BCAB #1447 - Classification of Auto Detailing Business, Articles 3.3.5.6. and 9.10.9.17.

September 17, 1997

BCAB #1447

Re: Classification of Auto Detailing Business, Articles 3.3.5.6. and 9.10.9.17.

Project Description

The automotive detailing business in question occupies a suite within a multi-tenant industrial building.

Reason for Appeal

Articles 3.3.5.6. and 9.10.9.17. require a repair garage to be separated from all other occupancies by a fire separation with a fire resistance rating of at least 2 hours.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that their business is not auto repair but only involves washing vehicles within the building and they are only in the building for short periods of time. There is no overnight storage permitted.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that any time a car is being cared for, no matter what the reason, it is considered a repair garage and a 2 hour fire separation is needed.

Appeal Board Decision #1447

The Board does not consider washing vehicles to be servicing as intended by the definition of repair garage. Therefore, as cars are not being serviced and are not stored in the building, neither Article 3.3.5.6. nor Article 9.10.9.17. are applicable to this business.

George R. Humphrey, Chair