BayPointArchitect
Sawhorse
Applicable codes: 2012 IBC and 2000 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
Given that there is an existing parking garage (open parking garage - non-sprinkled) and a stair tower that protrudes above the top parking deck. The local city government owns the parking garage and is willing to sell "air rights" directly above the structure that would allow for new windows that would be located 15 feet from the 3 dimensional property line.
The wall between the parking garage and new hotel will be two-hour rated without openings. This two-hour fire wall will extend upward 15 feet above the parking deck. That portion of the stair tower that protrudes above the parking structure will also be fire-rated where in direct contact with the new hotel. But I am thinking that there will be no additional extension of this fire rating above the roof of the existing elevator shaft and stair tower.
The entire façade from ground level up to the hotel parapet will be used to determine the 45% allowable openings.
The question is whether-or-not windows would be permitted in close proximity to the roof of the stair tower. I am thinking if the roof of the stair tower were to be upgraded to a 2 hour fire rating then it seems obvious that windows would be permissible. But I would also reason that the stair tower is similar to a pedestrian walkway that is built of non-combustible materials and is not polluted with combustible storage materials.
Can the windows having question marks (see attachment) exist just above the stair tower?
Thank you,
ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner
Given that there is an existing parking garage (open parking garage - non-sprinkled) and a stair tower that protrudes above the top parking deck. The local city government owns the parking garage and is willing to sell "air rights" directly above the structure that would allow for new windows that would be located 15 feet from the 3 dimensional property line.
The wall between the parking garage and new hotel will be two-hour rated without openings. This two-hour fire wall will extend upward 15 feet above the parking deck. That portion of the stair tower that protrudes above the parking structure will also be fire-rated where in direct contact with the new hotel. But I am thinking that there will be no additional extension of this fire rating above the roof of the existing elevator shaft and stair tower.
The entire façade from ground level up to the hotel parapet will be used to determine the 45% allowable openings.
The question is whether-or-not windows would be permitted in close proximity to the roof of the stair tower. I am thinking if the roof of the stair tower were to be upgraded to a 2 hour fire rating then it seems obvious that windows would be permissible. But I would also reason that the stair tower is similar to a pedestrian walkway that is built of non-combustible materials and is not polluted with combustible storage materials.
Can the windows having question marks (see attachment) exist just above the stair tower?
Thank you,
ICC Certified Plan Reviewer
NFPA Certified Fire Plan Examiner
