BCAB #1201 - 3.3.7.6.(14)(b) - Mechanical Ventilation of Vestibules Adjoining Storage Garages

April 18, 1990

BCAB #1201

Re: 3.3.7.6.(14)(b) - Mechanical Ventilation of Vestibules Adjoining Storage Garages

Project Description

High-rise apartment building with first two floors of suites adjacent to the above ground 2 storey parking garage.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.3.7.6.(13) requires vestibules between the storage garage and residentially occupied areas of the building. Clause 3.3.7.6.(14)(b) requires these vestibules to be naturally or mechanically ventilated.

Appellant's Position

Where the vestibule is mechanically ventilated the supply air can be taken from the building interior.

Building Official's Position

A mechanically ventilated vestibule must draw it's air from a fresh outdoor source.

Appeal Board Decision #1201

The intent of Sentence 3.3.7.6.(14) is to prevent contaminated air from the storage garage entering the residential occupancy. It is the determination of the Board that the Code does not require the air supply for mechanically venting the vestibule to be fresh air directly from the exterior. The requirements of the Code have been met in the design submitted with this Appeal, if the public corridor ventilation system is sized to provide make-up air for the suites and the vestibules.

George R. Humphrey, Chair