Interactive Guide To The 2012 Ibc

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Interactive Guide to the 2012 IBC
An Illustrated Checklist
Joseph Gentile and Nate Wittasek P.E.
SKIP TO INDEX
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE ICC STORE
BUILDING SIZE BUILDING BUILDING DESIGN MATERIALS COMPARTMENTATION EGRESS

ENVELOPE ORGANIZATION OCCUPANT LOAD COMPONENTS
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL
The International Code Council is a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe, sustainable and affordable
construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the
International Codes. ICC Evaluation Service (ICC-ES), a subsidiary of the International Code Council, has been the industry leader in performing technical evaluations for code compliance
fostering safe and sustainable design and construction.
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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

The information contained in this document is believed to be accurate; however it is being provided for informational purposes only and is intended for use only as a guide. Publication
of this document by the ICC should not be construed as the ICC or the authors of this document engaging in or rendering engineering, legal or other professional services. Use of the
information contained in this book should not be considered by the user to be a substitute for the advice of a registered professional engineer, attorney or other professional. If such
advice is required it should be sought through the services of a registered professional engineer, licensed attorney or other professional.
Interactive Guide to the 2012 IBC® An Illustrated Checklist

First Release: February 2013
ISBN: 978-1-60983-452-4
COPYRIGHT © 2013
Text and Illustration Copyrighted ® Joseph Gentile and Nathan Wittasek. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This Interactive Guide to the 2012 IBC ® An Illustrated Checklist is a copyrighted work
owned by Joseph Gentile and Nathan Wittasek.
This enhanced eBook contains information that is proprietary to and copyrighted by or licensed to International Code Council, Inc. The portions of information copyrighted by or
licensed to the International Code Council, Inc., have been obtained and reproduced with permission. The acronym ICC®, the ICC logo, and 2012 International Building Code® are
federally protected trademarks and service marks of ICC. All other code titles are the trademarks and services marks of the International Code Council, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Without advance written permission from the International Code Council, Inc., no part of the International Code Council, Inc.’s copyrighted or licensed material may be reproduced,
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Phone 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233) www.iccsafe.org.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Special thanks to Joel Aplin, Nathaniel Addleman, P.E., Ryan Clark, Mike Crowley, P.E., Ray Grill, P.E., Richard Hayes, AIA, Anil Kothiyal, Tom Long, P.E., Brian
McLaughlin, P.E., Hamid Naderi, P.E., Gary Nelson, P.E., CBO, Jim Quiter, P.E., Chris Reeves, P.E., Loren Ross, Randy Tucker, P.E., Madan Sharma, Ryoku Ozawa,
and Kenneth Gentile, P.E.
Architects address many design process issues along the way in creating a proposal for a building. Use of this guidebook does not reflect the AIA’s approval,
or sponsorship, or endorsement of building designs resulting from the use of this guide.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This document is organized to assist with applying the building code to your design project and is broken down into chapters that are related to the design process but are not
structured in the same way as the building code. Before you get started please take a moment to review the How to Use a Checklist Page and How to Use an Illustrated Page
diagrams. There are many ways to navigate through this document including an Index. Please do not pirate this document, the Authors worked very hard to create it.
CHAPTER 1 | BUILDING SIZE CHECKLIST The Building Size chapter addresses the limitations on the height and area of a
building as well as strategies for meeting these limitations. A variety of key terms
ILLUSTRATIONS related to the size of a building are defined in this section.
CHAPTER 2 | BUILDING ENVELOPE CHECKLIST The Building Envelope chapter addresses the requirements applicable to the
exterior walls and roofs of the building. The limitations on openings and
ILLUSTRATIONS projecting elements are also addressed.
CHAPTER 3 | BUILDING ORGANIZATION CHECKLIST The Building Organization chapter addresses the requirements informing the layout
of the building and its site including fire department access, accessible routes and
ILLUSTRATIONS means of egress. Requirements for restrooms and elevators are also provided.
CHAPTER 4 | DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD CHECKLIST The Design Occupant Load chapter demonstrates methods for determining the
occupant load of the building and spaces within it as well as indicating how the
ILLUSTRATIONS occupant loads of spaces are combined based on the relationships between them.
CHAPTER 5 | MATERIALS CHECKLIST The Materials chapter addresses how to classify a building into a Construction
Type. It also addresses interior finish requirements, safety glazing requirements and
ILLUSTRATIONS the permissible use of combustible materials in noncombustible buildings.
CHAPTER 6 | COMPARTMENTATION CHECKLIST The Compartmentation chapter describes the need to subdivide the building to
prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Requirements for each type of separation as
ILLUSTRATIONS well as requirements for atria, shafts, penetrations and rated rooms.
CHAPTER 7 | EGRESS COMPONENTS CHECKLIST The Egress Component chapter addresses the attributes and minimum sizes of
building elements that are used to provide the means of egress as required in the
ILLUSTRATIONS Building Organization chapter.
HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT | CHECKLIST PAGES
The Table of Contents explains the general organization of this document. This page describes how to use a Checklist Page. Working through the Checklist for each
chapter will maintain code compliance to a degree that will minimize time-intensive redesign work later in the project. Work through the checklist items for each chap-
ter sequentially and use the blue text links to the Illustrated pages to make sure you are applying the checklist correctly. Each checklist item in the left hand column
of this page is provided with links to the most useful Illustrated Pages in the center column of this page. Code references that have informed the development of the
Checklist Items are provided in the right hand column. We also provide guidance on How to Use an Illustrated Page.
CHAPTER TITLE PAGE UP AND PAGE DOWN

NAVIGATION BUTTONS
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NAVIGATION BUTTONS
CHECKLIST PAGE NUMBER
THIS INDICATES YOUR
PROGRESS THROUGH THE
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TO THE TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER SUMMARY LINK TO AN ILLUSTRATED PAGE

A DESCRIPTION OF THE THIS IS A LINK TO THE
KEY IDEAS IN THIS CHAPTER ILLUSTRATED PAGE(S) THAT
OF THE CHECKLIST WILL CLARIFY THE
REQUIREMENT EXPRESSED BY
THE CHECKLIST ITEM
A CHECKLIST ITEM
REVIEW EACH ONE CODE SECTION
OF THESE CHECKLIST THE PRIMARY CODE SECTION(S)
ITEMS TO MAINTAIN THAT INFORM THE
CODE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENT OF THIS
CHECKLIST ITEM
HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT | ILLUSTRATED PAGES
The Table of Contents explains the general organization of this document. This page describes how to use an Illustrated Page. The first Illustrated Page of each chapter is a visual
index to the contents of that chapter. The blue text links provided within both the square image and the commonly used links text below the image allow the user to navigate
between key ideas by going to the Illustrated Page that explains the term or idea shown as a link. The information in the square image is not complete without the Notes &
Reminders located on the right hand side of the page. Key notes, Accessibility Issues, Exceptions to the content of the image, Ideas for improving the use of the building code,
and Links to relevant Evaluation Reports produced by the International Code Council are provided. Code references for the illustration are provided below these notes. We also
provide guidance on How to Use a Checklist Page. IMAGE SPECIFIC NOTES
PAGE TITLE
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NAVIGATION BUTTONS
AND THE PAGE NUMBER
A HELPFUL NOTE
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THIS IS HELPFUL INFORMATION
THIS EXPLAINS A KEY
IDEA IN THE CODE...
ACCESSIBILITY REMINDER
READ THIS FIRST!
THIS PROVIDES SOME INFORMATION
ABOUT A RELATED ACCESSIBILITY
REQUIREMENT.
LINK WITHIN AN IMAGE
THIS LINKS TO AN IDEA NOT
AN EXCEPTION REMINDER
EXPLAINED ON THIS IMAGE
THIS TELLS YOU NOT TO LEAVE
THE IMAGE WITHOUT PAYING
ATTENTION TO THIS EXCEPTION
LINK WITHIN AN IMAGE
TO THE IDEA PRESENTED HERE
ANOTHER ONE
AN IDEA NOTE
THIS IS SOMETHING WORTH
CONSIDERING
ICC EVALUATION REPORT

DIMENSION OR MEASUREMENT
THIS PROVIDES A LINK TO AN
THIS IS A DIMENSIONAL
EVALUATION SERVICE REPORT RELATED
REQUIREMENT OR SHOWS
TO THIS REQUIREMENT
A METHOD OF MEASUREMENT
NAVIGATION BUTTONS
THESE ALLOW MOVEMENT BACK TO KEY
PAGES
COMMONLY USED LINKS
CODE SECTIONS
THIS LINKS TO A CLOSELY
THE PRIMARY CODE SECTIONS
ASSOCIATED IDEA NOT
THAT INFORM THE REQUIREMENT(S)
EXPLAINED BY THIS IMAGE
PRESENTED ON THIS IMAGE
CHECKLIST ITEMS | BUILDING SIZE 1 of 4
Building Size is measured in a number of ways including height for high-rise classification, building height and building area. Standardized approaches are provided for measuring
buildings. The maximum permissible Building Size is primarily a product of Occupancy Classification and Construction Type, however, other factors including the presence of
sprinklers and the presence of open frontage around the building inform the limitations. A variety of strategies can be employed to find a path to compliance with size limitations
and this is especially true for mixed use buildings. To a lesser degree, requirements that govern the Building Envelope will inform the size of the building by making use of the
edges of a site less desirable. In all cases the Construction Type aspect of meeting the requirements for the building’s intended size will inform the Materials used.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
1. Identify all primary and accessory occupancies. 1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION 303 (for Group A), 304 (for Group B), 305
(for Group E), 306 (for Group F), 307 (for Group H),
308 (for Group I), 309 (for Group M), 310 (for Group
R), 311(for Group S), 312 (for Group U)
1-02 ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES 508.2
2. Determine if the building is a high-rise. 1-03 DETERMINING HIGH-RISE 202 (see “High-Rise Building”)
CLASSIFICATION
3. Measure the building height for the proposed 1-04 MEASURING BUILDING 202 (see “Height, Building”)
building. This will require performing a grade HEIGHT
plane calculation..
1-06 GRADE PLANE 202 (see “Grade Plane”)
4. Determine the number of stories above grade plane 1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE 202 (see “Story Above Grade Plane” and “Story”)
for the proposed building. This will require both
performing a grade plane calculation and
identifying any mezzanines. 1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE 505.2
MEZZANINE AREA
IMAGES CODE SECTION
5. Review levels identified as mezzanines to make 1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE 202 (see “Mezzanine”)
sure they meet the area and enclosure requirements MEZZANINE AREA
that define a mezzanine.
1-09 ENCLOSED MEZZANINES 505.2
6. Determine if any basements or attics are present. 1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE 202 (see “Basement”)
1-10 ATTICS 202 (see “Attic”)
7. For the purpose of allowable height and area 1-13 BUILDINGS ON THE SAME LOT 503.1.2
limitations determine if the building will be (1) a
single building, (2) a single structure divided into
multiple buildings or (3) more than one structure
on the same lot identified as a single building.
8. Tabulate the area of each story and the building 1-14 MEASURING BUILDING AREA 202 (see “Area, Building”)
area for the proposed building.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
9. Determine if the building will be provided with 903
sprinklers throughout.
10. Determine whether allowable increases based on 506.3, 504.2

the presence of sprinklers apply for height/number
of stories, area or both?
11. Determine whether or not the building is permitted 1-15 UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS 507
to be of unlimited building area.
12. Determine the maximum allowable height and 1-16 DETERMINE ALLOWABLE 504; Table 503
maximum allowable area of the possible construction HEIGHT
types for the building.
1-17 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE 506; Table 503
AREA PER BUILDING
13. If only one occupancy is present, determine 1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE 504; Table 503
minimum Construction Type based on the allowable HEIGHT
height and area for that occupancy.
AREA PER BUILDING
14. If more than one occupancy is present, determine 1-19 SEPARATED AND NONSEPARATED 508.3 (for separated mixed use), 508.4 (for
whether a separated mixed use or nonseparated MIXED USE nonseparated mixed use)
mixed use approach will be used.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
15.1 For a separated mixed use approach, calculate 1-20 SEPARATED MIXED USE 506.5, 508.4
the sum of the ratios. In each story, the building
area must be such that the sum of the ratios of the
actual building area of each separated occupancy
divided by the allowable building area of each
separated occupancy does not exceed one.
15.2 For a nonseparated mixed use approach, 1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE 504; Table 503
base allowable height and area on the most HEIGHT
restrictive occupancy.
AREA PER BUILDING
16. Determine if the building is a podium building or if 1-21 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION 510
other allowable increases in building size can be ALLOWANCE (PODIUM BUILDINGS)
applied.
17. All buildings and structures are assigned a single 1604.5

