BCAB #1739 - Fire-Resistance Ratings for Floors and Roofs, Article 9.10.8.1.

January 16, 2014

BCAB #1739

Re: Fire-Resistance Ratings for Floors and Roofs, Article 9.10.8.1.

Project Description

The project is an 800 square foot building with a basement. The building serves as an office for an RV park and the basement contains water and electrical services for the RV sites as well as for the building itself.

Reason for Appeal

Article 9.10.8.1. requires a fire resistance ratings between floors.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that the basement is a service room as defined by the code.  Due to its size and the limited quantity of equipment, it is exempt from the requirements for fire separations as per Sentence 9.10.10.3.(2) and Clause 9.10.10.4.(2)(b), respectively.  The appellant further considers that because the basement is a service room, the requirements of Article 9.10.8.1. do not apply.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that the requirements of Article 9.10.8.1. apply and a 45 minute fire resistance rating is required for the floor.  The exemptions to this required fire separation are not applicable.  The requirements for service rooms are separate from the requirements for fire separations between floors and thus are not relevant to this appeal.

Appeal Board Decision #1739

It is the determination of the Board that Article 9.10.8.1. does apply and a 45 minute fire resistance rating is required for the floor assembly over the basement. The fire separation exemptions in Subsection 9.10.10. for some service rooms do not override the requirements for the fire resistance rating of a floor assembly.

Maura Gatensby, Vice Chair