Outdoor padio/deck

[cbcbuild]

So, in my area, the inspector (office of the fire commissioner) is now asking for a code analysis. This is something new to me, as in my 35 years, we have never been asked for this.
I am building a deck for my resort that is not attached to any building. It will give my guests a place to sit and eat. The deck is 903 sq ft and 600mm off the ground.
I have had the drawings stamped by the engineer. What is the deck's classification, and what codes would apply in the code analysis?
I did a calculation of occupancy load that empty would be 209 and with 12 tables with chairs would be 165 ( took this from when COVID restrictions were on as I could not find the code for it )

 

[steveray]

Welcome to THE forum....We have a good group of Canadian folks that will likely chime in shortly and they will be way more helpful with metric codes than I...

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I'm not in Canada, but the National Building Code of Canada is available on-line and can be downloaded as a PDF. For starters, the NBC says it applies to all buildings. "Buildings" is italicized, which means it is a term defined in the code. The definition of "Building" is "any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy."

At 600mm (just over two feet) above grade, your deck will be supporting the occupants -- they won't be standing on solid ground. So the NBC clearly applies to it. Neither "deck" nor "patio" is defined in the code, but I believe the ordinary understanding would apply. A patio is on grade, and a deck is a structure above grade. Whatever you call it, your proposed structure fits the definition of "building" and so it is regulated by the NBC.

I'll let the Canadian folks take it from there.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The table for calculating the occupant load is Table 3.1.17.1

 

[cbcbuild]

The table for calculating the occupant load is Table 3.1.17.1

Thanks was looking for that table, They want me to put it into a category so judging by the table it would be assembly uses

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Thanks was looking for that table, They want me to put it into a category so judging by the table it would be assembly uses

It's outdoors and, based on your description, I gather that it doesn't have a roof. I think that would make it an A-4 occupancy classification.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

A2 assembly occupancy. If >2' (60 cm)off ground, 107cm guards required. Stairs must be commercial (7" rise max; 11" run min.) Stairs require handrails both sides.

 

[Joe.B]

(60 cm)off ground, 107cm guards required... (7" rise max; 11" run min.)...

My head is spinning... Y'all use different units for different things???

 

[cbcbuild]

I know it still confuses me !! code is all in metric as well as commercial, but most residential is usually in imperial on drawings
Yes no roof, with A2 does it require exit signs? and any other odd codes that would require ? I can dig down and have less then 60 cm if that is better for code

 

[cbcbuild]

Thanks everyone for your help is is very much appreciated

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

A2 assembly occupancy. If >2' (60 cm)off ground, 107cm guards required. Stairs must be commercial (7" rise max; 11" run min.) Stairs require handrails both sides.

Not A4?

Definitions:

A4 – Assembly occupancies in which the occupants are gathered in the open air

Table 3.1.2.1

 

[tmurray]

My head is spinning... Y'all use different units for different things???

We use metric and imperial interchangeably. You get used to it.

 

[tmurray]

Not A4?

Definitions:



Table 3.1.2.1

Our favorite answer: it depends. Normally it is an A2 because the A4 is an accessory use to an A2. Could be an A4 though. We would class this as an A4 if it is a stand-alone use.

 

[tmurray]

So, in my area, the inspector (office of the fire commissioner) is now asking for a code analysis. This is something new to me, as in my 35 years, we have never been asked for this.
I am building a deck for my resort that is not attached to any building. It will give my guests a place to sit and eat. The deck is 903 sq ft and 600mm off the ground.
I have had the drawings stamped by the engineer. What is the deck's classification, and what codes would apply in the code analysis?
I did a calculation of occupancy load that empty would be 209 and with 12 tables with chairs would be 165 ( took this from when COVID restrictions were on as I could not find the code for it )

The effective code would be the current edition of code in effect. If the park is federal, it is 2020 NBC. If it is provincial, it is 2020 NBC with Manitoba amendments.

Occupant load based on the table.

Calculate your exiting requirements based on 3.4.3.2.

You don't need to worry about combustibility if you are further than 4' from a property line.

That should be the major stuff.

Here is a good building code matrix (a lot won't be applicable to your project though): https://chop.raic.ca/appendix-o-national-building-code-data-matrix

 

[cbcbuild]

Our favorite answer: it depends. Normally it is an A2 because the A4 is an accessory use to an A2. Could be an A4 though. We would class this as an A4 if it is a stand-alone use.