Risk Category for the purpose of structural design
(this is not the same thing as an Occupancy
Classification). Assign the project to a category.
18. All sites are assigned a Seismic Design Category. 1613 and 1613.3.5 Additional information not
Assign the project to a category (this may require present within the IBC is provided in ASCE 7
assistance from the Civil or Structural Engineer). (American Society of Civil Engineers )
BUILDING SIZE | VISUAL INDEX 1-00
NOTES & REMINDERS
TAKE NOTE OF THE HIGHEST STORY ON WHICH A GIVEN OCCUPANCY IS

PERMITTED TO BE LOCATED BASED ON THE CONSTRUCTION TYPE OF THE
BUILDING. THIS WILL OFTEN BE A CRITICAL FACTOR IN DETERMINING THE
CONSTRUCTION TYPE.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONFIRM WHICH SPACES WILL BE ACCEPTABLE AS YARDS

WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION WHEN DETERMINING THE
ALLOWABLE AREA INCREASES DUE TO FRONTAGE.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; REFERENCES: 503.1; 508.1; 504.2; 506.2; 506.3
1-19 SEPARATED AND NONSEPARATED OCCUPANCIES
BUILDING SIZE | OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION 1-01
NOTES & REMINDERS
SOME BUILDING USES DO NOT CLEARLY FALL INTO A PARTICULAR OCCUPANCY

CATEGORY. OTHER USES, SUCH AS RESTROOMS, ARE TRADITIONALLY CONSID-
ERED TO BE ACCESSORY TO THE MAIN OCCUPANCY THAT THEY SERVE.
CHAPTER 4 OF THE BUILDING CODE CONTAINS OCCUPANCY-SPECIFIC

REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE MORE SPECIFIC THAN THE BROADER CLASSIFICATIONS
FOUND IN CHAPTER 3.
1-02 ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES AND INCIDENTAL USES REFERENCES: 302.1, 303-312
BUILDING SIZE | ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES AND INCIDENTAL USES 1-02
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS COMMON FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS TO CONSIST OF MULTIPLE

OCCUPANCIES, WHEREIN THE SIZE OF THE SECONDARY OR TERTIARY
OCCUPANCIES ARE TOO LARGE TO BE CONSIDERED AS ACCESSORY TO
THE MAIN OCCUPANCY.
IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SEPARATE DIFFERENT OCCUPANCIES WITH WALLS IN

MANY CASES. CONVERSELY, THE LACK OF A WALL DOES NOT NECESSARILY
MEAN THAT THERE ARE NOT TWO OR MORE OCCUPANCIES WITHIN A SPACE.
ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES AND INCIDENTAL USES ARE TREATED SIMILARLY

BY THE BUILDING CODE. THE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THEM IS THE
INCREASED DANGER TO BUILDING OCCUPANTS POSED BY INCIDENTAL USES.
REVIEW THE EXCEPTIONS THAT EXIST WITHIN THE ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCY

CATEGORY TO DETERMINE WHETHER ASSEMBLY USES IN BUSINESS AREAS MAY
BE CONSIDERED TO BE ACCESSORY BY VIRTUE OF SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS
(SEE IBC SECTIONS 303.1.1 AND 303.1.2).
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; REFERENCES: 508.2; 509.1; 303.1.2

1-19 SEPARATED AND NONSEPARATED OCCUPANCIES;
1-14 MEASURING BUILDING AREA
BUILDING SIZE | DETERMINING HIGH-RISE CLASSIFICATION 1-03
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS CRITICAL TO COME TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THE ‘LOWEST LEVEL

OF FIRE AUTHORITY ACCESS’ IS WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
TYPICALLY, HIGH-RISE PROVISIONS ARE APPLIED THROUGHOUT CONTIGUOUS

BUILDINGS IN WHICH ONE OR MORE PORTIONS MEETS THE DEFINITION OF A
HIGH-RISE BUILDING.
THERE ARE MULTIPLE HEIGHT REGIMES WITHIN THE HIGH-RISE CATEGORY,

INCLUDING BUILDINGS MORE THAN 120 FEET IN HEIGHT AND THOSE THAT
ARE MORE THAN 420 FEET IN HEIGHT.
IT MAY BE DESIRABLE TO MAINTAIN THE TOP FLOOR OF A

BUILDING BELOW THE THRESHOLD FOR A HIGH-RISE DUE TO THE COSTS
ASSOCIATED WITH HIGH-RISE DESIGN FEATURES.
AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWERS, OPEN PARKING GARAGES, GROUP A-5

BUILDINGS, SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES AND BUILDINGS WITH GROUPS
H-1, H-2 OR H-3 OCCUPANCIES SUBJECT TO IBC SECTION 415 ARE EXEMPT FROM
HIGH-RISE REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED IN IBC SECTIONS 403.2 THROUGH 403.6.
1-04 MEASURING BUILDING HEIGHT; 3-01 FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS REFERENCES: 202; 403.1
BUILDING SIZE | MEASURING BUILDING HEIGHT 1-04
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN DETERMINING BUILDING HEIGHT IN STRUCTURES THAT CONSIST OF

MULTIPLE DISTINCT SECTIONS, THE TALLEST SECTION WILL OFTEN BE USED TO
CHARACTERIZE BUILDING HEIGHT FOR THE ENTIRE BUILDING (WITH THE
EXCEPTION OF QUALIFYING ROOFTOP STRUCTURES, STEEPLES OR SIMILAR).
SPECIAL APPROACHES EXIST IN DETERMINING BUILDING HEIGHT FOR

STRUCTURES ON HILLSIDE LOTS. THE WAY IN WHICH BUILDING HEIGHT IS
CALCULATED IS ALSO RELATED TO WHERE THE FIRE ACCESS ROADS ARE
LOCATED.
WHERE MULTIPLE BUILDINGS ARE CONSIDERED AS A SINGLE BUILDING FOR THE

PURPOSES OF HEIGHT AND AREA, THE TALLEST SINGLE STRUCTURE WILL BE
CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING BUILDING HEIGHT.
TOWERS, SPIRES, STEEPLES, AND OTHER ROOF STRUCTURES MAY BE CONSTRUCT-

ED OF MATERIALS CONSISTENT WITH THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TYPE. SUCH
STRUCTURES MAY BE OF UNLIMITED HEIGHT WHEN MADE OF NONCOMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS, AND MAY NOT EXTEND MORE THAN 20 FEET ABOVE THE MAXIMUM
ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHT WHEN CONSTRUCTED USING COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS.
1-06 GRADE PLANE; 1-03 DETERMINING HIGH-RISE CLASSIFICATION; REFERENCES: 202; 504.1; 504.3
2-19 ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
BUILDING SIZE | STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE 1-05
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE HEIGHT OF A SINGLE STORY IS NOT LIMITED PER SE; IT IS ONLY LIMITED
INSOFAR AS THE HEIGHT OF THE BUILDING IS LIMITED ACCORDING TO THE
CONSTRUCTION TYPE.
WATCH OUT FOR ENTRANCES THAT EXIST IN WELLS OR SIMILAR BELOW-GRADE

AREAS SUCH THAT A SINGLE PORTION OF THE BUILDING IS EXPOSED MORE THAN
12 FEET VERTICALLY. SUCH A CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A DETERMINATION
THAT AN ADDITIONAL STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE EXISTS.
BE CAREFUL WHEN MULTIPLE BASEMENT LEVELS ARE PRESENT BECAUSE EVEN

THOUGH SUCH LEVELS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE STORIES, THEY MAY
CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL ALLOWABLE AREA.
1-06 GRADE PLANE; 1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE MEZZANINE AREA; REFERENCES: 202; 504; 505
1-10 ATTICS
BUILDING SIZE | GRADE PLANE 1-06
NOTES & REMINDERS
AT A MINIMUM, POINTS AT EACH VERTEX OF THE BUILDING FOOTPRINT SHOULD

BE USED IN CALCULATING GRADE PLANE.
ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION APPROACHES FOR GRADE PLANE MAY BE

REQUIRED FOR VERY LARGE PROJECTS, OR PROJECTS THAT CONSIST OF
MULTIPLE BUILDINGS THAT ARE CONSIDERED TO BE PART OF THE SAME BUILDING
WITH RESPECT TO HEIGHT AND AREA.
1-07 CALCULATING GRADE PLANE; 1-04 MEASURING BUILDING HEIGHT; REFERENCES: 202; 502
1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE
BUILDING SIZE | CALCULATING GRADE PLANE 1-07
NOTES & REMINDERS
ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL ASPECTS OF CALCULATING GRADE PLANE IS

ACCURATELY PLACING THE ELEVATION POINTS (AT THE VERTICES OF THE
BUILDING FOOTPRINT). THESE POINTS WILL BE USED IN CALCULATING THE
AVERAGE ELEVATIONS OF EACH SIDE OF THE BUILDING, AND SO MUST BE
PLACED WITH CONSIDERATION OF PROPERTY LINES AND SLOPING TERRAIN.
1-06 GRADE PLANE REFERENCES: 202; 502
BUILDING SIZE | MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE MEZZANINE AREA 1-08
NOTES & REMINDERS
ALTHOUGH MEZZANINES ARE TYPICALLY CONSIDERED TO BE RAISED ABOVE

THE ROOM IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED, THE POSSIBILITY OF ‘DEPRESSED’
MEZZANINES EXISTS. WHEN TAKING THIS APPROACH, PLEASE CONSULT WITH
THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTABILITY OF
THE APPROACH.
WHEN DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF EXITS FROM A MEZZANINE, IT IS IMPORTANT

TO REMEMBER THAT THE NUMBER AND NATURE OF EXITS ARE DIRECTLY RELATED
TO NOT ONLY THE OCCUPANT LOAD OF THE MEZZANINE, BUT ALSO THE
COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL LIMITATIONS AND THE DEGREE OF OPENNESS
OF THE MEZZANINE IN QUESTION.
MEZZANINE FLOORS MUST BE CONSTRUCTED IN A MANNER THAT IS CONSISTENT

WITH THE CONSTRUCTION TYPE OF THE BUILDING. THE PRESENCE OF SEPARATED
MIXED USES MUST ALSO BE GIVEN PROPER CONSIDERATION.
IN ORDER FOR THE MEZZANINE AREA TO BE UP TO ONE HALF THE AREA OF THE
ROOM OR SPACE IN WHICH IT IS LOCATED, IT IS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE A FIRE
ALARM SYSTEM. THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM THAT IS PROVIDED MUST BE AN
APPROVED EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN
ACCORDANCE WITH 505.2.1 AND 907.5.2.2.
ENCLOSED PORTIONS OF MEZZANINES ARE REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN

CALCULATING THE AGGREGATE MEZZANINE AREA.
THE AGGREGATE AREA OF MEZZANINES IN BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF

