Is there a reqirement for an open air access to an interior courtyard.

[architerp06]

We have been providing an open corridor into the interior courtyard of wrap apartment buildings as common practice, however is there an actual code requirement anywhere?

 

[cda]

Welcome!!

 

[cda]

Which building code and edition?!

Hopefully not Dallas

 

[cda]

We have been providing an open corridor into the interior courtyard of wrap apartment buildings as common practice, however is there an actual code requirement anywhere?

Might be needed as exit out of it??

If not provided, how would they acccess it??

 

[architerp06]

Not Dallas, but it is in Texas, therefore the 2015 IBC.
We have two exits from the courtyard, but we had one open through a gate, the developer wants to enclose with a storefront entry.

 

[ADAguy]

with a door or without?

 

[architerp06]

with a storefront entry.

 

[cda]

Still a little lost,

Is the answer yes you can do what you propose, as long as you can code exit out of the area.

As far as who, what, when can get into the area, seems like since an apartment complex, management can control that however they want.

 

[steveray]

Simple answer....NO......But you have to meet all other exiting requirements from the courtyard such as travel distance, CPET, etc....If it is a large courtyard it will be tough unless you make the "corridor" an exit passageway..

 

[architerp06]

I have all of the exiting requirements taken care of. That's not my question.
Is there a requirement in the code that an opening for outside air/makeup air be provided for a courtyard?

 

[cda]

I have all of the exiting requirements taken care of. That's not my question.
Is there a requirement in the code that an opening for outside air/makeup air be provided for a courtyard?

Ok now the original question has changed.

 

[JBI]

I always considered a court or courtyard to be open at the top.
Why would you need make-up air in an area that is open to the atmosphere?

 

[ADAguy]

If an "open air" (to the sky) courtyard, why would makeup air be necessary?

 

[cda]

interior courtyard???

Food court?

If enclosed, wonder how the fire sprinkler system looks?

 

[ADAguy]

To what would you support the fire sprinklers if open to the sky?

If a shade structure is provided then the horses color changes and FS might then be required.

The initial question was general in nature, we are now discussing specific condition clarifiers.

 

[mark handler]

ATRIUM. An opening connecting two or more stories other than enclosed stairways, elevators, .... of suites....
Can be an apartment building.

Yes you need make-up air

 

[ADAguy]

He uses the terms "interior Courtyard" and "wrap" apartments which to me implies "open air"; is it enclosed or isn't it?

 

[cda]

Can't be it is in Texas

100 degrees even at midnight

 

[JBI]

 

[ADAguy]

OK architerpo6, we await your reply (smiling)

 

[PJC89]

There is no specific requirement for ventilation; however, there may be requirements related to adjacent fire resistance ratings. It seems as though this space is functioning as an egress court (similar to an exit discharge). Refer to Section 1028.4:

https://up.codes/viewer/general/int_building_code_2015/chapter/10/means-of-egress#1028

Also, with regards to the storefront door - that is not permitted unless it is a side hinged swinging door (refer to Section 1010)

https://up.codes/viewer/general/int_building_code_2015/chapter/10/means-of-egress#1010

 

[mark handler]

There is no specific requirement for ventilation;

I diagree
All spaces have requirements for ventilation.

 

[ADAguy]

Of course Mark and I take it that the walls surrounding the courtyard have openable windows?

 

[mark handler]

Of course Mark and I take it that the walls surrounding the courtyard have openable windows?

If It is common space who controls the windows..