Board rules 214 Broadway an A3 occupancy after owners' appeal

The appeals board voted to classify the property at 214 Broadway as an A3 occupancy after hearing an appeal from the owners and their architect. Committee member (speaker 2) moved to consider the space an A3 based on the presentation of how the space would be used; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

Lee Dobrens of JLG Architects, representing the applicants, told the board the space is intended as a boutique private event venue for bridal and baby showers, small weddings, memorials, business meetings and similar gatherings, and that the layouts submitted show roughly 88–95 seats. "We just don't feel that it rises to something being considered a banquet hall," Dobrens said, arguing the space lacks kitchen facilities and is limited in footprint.

Board members debated whether the presence of food and outside caterers in the applicants' descriptions pushed the space toward an A2 classification, which can trigger sprinkler requirements at higher occupant loads. Sean (speaker 3) explained the building official's reading of the code, saying inclusion of catering staff in occupant calculations tends to indicate an A2 intent. Committee members countered that small, privately managed event spaces in downtown contexts often function more like A3 uses.

After discussing enforcement options and possible safeguards to limit attendance, the board voted to adopt the A3 classification. The transcript records an affirmative voice vote and the chair declared the motion carried; the transcript includes an explicit "Aye" from Lee Dobrens during the vote.