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Committee flags trash, storage and ground‑floor accessory spaces for further clarity in single‑exit rules
Summary
Members debated whether ground‑floor accessory spaces — storage rooms, trash chute discharge rooms and other non‑residential uses — may directly communicate with single‑exit R‑2 corridors and stairs. The group left the issue highlighted for further drafting to avoid unintended safety exposures.
Tag group members discussed whether certain accessory spaces on the first floor — such as storage rooms, trash‑chute discharge rooms and trash access rooms — should be permitted to open directly onto corridors or the single stair that serves upper‑floor R‑2 units.
Several participants recommended caution. One fire official said storage rooms and trash discharge areas can present higher fire hazard and sometimes collect combustible material in practice. ‘‘Trash chutes are fire traps,’’ a participant said, and recommended limiting direct connections to the protected egress serving the residential units.
Others pointed out practical considerations for residents in taller buildings (for example, carrying trash from high floors) and the role of separated parking garages or low‑level service areas where trash collection rooms are commonly sited. The tag group did not adopt a single prohibitive rule; instead staff were asked to refine the language so that accessory spaces that create a higher hazard do not directly communicate with the R‑2 corridors or the single stair, and to clarify what qualifies as accessory versus separate occupancy under Chapter 3.
