[Noisebridge-discuss] Who do we want to exclude? [Drama]

Mitchel McAllister xonimmortal at yahoo.com
Fri Apr 12 21:24:36 UTC 2013


--- On Fri, 4/12/13, Aly Kaplan <alykaplan at gmail.com> wrote:
> I'd like to see the law that says this is illegal -- it certainly isn't
> according to SF Fire Code.
>
> However, it is always good to be excellent to your neighbors.It may also
> be prohibited on your lease.

Retrieved from http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll?f=templates&fn=default.htm&vid=amlegal:sanfrancisco_ca

San Francisco Fire Code 1030.2.1 [Chapter 10 "Means of Egress"]
   Fire escapes and related balconies, ladders, landings, and operating devices shall not be obstructed in any manner. No object shall be stored on or attached to a fire escape without the approval of the fire code official. 

San Francisco Building Inspection Commission (BIC) Codes Sec. 908
   All safety devices or equipment provided for in this chapter shall be maintained in good repair at all times. Fire escapes shall be kept clear and unobstructed and be readily accessible at all times. Upon inspection, the property owner, or authorized agent, shall demonstrate to the Director or designated personnel, that all existing fire escapes are fully operational and properly maintained. Upon completion of the inspection, all existing fire escapes shall be secured pursuant to Section 1110.3.1. of the San Francisco Fire Code.

San Francisco Planning code Article 1.2 SEC. 135.  USABLE OPEN SPACE FOR DWELLING UNITS AND GROUP HOUSING, R, NC, MIXED USE, C, AND M DISTRICTS.  (f)(3)     Fire Escapes as Usable Open Space. Normal fire escape grating shall not be considered suitable surfacing for usable open space. The steps of a fire escape stairway or ladder, and any space less than six feet deep between such steps and a wall of the building, shall not be credited as usable open space. But the mere potential use of a balcony area for an emergency fire exit by occupants of other dwelling units (or bedrooms in group housing) shall not prevent it from being credited as usable open space on grounds of lack of privacy or usability.

People standing on the fire escape are obstructions. Fire escapes are not open space.

However, I also noticed that we are in violation because the fire escape door is not locked against people entering from outside, which seems to be the focus of a lot more codes, ordinances, and case law.


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