Appeal 23830

2019 OSSC 1006.2.1 Egress based on occupant load and common path of egress travel distance. Reconsideration: 1016.2 Egress through intervening spaces. Item 5.

Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the values listed in Table 1006.2.1. The cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms, areas or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.2.

Reconsideration: 1016.2.5 Egress shall not pass through kitchens, storage rooms, closets or spaces used for similar purposes.

Proposed modifications to tenant suite results in common path of travel distance of 138’-0”. Requesting single exit be granted for this configuration.

Tichenor Dzubia is a small law firm on the 14th floor of the Standard Plaza building. The tenant needs to downsize their office space. The proposed configuration would reduce the suite to just under 3,000 square feet with an occupant load of 44 people. However, the layout of the space is such that the common path of travel to the single exit is 104’-6”. The “giveback” portion of the suite is just under 900 square feet and will be combined with the adjacent suite. Refer to attached floor plan.

Reconsideration: Measuring the travel path orthogonally results in a common path of travel of 138’-0”. Refer to attached revised floor plan. To reduce this distance, we propose adding an exit access door to the existing file room that opens into the reception area. Both doors into the file room would be equipped with passage set hardware (non-locking). The resulting common path of travel using these exit access doors is 96’-2”. Refer to attached “Option” plan for proposed configuration. Also attached is an overall 14th floor plan showing the suites in question and their relationship to the exit stairs.

The location of the suite on the floor is such that providing a second exit is not feasible without compromising the security of the suites or exiting through and adjacent tenant space. The common path of travel exceeds the code requirement by 4’-6”. The common path of travel shown on the plan measures the distance from the most remote corner of the space. In practical terms, the furniture used in the office will include a credenza behind the desk which will result in the common path of travel measurement meeting the 100’ requirement. The occupant of this office will not have to travel more than 100’ to reach the exit access door of the suite.

Reconsideration: By adding an exit access door to the file room, we have attempted to create a loop corridor within the office suite. While the file room is used for the storage of legal case files, we feel it does not fit the definition of storage as described in 1016.2.5. The file room is an active workspace that is used by legal staff and therefore, has a need for clear access to the doors and circulation in and out of the space. It is not used for bulk storage. For this reason, there is no risk of storage items potentially blocking the path of egress. In addition, the proposed door will provide convenient access to the file room for the receptionist.

It is our opinion the proposed exit access door configuration meets the intent of the code.