BCAB #1589 - Maximum Mezzanine Area, Subclauses 3.2.8.2.(1)(c) (i), (ii)

November 7, 2003

BCAB #1589

Re: Maximum Mezzanine Area, Subclauses 3.2.8.2.(1)(c) (i), (ii)

Project Description

The subject building is 2 storeys in building height, 3,418 m² in building area, and sprinklered. The building is classified as a Medium Hazard Industrial occupancy built under Article 3.2.2.70. 

A suite in the building, has an area of 1426.8 m², and contains a mezzanine with an area of 406.9 m². It is proposed to construct another mezzanine with an area of 130 m² at a level 1.4 m below the existing mezzanine and separated by about 3 metres. The two mezzanines would be connected by a 1.5 meter wide stair or ramp bridge. The aggregate area of the mezzanines will be 536.9 m². The aggregate mezzanine area will be approximately 38% of the area of the suite.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.2.8.2.(1) states “A mezzanine need not terminate at a vertical fire separation nor be protected in conformance with the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.9. provided the mezzanine serves a Group A, C, D, E of F major occupancy and is 500 m²  or less in area, and is not considered to be a storey in building height as described in Sentences 3.2.1.1.(3) or (4)”.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends any number of mezzanines may exist in a suite provided none of the mezzanines exceed 500 m² and the aggregate area of all mezzanines does not exceed 40% of open area in which they are located.

Building Official's Position

The Building Official contends the 500 m² limit relates to the aggregate area of all mezzanines within the suite.

Appeal Board Decision #1589

It is the determination of the Board that the area limitation of 500 m² as stated in Subclause 3.2.8.2.(1)(c)(i) is applicable to an individual mezzanine, not a cumulative area of all mezzanines within the suite.

George Humphrey, Chair