewed by Fire Review. Provide a computerized tracking mechanism to provide key information such as square footage, type of construction, fire sprinkler intentions etcetera, relating to all SDP submittals but especially simultaneous reviews. Need to review both the simultaneous review process and the SDP processes. Discrepancies between the building permit application and the SDP such as building construction type, square footage or fire sprinkler intentions, should be able to be handled administratively by the Fire Code Official by adding a letter to the file, when such discrepancies do not negatively impact the Fire Code, thus not requiring an insubstantial change. This should be done through the LDC for the long term but added as an administrative adjustment until that document is in place. Should the building permit application indicate a less fire restive construction type than the SDP, an insubstantial change would be required. If, however the building permit application indicates a more fire restive construction type than the SDP, the issue could be handled administratively by allowing the Fire Code Official to add a letter to the file ACTION: Assess proposed computer software capability. Provide for an administrative approval process for some issues if proper computer software is available. 13.) TOPIC: WATER FLOW ISSUE: Adequate water pressure and flow is essential to Collier County fire protection services and these requirements are substantially higher than the minimum standards established by the state. The following is a summary of the issues discussed by the Fire Task Force with recommendations to improve level of service for Collier County property owners: 1. Local Fire Protection Ordinance Requirement Collier County Ordinance 2005-32: Fire Prevention and Protection, requires that current water pressure and flow be determined for each construction project by field test. Collier County de-rates actual water pressure to 50 PSI based on their interpretation of NFPA 13, Section 15.2.1.2 which states that adjustments must be made for daily and seasonal fluctuations, possible interruptions and future demand which is not a common practice of other municipalities in Southwest Florida. This threshold has been established after considering historical flow tests and local water pressure standards with an adjustment for future demand on the system. This means that property owners with water pressure above this threshold are subject to additional construction cost to make up the administrative shortfall, while areas with substandard service are subject to additional construction cost in order to compensate for inadequate level of service. 2. Local Water Service Standard County Utilities is required to provide 40 PSI (max day fire flow conditions) by Collier County Ordinance 2004-32 by field test but results are sometimes below this 7 3-11-08 - Final requirement. This minimum standard is below the de-rated water pressure standard of 50 PSI. RECOMMENDATION: Water departments and flow test requirements: There needs to be a standard water pressure requirement for all water service providers to county fire lines and that it meets minimum fire requirements should have a updated future system expansion plan including upgrade of the existing so Fire Districts can make plan reviews asking for the most efficient solutions to flow and pressure requirements. Field inspection revisions (caused by special field conditions), should be simplified by quick review with plan reviewer and inspector. Then with both in agreement, the contractor should be able to proceed with work in field. Appointment could be made by contractor with plan reviewer for walk thru approval of revision. No amendments to local fire code based on state adopted code. Collier County should require higher water flow and pressure from the City of Naples, independent service providers and Collier County Utilities to a level of service commensurate with the impact fees that property owners are required to pay. Collier County Utilities has the capacity to turn on water pumps that are not normally used to increase pressure during emergency conditions. The utilization of existing communication systems and pumping capacity should be investigated to determine if this is a viable option, even though the fire districts are skeptical of this approach. 