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Activity no: 10-06588 <br /> Describe the reason for the proposed alternative: <br /> We would like to use corrugated polycarbonate (100%on greenhouse roof) for several <br /> reasons: <br /> 1. Corrugated polycarbonate lets approximately 90%light—close to what glass <br /> would be. <br /> 2. Polycarbonate is much lighter than glass, which means it requires less substantial <br /> framing. <br /> 3. The impact resistance is superior to glass—it will not break like glass, which <br /> would reduce the risk to our customers. <br /> 4. In glass greenhouses, there is the need for many smaller,overlapping glass <br /> segments that increase the risk of heat leakage. <br /> 5. Its rated class CC 1 (Section 2606 of the building code). <br /> Describe the why,how,etc., the proposed alternative is equivalent and meets the <br /> intent of the code in terms of"strength, effectiveness,fire resistance, durability, <br /> health, and safety". <br /> With the attached data sheet, you can see that corrugated polycarbonate is within the code <br /> guidelines for strength,effectiveness,and durability;however,there have been some <br /> questions about the fire resistance of the material and thus the health and safety of our <br /> patrons. <br /> We believe that the intent of the code is to ensure that no building is constructed of <br /> materials that may cause a fire hazard. We have included information on polycarbonate <br /> and have talked with the Woodburn Fire Marshall Paul Iverson. Both of these sources <br /> indicate that corrugated polycarbonate is not a fire hazard. The attached documents show <br /> the flammability rating of the material, which demonstrates that polycarbonate is a self- <br /> extinguishing material,and thus will not burn on its own. When we take into account that <br /> the structure is a retail greenhouse and will be filled with live plant material that is <br /> noncombustible and the framework of the greenhouse is steel we can see that there will <br /> be nothing in the greenhouse that would fuel any fire that happens to ignite. Therefore,if <br /> a fire were to ignite from an outside source it would extinguish immediately. <br /> While the proposed structure is approximately 6000 sft, one has to take into account that <br /> there are 6 exterior exits. Each 40X55 greenhouse will have exit doors on each end, <br /> which would mean a travel distance of less than 50 ft to exit the building in case of <br /> emergency. <br /> I believe that corrugated polycarbonate on the roof of a greenhouse is not a fire hazard <br /> and maintains the health and safety of our patrons and thus meets the intent of the <br /> building code. <br />