HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-Letter (use conversion) City of Oshkosh
Division of Inspection Services
215 Church Avenue
PO Box 1130
O O �J � „ , Oshkosh WI 54902-1130
Office 920 - 236 -5050
ON THE WATER Fax 920 - 236 -5084
JASON LINDEMANN
SWEETWATER MARINE
PO BOX 3006
OSHKOSH WI 54903 -3006
January 31, 2007
Re: Use conversion of buildings
Dear Mr. Lindemann;
The following is intended to provide some insight on various code issues to be aware of in the conversion and
remodeling for the various buildings at this site. This is not intended to be a complete review of each building,
rather a quick overview of items that immediately come to mind should you pursue use conversions of the various
buildings.
State of Wisconsin Building Code requires buildings undergoing a change of use or modification to be done under
the supervision of a Wisconsin Registered Architect, Engineer or HVAC Designer (for HVAC issues.) The
supervising professional must first evaluate each building that undergoes a change of use or remodeling for
compliance with the State Building and HVAC Code. Depending on the results of the code evaluation, plans may
need to be prepared by a Wisconsin Registered Architect, Engineer or HVAC Designer (for HVAC issues) and
submitted for review and approval. Once plans are reviewed and approved, the required permits must be obtained
to perform the alterations, changes, modification designated on the plans.
Additionally, as part of the process outlined here, you will need to coordinate with the Planning Services Division
relative to the conversion from manufacturing to the marina operation as this relates to the designated
Redevelopment District. Please contact Darryn Burich, Planning Services Director for further information
regarding this process at 920 - 236 -5059.
The following is intended to identify key Code issues that may be unique to each building.
501 S Main St.
While there are offices present, the offices were used for the Marina Sales and Service operation. Changing the
west half of the building to offices for your health care business results in a change of occupancy from a
retail/motor vehicle repair operation to an office operation. This will necessitate plans to be submitted by an
architect or engineer showing what changes may be required by the State Building Code. Such items might include
an accessible route to the mezzanine and structural alterations for the existing mezzanine (concerns were developed
over the adequacy of the framing, structural support during our tour.)
Also, when we met last summer, it was noted the Boat Storage Warehouse had numerous broken windows. The
broken panes of glass must be replaced to comply with the City's Property Maintenance Code. If you desire to
address this in a different manner, please review such with this office prior to proceeding to determine if your
approach is code compliant and if Building Permits are required.
During our meeting last summer, we also noted a trailer home /camping trailer had been set up in your parking lot.
Per our meeting, this was being used by an individual that had been hired to make repairs to a boat in the Boat
Storage Warehouse. Please be advised, this type of use is not allowed in this Zoning District. If not already done,
the use of the trailer home must be discontinued and the trailer must be removed.
102 W S Ave.
During our tour, you indicated tentative plans to raze and remove the western portion of the building and convert
the remainder into a yacht club. A Yacht Club would be classified as an Assembly Group use. In addition to
reviewing for Handicap Access and HVAC compliance, Assembly Halls falling into the tavern/restaurant/club
category must be provided with a compliant sprinkler system if the square footage exceeds 5000 sf or subdivided
with Area Limit Fire Separation wall. If a sprinkler system exists in this building, it would need to meet present
day code requirements to satisfy the aforementioned code requirement.
106 W 6 Ave
This building has been converted from factory/warehouse to automotive /vehicle repair. In addition to handicap
access requirements required of the use conversion, meeting the HVAC exhaust and Make Up Air requirements for
repair garages for this conversion will be a key item. Additionally, you should consult with your electrician about
any electric code issues that may have resulted from this conversion.
Vehicle service /repair areas are generally required to provide a Garage Catch Basin to collect and separate
greasy /oil waste from water collected. Contact Paul Wolf, Plumbing Inspector (236 -5052) for further information
on this requirement.
126 W 6 Ave
This building is being used as a vehicle showroom, which results in a change of use from a Factory occupancy to a
Business Occupancy. Key items with this conversion will be compliance with handicap access requirements,
meeting exiting requirements and determining the amount of gasoline capable of being stored in the vehicles as this
has a potential to push the occupancy classification from a Business Group to a High Hazard Group.
This communication should not be considered as a complete code evaluation of your premises, rather a quick
overview to explain why a code review and plan submittal/review /approval is required. Please keep me informed
of your progress toward compliance with the buildings that have already undergone a use conversion as these have
been done without the required approvals. If you have any questions about these requirements please call me at
920 - 236 -5045.
Si - -rely; /
/ I
le/ /IP 111
• / D. off
Dire • r of i • spection Services
cc: Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development
Darryn Burich, Planning Services Director