BCAB #1655 - Separation of Repair Garage, Sentence 9.10.9.17.(2)

April 22, 2009

BCAB #1655

Re: Separation of Repair Garage, Sentence 9.10.9.17.(2)

Project Description
The subject building is two storeys in building height with an area of about 300m², measured within its exterior walls. The building will be used by an excavating / underground services contractor. Within the interior of the building there is a two storey high truck bay used for servicing of equipment and motor vehicles with an area of about 190m². The remainder of the first storey (110 m²) is office, washrooms and storage area. The second storey (110 m²) consists of office space and storage.

Reason for Appeal
Sentence 9.10.9.17.(2) permits ancillary spaces directly serving a repair garage, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts areas and supervisory office space, need not be separated from the repair garage.

Appellant’s Position
The appellant contends the fire separation with a 2 hour fire resistance rating is not required between the repair garage and the other areas of the building, as these areas should be considered to be ancillary spaces.

Building Official's Position
The building official considers the exemption permitted by Sentence 9.10.9.17.(2) is not applicable as the size and use of these rooms are not ancillary to the repair garage.

Appeal Board Decision #1655
It is the determination of the Board that the motor vehicle servicing area (repair garage) must be separated from spaces not directly serving the repair garage by a fire separation with a 2 hour fire resistance rating. The Board does not consider all of the ancillary spaces in the building to directly serve the repair area.

George Humphrey, Chair