BCAB #1642 - Residential Balcony Drainage, Sentence 7.1.4.2.(1), Sentence 1.1.3.2.(1) 1998 BC Building Code

February 27, 2008

BCAB #1642

Re: Residential Balcony Drainage, Sentence 7.1.4.2.(1), Sentence 1.1.3.2.(1) 1998 BC Building Code

Project Description

The subject is a high rise residential building with exterior balconies. The exterior balconies are superimposed, where one balcony’s concrete floor slab serves as roof over the balcony below.

The balcony floor is sloped to a central 2” drain which incorporates a pipe within the slab thickness running beyond the edge of the balcony and discharging. The intent of this design is to direct any storm water to a single location and not allow it to run over the entire edge of the balcony, causing unsightly discoloration.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 7.1.4.2.(1) requires every storm drainage system to be connected to a public storm sewer, a public combined sewer or a designated storm water disposal location. Sentence 1.1.3.2.(1) defines a storm drainage system as an assembly of pipes, fittings, fixtures, traps and appurtenances that is used to convey storm water to a public sewer or private sewage disposal system.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant contends the balcony drains are not storm water drainage systems as defined by the Code and are not required to be connected to a public sewer.

Building Official's Position
The Building Official considers the balcony drain to be a storm water drainage system and must be connected to the public storm sewer.

Appeal Board Decision #1642

It is the determination of the Board that this method of directing storm water does not constitute a drainage system as defined by the Building Code. Therefore, the Building Code does not require it to be connected to a public storm sewer or a designated storm water disposal location.

George Humphrey, Chair