Need NFPA 13?

[Ryan Schultz]

We're trying to use NFPA 13R sprinklers on this 3-story Type VB R-2, but since our dead end condition is greater than 20ft, as illustrated below, we need to go with NFPA 13 instead, so we can bump it up to 50ft. Would this be your interpretation, as well? https://up.codes/viewer/texas/ibc-2015/chapter/10/means-of-egress#1020.4

 

[Paul Sweet]

Corridor is defined in Chapter 2 as "An enclosed exit access component that defines and provides a path of egress travel" An exterior balcony isn't enclosed, so I don't think this would apply.

If it does apply, could the private balcony be extended to the end of the stair, or could the stair direction be reversed to reduce the distance to 20 ft.?

 

[steveray]

This might be the issue....

1021.1 General. Balconies used for egress purposes shall
conform to the same requirements as corridors for minimum
width, required capacity, headroom, dead ends and projections.

But extending the private balcony on the left does seem like an easy solution....

 

[Ryan Schultz]

yeah, 1021.1 seems like a 'gotcha'.

But extending the private balcony on the left does seem like an easy solution....

that would work for the 3rd floor, but not the 2nd floor, it seems, as i need an egress bath (magenta) through there.

If it does apply, could the private balcony be extended to the end of the stair, or could the stair direction be reversed to reduce the distance to 20 ft.?

too late for flipping.

 

[Jay Smith]

Maybe a one-way gate at 20 feet.