14.) TOPIC: SPRINKLER REOUIREMENTS FOR THE COLLIER COUNTY PARKING GARAGE ISSUE: This is an example of the problems of simultaneous SDPlBuilding Permit and Phase Permitting when each are carrying conflicting information causing in this case the uncertainty of the need for an automatic sprinkler system in this building. The SDP noted on the Site Plan Sheet a Type 1 construction with no sprinkler protection. Noted on the Utility Plan is a Type IV construction with sprinkler protection, it also classified the occupancy as an Educational use. The Construction Documents, in simultaneous permit review, showed a Type IV construction and was ultimately required to provide an automatic sprinkler system. . Florida Building Code 2001 Section 903.6 does not require sprinklers . Florida Statue 553.895(2) exempts freestanding parking structures from sprinklers. . Fire Protection Code via NFP A 88A 6.1.3 exempts open parking structures from sprinklers. The local amendment (Ord. 2005-32) added water flow requirements authorized in the Florida Prevention Code, NFPA 1 Section 18.3.1, to Florida NFPA 1 13.5.1.1 which required approximately 6,600 gallons per minute for this building. Available was 2,167 GPM thus the local factor of 1/2, if sprinkled, was needed to reduce the local need to approx. 3,300 GPM. This is why the building has an automatic sprinkler system. RECOMMENDA TION: Encourage the Fire Districts to establish a study by a Fire Protection Engineer of the requirements for water flow at open parking garages. 8 3-11-08 - Final 15) TOPIC: FIRE CODE OFFICIALS AREAS OF MAJOR CONCERN POINT OF INFORMATION: The Fire Code Office presented to the Fire Review Task Force examples of building permits where Collier County caused by past administration, was not following the minimum code requirements. The following are just some examples illustrating the concerns that the Fire Districts have. The major concerns reviewed by the Task Force have included; non-compliance of code by private providers, outstanding permits and issues with various county projects, past problems with Early Start Letters and Phased Permits. I f anyone would like to view additional documentation and complete historical information, please contact the Fire Code Official's office at 239-252-3473, as per a public record request. ISSUEI: Private Provider Non-Compliance with Building Codes: Collier County, as allowed by the State, has accepted building applications that have been reviewed and approved by a Private Provider as meeting the minimum Building Codes for the State of Florida. Even after it has been noted by the Fire Code Official that Building Code violations exist, no Building Code review will be performed by Building Code Official. The Fire Code Official has forwarded written Building Code deficiencies to the Building Department and as of late, the practice of forwarding them to the Private Provider for correction has been instituted by Collier County. The Fire Code Official noted deficiencies are a byproduct of the Fire Code review and do not imply a complete building review was performed. It presented that the only the intention of the Fire Code Official; is to make the Building Department aware of these deficiencies so that a thorough review could be performed by them. Per the County Attorney Office, the Building Code Official does not have to perform this building review, as it could be considered a duplication of reviews. The utmost concern should be the safety and welfare of the citizens of Collier County, especially in light of the fact that there is no duplication of Building Code review. The policy that is in place at this time is to forward the items found by the Fire Code Official, to the Private Provider for corrections. ISSUE 2: Outstanding permits and issues with various Collier County's Projects: o Required Fire Sprinkler System for the Collier County Parking Garage o Non-Code Compliant Revision to Collier County Court House Annex. o Temporary CO for the Collier County Waste Water Reclamation Facility. o Outside Air Units for the Development Services Building. o Installation of New Boilers at the County Jail. Issues are further elaborated in Appendix Topic 15 Issue: 2 ISSUE 3: EARLY START LETTERS OR PHASED PERMITS: o Collier County Parking Garage o Flea Market o Immokalee Senior Housing o Sway Lounge 9 3-11-08 - Final .~..,_._--,_.,._----"--~"-' -. Issues are further elaborated in Appendix Topic 15 Issue: 3 Action: It is recommended that further review is needed to move these permit problems and issues to resolution. Since government policy dictates that all project permits need to be finalized, we urge appropriate action be taken immediately to finalize these permits. 16.) TOPIC: AREAS OF BUILDINGS ISSUE: A building has different methods of measuring its area. The documents submitted are unclear on how the value was derived. This causes inaccurate use and time of staff to clarify. RECOMMENDATION: Require the documents to note the following areas. 