TYPE I OR TYPE II CONSTRUCTION FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES AS
DESCRIBED IN IBC SECTION 503.1.1 CAN BE UP TO 2/3 OF THE AREA OF THE
SPACE IT OPENS INTO PER EXCEPTION 1 TO IBC SECTION 505.2.1.
1-14 MEASURING BUILDING AREA; 1-09 ENCLOSED MEZZANINES; REFERENCES: 202; 505.2
5-03 TYPE I AND TYPE II CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING SIZE | ENCLOSED MEZZANINES 1-09
NOTES & REMINDERS
PROVISIONS FOR SEPARATED USES MAY OVERRIDE THE BASIC ALLOWANCE

THAT A MEZZANINE BE OPEN TO THE ROOM IN WHICH IT IS LOCATED. SUCH
SEPARATIONS WILL ALSO IMPACT THE MEANS OF EGRESS REQUIREMENTS FROM
MEZZANINES.
ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS AS TO WHEN AN ACCESSIBLE

ROUTE TO A MEZZANINE IS NOT REQUIRED, BE MINDFUL OF PROVIDING
ELEVATOR ACCESS TO SUCH SPACES IN NEW CONSTRUCTION AND SOME
RENOVATION PROJECTS.
MEZZANINES OR PORTIONS THEREOF ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE OPEN TO THE

ROOM IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED IF THE OCCUPANT LOAD OF THE
AGGREGATE AREA OF ENCLOSED SPACE IS LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 10.
MEZZANINES WITH TWO OR MORE MEANS OF EGRESS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO

BE OPEN TO THE ROOM IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED IF ONE OF THE EXITS
PROVIDES DIRECT ACCESS TO AN EXIT FROM THE MEZZANINE.
MEZZANINES OR PORTIONS THEREOF ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE OPEN TO THE

ROOM IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED IF THE FLOOR AREA OF THE ENCLOSED
SPACE IS LESS THAN OR EQUAL TO 10 PERCENT OF THE MEZZANINE AREA.
IN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES, MEZZANINES USED FOR CONTROL EQUIPMENT MAY

BE GLAZED ON ALL SIDES. IN OCCUPANCIES OTHER THAN GROUPS H AND I
THAT ARE NO MORE THAN TWO STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANE AND EQUIPPED
THROUGHOUT WITH AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM, MEZZANINES HAVING
TWO OR MORE MEANS OF EGRESS DO NOT HAVE TO BE OPEN TO THE ROOM
OR SPACE IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED.
1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE MEZZANINE AREA; REFERENCES: 505.2.3

1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY;
3-33 MEZZANINE TRAVEL DISTANCE
BUILDING SIZE | ATTICS 1-10
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN MODIFICATIONS ARE MADE TO ATTICS SUCH AS PROVISION FOR STAIRS

OR ADDITION OF DORMER-TYPE WINDOW ASSEMBLIES, THE PERCEPTION OF THE
USABILITY OF THE ATTIC MAY BE IMPACTED, AND WITH IT THE ATTIC MAY IN
EFFECT BECOME A STORY.
IN FULLY SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS, COMBUSTIBLE ATTIC SPACES ARE ALSO

REQUIRED TO BE PROTECTED WITH SPRINKLERS. NONCOMBUSTIBLE ATTIC
SPACES ARE ALSO OFTEN REQUIRED TO BE SPRINKLERED IF A REASONABLE
POSSIBILITY OF STORAGE WITHIN THE SPACE EXISTS (SEE EXCEPTION 2 TO
SECTION 413.2).
1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE; 3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; REFERENCES: 202; 413.2; 718.4
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF MEANS OF EGRESS;
5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE; 6-64 DRAFT STOPPING IN ATTICS;
6-58 FIREBLOCKING BETWEEN STORIES
BUILDING SIZE | INCREASE FOR FRONTAGE 1-11
NOTES & REMINDERS
BE CAREFUL WHEN APPLYING FRONTAGE INCREASES AT PUBLIC WAYS OR

SIMILAR; THE DISTANCE FROM THE FACE OF THE STRUCTURE TO THE FAR SIDE OF
THE PUBLIC WAY MAY BE CONSIDERED. HOWEVER, WHEN CONSIDERING FIRE
EXPOSURE, ONLY THE DISTANCE TO THE CENTERLINE OF THE STREET OR PUBLIC
WAY IS CONSIDERED.
THE AVERAGE WEIGHTED FRONTAGE IS CALCULATED WHEN THE WIDTH OF THE

SIDE YARDS VARIES. AT NO TIME, HOWEVER, CAN THE MINIMUM WIDTH OF THE
SIDEYARD BE LESS THAN 20 FEET. SIDE YARD WIDTHS IN EXCESS OF 30 FEET ARE
NOT CONSIDERED IN SUCH CALCULATIONS.
THE CODE INTENDS THAT YARDS USED IN THE CALCULATION OF FRONTAGE

INCREASES BE ACCESSIBLE TO FIRE PERSONNEL. THE AUTHORITY HAVING
JURISDICTION IS EMPOWERED TO IDENTIFY WHAT TYPES OF YARDS OR OPEN
SPACES ARE ACCEPTABLE.
1-18 ALLOWABLE ARE PER STORY; 6-12 FIRE WALLS; REFERENCES: 506.2
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
BUILDING SIZE | COURTS, YARDS AND AREAWAYS 1-12
NOTES & REMINDERS
ANY PORTION OF THE BUILDING THAT IS COVERED MAY CONTRIBUTE TO

OVERALL BUILDING AREA, INCLUSIVE OF TRELLISES OR SIMILAR STRUCTURES
THAT ARE ATTACHED TO AND PART OF THE BUILDING.
AT NO TIME CAN AREAS (OTHER THAN ADJACENT PUBLIC WAYS) BEYOND A

PROPERTY LINE BE CONSIDERED IN CALCULATING FRONTAGE BECAUSE SUCH
AREAS ARE NOT UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE BUILDING OWNER AND ARE
THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE FUTURE.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS EXIST TO PROTECT OCCUPANTS FROM FALLING INTO

AREAWAYS, AND TO ALLOW OCCUPANTS FROM WITHIN THE BUILDING
ACCESSING AREAWAYS A PATH TO GRADE.
1-14 MEASURING BUILDING AREA; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; REFERENCES: 202
3-24 EGRESS COURTS; 1-15 UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS; 1-11 INCREASE FOR
FRONTAGE; 1-18 ALLOWABLE AREA PER STORY; 7-39 GUARDS REQUIRED
BUILDING SIZE | BUILDINGS ON THE SAME LOT 1-13
NOTES & REMINDERS
AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF FIRE WALLS IS PERMITTED TO SEPARATE A SINGLE

FACILITY INTO MULTIPLE BUILDINGS.
THE USE OF FIRE WALLS CREATES SEPARATE BUILDINGS THAT MAY RELIEVE THE
OWNER OF A BUILDING/FACILITY OF THE REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE A SPRIN-
KLER SYSTEM THROUGHOUT ALL PORTIONS OF FACILITY THAT ARE SEPARATED
BY FIRE WALLS.
WHEN MULTIPLE OWNERS EXIST FOR PORTIONS OF A FACILITY SEPARATED BY

FIRE WALLS (AT A PROPERTY LINE), SUCH WALLS ARE REFERRED TO AS PARTY
WALLS.
100210970
WHEN TWO STRUCTURES HAVING THE SAME OWNER, AND ON THE SAME LOT
ARE CONSIDERED TO BE PART OF THE SAME BUILDING, REQUIREMENTS
APPLICABLE TO THE BUILDING ENVELOPE (E.G. FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE
AND PROTECTION OF OPENINGS AND FIRE RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION OF WALLS)
MAY NOT APPLY AS THEY WOULD FOR MULTIPLE BUILDINGS.
1-18 ALLOWABLE AREA PER STORY; 6-12 FIRE WALLS; REFERENCES: 706.1; 503.1.2
BUILDING SIZE | MEASURING BUILDING AREA 1-14
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE DEFINITION OF THE COLUMN LINE FOR A PARTICULAR BUILDING MAY

BE SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION,
ESPECIALLY WHEN ELEMENTS SUCH AS TRELLISES, LARGE SHADE STRUCTURES,
OR SIMILAR ARE PRESENT.
THE AREA OF A SINGLE BASEMENT IS OFTEN PERMITTED TO BE EXCLUDED FROM

THE CALCULATION OF BUILDING AREA AS LONG AS THE FOOTPRINT OF SAID
BASEMENT IS NOT LARGER THAN THE AREA OF THE BUILDING ITSELF.
1-18 ALLOWABLE ARE PER STORY; 1-15 UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS; REFERENCES: 202
2-19 ROOFTOP STRUCTURES; 1-12 COURTS, YARDS AND AREAWAYS;
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES
BUILDING SIZE | UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS 1-15
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE INTERACTION OF UNLIMITED AREA BUILDINGS WITH PUBLIC WAYS OR

EASEMENTS MUST BE CONFIRMED WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
GROUP B, F, M, AND S OCCUPANCIES OF ANY CONSTRUCTION TYPE HAVING

ONE OR TWO STORIES AND GROUP A-4 OCCUPANCIES OF OTHER THAN TYPE
V CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERIZED BY A SINGLE STORY MAY BE OF UNLIMITED
AREA SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS IN IBC SECTIONS 507.3 AND 507.4.
THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO BUILDINGS OF UNLIMITED AREA DUE TO THE

PRESENCE OF SIDE YARDS ARE CHARACTERIZED BY VARIOUS EXCEPTIONS THAT
PERMIT REDUCTIONS IN THE SIDE YARDS IN SPECIFIC INSTANCES. THESE ARE
PROVIDED IN IBC SECTIONS 507.5 THROUGH 507.12 AND SOME ALLOW
REDUCTIONS IN THE MINIMUM WIDTH OF THE OPEN SPACE.
SINGLE STORY NONSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS OF GROUPS F-2 OR S-2 ARE

PERMITTED TO BE UNLIMITED IN AREA.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; REFERENCES: 503.1.3; 507
1-12 COURTS, YARDS AND AREAWAYS
BUILDING SIZE | DETERMINING ALLOWABLE HEIGHT 1-16
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN READING THE ALLOWABLE HEIGHT AND AREA TABLE (TABLE 503), IT IS
IMPORTANT TO REVIEW EACH OCCUPANCY THAT WILL BE PRESENT WITHIN A
BUILDING. THE TABLE INDICATES THE MAXIMUM STORY UP TO WHICH EACH
OCCUPANCY IS PERMITTED (HEIGHT INCREASES NOTWITHSTANDING).
NFPA 13 IS THE BASIC STANDARD FOR SPRINKLER PROTECTION THAT IS ADOPTED

BY MOST JURISDICTIONS.
1-04 MEASURING BUILDING HEIGHT; 1-06 GRADE PLANE; 1-05 STORY REFERENCES: TABLE 503; 504.1; 504.2; 506.3
ABOVE GRADE PLANE
BUILDING SIZE | DETERMINING ALLOWABLE AREA PER BUILDING 1-17
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE DESIGNER MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN NONSEPARATED OCCUPANCIES AND

SEPARATED OCCUPANCIES (I.E. SUM OF THE RATIOS). ALTHOUGH USING THE
SEPARATED OCCUPANCIES APPROACH WILL GENERALLY RESULT IN LARGER
ALLOWABLE BUILDING AREAS, OCCUPANCY SEPARATIONS (FIRE BARRIERS)
ARE REQUIRED BETWEEN SOME OCCUPANCIES.
APPROVED AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS SHALL BE DESIGNED IN

ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE VERSION OF NFPA 13, STANDARD FOR
THE INSTALLATION OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS. IN MOST CASES, THE BUILDING MUST
BE SPRINKLERED THROUGHOUT.
1-18 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE AREA PER STORY; 1-14 MEASURING REFERENCES: 506.4; 506.5
BUILDING AREA; 1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE; 1-06 GRADE PLANE
BUILDING SIZE | DETERMINING ALLOWABLE AREA PER STORY 1-18
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS ENTIRELY POSSIBLE FOR THE TOTAL ALLOWABLE BUILDING AREA OF ALL

