egress/fire separation in existing building

[peter spellman]

Hello: trying to determine if there is a requirement for an exit fire separation between an elevator and stair
landing and the spaces that these serve. This is in an existing 2 story office building, fully sprinklered.
Ground floor is approx. 38,000SF and the second floor is 20,000 SF. The second floor has two exit stairs
at either end and the there is the third stair wrapping the elevator in the center of the building. The second floor is occupied by one tenant. There is currently a one-hour wall between the second floor spaces and the landing for the middle stair and elevator. We would like to remove the fire walls and have the elevator/stair open to a new lobby area on the second floor.
My quick research suggests that since the building is fully sprinklered, the fire separation is not needed.
Any additional thoughts would be greatly appreciated

 

[cda]

Welcome

Picking up a few California people

 

[cda]

Look at 712.1.8

See if that helps you

And the building will comply with all provisions.

 

[JBI]

My first thought is your misuse of the term 'firewalls'. Not all rated walls are 'fire walls'. (Nothing personal BTW, I can't help it)
I'm not aware of any issues it would create, but some of the California Code folks may be more familiar with egress provisions that might be unique.

 

[peter spellman]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The Chapter 7 references were helpful. Looks like we would meet all the criteria to not require the separation. Next step is a discussion with the local fire chief who has jurisdiction.

 

[mtlogcabin]

I believe you are correct in what you would like to do. I suggest you look at 1009.2 Exit Access Stairways Exception 3

3. In buildings with only Group B or M occupancies, exit access stairway openings are not required to be enclosed provided that the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the area of the floor opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the exit access stairway, and the opening is protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13.

 

[cda]

I believe you are correct in what you would like to do. I suggest you look at 1009.2 Exit Access Stairways Exception 3

3. In buildings with only Group B or M occupancies, exit access stairway openings are not required to be enclosed provided that the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the area of the floor opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the exit access stairway, and the opening is protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13.

Naw