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Blocking R2 Door Existing Building

Here is the original thread:

Closing off door in condo

I cannot find anything in the IBC/FBC for this situation and don't know if it exists elsewhere such as NFPA 101 or somewhere else. Here is the scenario. Condo R2 dwelling unit accessible through common interior hallways just like a hotel. Unlike most, with only 1 entry door, this one has 2...
www.thebuildingcodeforum.com
 
For those that can't download PDF's, here is page 1

ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINE 2019-02-05
REDUCING MEANS OF EGRESS IN CONDO BUILDINGS (BLOCKING KITCHEN
DOORS WITH CABINETS AND OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS, R-2 OCCUPANCIES,
SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS ONLY).

Whereas:
1. Pursuant to FS 553.775 (1) "It is the intent of the Legislature that the Florida Building
Code ... be interpreted by building officials, local enforcement agencies, and the commission
in a manner that protects the public safety, health, and welfare at the most reasonable cost
to the consumer by ensuring uniform interpretations throughout the state ... "
2. And, according to FBC 1001.2 where reducing a means of egress to less than required by the
code is prohibited; and
3. FBC Table 1006.2.1 requires one exit access doorway in R-2 occupancies with sprinkler
systems where the maximum common path of egress travel distance does not exceed 125
feet;

Therefore:
It is the policy of the Highland Beach Building Department as interpreted by the Building Official
that:
1. In R-2 occupancy buildings throughout the Town provided with Automatic Sprinkler Systems
installed according to FBC 903, a kitchen door may be eliminated as an egress doorway, so
long as it can be demonstrated on plans or construction documents that:
a. The distance from the most remote part of the occupancy (dwelling unit) to two
separate and distinct means of egress doors/doorways does not exceed 125 feet; or
b. A preliminary inspection according to Palm Beach County Amendments to The
Florida Building Code 110.2 is performed by the Building Official to verify compliance
with FBC Table 1006.2.1 (maximum common path of egress travel distance as
outlined above does not exceed 125 feet); and
2. Any doorway that is blocked by obstructions is;
a. Marked as non-operable on the hallway side of the door, or
b. Clearly labeled as non-operable on the building fire safety plan.

This policy shall remain in effect indefinitely and shall be reviewed and updated with adoption of
subsequent code cycles pursuant to FS 553.73 (code cycle adoption/changes by the Florida Building
Commission), or abandoned if found to be prohibited or no longer in agreement with the Florida
Building Code.
 
Highly agree with predecessor

BUT

Still does not answer the question.!!

To me blocked door/opening shall be the same rating as the wall.
 
A corridor in a fully sprinklered R-2 only needs a 30 minute rating. A 20 minute (or equivalent solid-core) door plus 1/2" gypsum board should provide that.
 
Paul Sweet said:
A corridor in a fully sprinklered R-2 only needs a 30 minute rating. A 20 minute (or equivalent solid-core) door plus 1/2" gypsum board should provide that.
Click to expand...
Under todays code this is correct. However the sprinkler system is required to have quick response heads or residential heads. This is a 1970 or 1980's building. What was installed at the time of construction should determine the hourly rating required which could be a one-hour wall with a 45 minute opening protection.

[F] 903.3.2 Quick-response and residential sprinklers.
Where automatic sprinkler systems are required by this code, quick-response or residential automatic sprinklers shall be installed in all of the following areas in accordance with Section 903.3.1 and their listings:

1. Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing care recipient sleeping units in Group I-2 in accordance with this code.

2. Throughout all spaces within a smoke compartment containing treatment rooms in ambulatory care facilities.

3. Dwelling units and sleeping units in Group I-1 and R occupancies.

4. Light-hazard occupancies as defined in NFPA 13.
 
Thoughts on this?

Whereas:

  • Pursuant to FS 553.775 (1) “It is the intent of the Legislature that the Florida Building Code…be interpreted by building officials, local enforcement agencies, and the commission in a manner that protects the public safety, health, and welfare at the most reasonable cost to the consumer by ensuring uniform interpretations throughout the state…”
  • And, according to FBC 1001.2 where reducing a means of egress to less than required by the code is prohibited; and
  • FBC Existing 701.2 “An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered such that the building becomes less safe or energy efficient than its existing condition; and
  • Section 1020 of the FBC requires minimum fire-separation requirements.
Therefore:

It is the policy of the Building Department as interpreted by the Building Official that:

  • In R-2 occupancy buildings throughout the Town provided with Automatic Sprinkler Systems installed according to FBC 903 with residential, quick response heads, a kitchen door may be eliminated as an egress doorway, so long as it can be demonstrated on plans or construction documents that:
  • The door being blocked is removed and replaced with material that meets the fire separation requirements as determined by the licensed Architect or Engineer of record (RDP) for the project; and
  • The RDP states on the submitted architectural drawings that the door being removed does not make the unit less safe.
This policy shall remain in effect indefinitely and shall be reviewed and updated with adoption of subsequent code cycles pursuant to FS 553.73 (code cycle adoption/changes by the Florida Building Commission), or abandoned if found to be prohibited or no longer in agreement with the Florida Building Code.
 
FBC Existing 701.2 “An existing building or portion thereof shall not be altered such that the building becomes less safe or energy efficient than its existing condition; and

Although the Code only requires one egress door, the dwelling does become less safe if a second, existing, egress door is removed. Two ways out is 100% better than one way out.
 
Last edited:
We interpret that anything that meets current code is not "unsafe" so it isn't really "less safe"....
IEBC
403.1 General. Except as provided by Section 401.2 or this
section, alterations to any building or structure shall comply
with the requirements of the International Building Code for
new construction. Alterations shall be such that the existing
building or structure is no less conforming to the provisions
of the International Building Code than the existing building
or structure was prior to the alteration.
 
If Fla. enforces NFPA 80 or at least this part:::


NFPA 80

View attachment 8176



Number 11 post:::

Condo - Fire door

I'm redesign a condo unit. The kitchen has a door into the building corridor (2hr wall 45 min door). The owner ask to remove the door, so there will be more room for cabinets, but building manager requires door to stay, but allowed the door to be cover on the inside. Does the wall on the...
www.thebuildingcodeforum.com
 
jar546 said:
  • The door being blocked is removed and replaced with material that meets the fire separation requirements as determined by the licensed Architect or Engineer of record (RDP) for the project; and
  • The RDP states on the submitted architectural drawings that the door being removed does not make the unit less safe.
Click to expand...
You are going to require an architect for this work and are you going to ask for his/her stamp on the architectural drawings?

Wow you just required the price of this project to more than double
 
cda said:
If Fla. enforces NFPA 80 or at least this part:::


NFPA 80

View attachment 8176



Number 11 post:::

Condo - Fire door

I'm redesign a condo unit. The kitchen has a door into the building corridor (2hr wall 45 min door). The owner ask to remove the door, so there will be more room for cabinets, but building manager requires door to stay, but allowed the door to be cover on the inside. Does the wall on the...
www.thebuildingcodeforum.com
Click to expand...
5.1.6 today
 
NFPA 1 covers this too:

Section 12.4.6.7 Removal of Door or Window.

Where a fire door or fire window opening no longer functions as an opening, or the door or window is removed and not replaced, the opening shall be filled to maintain the required rating of the wall assembly. [80:5.1.6]
 
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