FLOORS COMBINED TO BE MORE THAN 11 TIMES THE BASE ALLOWABLE AREA
WHEN INCREASES FOR SPRINKLERS, FRONTAGE AND THE MULTI-STORY INCREASE
ARE APPLIED.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; REFERENCES: TABLE 503; 506.1; 506.2; 506.3; 506.4.1
1-11 INCREASE FOR FRONTAGE; 1-17 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE
AREA PER BUILDING; 1-14 MEASURING BUILDING AREA
BUILDING SIZE | SEPARATED AND NONSEPARATED OCCUPANCIES 1-19
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE AREA OF ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES IS LIMITED TO 10% OF THE MAIN

OCCUPANCY ON EACH LEVEL.
ONLY THE MOST STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO FIRE PROTECTION

SYSTEMS, HEIGHT AND AREA APPLY IN BUILDINGS USING A NONSEPARATED
OCCUPANCIES APPROACH; THE MOST STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS RELATED
TO EXITING OR HIGH-RISE, ETC. DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY APPLY.
WHEN RATED OCCUPANCY SEPARATIONS ARE USED IN THE CONTEXT OF A

SEPARATED MIXED USE APPROACH, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT SUCH
SEPARATIONS APPLY HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY. SUPPORTING
CONSTRUCTION MUST BE OF AT LEAST THE SAME FIRE RESISTANCE AS THE
OCCUPANCY SEPARATION.
ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES LOCATED WITHIN SINGLE OCCUPANY OR MIXED

OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS
OF IBC SECTION 508.2, WHICH LIMITS THE AREA OF SUCH USES TO 10% OF THE
BUILDING AREA OF THE STORY IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED. SUCH ACCES-
SORY OCCUPANCIES NEED NOT BE CONSIDERED IN DETERMINING ALLOWABLE
BUILDING AREA, AND ARE GENERALLY NOT REQUIRED TO BE SEPARATED FROM
THE MAIN OCCUPANCY IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 508.2.4 (SEE
EXCEPTIONS)
IN NONSEPARATED USES, GROUPS H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5 OCCUPANCIES ARE
STILL REQUIRED TO BE SEPARATED.
GROUP I-1, R-1, R-2 AND R-3 DWELLING UNITS AND SLEEPING UNITS ARE
REQUIRED TO BE SEPARATED FROM OTHER DWELLING OR SLEEPING UNITS
CONTIGUOUS TO THEM AS REQUIRED BY IBC SECTION 420.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 1-02 ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES REFERENCES: 508.3; 508.4

AND INCIDENTAL USES ; 1-20 SEPARATED MIXED USE
BUILDING SIZE | SEPARATED OCCUPANCIES 1-20
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE USE OF THE SEPARATED OCCUPANCY APPROACH IS COMMONLY APPLIED

IN BUILDINGS THAT ARE OTHERWISE NONSEPARATED USE BUILDINGS. A TYPICAL
EXAMPLE IS SEPARATING OUT A HAZARDOUS OCCUPANCY SUCH AS FUEL
STORAGE FOR GENERATORS IN A BUILDING THAT CONTAINS OTHERWISE
NON-HAZARDOUS OCCUPANCIES; THE H OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS
ARE NOT APPLIED THROUGHOUT IF THE H OCCUPANCY IS APPROPRIATELY
SEPARATED.
1-19 SEPARATED AND NONSEPARATED OCCUPANCIES; 1-16 DETERMINING REFERENCES: 508.4

ALLOWABLE HEIGHT; 1-18 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE AREA PER STORY;
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS
BUILDING SIZE | HORIZONTAL SEPARATION ALLOWANCE (PODIUM BUILDINGS) 1-21
NOTES & REMINDERS
A TYPE IA PODIUM CONSTRUCTED USING AN ENHANCED HORIZONTAL FIRE

SEPARATION IS TREATED IN MUCH THE SAME WAY AS GRADE LEVEL OF A
TYPICAL BUILDING WITH RESPECT TO THE NUMBER OF STORIES PERMITTED
ABOVE SUCH AN ELEMENT.
NUMEROUS PROVISIONS EXIST TO PLACE A BUILDING OF COMBUSTIBLE OR NON-

COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION ON TOP OF ANOTHER BUILDING THAT IS ALWAYS
OF NON-COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION. THESE PROVISIONS WERE ORIGINALLY
DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS THE NEED FOR COST EFFECTIVE BUILDINGS WITH
PARKING BELOW.
REFER TO IBC SECTION 510.2 FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO

HORIZONTAL BUILDING SEPARATION ALLOWANCES.
ALTHOUGH SUCH ARRANGEMENTS MAY EFFECTIVELY YIELD ADDITIONAL STORIES

TO A STRUCTURE, THE TOTAL HEIGHT IN FEET IS NOTABLY NOT INCREASED; THIS IS
BECAUSE THE HEIGHT MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR FIRE FIGHTER ACCESS.
1-17 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE AREA PER BUILDING; REFERENCES: 510.2

1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE HEIGHT; 6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION;
1-22 INCREASE IN HEIGHT FOR GROUP R WITH PARKING BELOW;
1-23 INCREASE IN HEIGHT FOR PARKING ABOVE GROUP B OR M
BUILDING SIZE | INCREASE IN HEIGHT FOR GROUP R WITH PARKING BELOW 1-22
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE USE OF HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION (INCLUDING NONCOMBUSTIBLE

WALLS) IS ONE OF ONLY A HANDFUL OF INSTANCES IN WHICH A SECONDARY
BUILDING MAY BE PLACED ON A STRUCTURE THAT HAS COMBUSTIBLE ELEMENTS
AND BE CONSIDERED A SEPARATE BUILDING WITH RESPECT TO ALLOWABLE
STORIES AND AREA.
1-21 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION ALLOWANCE (PODIUM BUILDINGS); REFERENCES: 510.4

1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE;
1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE HEIGHT; 6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION
BUILDING SIZE | INCREASE IN HEIGHT FOR PARKING ABOVE GROUP B OR M 1-23
NOTES & REMINDERS
REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO OPEN PARKING GARAGES ARE PROVIDED IN IBC

SECTION 406.5.
THE BUILDING BELOW THE HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY IN GROUP B OR M WITH

GROUP S-2 OPEN PARKING GARAGES MUST BE OF TYPE I OR II CONSTRUCTION,
BUT NOT LESS THAN THE TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION REQUIRED FOR THE GROUP S-2
OPEN PARKING GARAGE ABOVE.
1-21 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION ALLOWANCE (PODIUM BUILDINGS); REFERENCES: 510.8; 510.9

1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE;
1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE HEIGHT; 1-17 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE
AREA PER BUILDING; 6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION
CHECKLIST ITEMS | BUILDING ENVELOPE 1 of 4
The Building Envelope includes the walls and roofs that make up the building exterior as well as the openings through and elements added to the walls and roofs. The building
code is heavily influenced by the need to limit the possibility for fire spread between buildings. As a result the majority of requirements applicable to the building envelope are
based on the distance separating the envelope from the adjacent property line. This distance is typically called Fire Separation Distance and is a key consideration in the placement
of the building on a site. Ideas covered in this section of the checklist include the ratings and quantity of openings through exterior walls, projections, emergency escape and
rescue openings, mechanical system openings, parapets, rooftop structures, and skylights. A second set of requirements addresses elements at the building envelope that project
across the property line and into the public way. Decisions about Building Organization will also determine the best approach to these requirements.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
1 Identify all real property lines (i.e lot lines). 2-00 BUILDING ENVELOPE 202 (see “Fire Separation Distance”), 202 (see “Lot
Line”)
2 Identify assumed property lines between the 2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE 705.3
subject building and adjacent structures on the
same property.
2-02 IMAGINARY LINE FOR FIRE
SEPARATION DISTANCE
3 Determine fire separation distance between for all 2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE 202 (see “Fire Separation Distance”)
sides of the subject building and real or imaginary
property lines
2-02 IMAGINARY LINE FOR FIRE 705.3
SEPARATION DISTANCE
4 Determine exterior wall fire resistance require 2-03 REQUIRED RATINGS OF Table 602
ments based on fire separation distance and EXTERIOR WALLS
occupancy
2-04 RATING OF EXTERIOR WALL/ROOF 705.8.6
FOR BUILDINGS WITH DIFFERENT
HEIGHTS
5 Determine if each fire resistance rated exterior wall 2-05 NONSYMMETRICAL EXTERIOR 705.5
is required to be rated from both sides or only one WALL RATINGS
side.
IMAGES CODE SECTION

6 Determine requirements for projections based on 2-06 PROJECTIONS FROM EXTERIOR 705.2; Table 705.2
fire separation distance and construction type. WALLS
2-07 PROJECTION MATERIALS 705.2.1; 705.2.2; 705.2.3; 1406.3; 1406.4
7 If fire walls are present review the options for 2-08 FIRE WALLS AND PROJECTIONS 706.5
terminating fire walls at or beyond the roof FROM EXTERIOR WALLS
(vertical continuity) and terminating them at or
beyond the exterior walls (horizontal continuity).
8 Determine the maximum permissible quantity 2-09 ALLOWABLE OPENINGS IN 705.8; Table 705.8
of openings in exterior walls based on fire EXTERIOR WALLS
separation distance, the presence of sprinklers
and rated opening assemblies.
2-10 EXTERIOR WALLS CONTAINING
BOTH PROTECTED AND
UNPROTECTED OPENINGS
9 In Group R-2 Occupancies, determine if 2-11 EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND 1029; Note ‘a’ and ‘b’ to Table 1021.2 (1); Note ‘a’
emergency escape and rescue openings are RESCUE OPENINGS to Table 1021.2 (2)
required.
10 Confirm all air intake locations are sufficiently 2-12 LOCATING AIR INTAKE Requirements are not present within the IBC and
distant from building and site elements not OPENINGS are provided by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010
permitted to be adjacent to these openings. Section 5.5.1 and Table 5-1 as well as Section 401.4
of the International Mechanical Code.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
11 Confirm all air exhaust locations are sufficiently 2-13 LOCATING AIR EXHAUST 909.10.3; Additional Requirements are not
distant from building and site elements not OPENINGS present within the IBC and are provided by
permitted to be adjacent to these openings. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010 Section 5.5.1,
Table 5-1 and 10.3.4 as well as Section 501.3.1
of the International Mechanical Code.
12 Determine where exterior walls are required to be 2-14 EXTERIOR WALL RATING AT 1022.7
rated due to adjacent interior or exterior exit stair INTERIOR STAIRWAYS
ways.
2-15 EXTERIOR WALL RATING AT 1022.2; 1026.6
EXTERIOR STAIRWAYS
13 Determine if parapets are required at the edge of 2-16 REQUIRED PARAPETS 705.11
the roof.
14 If rooftop structures are present confirm they are 2-19 ROOFTOP STRUCTURES 1509
within size limitations and constructed of appropri-
ate materials.
15 If hatches for roof access are provided confirm they 2-20 ROOF ACCESS HATCHES AND 1013.7; 1013.6
are located sufficiently far from the edge of the ACCESS TO MECHANICAL
building or provided with fall protection. EQUIPMENT
16 If skylights or horizontal glazing are present confirm 2-21 SKYLIGHTS AND HORIZONTAL 711.4; 2405
they meet rating requirements based on location. GLAZING
IMAGES CODE SECTION
17 Review all projections into the public way for mate- 2-22 AWNINGS, CANOPIES AND 202; 3105; 3106
rials and distance of projections. This includes but MARQUEES
is not limited to awnings, canopies and marquees.
2-23 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO 3202

