The Madison School District has won its appeal to the Michigan Construction Code Commission regarding whether its new stadium press box needs to be heated as an occupied space.
The school district is putting in bleachers in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and building a new press box and team room near the football field and track. However, state building inspectors had initially interpreted the mechanical code to say that the press box would be an ‘occupied space’ and would need permanent heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68 degrees.
By winning its appeal, the district can now proceed with the project without the additional costs.
In response to the initial ruling, State Senator Dale Zorn sponsored Senate Bill 294, which would amend Michigan’s construction code to clarify that interior spaces, such as press boxes, that are built as viewing areas for outdoor sporting activities are exempt from the permanent heating requirements.
State Representative Bronna Kahle has praised the decision as well. Madison Superintendent Ryan Rowe joined Kahle to testify in support of her legislation back in May.
Rowe said installing a heating system in the stadium’s press box would have resulted in about $250,000 in additional costs.
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