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Fire Code Commission Decision Summary

DECISION NO.:92A020-088
DATE:January 15, 1993

SUBJECT MATTER:

  1. Installation of a one hour fire separation between residential and assembly occupancy
  2. Installation of a closure in the fire separation for furnace room, having a 3/4 hour fire protection rating equipped with latches and self closing devices
  3. Under side of stairs leading to residential occupancy to be protected in basement
  4. Each story shall have a ceiling consisting of lath and plaster or gypsum wallboard
  5. Access to fire escape from second floor to be from corridor or common area
  6. Floor to floor separations to be upgraded on first floor and separation provided between 2nd and 3rd floor
  7. Kitchen/common area to be separated from sleeping area on third floor
  8. Bedroom doors replaced to provide 20 minute fire protection rating
  9. Installation of exit signs and emergency lighting
  10. Fire alarm and detection system to be upgraded and extended

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES:

The Co-op occupies both halves of a semi-detached house that consists of three storeys plus basement and measures approximately 40 feet wide by 60 feet long. The exterior walls of the building are solid masonry and all interior partitions, floors and roof are of wood frame construction. The building is currently capable of housing eleven university students, one student per bedroom. Each student has access to their own room and the common areas of the building. All of the bedrooms are kept locked. The main floor area contains two offices, a dining hall, three kitchen areas, a pantry and a washroom. There is no door separating this area from the basement. The second floor contains seven bedrooms, three washrooms, one office, one meeting room and one storage room. The third floor contains four bedrooms, two washrooms, a kitchen and living room area. The kitchen is used by the resident students to prepare meals that are not provided under the Co-op meal plan. The premises has a fire escape and may be accessed on the second floor through a meeting/storage room. The building does not have any exit signs or emergency lighting. Most of the bedrooms have battery opeated smoke alarms and there are fire extinguishers located throughout the building.

REASON FOR APPEAL:

Does not believe they are bound by any legislation to make any changes or renovations. Also, since this is a non-profit organization, renovations may cause financial hardship.

APPELLANT'S POSITION:

Feels that the premises should not be classified as a rooming house, that the premises was in compliance with the Building Code at the time of its construction, and that the premises met the retrofit requirements of Ontario Regulation 730/81.

RESPONDENT'S POSITION:

The premises is in contravention of the Fire Code and changes must be made to ensure life and fire safety for the occupants.

COMMISSION RULING:

Items 1-6 and 8-10 inclusive upheld.
Item 7 revoked.

REASONS:

This work is required to enhance the life safety of the occupants and protect the property in case of fire.