THE PUBLIC WAY (1 OF 2)
2-24 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO 3202

THE PUBLIC WAY (2 OF 2)
2-25 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO 3202.3.2

THE PUBLIC WAY AT 8 TO 12
FEET ABOVE GROUND
BUILDING ENVELOPE | VISUAL INDEX 2-00
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STRUCTURE

AND THE REAL AND ASSUMED PROPERTY LINES BECAUSE THIS RELATIONSHIP WILL
IMPACT THE ALLOWABLE AREA OF OPENINGS (E.G. WINDOWS AND DOORS) AS
WELL AS THE RATING OF EXTERIOR WALLS.
THE FIRE RESISTANCE RATING REQUIREMENT OF ROOFTOP STRUCTURES MAY BE

IMPACTED AS A RESULT OF THE LOCATION AND MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
USED WITHIN THESE BUILDING ELEMENTS.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION REFERENCES: 705; 1509
BUILDING ENVELOPE | FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE 2-01
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE, UNLIKE THE DIMENSION ASSOCIATED WITH

FRONTAGE FOR THE PURPOSES OF CALCULATING INCREASES TO BUILDING
AREA, IS ONLY MEASURED TO THE CENTERLINE OF THE STREET.
IMAGINARY PROPERTY LINES MAY BE DRAWN IN ANY WAY THAT SUITS THE
DESIGNER. THE LOCATION IS TYPICALLY SET BASED ON THE NEED TO PROVIDE
A DESIRED AREA OF WINDOW OPENINGS, OR TO PERMIT OPENINGS AT ALL FOR
A SPECIFIC LOCATION.
1-13 BUILDINGS ON THE SAME LOT; 2-02 IMAGINARY LINE FOR FIRE REFERENCES: 202; 705.3
SEPARATION DISTANCE
BUILDING ENVELOPE | IMAGINARY LINE FOR FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE 2-02
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS CRITICAL TO CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF IMAGINARY PROPERTY LINES ON

THE WALLS AND OPENINGS OF BUILDINGS THAT EXIST ON EITHER SIDE OF THE
LINE. WHEN PLACING AN IMAGINARY PROPERTY LINE ADJACENT TO AN
EXISTING BUILDING, THE EXISTING OPENINGS AND WALL CONSTRUCTION
(WHETHER OR NOT IT IS RATED) MUST BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.
PROPERTY LINES MUST BE CONTINUOUS FROM THE GROUND TO THE SKY,

THOUGH HORIZONTAL JOGS ARE PERMISSIBLE.
1-13 BUILDINGS ON THE SAME LOT; 2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE REFERENCES: 705.3
BUILDING ENVELOPE | REQUIRED RATINGS OF EXTERIOR WALLS 2-03
NOTES & REMINDERS
MANY EXTERIOR WALLS WILL REQUIRE A RATING FROM BOTH THE INTERIOR
AND EXTERIOR SIDES BASED ON THE BUILDING OCCUPANCY AND THE FIRE
SEPARATION DISTANCE. WHEN SUCH WALLS ARE REQUIRED, IT IS IMPORTANT TO
MAKE SURE THAT THE LISTING CORRESPONDS TO A WALL THAT WILL ACHIEVE THE
REQUIRED FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING FROM BOTH SIDES.
FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCES ARE MEASURED PERPENDICULAR TO THE FACE

OF THE WALL. WHEN THE PROPERTY LINE IS NOT PARALLEL WITH THE WALL, THE
PROPERTY LINE IS STILL MEASURED AT A 90 DEGREE ANGLE TO THE FACE OF THE
BUILDING.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; REFERENCES: TABLE 602; TABLE 601; 705.5
5-10 LOAD-BEARING WALLS
BUILDING ENVELOPE | RATING OF EXTERIOR WALL/ROOF FOR BUILDINGS WITH DIFFERENT HEIGHTS 2-04
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE BUILDING HEIGHT MAY NOT BE THE TOP OF A BUILDING; IN THE CASE OF
PEAKED ROOF ASSEMBLIES, THE BUILDING HEIGHT IS TYPICALLY ONLY MEASURED
TO THE AVERAGE HEIGHT OF THE ROOF ASSEMBLY.
THE ALLOWANCE FOR RATING ONLY THE PORTION OF THE TALLER BUILDING
THAT IS WITHIN 15 FEET OF THE ASSUMED PROPERTY LINE ONLY APPLIES TO
BUILDINGS ON THE SAME LOT OWNED BY A SINGLE OWNER. WHEN SEPARATE
PROPERTIES EXIST, THERE IS NO ABILITY TO CONTROL WHAT HAPPENS ON THE
ADJACENT PROPERTY.
1-13 BUILDINGS ON THE SAME LOT; 2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE; REFERENCES: 705.8.6
2-02 IMAGINARY LINE FOR FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE;
6-44 FIRE RATED GLAZING
BUILDING ENVELOPE | NONSYMMETRICAL EXTERIOR WALL RATINGS 2-05
NOTES & REMINDERS
LISTINGS EXIST FOR FIRE WALLS THAT HAVE A FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING FROM
ONE OR BOTH SIDES.
2-16 REQUIRED PARAPETS REFERENCES: 705.5
BUILDING ENVELOPE | PROJECTIONS FROM EXTERIOR WALLS 2-06
NOTES & REMINDERS
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PROJECTIONS FROM BUILDINGS THAT DO NOT

SPECIFICALLY MEET THE DEFINITION OF AN AWNING OR CANOPY. THE WAY IN
WHICH SUCH UNDEFINED PROJECTIONS ARE TREATED WILL GENERALLY HAVE TO
BE AGREED WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
THERE ARE MANY ADVANTAGES TO TREATING MULTIPLE BUILDINGS ON THE

SAME PROPERTY AS A SINGLE BUILDING (WITH IMAGINARY PROPERTY LINES
BETWEEN THEM). HOWEVER, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT IF THE PROPERTY IS
DIVIDED IN THE FUTURE, THERE MAY BE COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH
BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS AND FACING WALLS.
WATCH OUT FOR THE LOCATION OF EXTERIOR RAMPS AND STAIRWAYS. SUCH
ELEMENTS MUST BE LOCATED AS REQUIRED FOR EXIT DISCHARGE, AND AS SUCH
ARE REQUIRED TO BE MORE THAN 10 FEET FROM THE PROPERTY LINE.
2-22 AWNINGS, CANOPIES AND MARQUEES; 2-08 FIRE WALLS AND REFERENCES: 705.2
PROJECTIONS FROM EXTERIOR WALLS
BUILDING ENVELOPE | PROJECTION MATERIALS 2-07
NOTES & REMINDERS
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROTECTION OF PROJECTIONS WERE GREATLY SIMPLIFIED

IN THE 2012 CODE. HOWEVER, THERE ARE STILL NUANCED REQUIREMENTS THAT
EXIST RELATIVE TO COMBUSTIBLE PROJECTIONS THAT ARE NEAR THE PROPERTY
LINE.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE REFERENCES: 705.2.1; 705.2.2; 705.2.3; 1406.3; 1406.4
BUILDING ENVELOPE | FIRE WALLS AND PROJECTIONS FROM EXTERIOR WALLS 2-08
NOTES & REMINDERS
AT A MINIMUM, ONE HOUR RATED WALL ASSEMBLIES MUST BE USED WHEN 1

HOUR WALLS ARE EMPLOYED IN LIEU OF PROVIDING THE REQUIRED FIRE WALL
EXTENSION.
COMBUSTIBLE PROJECTIONS HAVE A GREATER POTENTIAL TO CREATE A

HAZARD TO FIRE SPREAD AT FIRE WALLS. THEREFORE, WHEN A COMBUSTIBLE
CONCEALED SPACE EXISTS THROUGH WHICH FIRE CAN SPREAD, THE WALL
BEHIND IT MUST BE PROTECTED, AND THE FIRE WALL IS REQUIRED TO EXTEND
THROUGH THE CONCEALED SPACE.
5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE; 6-15 HORIZONTAL CON- REFERENCES: 706.5.2

TINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS; 6-16 FIRE WALLS AT STEPPED BUILDINGS
AND BUILDING CORNERS
BUILDING ENVELOPE | ALLOWABLE OPENINGS IN EXTERIOR WALLS 2-09
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE USE OF CLOSELY SPACED SPRINKLERS (A WATER CURTAIN) WITHIN A FEW

INCHES OF THE OPENING (LOCATED ON THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING) IS
OFTEN USED AS AN EQUIVALENCY TO PROTECTED OPENINGS PENDING
APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THE PERCENTAGES OF OPENINGS ARE

CONSIDERED ON A ‘PER STORY’ BASIS RELATIVE TO WALLS THAT FACE THE
PROPERTY LINE. WALLS THAT ARE PERPENDICULAR TO THE PROPERTY LINE MAY
HAVE UNLIMITED OPENINGS BECAUSE RADIATIVE HEAT TRANSFER IS GREATLY
DIMINISHED OUTSIDE OF THE LINE OF SIGHT.
IN BUILDINGS WHERE THE EXTERIOR BEARING WALLS, EXTERIOR NONBEARING

WALLS AND EXTERIOR PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME ARE NOT REQUIRED TO
BE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED, THE NUMBER AND QUANTITY OF UNPROTECTED
OPENINGS IS NOT LIMITED.
IN BUILDINGS THAT ARE NOT GROUP H OCCUPANCIES, THE AREA OF UNPRO-

TECTED OPENINGS IN AN EXTERIOR WALL THAT FACES AN UNOCCUPIED SPACE
ON THE SAME LOT OR DEDICATED FOR PUBLIC USE THAT IS 30 FEET OR MORE IN
WIDTH AND HAS ACCESS FROM THE STREET BY A FIRE LANE IS NOT LIMITED ON
THE FIRST STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE.
2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE; 1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE REFERENCES: 705.8; TABLE 705.8
BUILDING ENVELOPE|EXTERIOR WALLS CONTAINING BOTH PROTECTED AND UNPROTECTED OPENINGS 2-10
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE FORMULA INCLUDED IN THIS SECTION WAS ADDED TO CLARIFY PREVIOUSLY

UNCLEAR BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO PROTECTION OF
OPENINGS.
THE FORMULA IS A ‘SUM OF THE RATIOS’ APPROACH SIMILAR TO THAT WHICH

IS EMPLOYED FOR MIXED OCCUPANCIES IN THE DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM
CONSTRUCTION TYPE.
THE DEFINITION OF A ‘PROTECTED OPENING’ IS VERY SPECIFIC IN THE BUILDING

CODE, AND EACH TYPE OF PROTECTED OPENING IS SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC FIRE
TESTS.
2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE; 6-42 FIRE DOORS; 6-44 FIRE RATED GLAZING REFERENCES: 705.8.4
BUILDING ENVELOPE | EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS 2-11
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE INTENT OF FIRE RESCUE OPENINGS IS TO FACILITATE OCCUPANT EGRESS

AND FIRE FIGHTER INGRESS. AS SUCH, THESE OPENINGS ARE SIZED TO ACCOM-
MODATE THE LARGEST DIMENSIONAL NEEDS OF THESE ACTIVITIES, TYPICALLY
ASSOCIATED WITH A FIRE FIGHTER WEARING A SELF CONTAINED BREATHING
APPARATUS.
SINCE ALL NEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ARE REQUIRED TO BE FULLY

SPRINKLERED, THE NEED FOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS
IS LIMITED TO GROUP R-2 OCCUPANCIES CHARACTERIZED BY SINGLE EXIT
CONSTRUCTION AND GROUP R-3 OCCUPANCIES.
NEITHER BASEMENTS WITH A CEILING HEIGHT OF LESS THAN 80 INCHES NOR

