BCAB #1028 - Mezzanine Exits, Sentence 3.4.2.1.(5)

November 1, 1988

BCAB #1028

Re: Mezzanine Exits, Sentence 3.4.2.1.(5)

With reference to your letter of August 29, 1988 regarding exits from a mezzanine.

A mezzanine, whether or not considered as a storey for the purposes of calculating building height, is a separate floor area, and under the provisions of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(5) must be provided with exits on the same basis as any other floor area. This would include all requirements such as number, travel distance and fire protection, the only exemption being in Sentence 3.4.2.1.(6) which permits a single exit from a mezzanine, subject to certain conditions. Basically the occupant of a mezzanine must be provided with the same level of protection as is required for the occupant of the floor area beneath.

It would seem that the sample plan submitted contravenes the Code, the required travel distance has been exceeded.

J.C. Currie, Chair