dead end corridor

[Robert 1969]

This design is for a self storage building. The city is stating it is a dead end corridor and is not permitted. Total depth is 15' form exit door. I've asked what is maximum depth of an entrance before it is considered a dead end corridor. City is stating OBC does not give a depth so any depth is considered a dead end corridor and due to 3.10.2.4. Safety Requirements Within Floor Areas (7) it is not permitted. I don't believe 15' feet in from an entrance is a dead end corridor. Any help would be appreciated

 

[arwat23]

It looks like dead-end corridor, but I'm a little shocked they aren't allowed at all... Not from Ontario, so grain of salt, but what about section 9.9.7.3? That would allow for at least a 6m dead-end corridor, right?

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

It looks to me like a lobby or foyer. To my surprise, I just found that, although the IBC discusses lobbies, foyers, and vestibules in several places, it doesn't define any of those terms. Does the Canadian Building Code use those terms, or define them?

 

[Robert 1969]

It looks like dead-end corridor, but I'm a little shocked they aren't allowed at all... Not from Ontario, so grain of salt, but what about section 9.9.7.3? That would allow for at least a 6m dead-end corridor, right?

Thanks for reply, yes I tried that section but they insist design must follow 3.10 which specifically relates to self storage. I'm also surprised that 15' in from exit with a 5' wide hallway is not permitted.

 

[Robert 1969]

It looks to me like a lobby or foyer. To my surprise, I just found that, although the IBC discusses lobbies, foyers, and vestibules in several places, it doesn't define any of those terms. Does the Canadian Building Code use those terms, or define them?

Thanks for the reply, we're on the same page I tried that exact argument. The problem I have is I can't find supporting literature within OBC.

 

[Inspector 102]

We are on the IBC, so not sure it compares. 1018.4 allows 20 foot dead end corridors. From there, you have a CPET of 75 feet for one exit. If the code does not have a distance listed, that opens up too much interpretation.

 

[Robert 1969]

We are on the IBC, so not sure it compares. 1018.4 allows 20 foot dead end corridors. From there, you have a CPET of 75 feet for one exit. If the code does not have a distance listed, that opens up too much interpretation.

Thanks for reply, They are hanging their hat on section 3.10 of OBC which states dead end corridors are not allowed. The argument I've tried making is a 5'X15' entrance is not a dead end corridor.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I don't have access to your code. No definition in it for "lobby" or "foyer"?

 

[Robert 1969]

I don't have access to your code. No definition in it for "lobby" or "foyer"?

Thanks for your input, your spot on. Although our code does not specifically define lobby I believe it's a better fit than dead end corridor. This will be my next attempt at getting layout approved.

 

[tmurray]

3.10.1.1. is clear that all the requirements in 3.10 apply to self-storage service buildings.

3.10.2.4.(7) indicates there are no dead end corridors permitted.

What you have is defined by code as a public corridor (a corridor that provides access to exit from more than one suite).

If you want to look at calling this a lobby, look at 3.4.4.2. to make sure you meet all the conditions.

 

[Robert 1969]

3.10.1.1. is clear that all the requirements in 3.10 apply to self-storage service buildings.

3.10.2.4.(7) indicates there are no dead end corridors permitted.

What you have is defined by code as a public corridor (a corridor that provides access to exit from more than one suite).

If you want to look at calling this a lobby, look at 3.4.4.2. to make sure you meet all the conditions.

Thanks for your reply, seems like you know our codes. My issue is that although the city chooses to define it as a corridor they cannot answer questions that I don't believe the code would leave open for interpretation. At what length does an entrance become a dead end corridor. If I was to take a 20'X20' room with one entrance and place lockers or mail slots around interior walls is that now a dead end corridor. I understand the issues with dead end corridors and that they can create confusion I don't believe confusion as to location of exit could arise in an area 5'X15'. Thanks for you input the struggle continues.

 

[tmurray]

Thanks for your reply, seems like you know our codes. My issue is that although the city chooses to define it as a corridor they cannot answer questions that I don't believe the code would leave open for interpretation. At what length does an entrance become a dead end corridor. If I was to take a 20'X20' room with one entrance and place lockers or mail slots around interior walls is that now a dead end corridor. I understand the issues with dead end corridors and that they can create confusion I don't believe confusion as to location of exit could arise in an area 5'X15'. Thanks for you input the struggle continues.

It has more to do with it serving multiple suites in my mind.

But I'm also not sure I would die on this hill.