Fred Barkhouse

The applicant sought resolution of a dispute with the Chief Building Official regarding the proposed egress design for two new dwelling units on the second and third floors of a residential building.

The applicant proposed using the existing interior shared staircase as a dead-end public corridor.

The Building Code Commission found that the existing staircase is an exit stair, not a public corridor, and the proposed location of two exit doors in close proximity at the main floor level did not comply with the Building Code requirements for separate and remote exits.

The Commission ruled that the proposed design did not provide sufficiency of compliance with the Building Code.

The applicant appealed a condition of a building permit requiring the installation of a universal washroom in each unit of a renovated two-unit industrial storage building.

The applicant argued that the building would only be used for storage, would not be open to the public, and would not be occupied on a daily or full-time basis.

The Building Code Commission agreed, finding that under Clause 3.8.1.1.(1)(c) of the Building Code, buildings not intended to be occupied on a daily or full-time basis are exempt from barrier-free design provisions.

The Commission ruled that the proposal not to provide universal washrooms provided sufficiency of compliance with the Building Code.