SUBJECT MATTER:
The subject property is a single storey, plus basement house of wood frame and
brick veneer construction on a masonry block foundation. The house contains two
dwelling units, one on the ground floor and one in the basement, each with
independent eating, sleeping, cooking and living facilities. The units share an
interior stairway which leads to a side door and a hallway in the basement. This
hallway provides access to a common laundry space and other rooms in the lower
dwelling unit. Interior walls consist of painted gypsum board, plaster or
panelling on wood studs. Ceilings in the lower unit vary between gypsum board
attached to floor joists, acoustic ceiling tiles or unfinished. Doors serving
both units are thick hollow core wood doors with conventional latch sets. The
upper unit is equipped with a single battery operated smoke alarm, which at the
time of inspection was not operational. The lower unit is equipped with two
battery operated smoke alarms, both operational. The upper unit exits directly
through the front door and both units can exit via the shared interior stairway
to the side door. The building did not have the required fire separation between
the two dwelling units, or the shared exit stairs.
The fire department refused a request for an extension of time due to the lack
of fire separation, which is an important factor in slowing the spread of fire
and providing adequate time for escape.
REASON FOR APPEAL:
The owner appealed the refusal and the subsequent informal review, stating that
due to financial hardship they could not comply with the legislation. The owner
requested a one year extension to provide a 30-minute fire separation on the
basement ceiling, in the shared exit and hallway and between dwelling units, and
to have the premises inspected by Ontario Hydro.
COMMISSION'S DECISION:
The Commission upheld the informal review, which required all work to be
completed by October 15, 1996. The Commission considered it unacceptable for the
tenants to be exposed to the present deficient level of fire safety in this
property for a further period of time.
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