BCAB #1650 - Storage Garage Separation from Individual Storage Spaces, Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1)

September 17, 2008

BCAB #1650

Re: Storage Garage Separation from Individual Storage Spaces, Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1)

Project Description

The subject is sprinklered basement storage garage beneath a twenty-four storey building. Individual wire cage storage spaces, about 3 m X 1.5 m, are proposed in the front portion of parking spaces.

Reason for Appeal

Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) states a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation with a fire resistance rating of 1.5 h.

Appellant’s Position

The appellant acknowledges this matter has been dealt with by previous appeals, however new information is now provided by the Code’s intent statements. The intent statement indicates: To limit the probability that fire will spread from a storage garage to other parts of the building.

The appellant contends the 1.5 h fire separation is required between the storage garage and other occupancies and not between storage spaces of the same occupancy within the garage. The storage spaces should be permitted provided the combustible fuel load is limited to a F3 major occupancy, the same occupancy classification of the storage garage.

Building Official's Position

 The Building Official contends the matter has been ruled on with previous appeals, and that there is no significant new information for re-consideration.

Appeal Board Decision #1650

The Board considers the storage spaces to be a different occupancy than a storage garage as defined.

It is the determination of the Board that a fire separation with a minimum fire resistance rating of 1.5 hours is required between the parking garage and the storage spaces.

This determination is consistent with the previous decisions of Appeals #1411, #1457 and #1588.

George Humphrey, Chair