My Inspector just told me he feels it is an A2 and wants a full design by Architect. ?? I thought that only was in cases of building over 600m ?

 

[tmurray]

My Inspector just told me he feels it is an A2 and wants a full design by Architect. ?? I thought that only was in cases of building over 600m ?

Part 3 includes:
1. Post disaster buildings
2. All A, B, and F1 uses
3. C, D, E, F2, and F3 uses over 600 square meters and/or 3 stories in building height.

Architect for a deck is kind of overkill. I'd be OK with an engineer to confirm the building structure.

 

[cbcbuild]

Part 3 includes:
1. Post disster buildings
2. All A, B, and F1 uses
3. C, D, E, F2, and F3 uses over 600 square meters and/or 3 stories in building height.

Architect for a deck is kind of overkill. I'd be OK with an engineer to confirm the building structure.

So is there anything in code that says you have to have an Architect ? It has been stamped for structure and a letter of Assurance

 

[Inspector Gadget]

A4 is strictly for open-air ampitheatres and the like: see the 3.2.2.35 classification. (If it were an A4, you'd need a 1-hour FRR between the A4 and A2.)

Your deck is a function of an A2 occupancy: this is a pretty common interpretation. If I remember, I might look up some Ontario Building Tribunal rulings to ease your mind when I get to the office.

I would have to see the design/layout to make determinations of other requirements. If there's no roof, there's no real urgent argument for exit signs, (which aren't required by Code in all situations), and I'd probably waive the requirements for extinguishers at exits buuuuut..... I would likely ask questions about emergency lighting.

One issue that has emerged on such matters: is the deck a "passageway" and does its means of egress require fire/resistance ratings? [3.2.2.12]. I had a bit of a pissing contest with the OFM on a deck that was four feet (1.2m) off the ground at its highest point. The Code is silent on what height triggers the fire protection requirements for means of egress. I made a ruling that if the deck were enclosed, the floor would not need to be fire-rated as the space underneath would be over a crawlspace not a basement (1.8m the trigger there.)

The other thing to think about: the deck must still be barrier-free.

 

[cbcbuild]

A4 is strictly for open-air ampitheatres and the like: see the 3.2.2.35 classification. (If it were an A4, you'd need a 1-hour FRR between the A4 and A2.)

Your deck is a function of an A2 occupancy: this is a pretty common interpretation. If I remember, I might look up some Ontario Building Tribunal rulings to ease your mind when I get to the office.

I would have to see the design/layout to make determinations of other requirements. If there's no roof, there's no real urgent argument for exit signs, (which aren't required by Code in all situations), and I'd probably waive the requirements for extinguishers at exits buuuuut..... I would likely ask questions about emergency lighting.

One issue that has emerged on such matters: is the deck a "passageway" and does its means of egress require fire/resistance ratings? [3.2.2.12]. I had a bit of a pissing contest with the OFM on a deck that was four feet (1.2m) off the ground at its highest point. The Code is silent on what height triggers the fire protection requirements for means of egress. I made a ruling that if the deck were enclosed, the floor would not need to be fire-rated as the space underneath would be over a crawlspace not a basement (1.8m the trigger there.)

The other thing to think about: the deck must still be barrier-free.

 

[tmurray]

So is there anything in code that says you have to have an Architect ? It has been stamped for structure and a letter of Assurance

Nope. The code only requires an architect or an engineer for a structural design, which it sounds like you have.

 

[Inspector Gadget]

Super quick evaluation of the plans. Were these submitted to me, I would flag the following:

• Exits need to be separated by a distance at least 9m [3.4.2.3] Given as the height of the deck is 12”, all that would be required is a landing placed somewhere else that would reduce the “step” down to 7” (20 cm). I am also presuming the deck serves as an exit from the restaurant (via the opening on the right), so that opening cannot serve as the deck exit.
• Stair detail required. Need to verify rise-run meets requirements. [3.4.6.8]
• Details on ramp required to verify handrails will be provided both sides. [3.4.6.5(2)(c)]
• Confirmation the 36” guard rails surround the deck. Guards are not required, so the height isn’t relevant – the issue here is more a matter of compliance with barrier-free regulations (ie: so a wheelchair/scooter doesn’t plunge over the edge of the deck [3.8.3.5(5)]
• I’d want to see an emergency light illuminating the ramp.