Appeal 33658

1023.4 Openings

Openings in interior exit stairways and ramps other than unprotected exterior openings shall be limited to those required for exit access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for egress from the enclosure.

To allow an unoccupied utility closet to have an opening directly to the interior exit enclosure.

The building is equipped throughout with a full NFPA-13 sprinkler system. There are two interior exit stairways within 2-hour fire rated enclosures that exit directly to the outside. The two stairwells are connected at the second and third levels by a 1-hour rated corridor, and the ground level units each have two exists, one directly to the exterior and the other into the 2-hour rated interior exit stair enclosure. Each apartment opening into the 2-hour rated enclosure provides a 90-minute rated door w/ smoke and draft control gas, and automatic closers. The utility door also provides a 90-minute door with an automatic closer and is surrounded by a 1-hour rated enclosure.

Reconsideration: The utility closet will now have a dedicated fire sprinkler head for an added level of safety.

The intent of the building code is to limit openings into protected interior exit enclosures from normally occupied spaces. The difference between the utility closet and the living unit openings is one of occupancy. The same 90-minute rated doors with smoke and draft control gaskets will be provided. The utility door will have an extra level of safety with the addition of an automatic closer by actuation of smoke detectors or by loss of power. The utility closet will contain computers, modems and/or wifi routers, essentially items necessary for providing internet and security systems to the building. The utility door is to remain closed at all times, except when equipment servicing may be needed. When the utility doors are opened maximum of 90 degrees they do not impeded the egress path of travel from apartment doors or the interior exit staircase. In emergencies, the doors would close automatically further ensuring a safe egress for building occupants.

Reconsideration: The interior exit stairwell is surrounded by a 2 hour rated enclosure and is equipped with fire sprinkler heads at each level. With the addition of a dedicated fire sprinkler head in the utility closet this will help prevent any potential fire from spreading into the stairwell if it were to originate in the utility room.