1. Florida Building Code: . General Building Areas per Section 502.1 . Gross Floor Area per Section 1002.1 . Net Floor Area per Section 1002.1 2. Florida Fire Prevention: . Gross Floor Area per FFPC NFPA 1 3.3.97.1 . Net Floor Area per FFPC NFPA 1 3.3.97.2 . Gross FloorAreaperFFPCNFPA 1013.3.16.2.1 . Net Floor Area per FFPC NFPA 1013.3.16.2.2 . Gross Leasable Area per FFPC NFPA 1013.3.16.2.3 3. Collier County Land Development Code . Floor Area per Collier LDC Section 1.08.00 . Floor Area for Parking per Collier LDC Section 4.05.04 4. Collier Impact Fee Square Footage . per Collier Code of Laws and Ordinances Chapter 74-108 . See Appendix Topic 16. 17.) TOPIC: LOCAL AMENDMENTS TO THE FLORIDA FIRE PREVENTION CODE ISSUE: See Appendix Topic 17 for the status of Local Amendment items RECOMMENDATIONS: The Board of County Commissioners should allow the local amendment to the Florida Fire Prevention Code 2005-32 to sunset or be repealed on October 1, 2008. Future amendments to the Florida Fire Prevention Code should be adopted by the Fire Districts, including the MSTU Fire Districts. 10 3-11-08 - Final 18.) TOPIC: COLLIER COUNTY BOARD ofCOUNTYCOMMISSlONIERS ISSUEI: Complaints regarding the Fire Code Official's office should be referred to the Fire District Administrating the Fire Code Official's Office. ISSUE2. Complaints for all Fire inspections should be directed to the appropriate governing Fire District. RECOMMENDA TION: Pursuant to Section 633.121, Florida Statutes, authority given by The State Fire Marshal to the Independent Fire Districts for the enforcement of The Florida Fire Prevention Code is out of the domain of The Board of County Commissioners. 11 3-11-08 - Final Appendix ISSUE 2: Collier County's Projects Collier County's Design Professionals have not been proactive in responding to code deficiencies as listed by the Fire Code Official. This is evidenced by either avoidance of the issues or avoidance of answers to the cited code deficiencies and an unwillingness to stop the scheduled work to proceed. The following are some examples: ISSUE 2.1: Reqnired Fire Sprinkler System for the Collier Connty Parking Garage: This building was cited as requiring a fire sprinkler system in the original plan review. This open parking garage took five corrections to get approved. This building was issued a building permit on 3/14/06; however, this building was up six stories and 90% completed per the threshold inspector report just two days after the building permit was issued. ISSUE 2.2: Non-Code Compliant Revision to Collier Conrt House Annex: A revision was submitted for the third floor build-out to provide a training facility in which the occupant load would exceed 50 persons. The Fire Code Official had this revision on hold as the minimum number of exits was not provided for the proposed occupant load; this requirement is also noted in the Florida Building Code. As a solution to the minimum code requirements of the Building Code, the Building Department Review office accepted two training rooms of 568 sq ft each with four fixed chairs (142 sq ft per chair) as a way to reduce the occupant load. In addition, a sign would be placed to state," A maximum occupant load of 30 persons". This was not acceptable to the Fire Code Official. During correction #4 of this said revision, the architect complied with the minimum codes. This one revision took the architect five months to provide compliant drawings for approval. ISSUE 2.3: Temporary CO for the Collier County Waste Water Reclamation Facility: The Director for Collier County Public Utilities, had a meeting with the East Naples Fire Marshal on March 7, 2006 to request a Temporary CO, as the new addition and remodel of this facility did not comply with the minimum fire codes or the requirements for vertical accessibility as outlined in the Florida Building Code (FBC). Due to issues beyond the County's control, it was agreed by all parties that the Collier County Utilities Department would be allowed to occupy this building with the understanding, via written letter from the Utilities Director, to have full compliance by January I, 2007. On December 18, 2006, the Utilities Director authored a letter to the previous Building Official, stating that this space would be re-assigned to work area, thus no compliance with the previous agreement would be necessary. As of this date, this building is non-compliant with the Fire Codes and may not meet the handicap requirements of the Florida Building Code this building has an expired Temporary Certificate of Occupancy as of 9/4/2006 and has no Certificate of Occupancy and is currently occupied and fully operational. ISSUE 2.4: Outside Air Units for the Development Services Building: had five, 6-ton OSA units installed that did not comply with the automatic shut down requirements of both the Mechanical Code and NFP A 90A. This permit was issued by the Fire Code Official with a 12 3-11-08 - Final _"_,~..__..