Board approves canopy variance for Coca-Cola warehouse with required sprinklers under canopy

The Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals on Sept. 10 approved a variance allowing a canopy used for active loading at a Coca-Cola warehouse to remain within the open-yard zone required for an unlimited-area building, subject to conditions including installation of a fire-suppression system under the canopy. The motion carried after the board heard staff analysis, applicant testimony and fire-marshals’ input.

Dan Lyons, senior project manager for Clayco Construction, told the board the steel canopy (described in the hearing as a "bridal load canopy") would be used for active loading and unloading, would be noncombustible, and would not house storage or public occupancy. The applicant described the canopy’s use as limited to brief, daily loading operations (four trucks per day estimated), and said the canopy’s roof and structure would be…