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Subject
Adoption of Ordinance to amend Chapter 5 of the Rockville City Code entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations,” Article VI entitled “One and Two Family Dwelling Code,” Section 5-102 entitled “Same-Amendments,” by further amending Appendix H, Section AH-102 of the 2003 Edition of the ICC (International Code Council) International Residential Code for One and Two Family Dwellings, so as to modify the definition of “patio cover” and allow the use of certain polycarbonate roofing material in the construction of patio covers.
Recommendation
Adopt the ordinance.
Change in Law or Policy
The subject local amendment adds to Appendix H, Section AH-102 of the 2003 International Residential Building Code to allow the use of multiwall polycarbonate sheet roofing material on patio covers.
Discussion
The proposed local amendment (Attachment C) to the 2003 International Residential Building Code will address the existing prohibition on the utilization of one specific plastic-based construction material – e.g., multiwall polycarbonate sheet roofing – on patio covers. The issue stems from Building Permit BLD2008-13996, which is an application to employ multiwall polycarbonate sheet roofing as the roofing material on an attached pergola under construction at 900 Brice Road (Attachment B). However, as currently adopted, Appendix H, Section AH-102 of the 2003 International Residential Building Code strictly prohibits the use of all “plastic” material from being used on patio covers.
This prohibition was added to the code in 2005 as a result of concerns about the proposed use of canvas fabric for an accessory structure at a College Gardens residence. The chief concerns were aesthetic in nature, especially the risk of unsightly permanent structures incorporating materials susceptible to becoming weather worn and torn. At that time, the Mayor and Council amended the Code to ban "plastics, canvas, tarpaulin, and other types of fabric or pliable material...in the construction of patio covers" in residential zones. The subject material is a composite plastic, and while it is somewhat pliable, it is not fabric-like, and it is intended specifically for the proposed use . A sample of the material will be available at the meeting and can be seen on Attachment A. This amendment is being proposed so the Mayor and Council can confirm or clarify the intent as it relates to the use if this particular type of plastic.
Mayor and Council History
This item was introduced by the Mayor and Council on January 12, 2009.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this agenda item.
Attachments
  
Department Head:
Susan Swift, Director of Community Planning and Development Services
Approved on: 01/13/2009
Assistant City Manager:
Jenny Kimball, Assistant City Manager
Approved on: 01/17/2009
City Manager:
Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 01/21/2009
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