BCAB #1563 - Sliding Doors, Sentence 3.3.1.11.(1)

March 18, 2002

BCAB #1563

Re: Sliding Doors, Sentence 3.3.1.11.(1)

Project Description

A medical office suite, (approx.120 m² ) includes two "examination" type rooms of approximately 10 m² . Each examination room utilizes a sliding pocket egress door which does not swing on a vertical axis.

Reason for Appeal

Article 3.3.1.11. has specific limitations for the use of sliding doors used as egress.

Sentence 1.1.2.4.(1) and its Appendix note states careful judgment must be use in applying requirements to alterations of existing buildings.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends the "examination" rooms which incorporate the pocket sliding doors are not part of the renovation project and therefore need not be changed. The level of safety of egress from these rooms are not being compromised or lowered.

Building Official's Position

Modifications are proposed to other parts of the suite and the Building Official has requested that egress from the examination room(s) be upgraded to current Code requirements.

Appeal Board Decision #1563

It is the determination of the Board that Sentence 3.3.1.10.(1) does not apply to doors within a suite. Therefore, the doors in question are not required to swing on a vertical axis.

George Humphrey, Chair