BCAB #1903

February 16, 2023

Re: Access stair requirements for an elevated floor storage area

Project Description:

A bonus room, similar to an elevated mezzanine, is constructed in a house with a high cathedral type ceiling. The area of the elevated floor is about 34 m2, with a ceiling of 1.98 m or less above the floor. The elevated floor level is about 2.4 m above the building’s main floor below. There are opening windows in the elevated floor area, and the area has electrical provisions. It is proposed that there is no stair access to the elevated floor area, rather access will be provided by a ladder. The owner of the building has indicated the elevated floor area will be used for storage.

Applicable Code requirements: (BCBC 2018)

9.8.2.1. Stair Width
4) At least one stair between each floor level within a dwelling unit, and exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit except required exit stairs, shall have a width of not less than 860 mm.
Decision being appealed: (local authority’s position)
The local authority has determined the elevated floor area is required to be accessed by a stairway complying with dimensions required by the Building Code.

Appellant's position:

The appellant contends the local authority should accept the elevated floor space use as storage, and that no stairway access is required per the approved plans. The appellant considers the requirements of Sentence 9.8.2.1.(4) are minimum dimensional width requirements where stairs are required, it does not stipulate when stairs are required.

Appeal Board Decision #1903

It is the determination of the Board that the subject elevated floor space does not require access by a stairway.

Reason for decision

The Board considers where Sentence 9.8.2.1.(4) requires a stair, it is based on an assumption that the space meets the minimum design requirements in Section 9.5. including ceiling height. Because the design requirements are not met, and the space has been designed only for limited or occasional use, a stair is not required. Additionally, this Sentence prescribes the minimum stair width when a stair is provided, not the requirement to provide a stair.

Lyle Kuhnert
Chair, Building Code Appeal Board