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Staff and commenters stress building and fire-code review for proposed lodging conversions
Summary
A submitted comment and staff remarks reminded the board that plan review, not the variance hearing, will determine occupancy classification, egress, sprinkler and alarm requirements for basement or hotel conversions and that some historic-building ADA questions may require waivers.
At the March 5 meeting staff read a submitted public comment urging careful attention to building and fire codes for proposed lodging conversions. The comment, summarized by staff, noted that converting basement spaces to sleeping rooms triggers International Residential Code/International Building Code requirements for emergency escape and rescue openings, may change occupancy classifications to mixed use and can require sprinklers, alarms and fire-resistive separations.
Staff clarified that these technical items are addressed in plan review with the village building inspector and the fire department, not in the variance findings; the fire department also submitted technical life-safety input for the board’s consideration. Board members and the applicant acknowledged these code layers and accepted that ADA-specific issues in historic buildings may be handled separately or through waivers.
The board conditioned one approval (basement rooms at 104 West Comanche) on reopening a second staircase and meeting building- and fire-code requirements as part of permitting.
