Monday, October 7, 2024 at 6:38 PM
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City: Fair association lacked permits to build bleacher section

Kendall County Fair Association failed to secure permits necessary before constructing a new bleacher seating area — work that continued up to the day before the event – that collapsed last weekend.

A release issued Thursday by the city of Boerne tells of the lack of permitting for the reassembled bleacher section, which ccollapsed Aug 31 killing a 79-year-old woman and injuring 11 others.

The city is contracting with an independent structural engineer to evaluate the collapsed structure and provide a report regarding the failed bleacher structure, an inspection scheduled to be completed this week. That report will be made available to the city within the next three weeks.

Additionally, the KCFA has been directed to obtain a report from a structural engineer confirming its compliance with codes dealing with “standards for bleachers and telescopic seating and grandstands.” The press release stated the only permit on record was for a Carnivals and Fairs permit, “which triggered our fire marshal to schedule a grounds inspection of the fairgrounds,” conducted Aug. 30. The inspection included carnival rides, electrical layout, exhibit halls and exits for general safety issues.

It did not include any inspections of structures, such as the newly constructed addition, which would have occurred with a building permit.

“A search of city records shows no building permits were issued for 1307 River Road (fairgrounds address) from January 2023 to (Thursday),” the day the city issued the release.

The city said KCFA will need to apply for a demolition permit for the damaged structure before breaking it down.

“Additionally, due to failure to apply for the required building permits, the organization must pay an additional fee when issued a demolition permit,” the release stated.

Discussion with KCFA officials led to the discovery of the lack of permits. The bleachers in question were an old structure that was salvaged, and the new structure was made to house eight VIP sections, the bar, and a common walkway. Welding work on the bleacher section was still occurring up to the day before the event,” the city said.

On the night of the collapse, more than 100 people were seated or standing in the newly constructed area.

A 79-year-old woman died from her injuries in University Hospital in San Antonio.The city released the ages of the injured who were transported Saturday to area hospitals for care: Males ages 7, 37 and 65; and females ages 12, 27, 38, 75 and 79.

KFCA erected a safety fence Wednesday around the damaged structure to ensure security.


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