23 223419 000

Project Description

Alternative Solution for the townhouses is Sentence 9.9.9.1.(1) requires the exit door for thetownhouse units to be not more than 1.5m above adjacent ground level and not necessary to travel down more than 1 (one) storey to reach the level served by this exit door. The issue is that from the 3rd storey, you must travel down to the 2nd storey plus additional risers to reach the exit door not more than 1500mm above adjacent ground level. In addition, the townhouses have aroof terrace. The stacked townhouses are constructed of concrete floors, roof and shearwalls. The buildings are sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 13. In addition, Sentence 3.3.4.4.(4) Part 3 of the OBC permits the egress of these stacked dwelling units. As such, in addition to this Sentence, the stacked townhouses are sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 13 and the construction of these units are concrete.The Alternative Solution to address this issue is to provide an automatic sprinkler system throughout the 3 (three) storey stacked townhouses. Typically, the sprinkler system for these townhouses would be designed to conform to NFPA 13R. We are proposing to design this system to conform to NFPA 13. With respect to travel distance, Article 3.4.2.1. permits a floor area to be served by one exit provided total occupant load of 60 people and maximum floor area and travel distance do not exceed values in Table 3.4.2.1.A where the floor area is not sprinklered. When the floor area is sprinklered, the floor area is increased and the travel distance cannot be more than 25m (which is increased from the non-sprinklered floor areas; typically 10 and 15m). In addition, exits within a floor area requires the travel distance to one exit not to exceed 30m in a residential non-sprinklered building but permits the travel distance to one exit not to exceed 45m in a residential sprinklered building. As noted in the above OBC references, the thermal radiation hazard is reduced and the travel distance to an exit or means of egress is increased when a building is sprinklered.Part 9 of the OBC does not require these 3 (three) storey stacked townhouses to be sprinklered but requires the 1 (one) storey travel limit to the exit level. This proposal addresses the concern by providing an automatic sprinkler system throughout the 3 storey townhouses.

Permit Details