The project is a multi-use building on a sloping site. There are four floor levels throughout the street accessible storey varying from 33.85 m stepping down to 31.24m. Grade has been determined as 31.24 m.
Definitions of grade and first storey per Article 1.4.1.2. of Division A of the 2012 British Columbia Building Code
Grade means the lowest of the average levels of finished ground adjoining each exterior wall of a building, except that localized depressions need not be considered in the determination of average levels of finished ground. (See First storey and Appendix A.)
First storey means the uppermost storey having its floor level not more than 2 m above grade.
The local authority has determined that the subject building is 5 storeys in building height.
The appellant has determined first storey by measuring the lowest level of the street accessible storey above the 31.24 m grade. Because this storey has only 3 storeys above it, it is considered the first storey of 4.
It is the determination of the Board that the subject building is 5 storeys in building height.
Based on grade being 31.24 m the highest finished floor level of the street accessible storey is 33.85 m, which is more than 2 m above grade. This results in this floor level being the second storey with 3 storeys above it. The Board recognizes that much of the first storey may be below ground.
Lyle Kuhnert
Chair, Building Code Appeal Board