Twists and turns of the stairway chairlift (Activity Report)

Easy at first glance

Several factors have made the inclined stairway chairlift project seem like it would be easy. They include:

1. Two experienced vendors recommended the same make/model for our particular needs (Bruno Elite Curved), which they selected from among their broader (and fortunately overlapping) product lines.
2. As I have noted, that particular model is well established and well regarded. It is available with a commercial-grade package of safety features and controls.
3. Installation of that model is normally completed in a single day. The installer fits together the pieces of track, and then bolts the track’s footings to the stair treads. Done!

Below the jump, this post enumerates the much longer list of factors that have made the project difficult.…

Would the planned alterations meet Code for accessibility? (Speculation)

THE STATE HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE provides alternative minimum standards for alterations of qualified historical buildings or facilities. The section for accessibility can be found HERE. 

Our historic sanctuary building does qualify for the allowances under this code, according to our 2003 Historic Structure Report. And now that we are contemplating genuine alterations—not merely repairs or rehabilitation—it seems timely to explore what the applicable accessibility standards are. 

Below the jump, this post explores three aspects of the accessibility standards and how they would apply in our situation.…

Before altering our school facility, we must notify state gov’t

BECAUSE WE HOST a preschool, one stakeholder that we need to keep in mind is the state Department of Social Services. 

Last week, our preschool director pointed me to California’s Child Care Center General Licensing Requirements. 

In particular, Title 22, Division 12, Article 7 is about the Physical Environment. This is the section that pertains to our building-and-grounds concerns. It begins (emphasis added):

1. Prior to construction or alterations, the licensee shall notify the Department of the proposed change(s). 
2. The Department has the authority to require the licensee to obtain a building inspection by a local building inspector if the Department suspects that a hazard to children's health and safety exists. 
3. Prior to construction or alterations, state or local law requires that all facilities secure a building permit. 

The above are among the conditions for retaining a preschool license.