BASEMENTS WITHOUT HABITABLE SPACES AND HAVING NO MORE THAN 200
SQUARE FEET OF FLOOR AREA ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE EMERGENCY ESCAPE
AND RESCUE OPENINGS.
BASEMENTS AND SLEEPING ROOMS THAT HAVE AN EXIT DOOR OR EXIT

ACCESS DOOR THAT OPENS DIRECTLY INTO A PUBLIC WAY OR TO A YARD,
COURT OR EXTERIOR EXIT BALCONY THAT OPENS TO A PUBLIC WAY DO NOT
REQUIRE EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS.
FOR EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS ON THE GRADE FLOOR

EACH OPENING ONLY REQUIRES AN AREA OF FIVE SQUARE FEET.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE; REFERENCES: 1029; NOTE ‘a’ AND ‘b’ TO TABLE 1021.2 (1); NOTE ‘a’ to
3-14 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM STORIES IN GROUP R-2 TABLE 1021.2 (2)
BUILDING ENVELOPE | LOCATING AIR INTAKE OPENINGS 2-12
NOTES & REMINDERS
LOCAL MECHANICAL CODES CONTAIN SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS THAT NEED TO

BE CONSIDERED WHEN LOCATING MECHANICAL HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR
CONDITIONING, OR RELATED PRODUCT CONVEYANCE INTAKES AND OUTLETS.
2-13 LOCATING AIR EXHAUST OPENINGS REFERENCES: Requirements are not present within the IBC and are pro-
vided by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010 Section 5.5.1
and Table 5-1 as well as Section 401.4 of the International
Mechanical Code.
BUILDING ENVELOPE | LOCATING AIR EXHAUST OPENINGS 2-13
NOTES & REMINDERS
SOMETIMES WHAT IS OR IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE PRODUCT CONVEYING

EXHAUST IS NOT CLEARLY DEFINED IN EACH JURISDICTION, AND IN THE ABSENCE
OF A UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED DEFINITION, IT MAY BE IMPORTANT TO CONFIRM
ASSUMPTIONS WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
GENERALLY, IT IS THE INTENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO EXHAUST TO

PROTECT ADJACENT PEOPLE AND PROPERTIES FROM THE EFFECTS OF SUCH
EXHAUST.
2-12 LOCATING AIR INTAKE OPENINGS REFERENCES: 909.10.3; Additional Requirements are not present within
the IBC and are provided by ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-
2010 Section 5.5.1,Table 5-1 and 10.3.4 as well as Section
501.3.1 of the International Mechanical Code.
BUILDING ENVELOPE | EXTERIOR WALL RATING AT INTERIOR STAIRWAYS 2-14
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN CHOOSING HOW TO PROTECT EXTERIOR WALLS OF RATED INTERIOR EXIT

STAIRWAY ENCLOSURES, IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO CHOOSE EITHER THE ADJACENT
BUILDING WALL OR THE WALL OF THE STAIRWAY ITSELF WHEN THE ANGLE OF
EXPOSURE IS LESS THAN 180 DEGREES.
ANY OPENINGS LOCATED IN EXTERIOR WALLS THAT ARE RATED, WHETHER IN

THE WALL THAT COMPRISES THE EXIT STAIRWAY ENCLOSURE, OR IN THE WALL
ADJACENT TO THE EXIT STAIRWAY ENCLOSURE MUST BE PROTECTED.
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; 3-19 INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY ENCLOSURES: REFERENCES: 1022.7
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES; 6-42 FIRE DOORS; 6-44 FIRE RATED GLAZING
BUILDING ENVELOPE | EXTERIOR WALL RATING AT EXTERIOR STAIRWAYS 2-15
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE FIRE RESISTIVE CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE RATED WALL

SEPARATING THE EXTERIOR STAIRWAY FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING
DEPEND ON THE NUMBER OF LEVELS SERVED BY THE STAIRWAY. FOR STAIRWAYS
SERVING FOUR OR MORE STORIES, THE RATING OF THE WALL IS MINIMALLY
REQUIRED TO BE TWO HOURS. FOR STAIRWAYS SERVING LESS THAN FOUR
STORIES, THE RATING OF THE WALL IS MINIMALLY REQUIRED TO BE ONE HOUR.
EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM FIRE

SEPARATION DISTANCE OF 10 FEET MEASURED FROM THE EXTERIOR EDGE OF
THE STAIRWAY TO ADJACENT LOT LINES AND FROM OTHER BUILDINGS ON THE
SAME LOT UNLESS THE ADJACENT BUILDING EXTERIOR WALLS ARE PROTECTED
AS REQUIRED BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE.
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; 3-18 EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS; REFERENCES: 1026.6; 1022.2
3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE; 6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES; 6-42 FIRE DOORS;
6-44 FIRE RATED GLAZING; 2-03 REQUIRED RATINGS OF EXTERIOR WALLS
BUILDING ENVELOPE | REQUIRED PARAPETS 2-16
NOTES & REMINDERS
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF EXCEPTIONS THAT PERMIT OMISSION OF PARAPET

WALLS WHEN SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND MATERIALS ARE USED
WITHIN THE BUILDING.
THE INTENT OF PARAPET WALLS WAS HISTORICALLY RELATED TO PROTECTING

THE SUBJECT BUILDING FROM ADJACENT EXPOSURES AND BURNING EMBERS
THAT MIGHT ORIGINATE FROM A NEARBY FIRE.
2-03 REQUIRED RATINGS OF EXTERIOR WALLS; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; REFERENCES: 705.11
2-17 PARAPET CONSTRUCTION AND DIMENSIONS; 2-18 PARAPET ALTERNATIVES
BUILDING ENVELOPE | PARAPET CONSTRUCTION AND DIMENSIONS 2-17
NOTES & REMINDERS
IF A PARAPET IS INCLUDED AT A WALL THAT ADJOINS A SLOPED ROOF

ASSEMBLY, CAREFUL ATTENTION MUST BE GIVEN TO THE DESIGN OF PRIMARY
AND SECONDARY DRAINAGE ASSOCIATED WITH THE TROUGH CREATED BY THE
INTERSECTION OF THE ROOF AND THE PARAPET.
2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE; 2-16 REQUIRED PARAPETS; REFERENCES: 705.11.1

2-18 PARAPET ALTERNATIVES; 5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE
BUILDING ENVELOPE | PARAPET ALTERNATIVES 2-18
NOTES & REMINDERS
REMEMBER THAT THE SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION (COLUMNS AND SIMILAR

BUILDING ELEMENTS) OF A ROOF MUST BE OF AT LEAST THE SAME RATING AS THE
ROOF ITSELF; THUS WHEN A TWO HOUR ROOF IS EMPLOYED, THE STRUCTURAL
SYSTEM SUPPORTING THE ROOF MUST ALSO BE AT LEAST TWO HOURS.
THE EXCEPTIONS TO PARAPETS ESSENTIALLY PERMIT OMISSION OF PARAPETS IN

NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION. PARAPETS NEED NOT BE PROVIDED ON
EXTERIOR WALLS WHERE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS EXIST: (1) WALL
IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED PER TABLE 602, (2) BUILDING
HAS AN AREA OF NOT MORE THAN 1,000 SQUARE FEET ON ANY FLOOR, (3)
WALLS TERMINATE AT ROOFS NOT LESS THAN 2-HOUR FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED
CONSTRUCTION, OR AT ROOFS COMPRISED ENTIRELY OF NONCOMBUSTIBLE
CONSTRUCTION, OR (4) SELECT ONE-HOUR FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED EXTERIOR
WALLS MEETING SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS AS NOTED HEREIN.
PARAPETS NEED NOT BE PROVIDED ON EXTERIOR WALLS IN GROUPS R-2

AND R-3 WHERE THE ENTIRE BUILDING IS PROVIDED WITH A CLASS C ROOF
COVERING IN TYPES III, IV AND V CONSTRUCTION, PROVIDED THAT (1) THE
ROOF SHEATHING OR DECK IS CONSTRUCTED OF APPROVED NONCOMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS OR FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED WOOD FOR A DISTANCE OF 4 FEET, OR
(2) THE ROOF IS PROTECTED WITH 0.625-INCH TYPE X GYPSUM BOARD DIRECTLY
BENEATH THE UNDERSIDE OF ROOF SHEATHING OR DECK SUPPORTED BY
MINIMUM OF NOMINAL 2-INCH LEDGERS ATTACHED TO THE SIDES OF THE
ROOF FRAMING MEMBERS FOR A MINIMUM DISTANCE OF 4 FEET.
PARAPETS NEED NOT BE PROVIDED ON EXTERIOR WALLS WHERE THE WALL

IS PERMITTED TO HAVE AT LEAST 25 PERCENT OF EXTERIOR WALL AREAS
CONTAINING UNPROTECTED OPENINGS BASED ON FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE
AS DETERMINED PER IBC SECTION 705.8.
2-16 REQUIRED PARAPETS; 5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE REFERENCES: 705.11
BUILDING ENVELOPE | ROOFTOP STRUCTURES 2-19
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO ROOFTOP STRUCTURES ARE LESS STRINGENT

DUE TO THE FACT THAT SUCH STRUCTURES ARE GENERALLY NOT INTEGRAL TO
THE STABILITY OF THE BUILDING AS A WHOLE, AND THEY ARE NOT NORMALLY
OCCUPIED.
LOCATION AND MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION OF PENTHOUSES ARE

IMPORTANT IN OBTAINING THE RIGHT TO CONSTRUCT SUCH ELEMENTS OF
A LESS ROBUST CONSTRUCTION WITH RESPECT TO FIRE ENDURANCE. IT IS
NOTABLE THAT SUCH PENTHOUSE STRUCTURES ARE ASSUMED TO BE NORMALLY
UNOCCUPIED. CONVERSELY, THE PRESENCE OF OCCUPANTS IN ANY SUCH
STRUCTURE WOULD NEGATE THE ALLOWANCES NORMALLY AFFORDED TO
STRUCTURES THAT MEET THE DEFINITION OF A PENTHOUSE.
1-04 MEASURING BUILDING HEIGHT; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; REFERENCES: 1509

5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE
BUILDING ENVELOPE | ROOF ACCESS HATCHES AND ACCESS TO MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 2-20
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE DESIGNER SHOULD ALSO BE AWARE OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND

HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA) REQUIREMENTS, AS THEY WILL ALSO POTEN-
TIALLY IMPACT THE DESIGN TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH AREAS ARE FREQUENTED
BY WORKERS.
THESE REQUIREMENTS DO NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS ACCESS TO DIFFERENT

ELEVATIONS OF A ROOF ASSEMBLY. THE MEANS BY WHICH FIRE FIGHTERS
ACCESS DIFFERENT LEVELS OF A MULTI-LEVEL ROOF ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE
DISCUSSED AND AGREED WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
3-55 REQUIRED ROOF ACCESS REFERENCES: 1013.7; 1013.6
BUILDING ENVELOPE | SKYLIGHTS AND HORIZONTAL GLAZING 2-21
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE CODE TREATS SKYLIGHTS HAVING A SLOPE OF LESS THAN 15 DEGREES FROM
THE VERTICAL AS WINDOW OPENINGS, AND AS SUCH REQUIREMENTS FROM
CHAPTER 7 PERTAINING TO OPENINGS APPLY TO SUCH OPENINGS.
2-04 RATING OF EXTERIOR WALL AND ROOF FOR BUILDINGS WITH DIFFERENT REFERENCES: 711.4; 2405
HEIGHTS; 6-44 FIRE-PROTECTION-RATED GLAZING
BUILDING ENVELOPE | AWNINGS, CANOPIES AND MARQUEES 2-22
NOTES & REMINDERS
TENT STRUCTURES PLACED ON ROOFS OR TERRACES ARE ADDRESSED IN THE

2012 INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE.
AWNING, CANOPY AND MARQUEE STRUCTURES, IF MORE THAN 4 FEET IN WIDTH,

