Interpretation #8493

Published December 18, 2020

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Original Request

Code Version
2021
Code
EXTBLDG
Code Description
Chapter
Section
8.4.1.1
Topic
Corridor ratings

Question

Is it the intent of FBC-Existing 8.4.1.1 that existing corridors rated for no other reason than tenant separation required under previous code editions must maintain the corridor rating unless stairwell landings serving this story as well as serving story below and intermediate landings are sprinkled (even though tenant separation is no longer required in new fully sprinkled buildings of business occupancy)?

Answer Published 12/18/2020 at 11:15 AM

No, that is not what this section is saying.
When a Level II alteration is being performed on or within a particular floor, the code provides an option to sprinkler that floor and stairways servicing the building the egress. This allows the corridor reduction to be used.

Commentary

None.