BCAB #1582 - Occupancy in a Public Corridor, 3.3.1.4.(1), Appendix A-3.3.1.4.(1)

June 20, 2003

BCAB #1582

Re: Occupancy in a Public Corridor,  3.3.1.4.(1), Appendix A-3.3.1.4.(1)

Project Description

The subject building is 1580 m² in building area, 3 storeys in building height, fully sprinklered and classified as Group C. The building is designed to be used as staff residences at a recreational resort.

On the second storey there are two ancillary rooms or areas which are entirely open to the public corridor. The larger space will be used as a lounge and games area, containing seating, tables and chairs, a fireplace and a small kitchen without a range. The smaller area will be used as an internet computer area containing 6 computer stations. Neither area encroaches into the traveled area or required width of the public corridor.

Reason for Appeal

For the subject building, Article 3.3.1.4. requires a 45 minute fire separation between the public corridor and the remainder of the building.  Sentence 3.3.1.9.(5) states if a public corridor contains an occupancy, the occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to less than its required width.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends Sentence 3.3.1.4.(2) and Appendix A-3.3.1.4.(1) allow occupancies of a minor nature to be located in a public corridor, without separation.  These minor occupancies must take into account considerations such as construction type, flame spread ratings, controlling combustible contents and sprinkler protection.

Building Official's Position

The Building Official considers the lounge and internet computer areas as “the remainder of the building” and is required to be separated from the public corridor by a fire separation with an appropriate fire resistance rating.

Appeal Board Decision #1582

The Board considers both of the areas in question to be part of the ”remainder of the floor area” as described in Sentence 3.3.1.4.(3)., rather than part of the public corridor.

It is therefore the determination of the Board that these subject areas must be separated from the public corridor by a fire separation having the appropriate fire resistance rating.

George Humphrey, Chair