MAY BE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED WITH AN AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION
SYSTEM.
CONSIDERATION TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OVERHANGS AND PUBLIC

EASEMENTS AS EXPRESSED IN LOCAL ZONING CODES SHOULD BE GIVEN.
2-23 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY (1 OF 2); REFERENCES: 202; 3105; 3106; 3202
2-25 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY AT 8 TO 12 FEET
ABOVE GROUND; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY
BUILDING ENVELOPE | LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY (1 OF 2) 2-23
NOTES & REMINDERS
CONFIRM THAT LOCAL ZONING REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO ELEMENTS

THAT OVERHANG A PUBLIC WAY ARE NOT MORE STRICT THAN THE GENERAL
BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS.
MINIMUM VERTICAL CLEARANCES FOR THE PURPOSES OF ACCESSIBILITY MUST

BE MAINTAINED AT ALL TIMES FOR SUCH ELEMENTS, INCLUDING 80 INCHES FOR
WALKING SURFACES AND 98 INCHES FOR ANY ELEMENTS UNDER WHICH A
VEHICLE CAN DRIVE. PASSENGER LOADING ZONES REQUIRE A MINIMUM
VERTICAL CLEARANCE OF 114 INCHES.
2-22 AWNINGS, CANOPIES AND MARQUEES; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND REFERENCES: 3202
PUBLIC WAY; 2-24 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY (1 OF 2);
2-25 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY AT 8 TO 12 FEET ABOVE
GROUND
BUILDING ENVELOPE | LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY (2 OF 2) 2-24
NOTES & REMINDERS
LESS RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS EXIST FOR PROJECTIONS THAT ARE LOCATED

WITHIN THE BOUNDS OF A SINGLE PROPERTY.
CONFIRM THAT LOCAL ZONING REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO ELEMENTS

THAT OVERHANG A PUBLIC WAY ARE NOT MORE STRICT THAN THE GENERAL
BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS.
WHEN COLUMNS ARE PRESENT WITHIN THE PUBLIC WAY, SUCH SIDEWALKS MUST
MAINTAIN A 36 INCH CLEAR PATH AT PINCH POINTS
2-25 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY AT 8 TO 12 FEET REFERENCES: 3202
ABOVE GROUND; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY
BUILDING ENVELOPE | LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY AT 8 TO 12 FEET ABOVE GROUND 2-25
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTIONS OVER PUBLIC WAYS

ARE MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THOSE THAT OCCUR ON A PROPERTY, WITHIN THE
BOUNDS OF THE PROPERTY LINES.
2-23 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY (1 OF 2); REFERENCES: 3202.3.2
2-24 LIMITS ON PROJECTING INTO THE PUBLIC WAY (2 OF 2);
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY
CHECKLIST ITEMS | BUILDING ORGANIZATION 1 of 5
Any strategy for Building Organization and the organization of the site is influenced by a number of code requirements governing fire department access, accessible routes main-
tained throughout the building and extending out into the site, as well as the required number, character and arrangement of means of egress connecting occupiable spaces to the
public way. Other building features including accessible means of egress, elevators, elevator lobbies, restrooms, standpipe locations and required roof access can influence the
layout of a building. A number of the requirements about the organization of the building are informed by the Design Occupant Load of the building and its component stories
and spaces. Other requirements for Compartmentation will influence the organization of the building.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
1 Identify fire department access routes around the 3-01 FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS Requirements are not present in the IBC and are
facility. Confirm that route is acceptable to the provided by Section 503.1 of the 2012 International
responding fire department. Fire Code
2 Identify assumed property lines between the 3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE 202 (see “Occupiable Space” and “Accessible”);
subject building and adjacent structures on the SPACES 1103.2.9
same property.
3 Identify the primary accessible routes on the site, 3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE 202 (see “Accessible Route”); 1104
into the building and to each accessible floor or
space within the building.
4 Provide required signage indicating accessible 3-06 SIGNAGE ON ACCESSIBLE 1110

routes and features. ROUTES
5 Review the quantities and dimensions of accessible 3-07 ACCESSIBLE PARKING AND 1106
parking spaces as well as the dimensions of PASSENGER LOADING
accessible passenger loading zones.
6 Identify the available means of egress for each 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND 1001.1; 1003.6; 202
room, space and/or story. PUBLIC WAY
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS
ELEMENTS
IMAGES CODE SECTION

7 Confirm that stairways used for egress and exit 3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS 1021.1; 1009.2; 1009.3; 1026.2; 1027.1
passageways comply with the requirements for
use in a means of egress.
3-20 EXIT PASSAGEWAYS 1023
8 Confirm that exterior exit balconies comply with 3-21 EXTERIOR EGRESS 1019
the requirements for use in a means of egress. BALCONIES
9.1 Compare the available number of means of egress 3-12 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF 1015.1; Table 1015.1; 1021.2; Table 1021.2(2); Table
to the required number of means of egress based EGRESS FROM SPACES 1021.2(1)
on occupant load.
3-13 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF
EGRESS FROM STORIES
9.2 Compare the available number of means of egress 3-15 REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS 1015.2.1
to the required number of means of egress based
on building geometry. Unless two means of egress
from a space, group of spaces or story are remote
they do not qualify as distinct means of egress.
10 Confirm that each remote means of egress is 3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE 1027.1; 1027.5
provided with appropriate exit discharge. Exit
discharge elements are required to connect to a
public way or an element that is considered to be
equivalent to a public way.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
11 Confirm that courts used for egress comply with 3-24 EGRESS COURTS 1027.4
the requirements for use in a means of egress.
12 Identify opportunities to use a horizontal exit and 3-26 HORIZONTAL EXITS 1025; 905.4
if one is used confirm that it complies with the
requirements for use in a means of egress.
13 Confirm that corridors used for egress comply 3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS 1018
with the requirements for use in a means of egress.
14 Measure the travel distance from all occupiable 3-28 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE 1016; Table 1016.2
spaces to confirm all areas are within the maximum TRAVEL DISTANCE
allowable travel distance.
15 Review all areas requiring more than one means of 3-34 COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL OR 202 (see “Common Path of Egress Travel”); 1014.3; Table
egress to make sure the common path of travel DEAD-END CORRIDOR 1014.3;
from all occupied spaces is within the allowable
maximum.
3-35 COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL
16 Review all dead-end conditions in corridors to make 3-34 COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL OR 1018.4
sure the maximum allowable length is not DEAD-END CORRIDOR
exceeded.
3-37 DEAD-END CORRIDORS 1018.4
IMAGES CODE SECTION
17 Review the function of any room or space that 3-36 INTERVENING ROOMS 1014.2; 1018.6
occupants from an adjacent space must pass
through to reach a means of egress. Only specific
functions are permissible in these Intervening
Rooms.
18 Identify required accessible means of egress in 3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF 1007.1; 1007.2
relation to normal means of egress. EGRESS IN SPRINKLERED
BUILDINGS
3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF

EGRESS IN NONSPRINKLERED
BUILDINGS
19 Locate elevators and determine whether lobbies 3-43 REQUIRED ELEVATORS 1104.4; 3002.4; 3007
are required at the elevator as well as basic code
requirements pertaining to elevator functionality
and dimensions.
20 Locate sanitary facilities and determine dimensional 3-49 REQUIRED RESTROOM Chapter 29; 1109.2; Additional requirements are not
requirements for accessible facilities. LOCATIONS present in the IBC and are provided by Section 403.3
the 2012 International Plumbing Code
21 Identify required locations for standpipe 3-53 REQUIRED STANDPIPE 905.4; 905.4.1
connections. CONNECTIONS
IMAGES CODE SECTION
22 Identify roofs that require access and provide the 3-55 REQUIRED ROOF ACCESS 1021.1; 1009.16; 1009.17
appropriate type of access.
23 Confirm that ceiling heights in occupiable spaces 3-56 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF 1208.1; 1208.2
and rooms meet the minimum height requirement. OCCUPIABLE SPACES
24 Identify any areas where the required minimum 3-57 AREAS WITH REDUCED Requirements not present within the IBC are provided by
headroom is less than the permissible minimum HEADROOM Section 307.2 of the 2010 ADA.
and is not provided with a continuous, cane-detectable
barrier below the projecting element.
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | VISUAL INDEX 3-00
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE LOCATION OF THE BUILDING ON A GIVEN PROPERTY IS IMPACTED BY THE

LOCATION OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS FROM THE BUILDING TO THE EXTERIOR
BECAUSE THERE ARE OFTEN LIMITATIONS ON WHERE SUCH OPENINGS CAN BE
RELATIVE TO THE PROPERTY LINE.
LOCAL ZONING CODES MAY HAVE REQUIREMENTS THAT SUPERSEDE THOSE IN

THE BUILDING CODE WITH RESPECT TO LOCATION OF THE BUILDING ON THE LOT,
AS EXPRESSED BY SETBACKS, LOT AREA COVERAGE, OR SIMILAR PROVISIONS.
3-01 FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS; 3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; REFERENCES: NOT APPLICABLE
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS; 3-43 REQUIRED ELEVATORS
3-49 REQUIRED RESTROOMS; 3-53 REQUIRED STANDPIPE CONNECTIONS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS 3-01
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE FIRE MARSHALL IS AUTHORIZED TO INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN

PORTIONS OF THE FIRST FLOOR AND THE FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS
BEYOND 150 FEET; TYPICALLY, PROVISIONS FOR FEATURES AS SPRINKLERS,
PRIVATE OR PUBLIC HYDRANTS, LADDER ACCESS, OR SIMILAR ARE REQUIRED
AS MITIGATION.
THE 150 FOOT MEASUREMENT OF THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE FIRE APPARATUS
ACCESS ROAD AND THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IS TYPICALLY REQUIRED
TO BE MEASURED ON A NATURAL WALKING PATH, WHICH WOULD REFLECT
HOW A FIRE FIGHTER MIGHT DRAG A HOSE TO ONE OR MORE ENTRANCES OF
THE BUILDING.
1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE; REFERENCES: Requirements are not present within the IBC and are
1-03 DETERMINING HIGH-RISE CLASSIFICATION provided by Sections 202, 503 and Appendix D of the
International Fire Code.
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES 3-02
NOTES & REMINDERS
SOME SPACES LIKE ROOFTOP AREAS MAY BE OCCUPIABLE OR NORMALLY

NOT-OCCUPIED, DEPENDING ON THE DESIGN INTENT. TYPICALLY, IF ACCESS IS
PROVIDED TO SUCH AREAS, THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION WILL
QUESTION WHERE OR NOT APPROPRIATE EXITING REQUIREMENTS HAVE BEEN
SATISFIED.
SPACES IN WHICH UTILITY EQUIPMENT OR SIMILAR IS LOCATED, AND WHICH IS

NOT NORMALLY OCCUPIED ARE OFTEN EXEMPT FROM ACCESSIBILITY REQUIRE-
MENTS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE NATURE OF WORK THAT HAS TO BE
UNDERTAKEN IN SUCH SPACES OFTEN REQUIRES ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; REFERENCES: 202; 1103.2.9
3-55 REQUIRED ROOF ACCESS; 3-56 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF
OCCUPIABLE SPACES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ACCESSIBLE ROUTE 3-03
NOTES & REMINDERS
EACH DISTINCT ACCESSIBLE PARKING AREA SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO A

