BCAB #1615 - Egress from Multi Level Residential Suite, Sentence 3.3.4.4.(2)

November 23, 2005

BCAB #1615

Re: Egress from Multi Level Residential Suite, Sentence 3.3.4.4.(2)

Project Description

The subjects are multi level residential suites located on the 28th and 29th stories of a multi residential building. On level 28, each suite is provided with an egress door accessing a public corridor with subsequent access to 2 separate exit stairs. On level 29, each suite is provided with an egress door accessing a public corridor with subsequent access to the 2 separate exit stairs. Access to a suite’s egress door on the 29th level is through its master bedroom’s walk in closet. Within each suite, a convenience stair is provided to connect the two levels.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.3.4.4.(2) requires each storey of a multi level dwelling unit be provided with an egress door opening directly into a public access to exit from the uppermost and the lowest story so that each storey is served by an egress door located not more than 1.5 m above or below its floor level.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant considers the design complies with the Code requirements. The Building Code has no specific requirement, which would preclude the design of a residential unit to include occupant travel via a walk-in closet to a required egress door.

Building Official's Position

The Building Official contends Sentence 3.3.4.4.(2) specifies that the two means of egress can be provided by exits or egress doors and therefore the egress door should provide a similar level of safety as exit doors. Sentence 3.4.2.5.(4) states that exit doors shall be located and arranged so that they are clearly visible and that their locations are clearly visible or that their locations are clearly indicated and they are accessible at all times. Hence, the egress doors provided should be visible and accessible at all times.

Appeal Board Decision #1615

It is the determination of the Board that the proposed design for means of egress within the two level dwelling units comply with Sentence 3.3.4.4.(2).

Steve Gertsman, Vice Chair