__o~_,___~._--~._..'" stipulation because the units were already installed. As of this date, this permit is still in the issue status and no corrections have been provided, although the work is completed. ISSUE 2.5: Installation Of New Boilers at the County Jail: A contractor requested permission to start up new boilers located on the Collier County campus. When questioned, it was noted that no building permit was submitted for this installation. On November 1,2007 this building permit was submitted for review and was rejected by the Fire Code Official. To this date, no corrections have been provided, however the work is completed. ISSUE 3: Early Start Letters or Phased Permits While this issue seems to have been corrected with the new Building Official, the Fire Code Official is compelled to note that many projects have been cited as an ongoing problem due to the improper implementation of these provisions by the Building Department. The following are a few notable examples of buildings that incurred substantial problems when trying to conform to the applicable minimum codes after construction commenced: ISSUE 3.1: Collier County Parking Garage: Construction was completed up to six floors from an early start letter prior to the approval of a building permit. ISSUE 3.2: Flea Market: This is a 2002 building permit still in the apply status. This building is nearly completed, however, based on an early start letter, which then progressed into an illegal phase permit. To date, this building still does not have an approved building permit. ISSUE 3.3: ImmokaIee Senior Housing: On March 29, 2005, this building permit was issued without the approval by the Fire Code Official. On July 19, 2005 during the simultaneous review, it was noted the construction type did not comply with the minimum established per the approved SDP. This was noted and a field inspection was performed by both the Fire Code Official and the Building Department. With the construction type of this building, up two floors prior to a fire code approval, being a different construction type than what was approved at SDP, it compounded the already problematic lack of fire fighting water supply. This was brought to the attention of the Building Department; however, the contractor was permitted to continue even with fire code deficiencies and the concerns from the Fire Department for available fire fighting water supply. ISSUE 3.4: Sway Lounge: This permit was a fast track project, as it was the entrance into the East Naples Triangle. The building permit was submitted into Development Services on 8/26/05; however it was also issued an early start letter on 9/1/05 just 4-days after the permit was submitted. While there were major code issues for this project, the Building Department approved their review for this permit on the first submission while Fire Code Official had this permit on hold. It took the architect three corrections to provide all the required information for approval. During the construction phase, there was a revision rejected by the Fire Code Official but the contractor was given permission to continue with construction, despite the Fire Code deficiencies listed. This permission was granted by the Building Department. 13 3-11-08 - Final ERRATA LIST AS OF 3-14-08 Page 7 - 13.) TOPIC: WATER FLOW ISSUE: Adequate water pressure and flow is essential to Collier County fire protection services and these requirements are substantially higher than the minimum domestic water standards established by the state. The following is a summary of the issues discussed by the Fire Task Force with recommendations to improve level of service for Collier County property owners: Page 8 - 13.) TOPIC: WATER FLOW RECOMMENDA TlON: Water departments and flow test requirements: There needs to be a standard water pressure requirement for all water service providers to county fire lines and that it meets minimum fire requirements should have a updated future system expansion plan including upgrade of the existing so Fire Districts can make plan reviews asking for the most efficient solutions to flow and pressure requirements. Viols inBfHHlti8R fL!. ioiSflB (i3Rl.iB~Uj 8~ !J~(!oitll ;~ol: :oo~~i~~:~, B,~:~I: ~~ o:~I~;BB 8;' l\\li8~: rB .io,' .,' it~ ~~U~L~~ .~~ .~~~ ~~ E;'::~~ ;~:':i::~ ..;~:';:>;.~::~:~~ ~>,7; ~:~~ : . r . /1 ~m. tIe B.R'101utmeRto 10 l~l(Hll Mfa 08BQ 139808 8M ottltB IlBSJltBB BSeB. Collier County should require higher water flow and pressure from the City of Naples, independent service providers and Co llier County Utilities to a level of service commensurate with the impact fees that property owners are required to pay. Collier County Utilities has the capacity to turn on water pumps that are not normally used to increase pressure during emergency conditions. The utilization of existing communication systems and pumping capacity should be investigated to determine if this is a viable option, even though the fire districts are skeptical of this approach. ----..--..----- ---_._-,.,._-_.._>-^--~-------_.