City of Boise | Planning & Development Services | Fall 2011
2 Fire and Smoke Separation Wall Identification
Code requirements
3 Public Hearings Relocated to Capital Building
All PDS committee/commission hearings held at Capital
5 Roofing Permits Required
Reroofing both residential and commercial structures
require a permit and inspection
PDS Online | eServices
New Electronic Applications
PDS Online | eServices is the name of
our electronic review program, which
consists of four parts:
PDS Online users now have access to eApply, which simplifies
the application process for both customers and staff. Customers
can submit electronic applications and take the first step toward
ePlanReview. Since eApply automatically uploads the customer’s
application data into our database, staff will not have to manually create the case. There are currently two electronic applications
available through eApply:
eApply
• Customers submit applications
electronically and take the first
step toward ePlanReview.
ePlanReview
• Customers and staff collaborate
using electronic plan review.
ePermit
• Customers can pull trade permits,
schedule inspections and manage
their permits online.
ePay
• Customers can pay PDS permit
fees online with an electronic
check transfer, or pay with most
major credit cards.
#161 - Design Review Application
#502 - New Commercial/Commercial Additions
Is eApply different from a paper application?
• PDS Online Account Required
Customers need a free PDS Online user account to submit
electronically. • Register for a free account
• New Submittal Requirements
Electronic applications have different submittal requirements
than the old paper applications. For example, since electronic
projects are reviewed through ePlanReview, the extra paper
copies that were required are now unnecessary.
Applicants must agree to follow our strict file naming requirements and other submittal standards when uploading plans
for ePlanReview. Plans must leave specified areas of the sheet
reserved for City approval stamps. Plans that do not meet
these requirements will not pass the pre-screen review step.
• Plan Submittal Standards
City of Boise | Planning & Development Services | Hammer & Nail Newsletter | Fall 2011 | 2
Fire and Smoke Separation Wall Identification
Code Requires Identification of Fire and Smoke Separation Walls
The integrity of fire and smoke separation walls is
subject to compromise during the life of a building.
Continuous building maintenance and remodel activities can result in new openings or penetrations
being installed through a fire rated wall or smoke
separation wall without the proper firestopping
protection. Most are not aware that the wall they
are penetrating is an existing rated wall. For this
reason, the building code now requires all fire and
smoke separation walls to be marked and identified. The code reads as:
703.6 Marking and Identification
Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers
and smoke partitions or any other wall required to
have protected openings or penetrations shall be
effectively and permanently identified with signs or
stenciling. Such identification shall:
will prevent the spread of fire or smoke through the
rated wall in an event. The identification marks are
not intended to be located in areas visible to the
general public. Typical locations would be above a
suspended ceiling or other concealed spaces such
as an attic area.
There is an exception to the requirement for R-2
occupancies (i.e. apartments, dormitories, live/
work units) unless a decorative ceiling is installed.
Separation walls in these types of uses are seldom
altered, thus identification is not required unless
the concealed space above a ceiling can be easily
accessed.
Floor or roof deck
Concealed space
1. Be located in accessible concealed floor,
floor-ceiling or attic spaces; and
2. Be repeated at intervals not exceeding 30
feet measured horizontally along the wall or
partition; and
3. Include lettering not less than 0.5 inch in
height, incorporating the suggested wording: “FIRE AND/OR SMOKE BARRIER-PROTECT
ALL OPENINGS” or other wording.
•
Protect all openings
Sign or stenciling
at maximum
30-ft intervals;
Minimum
½ in. lettering
Exception: Walls in Group R-2 occupancies
that do not have a removable decorative
ceiling allowing access to the concealed
space.
Encourage Proper Protection
The intent is to mark and identify these walls in
hopes that future openings or penetrations are
properly protected by maintenance staff, contractors or other personnel. Protecting the openings or
penetrations with approved firestopping materials
Fire Barrier
Floor
Ceiling
City of Boise | Planning & Development Services | Hammer & Nail Newsletter | Fall 2011 | 3
Moving Forward Series
HVAC Industry Best Practices Training
The Moving Forward series provides an interactive forum for
the HVAC industry to learn of current code changes and best
practices. The half day training addresses the adoption of the
2009 International Energy Conservation Code, International
Mechanical Code, International Residential Code and International Fuel Gas Code.
Topics will include code changes, Manual J, D, & S requirements, duct leakage testing, insulating and air sealing, combustion air and CO monitors, and updated information on successful “ducts inside” projects, innovative technology, whole house
ventilation and air filtration. All aspects of the HVAC industry
(architects, designers, general contractors and installers) are
encouraged to attend.
Winter Weather
Dates and locations vary. An event is scheduled in Meridian on
December 12, 2011. Go to www.idahocities.org/movingforward
for more information.
Your job site’s erosion control methods may need to be configured and/
or scheduled differently to stay in
compliance with Boise’s erosion and
sediment control ordinance.
