Evening star., 1949-05-24
ewHeariingSe SET
AS Egress Code
Opposition Rises
Commissioners DeIoy
Final Action Until
Meeting Friday

Final Action Until
Meeting Friday
The Commissioners win hold
another hearing on the controver-
sial new fire prevention regula-
tions at 2 pm. Friday In the Dis
trict Building before reaching a
final decision.
Much opposition to the new
building code-the so-called egress
|regulations-developed at a hear
ing yesterday.
Opponents contended the ex-
tensive alterations which would
be required on buildings erected
before l946 are unnecessary and
would be costly.
Adopted in 1914.
The egress regulations were
adopted first in 1914. following an
apartment house fire here and
other major disasters over the
country. They were to have be-
come effective in l945.
Enforcement was post poned
four times. Last year the provi-
sions were relaxed to a great ex-
tent. The regulations were to
have gone into effect on January
/, but again the Commissioners
held up enforcement until the
regulations were printed.
The hearing yesterday was held
to consider final changes to the
page proofs Of the regulations.
The egress regulations would
require remodeling of many build
lngs In the city to enclose stair
ways, add additional exists, add
metal doors and make a multitude
of structural changes to improve
the fire resistant qualities Of the
Older buildings.
Stricter Code Since 1916.
A stricter building code for all
new buildings constructed has
been in effect since l946.
Nathan Lubar. secretary of the
Washington Property Owners As
ISOLATION, yesterday called for a
suspension Of the regulations for
six months to give the people Of
the city chance to study the
regulations.
These regulations are trying to
rebuild in a year a city it took $50
years to build" he declared.
Lester H. Steinem, representing
the Federation of Citizens Asso-
Citations, asked for so days in
which the citizens might study the
regulations.
Charles j. Bauer, executive Sec
retary of the Building Owners
and Managers Association. asked
that the regulations not apply to
apartments and Office buildings.
Analyses Costs. 4
Patf Miller. president Of the
Washington Guest House Associa5
ton. went into a detailed aI1Aaysis
of the regulations to show how
they would be costly 10 the sElalI
property owner. His testimony
took all afternoon.
Brig. Gen. Gordon r. Young,
Engineer Commissioner. reminded
Mr.. Miller that last year. at the
hearing on the egress regulations,
he had approved the regulations
with a few minor exceptions.
Mr.. Miller replied that was cor
rect but that many of the changes
he had suggested had not been
incorporated in this final draft
now being considered. On top Of
that, he added. public opinion
has been growing against the re-
gulations as the people realized
what it would mean in expendi-
lures.
Gen. Young said he knows the
full impact Of the regulations,
drawn up by a joint committee
of District officials and citizen
members, Is just dawning on the
property owners.
I'm glad to see the interest" I"
he said.
After the hearing next Friday.
the Commissioners will take the
matter under advisement. They
could order complete revision of
the regulations or immediate en-
forcement. Gen. Young would not
comment on what course Of action
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