BCAB #1258 - Fire Alarm Systems for Residential Occupancies Articles 9.10.17.2. & 9.10.17.3.

July 22, 1991

BCAB #1258

Re: Fire Alarm Systems for Residential Occupancies Articles 9.10.17.2. & 9.10.17.3.

Project Description

A three storey plus basement student residence (residential major occupancy). The building is divided into modules which contain two suites per floor, either four bedroom student units or two bedroom family units. Each floor of each module is served by a public corridor with an exit stair at each end. The front stair to each module is an interior stair and the rear stairs are exterior.

Reason for Appeal

Article 9.10.17.2. requires a fire alarm system in a building containing a residential major occupancy with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons. Article 9.10.17.3. provides an exception to this requirement where an exit or public corridor serves not more than 4 suites or where each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that his design meets the requirements of Article 9.10.17.3. and a fire alarm system is not required.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that Article 9.10.17.3. does not apply because each exit stair serves more than four suites. He considers each exit stair serves eight suites (2 suites per floor X 4 floors = 8 suites).

Appeal Board Decision #1258

It is the determination of the Board that the building in question requires a fire alarm system because it contains 4 storeys and the number of persons for whom sleeping accommodation is provided exceeds 10. None of the exemptions in Article 9.10.17.3. apply because the exit stairs serve 8 suites and the suites do not have direct access to the exterior.

George R. Humphrey, Chair