Note: The City of Boise requires all residential air balancing
tests to be performed by certified air balancers. The most common certification program used by contractors in Idaho is the
Idaho Association of Building Officials (IDABO) program. See
their website at www.idabo.org for more information.
Public Hearings Relocated to
Capital Building
Due to construction within Boise City
Hall, all Planning & Zoning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and Design Review Committee
public hearings will be relocated to the
State Capitol starting November 28,
2011.
Hearings will be held in the State
House Auditorium:
State Capitol Building
700 W. Jefferson Street
1st Floor / 8th Street Entrance
Erosion Control Update
Winter weather is on the way! The
rain and snow that will saturate job
sites will also bring frequent visits
from the erosion control inspectors.
Winter Erosion Control Tips
•
Plan “off haul” project phases
when the soil is dry and not
saturated. You could have an
issue with tracking if this activity
occurs during any rain event.
•
Inspect and clean the storm drain
inlet protection before storm
events. If necessary, inspect and
maintain the inlet protection
after the storm.
•
Post your ESC sign at the front
of the project where it is visible
from the street.
•
Educate employees and subcontractors about the responsibilities required to keep the project
in compliance.
Please contact the Erosion Control
Division if you have any questions or
concerns.
City of Boise | Planning & Development Services | Hammer & Nail Newsletter | Fall 2011 | 4
Fire Plan Review’s
Holiday Safety Tips
Following a few simple fire safety tips can keep electric lights,
candles, and the Christmas tree from creating a tragedy.
• Inspect holiday lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps
in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only
lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
• Do not link more than three light strands, unless the
directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights
to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the
outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they
should not be warm to the touch.
• Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!
• All decorations should be nonflammable or flameretardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are
using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame
retardant.
• Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do
not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of
the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your
family at risk.
• Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace, as it can
result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks
and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
• Avoid using lit candles. If using lit candles, make sure
they are in stable holders and place them where they
cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house
with candles burning.
• Never put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a
Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or
matches.
• Do not place your Christmas tree close to a heat
source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will
dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by
heat, flame or sparks.
• Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for
longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with
water at all times.
City of Boise | Planning & Development Services | Hammer & Nail Newsletter | Fall 2011 | 5
Reroofing Permits Required
Permits and Inspections Required
Reroofing both residential and commercial structures require
a permit and inspection per Boise City Code 4-02.
The existing roof must be structurally sound and in proper condition to receive the new roofing. If necessary, the existing roof covering must be removed prior to installing new roofing materials.
Additional code provisions identify the types of materials, reuse
of materials, flashing, roof slope and manufacturer’s installation
requirements.
Failure to obtain the required roofing permit and inspection is a
violation of Boise City Code. Contractors and homeowners found
to be working without a roofing permit are subject to additional
fees and Stop Work Orders.
Use PDS Online to Obtain Permits, Pay Fees
Photo credit: Hendie Dijkman at flickr.com
Roofing contractors can use PDS Online to obtain a permit and
pay fees. A free PDS Online account is required. Homeowners can
obtain a permit and pay fees at our office within Boise City Hall,
located at 150 N Capitol Blvd on the second floor.
PDS Directory
www.cityofboise.org/pds
City of Boise
Structural Inspectors
Fire Inspectors
Bob Archibald Jim Storey Tom Arcoraci
David Hannah
Jim Sly Tony Young
Michael Jordan
Forrest France Troy Cobbley Mayor: David H. Bieter
City Council: Maryanne Jordan (President)
Alan Shealy (Pro Tem), Elaine Clegg, David Eberle,
TJ Thompson, Lauren McLean
PDS Director: Bruce Chatterton
Hammer & Nail
The Hammer & Nail is published quarterly.
Sign up to receive the newsletter via e-mail
at www.cityofboise.org/pds.
794-9459
794-9490
794-9368
794-1967
794-9465
794-9462
794-9473
Erosion Control
Steve Webb Clint Smith 794-9491
794-8996
Building Official
Plumbing Inspectors
Jason Blais Bill Vandegrift Daryl Spivey Jim Johnson Code Enforcement
794-9372
794-9485
794-9476
Mechanical Inspectors
Deanna L. Gutierrez
Bill Vandegrift Alan Hauser Dixie Fellows Troy James Contributors
Electrical Inspectors
Bob Archibald, Jason Blais, Clint Smith,
Scott Arellano
Doug Poedy Jack Frank Bob Reichert Daryl DeGrange
Editor
794-1981
794-9483
794-9372
794-9453
794-6208
794-9461
447-7209
794-1930
794-1923
794-1379
Scott Brown
Dena Gambrel
Carol Montgomery Joe Venneman
384-3807
794-9484
794-4052
794-9481
794-1195
Other Numbers
PDS Front Desk 384-3830
Street Trees/Forestry
Brian Jorgenson
384-4083
Impact Fees
Cindy Gould
384-3720