BCAB #1661 - Travel Distance in a Residential Occupancy

June 17, 2009

BCAB #1661

Re: Travel Distance in a Residential Occupancy

Project Description
The subject building is a 21 storey hotel tower in a larger resort complex which includes a casino, retail shops, restaurants, day lodge, amenity spaces and a residential tower. The building is sprinklered and the hotel floors comprise typical hotel suites on both sides of a 1 hr fire rated public corridor served by exit stair shafts near each end.

Reason for Appeal
Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(c) permits a travel distance of up to 45 metres to at least one exit in a sprinklered floor area. Sentence 3.4.2.4.(1) describes travel distance as being measured along the path of travel from any point in a floor area to an exit except as permitted by Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2). Sentence (2) allows the travel distance to be measured from a suite egress door to the nearest exit where the suite is fire separated from the remainder of the floor area and the public corridor conforms to Article 3.3.1.4.

Appellant’s Position
The appellant contends that the 45 metre travel distance can be measured from the suite egress door because the conditions in Subclauses 3.4.2.4.(2)(a)(ii) and 3.4.2.4.(2)(b)(iii) have been satisfied. In addition, since public corridors in residential occupancies must have a fire resistance rating, regardless of the presence of sprinklers, the building will exceed the requirements of Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2).

Building Official's Position
The Building Official contends that in order to measure the travel distance from the suite egress door Clauses 3.4.2.4.(2)(a) and (b) must be complied with. The building cannot comply with Subclause 3.4.2.4.(2)(a)(ii) so it cannot conform to Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2) and by default must comply with Sentence 3.4.2.4.(1) requiring the travel distance to be measured from the most remote location in the floor area.

Appeal Board Decision #1661
It is the determination of the Board that the travel distance can be measured from the egress door of the suite to the exit. The Code establishes minimum requirements, with Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2) indicating any fire separation in a sprinklered building would meet the minimum criteria. The Board considers the intent statement for this Sentence supports this determination.

George Humphrey, Chair