BCAB #1613 - Stair Tread Design, Sentences 3.3.1.13.(1) and 3.4.6.7.(4)

November 23, 2005

BCAB #1613

Re: Stair Tread Design, Sentences 3.3.1.13.(1) and 3.4.6.7.(4)

Project Description

The subject building is a multi storey automobile dealership with a circular stair providing convenience access from the main floor showroom to a new car delivery area in the basement. The stairway is not a required exit. The stair is constructed such that the front edge of the treads are not perpendicular to the line of the handrail.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.3.1.13.(1) states that stairways shall conform to the dimensional requirements in Section 3.4 for exit stairways. Sentence 3.4.6.7.(4) requires the front edge of the stair treads in exits and public access to exits to be at right angles to the direction of exit travel.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends that Sentence 3.4.6.7.(4) does not apply to this circumstance, because the stair in question is neither an exit stair nor a public access to exit as defined by the Code.

Building Official's Position

The Building Official contends the only exclusions from the dimensional requirements for stairs are stated in Sentence 3.3.1.13.(1). The subject stairs are not one of the listed exclusions, and therefore are required to comply with the requirement of Sentence 3.4.6.7.(4) that stair treads be at right angles to the direction of travel.

Appeal Board Decision #1613

The Board considers that when a person is using a stairway, the stairway becomes an access to exit. In this specific circumstance, it was indicated the stairway “will be used daily by staff and members of the public.” Therefore it is the determination of the Board that Sentence 3.4.6.7.(4), which requires stair treads to be at right angles to the direction of exit travel, is applicable to these stairs.

Steve Gertsman, Vice Chair