Existing Stair don't have enclosure

[Hyrax4978]

Renovating an existing 2 story wood framed building. Existing use is business, new owners use is business.
Its approximately 2,500 SF first floor and same on the second floor. There are two existing stairs to the second floor. These stairs are open at the top and bottom. CT code does not permit open stairs in many circumstances.
Chapter 34 does not exempt the enclosure requirement set forth in the code (as far as i can tell), I did see 3404.1 exceptions and 3411.6 and 3411.7 exceptions. None of which address the stair enclosure.
Travel distance requires both stairs for egress.
Will the stairs need to be renovated to provide a rated enclosure? or can they remain as existing conditions as is.
Your thoughts and help appreciated.
Thanks,

 

[mtlogcabin]

Even if CT did not adopt the IEBC the IBC references it as meeting Chapter 34. The second floor is less than 3,000 sq ft so exception 5 applies and an enclosure is not required.

IBC
3401.6 Alternative compliance.
Work performed in accordance with the International Existing Building Code shall be deemed to comply with the provisions of this chapter.


IEBC
903.1 Existing shafts and vertical openings.
Existing stairways that are part of the means of egress shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 803.2.1 from the highest work area floor to, and including, the level of exit discharge and all floors below.

803.2.1 Existing vertical openings.
All existing interior vertical openings connecting two or more floors shall be enclosed with approved assemblies having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour with approved opening protectives.

Exceptions:
5. In Group B occupancies, a minimum 30-minute enclosure shall be provided to protect all vertical openings not exceeding three stories. This enclosure, or the enclosure specified in Section 803.2.1, shall not be required in the following locations:

5.1. Buildings not exceeding 3,000 square feet (279 m2) per floor.

5.2. Buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic fire sprinkler system.

 

[steveray]

If it is not a change of use, the enclosure shouldn't be required. That being said, if something got bootlegged at some point, it might have to be accounted for at this point. Do you know when the building was built? How much remodeling are they doing? IEBC might be your friend...Builder? Inspector? Designer?

MT beat me and posted some great sections...

 

[Hyrax4978]

I think MT has the solution i was looking for. I have a meeting set up tomorrow with the B.O. I am going to lean on the IEBC per MT's comments. Thank you BOTH!!!

 

[mtlogcabin]

Let us know how the meeting goes

 

[steveray]

What Town?

 

[Hyrax4978]

Met with the B.O. today. Of course he was non committal until we file for permit. But he said he sees no reason why he wouldn't agree with the IEBC. He said he will look into it and let us know if he finds anything else that might change his mind. So he seemed to buy into it, with out actually agreeing to it. Which is how most pre-permit meetings typically go anyway.
Fire marshal of course has not put in his two cents.

 

[mtlogcabin]

The Fire marshal should not have a voice in what the building code says IMHO. However if he wants to interject a requirement make sure he is using the correct charging language.
The Fire Code does not require rated stairways connecting two floors in a "B" occupancy.

1103.4 Vertical openings.
Interior vertical shafts, including but not limited to stairways, elevator hoistways, service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building, shall be enclosed or protected as specified in Sections 1103.4.1 through 1103.4.7.

1103.4.1 Group I occupancies.
In Group I occupancies, interior vertical openings connecting two or more stories shall be protected with 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

1103.4.2 Three to five stories.
In other than Group I occupancies, interior vertical openings connecting three to five stories shall be protected by either 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction or an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the building in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

Exceptions:

1. Vertical opening protection is not required for Group R-3 occupancies.

2. Vertical opening protection is not required for open parking garages and ramps.

3. Vertical opening protection for escalators shall be in accordance with Section 1103.4.5, 1103.4.6 or 1103.4.7.

 

[steveray]

MT....We have a minimum existing fire safety code that applies to all buildings no matter when constructed. But in reality it should more or less align with the building code..

 

[ADAguy]

You haven't mentioned if building is sprinklered?

 

[Hyrax4978]

It is not sprinklered