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121211 lt Cutter Ziskind Basement Means of Egress 2012-12-19 December 11, 2012 Mr. Louis Hasbrouck Building Commissioner Town of Northampton 212 Main Street Northampton, MA 01060 Re: Cutter & Ziskind – Renovation Project Basement Level Means of Egress Dear Mr. Hasbrouck: This letter is based on the 8th edition Massachusetts State Building Code (MSBC) and the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) as amended by Massachusetts. The purpose of this letter is to outline the design team’s proposed approach with regard to means of egress from the basement level. MEANS OF EGRESS – CODE APPROACH The following approach has been developed by the design team in order to provide an adequate number, capacity, and arrangement of means of egress from the basement level of the Cutter & Ziskind Building. This approach has been developed in order to meet the requirements of the IEBC, as adopted and amended by the MSBC and the requirements of MAAB. Existing Conditions The basement level is currently served by 2 remotely located, fully enclosed means of egress stairways (Stair 5 and Stair 6 on the attached drawings). Each stairway provides a clear width of approximately 43 inches, equating to a total exit capacity of 344 occupants; the calculated occupant load of the basement is approximately 150 persons. Currently, Stair 5 and Stair 6 both discharge to the interior of the building on the 1st floor. Upon leaving each stairway, occupants must travel through the adjacent lobby in order to reach exit vestibule 100 (from Stair 5) or exit vestibule 150 (from Stair 6). Each exit path maintains a clear width of at least 4 feet, from the stairway door to the exit vestibule. Exit access travel distance and common path of travel comply with current MSBC requirements. It should be noted that Stair 5 and Stair 6 also meet the current MSBC requirements to be considered as accessible means of egress. It is our understanding that there are no existing abatement orders or citations related to Stair 5 and/or Stair 6. December 11, 2012 Page 2 of 3 Code Requirements IEBC The proposed project is a substantial renovation using the Work Area Method, in accordance with IEBC Section 101.5.2; the scope of work constitutes “Alterations Level 3” and as such, the project is designed to comply with IEBC Chapters 6, 7, and 8. The means of egress provisions of IEBC Chapters 6, 7, and 8 are primarily concerned with items such as number of exits, means of egress lighting, dead end corridors, etc. and do not directly address exit discharge. Therefore, IEBC does not require alterations to the Stair 5 or Stair 6. The MSBC amendments to the IEBC add Section 102.2.2.1 “Existing Non-Conforming Means of Egress”. This section addresses 4 specific means of egress conditions that are considered to be “non-conforming”, and mandates retroactive correction, irrespective of project scope. That said, it is the opinion of the design team that the existing conditions of Stair 5 and Stair 6 are not in violation of the aforementioned four “non-conforming” examples and can remain as is. CONCLUSION It is our opinion that the existing means of egress stairways (Stair 5 and Stair 6) serving the basement level provide safe and adequate means of egress for the expected occupant loads; the language of the MSBC does not require alterations to the size, location, or arrangement of Stair 5 or Stair 6. The design team respectfully requests approval to maintain Stair 5 and Stair 6 as shown on the attached drawings. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. Prepared by: COSENTINI ASSOCIATES, INC. Code Consulting and Fire Engineering Services Donald Havener | Fire Protection Engineer Phone: 617-494-9090 | Fax: 617-494-9292 | Direct Dial: 617-234-1848 dhavener@cosentini-ma.com Cosentini Associates, Inc. - A Tetra Tech Company Building 200, 2nd Floor One Kendall Square, Suite B2204 Cambridge, MA 02139-1571 December 11, 2012 Page 3 of 3 Reviewed by: COSENTINI ASSOCIATES, INC. Code Consulting and Fire Engineering Services Peter C. Harrod, PE | Vice President Phone: 617-494-9090 | Fax: 617-494-9292 | Direct Dial: 617-234-1842 pharrod@cosentini-ma.com