20151214120821.pdfI
Richard M. Swanson - Architect
7727 Canterwood Dr. SE, Olympia Washington 98513
(360) 438-1145
swanson. richardGcomcast. net
Date: August 6, 2015
To: Fire Marshal John J, Westfall
City of Edmonds
Subject: BLD2015-0032 Edmonds Memory Care, 7208 2101 St SW
Edmonds WA
The following is my interpretation of the International Building Code covering required protection at the openings
into the elevator shaft enclosures.
I agree the shaft enclosure is required to be constructed as a fire barrier per Section 713.2. 1 also agree the fire
barrier shall have a 1 -hr. fire rating per Section 713.4 since the both elevator shaft enclosures are less than four
stories in -height.
I agree Section 713.7 calls for opening into these two shaft enclosures are to be protected per Section 716 for fire
barriers. Section 716.5 calls for fire doors to meet the ratings specified in Table 716.5. In Table 716.5 1 -hr rated
fire barriers enclosing a shaft are to have at a minimum 1 -hr rated fire doors protecting openings.
I have attached a portion of the specifications from one manufacturer of elevators. As is noted under Equipment:
Hoistway Components, the entrance doors that are part of the elevator package meet the UL requirements for a 1 -
hr fire door.
The challenge over the years has been how to protect the elevator shaft enclosure not only from fire, which the
elevator entrance doors provide, but also from smoke. I understand this is why the requirement for an elevator
lobby was added to the building code. Per Section 713.4.1 the purpose for an elevator lobby is to separate the
elevator shaft enclosure doors from each floor. The walls of the elevator lobby are to be constructed as fire
partitions with its doors in compliance with Section 716.5.3 as required for corridor walls. Per Section 716.5.3
and Table 716.5 these doors not only need to be at least 20 -min. rated fire assembles but must also provide smoke
and draft control.
Section 713.14.1 also notes that an elevator lobby is only required when the shaft enclosure exceeds three stories.
Since this building does not exceed three stories elevator lobbies for smoke and draft control are not required.
Therefore, 1 believe additional I HR FR doors are not required in this building because the elevator hoistway
doors are 1 -hr rate fire doors, and smoke and draft control at the openings to the elevator shaft enclosures is not
required.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Richard M. Swanson, RA