Spiral Staircase as Design Element vs. MOE

[bill1952]

As both a licensed architect and a licensed building official, I have to take exception to this statement. Of course building officials are concerned with consistency [in the codes]. Architects have to design to the codes and building officials have to review and inspect to the same codes. If something isn't clear and consistent to the architect, that same thing isn't clear and consistent to the building officials (and fire marshals). Consistency and clarity in the codes is VERY important to building officials. We hate it when a fuzzy section of the code results in a urination contest between the design professional(s) and the code official(s). In my home state, such disputes have to be submitted to the State for resolution. Regardless of the State's determination, that takes time, which delays approval of the permit.

I was responding to:

.There is a time and a place for doors and stairs that don't need to meet egress requirements...It is our judgement and I am way OK with that....

Which relies on judgement of an individual, not clear code that can be interpreted consistently.