Stories, Grade Planes, Elevators...Oh My!

[Matt Jones]

Working on a converted mill building (R-2) and running into an elevator sizing issue with regard to 3002.4 (stretcher requirement). We have an existing shaft that we'd like to leave (for SHPO happiness and of course cost). Problem is, it only fits a 2100 series elevator, which doesn't fit the 24x84 stretcher. Now, the weird question comes in with the way grade plane and stories are interpreted. Because of the way the site is graded, we have grade level access on the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd floors. Section looks something like this, with pedestrian bridges connecting the parking lot surrounding the building to the second and third floors (fully accessible routes):

Obviously, the intent of 3002.4 is to not have EMTs hoofing it up/down 3+ flights of stairs and since we treat the 2nd Floor as our main entrance, they wouldn't be/ However, the definition wordings of grade plane and stories above doesn't seem to recognize this instance. Thoughts/advice, please?

 

[ADAguy]

So second floor is accessed from grade by stairs or a bridge?
Can you attach a site plan?

 

[cda]

You might talk to the fire dept

if they have say so

if they do the medical side

The cots now a days fold, slide, transform

even with a patient on it.

You might get a break??

 

[cda]

Oh and welcome

 

[Matt Jones]

From a bridge.

Site plan:

 

[Matt Jones]

Oops...
Try this:

 

[Matt Jones]

Oh and welcome

Thanks

 

[RLGA]

That’s a good question and the code, as you pointed out, isn’t in your favor. I would discuss with the building and fire officials to see if an exception can be made in your case via a code modification.

This would be a good candidate for a code change proposal to change from “grade plane” to “main level of exit discharge.”