BCAB #1302 - Detached Carport Serving Multi-Family Residential Building, Articles 9.10.14.10 & 9.36.2.1

April 26, 1993

BCAB #1302

Re: Detached Carport Serving Multi-Family Residential Building, Articles 9.10.14.10 & 9.36.2.1

Project Description

The project in question is an eight unit residential condominium. Serving the condominium are two spatially separated four car carports located in front of the building. The carports are simply roofs on posts, have no enclosing walls and are a minimum of nine feet from the residential building. The wood frame buildings are designed under Part 9 of the 1985 B.C. Building Code.

Reason for Appeal

Subsection 9.10.14. requires buildings to be spatially separated and the distance between them is governed by building occupancy and the area of unprotected openings in exterior walls.

Appellant's Position

The appellant argues that spatial separation for carports such as these is not clearly covered by the code. The appellant concludes that the carports clearly meet the "definition" of carport in Article 9.36.2.1. so they are not garages and not subject to the spatial separation requirements of Article 9.10.14.10.

Building Official's Position

The building official disagrees with the appellant's conclusion and maintains that spatial separation of the carports must be addressed.

Appeal Board Decision #1302

It is the determination of the Board that the spatial separation requirements of Subsection 9.10.14. do apply to the carports in question. Section 9.36. only applies to carports and garages serving a single dwelling unit so is not applicable to this situation.

George R. Humphrey, Chair