HomeMy WebLinkAboutFile Documents.533 E Main St.0004.2017 (6).ACBKMay 22nd, 2017
Mr. Stephen Kanipe
Chief Building Official - City of Aspen
Re: St. Mary Catholic Church
Dear Mr. Kanipe,
Thank you again for your time and attention given to the St. Mary renovation project over the last few
years — parishioners and the larger Aspen community are getting excited about moving from plan to
fruition.
As we 'are working with a historic structure and one that continues to function as a Catholic Church, we
write to request exemption from the following code requirements:
• Two exits
• Separation of exits
• The common path of travel distance from the sanctuary
Any hazard to the occupants will not be increased with the renovation: the existing building is sprinkled
and will continue to be; the occupant load is not increasing as the function is not changing nor is the
weekly gathering.
We are requesting exemption for the U factor per 2015 IECC C501.6 as we have historic stained glass
windows. Also, we request exemption for lighting compliance on the upper level per 2015 IECC C405.1/3
for lighting use for theatrical purposes. Again, this is historic and religious space.
To meet accessibility requirements at the altar, we have provided space for a portable ramp to be stored
close to the sacristies. This ramp will provide an accessible route in lieu of a permanent ramp, which would
be a detrimental addition to the historic space and normal flow of liturgical activity.
We request exemption from making the new confessionals accessible as doing so would necessitate a
much larger structure than the existing historic nave can hold. The church currently has no private
confessionals; the existing policies for accommodation anyone in need of a confession adequate space
and privacy with the priest.
The parish also requests exemption from providing handrails up the steps to the altar. St. Mary church is
adding in an historic altar rail, similar to the one that was built with the church in 1892. The functions of this
altar rail are sacred and specific; having an integrated handrail would harm not only the historic design of
the rail, but also its liturgical function.
Lastly, we request that the new mechanical intakes be located at the same level as the existing ones, with
the assertion that the parish's full-time maintenance professional will clear any snow away from the area
wells. We currently have an intake located below grade in an area well, and will be adding a second to
handle the new HVAC system; all snow will continue to be cleared away.
Thank you sincerely,
Marina Skiles, Senior Project Architect
City of Aspen
C eloehledJNIFFE ARCHITECTS
61 O&JISq/17AN AVENUE ASPEN, COLORADO
Building Department
The above request for exemption from specific IBC code
provisions are granted as allowed by IBC section 3409.1 as the
requests do not constitute a distinct life safety hazard. The IECC
requests are acceptable as both are specifically allowed by the
code. The mechanical intakes may r ain in the curreV, t location.
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