Draft Fire Department Access to Part 9 Buildings Advisory under review
The City of Calgary is developing a Fire Department Access to Part 9 Buildings Advisory to provide guidance for firefighter access to certain Part 9 residential buildings that do not front onto a street, private roadway, or yard, such as some rear-lot and infill housing developments. The advisory proposes new requirements related to firefighter access routes, travel distances, staging areas, and, in some circumstances, sprinkler protection.
BILD Calgary Region has submitted formal feedback to The City of Calgary, incorporating feedback received from members regarding the draft advisory. BILD emphasized the importance of ensuring any new requirements are evidence-based, practical to implement, and aligned with the National Building Code – Alberta Edition and existing City standards. BILD also highlighted the need to consider potential impacts on housing affordability, development feasibility, permit timelines, and predictable approval processes. BILD Calgary Region’s raises several technical and implementation questions, including firefighter travel distances, Alternative Solution requirements, alignment with existing City standards, transition and implementation considerations, and opportunities to provide greater clarity and certainty for applicants. We will keep members informed as the City’s review progresses.
Please find BILD’s submission to The City of Calgary HERE.