BUILDING ENTRANCE VIA THE SHORTEST PRACTICAL ROUTE.
THE ACCESSIBLE ROUTE STARTS AT THE PARKING SPACE, EXTENDS TO THE

BUILDING ENTRANCE, AND THEN TRAVERSES EACH LEVEL OF THE BUILDING
TO ALL NORMALLY OCCUPIED SPACES.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; 3-04 MANEUVERING CLEARANCES; REFERENCES: IBC 202; 1104; 1106.6; 1110; ICC ANSI A117.1 Chapter 4
3-06 SIGNAGE ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES; 3-07 ACCESSIBLE PARKING AND
PASSENGER LOADING; 3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN SPRINKLERED
BUILDINGS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MANEUVERING CLEARANCES 3-04
NOTES & REMINDERS
ALTHOUGH DOORS MAY SWING INTO REQUIRED TURNING SPACES, THIS IS NOT
ALWAYS TRUE FOR CLEARANCES. FOR EXAMPLE, CLEARANCES IN FRONT OF
WATER CLOSETS CANNOT OVERLAP WITH DOOR SWING.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-05 KNEE AND TOE CLEARANCE; REFERENCES: IBC 1104; ICC A117.1 304, 307 and Chapter 4
7-17 PUSH AND PULL SIDE CLEARANCE AT DOORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | KNEE AND TOE CLEARANCE 3-05
NOTES & REMINDERS
KNEE AND TOE CLEARANCES ARE INTENDED TO REFLECT REQUIREMENTS FOR A

PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR, WHEREIN MORE ROOM IS NEEDED AT THE BASE OF
THE WHEELCHAIR WHERE THE FOOTRESTS ARE LOCATED.
AT SINKS, IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROTECT OCCUPANTS IN WHEELCHAIRS FROM

BURNS BY INSULATING POTENTIALLY HOT PIPES THAT ARE EXPOSED UNDER ALL
SINKS.
3-04 MANEUVERING CLEARANCES REFERENCES: IBC 1109.2; 1009.11; ICC A117.1 306
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | SIGNAGE ON ACCESSIBLE ROUTES 3-06
NOTES & REMINDERS
SIGNAGE IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN FACILITIES WHERE NOT ALL ELEMENTS

ARE ACCESSIBLE. THE INTENT OF SIGNAGE IS TO STREAMLINE THE PROCESS FOR
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, ALLOWING THEM TO UTILIZE THE FACILITIES WITH
MINIMAL DELAYS RESULTING FROM ATTEMPTS TO USE PORTIONS OF THE FACILITY
THAT ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE.
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SIGNAGE MAY BE MORE STRINGENT THAN THOSE IN

THE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS. REQUIREMENTS FOR BRAILLE AND CHARACTER-
BASED SIGNAGE EXIST IN MOST ACCESSIBILITY CODES.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; REFERENCES: IBC 1110; ICC A117.1 703
3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS;
3-07 ACCESSIBLE PARKING AND PASSENGER LOADING;
3-50 SINGLE-USER TOILET ROOMS; 3-51 MULTIPLE USER TOILET ROOMS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ACCESSIBLE PARKING AND PASSENGER LOADING 3-07
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE SHORTEST ACCESSIBLE ROUTE IS NOT NECESSARILY MEASURED IN TERMS OF

DISTANCE, BUT RATHER MAY BE A FUNCTION OF TIME. FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN
THE ACCESSIBLE ROUTE INCLUDES ELEVATORS, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A PHYSICALLY
LONGER ROUTE MAY BE THE SHORTEST ACCESSIBLE ROUTE IN TERMS OF TIME.
SUCH APPROACHES REQUIRE APPROVAL FROM THE AUTHORITIES HAVING
JURISDICTION.
VAN ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACES ARE VIRTUALLY ALWAYS REQUIRED WHEN

AT LEAST ONE ACCESSIBLE PARKING SPACE IS PROVIDED.
3-08 ACCESSIBLE PARKING DIMENSIONS; 3-09 ACCESSIBLE PASSENGER REFERENCES: IBC 1106; ICC A117.1 502 and 503
LOADING ZONE DIMENSIONS; 3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ACCESSIBLE PARKING DIMENSIONS 3-08
NOTES & REMINDERS
CAREFUL ATTENTION MUST BE GIVEN TO HOW THE PATH FROM AN ACCESSIBLE

PARKING SPACE TO THE BUILDING ENTRANCE IS ARRANGED (SUCH THAT
DISABLED OCCUPANTS DO NOT HAVE TO GO BEHIND VEHICLES OTHER THAN
THEIR OWN, OR CROSS VEHICULAR LANES AS POSSIBLE).
IN ADDITION TO REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO THE FOOTPRINT OF ACCESSIBLE

STALLS, THE DRIVE AISLES APPROACHING PARKING STALLS AND THE ACCESSIBLE
PARKING SPACES THEMSELVES HAVE VERTICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS
THAT WILL OFTEN SET MINIMUM VERTICAL CLEARANCES IN THE BUILDING (E.G.
8’-2”)
VERTICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR STANDARD ACCESSIBLE PARKING

STALLS VARY FROM THOSE REQUIRED FOR VAN-ACCESSIBLE PARKING STALLS.
WHEREAS VAN-ACCESSIBLE PARKING STALLS REQUIRE A 98 INCH VERTICAL
CLEARANCE, NO SUCH REQUIREMENTS EXISTS IN THE ADA. PLEASE NOTE,
HOWEVER, THAT LOCAL CODE REQUIREMENTS MAY VARY, AND VERTICAL
CLEARANCES CONSISTENT WITH VAN-ACCESSIBLE STALLS MAY BE REQUIRED IN
SOME JURISDICTIONS.
3-07 ACCESSIBLE PARKING AND PASSENGER LOADING; REFERENCES: IBC 1106; ICC A117.1 502.2, 502.4 and 502.6
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ACCESSIBLE PASSENGER LOADING ZONE DIMENSIONS 3-09
NOTES & REMINDERS
COVERED PASSENGER LOADING ZONES PRESENT SPECIAL CHALLENGES DUE

TO THE VERTICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS OF 114 INCHES AT THE LOADING
ZONE AND IN THE DRIVE AISLE LEADING TO IT.
3-07 ACCESSIBLE PARKING AND PASSENGER LOADING; REFERENCES: IBC 1106.7; ICC A117.1 502 and 503
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY 3-10
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE INTENT OF THE CODE IS THAT OCCUPANTS NOT MOVE FROM A MORE SAFE
SPACE TO A LESS SAFE SPACE AS THEY PROGRESSIVELY MOVE THROUGH A
BUILDING TOWARDS THE EXIT AND THE PUBLIC WAY.
FIRE RESISTIVE RATING REQUIREMENTS GENERALLY BECOME MORE STRINGENT

THE CLOSER ONE GETS TO THE EXIT DISCHARGE.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; REFERENCES: 1001.1; 1003.6; 202
3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS ; 3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; 3-21 EXTERIOR
EGRESS BALCONIES; 3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE; 3-24 EGRESS COURTS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS 3-11
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE REPRESENTATION THAT OCCUPIABLE SPACES ARE THE ‘LEAST SAFE’ IS A

RELATIVE COMPARISON AND IS BASED ON THE FACT THAT OTHER ELEMENTS
OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS ARE OFTEN PROVIDED WITH SUPPLEMENTAL FIRE
COMPARTMENTATION, MORE STRINGENT INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS,
OR OTHER FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY FEATURES.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; REFERENCES: 1001.1; 1003.6

3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM SPACES 3-12
NOTES & REMINDERS
EXCEPTIONS EXIST TO THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIFIC OCCUPANCIES

AND WHEN SPRINKLERS ARE PROVIDED.
IT IS CRITICAL TO REMEMBER THAT EACH CONTIGUOUS SPACE WITHIN A BUILD-

ING MUST BE DESIGNED WITH AN APPROPRIATE NUMBER OF EXITS, AS WELL AS
EACH FLOOR OF THE BUILDING ITSELF (I.E. EXIT STAIR DISCHARGE). HOWEVER, IT
IS NOT NECESSARY TO AGGREGATE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS FROM
ALL FLOORS AND PROVIDE THE NUMBER OF EXITS BASED ON THAT NUMBER.
WHEN MORE THAN 500 OCCUPANTS ENTER INTO A CORRIDOR, THE CORRIDOR
IS NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE ACCESS TO THREE REMOTE EXITS. ALTERNATIVELY,
THE CORRIDOR IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO ONLY TWO REMOTE EXITS.
HOWEVER, IF THE CORRIDOR PASSES THROUGH A LOBBY, ACCESS TO THREE
REMOTE EXITS MAY BE REQUIRED FROM THE LOBBY AND CORRIDOR SYSTEM.
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; REFERENCES: 1015.1; TABLE 1015.1; 1021.2.4
4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; 3-35 COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL;
3-15 REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS;
3-13 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM STORIES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM STORIES 3-13
NOTES & REMINDERS
REMEMBER TO ALWAYS CONSIDER COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

WHEN APPLYING THE EXCEPTIONS PERTAINING TO STORIES WITH ONE EXIT. IF
ON A SINGLE STORY THAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE PERMITTED TO BE PROVIDED
WITH A SINGLE EXIT THE COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL LIMITATION IS EXCEEDED,
A SECOND EXIT WOULD STILL BE REQUIRED OWING TO A MORE RESTRICTIVE
REQUIREMENT SUPERSEDING THE GENERAL REQUIREMENT.
THE REQUIREMENT SHOWN HERE APPLIES TO GROUP R-2 OCCUPANCIES ONLY

IF THEY CONTAIN SLEEPING UNITS BUT NOT DWELLING UNITS. A DWELLING
UNIT IS A SINGLE UNIT PROVIDING COMPLETE, INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITIES
FOR ONE OR MORE PERSONS AND INCLUDES PROVISIONS FOR SLEEPING.
A SLEEPING UNIT IS A ROOM OR SPACE IN WHICH PEOPLE SLEEP AND CAN
INCLUDE PROVISIONS FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES. A SPACE FOR SLEEPING WITHIN
A DWELLING UNIT IS NOT A SLEEPING UNIT.
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR LARGE DWELLING UNITS PERMITTED TO HAVE ONLY ONE UNIT
DOOR TO REQUIRE TWO MEANS OF EGRESS FROM THE STORY.
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE; REFERENCES: 1021.2; TABLE 1021.2(2); 1021.2.4
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD;
3-28 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE; 3-15 REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS;
3-12 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM SPACES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM STORIES IN GROUP R-2 3-14
NOTES & REMINDERS
IF AN OPEN INTERIOR STAIR IS USED AS A PORTION OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS,

COMMON PATH AND TRAVEL DISTANCE TO THE EXIT DOOR ON THE GROUND
FLOOR MUST BE CONSIDERED. ALTERNATIVELY, IF AN ENCLOSED EXIT STAIR IS
PROVIDED, OR IF A QUALIFYING EXTERIOR EXIT STAIR IS PROVIDED, THEN TRAVEL
DISTANCE MAY BE MEASURED TO THE DOOR OF THE EXIT ENCLOSURE OR TO
THE TOP TREAD OF THE STAIR, RESPECTIVELY.
BASEMENTS AND SLEEPING ROOMS THAT HAVE AN EXIT DOOR OR EXIT ACCESS
DOOR THAT OPENS DIRECTLY INTO A PUBLIC WAY OR TO A YARD, COURT OR
EXTERIOR EXIT BALCONY THAT OPENS TO A PUBLIC WAY DO NOT REQUIRE
EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS IN ORDER FOR A SINGLE
MEANS OF EGRESS TO BE PERMISSIBLE.
BASEMENTS WITH A CEILING HEIGHT OF LESS THAN 80 INCHES DO NOT REQUIRE

EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS IN ORDER FOR A SINGLE MEANS
OF EGRESS TO BE PERMISSIBLE.
A DWELLING UNIT IS A SINGLE UNIT PROVIDING COMPLETE, INDEPENDENT

LIVING FACILITIES FOR ONE OR MORE PERSONS AND INCLUDES PROVISIONS
FOR SLEEPING. A SLEEPING UNIT IS A ROOM OR SPACE IN WHICH PEOPLE
SLEEP AND CAN INCLUDE PROVISIONS FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES. A SPACE FOR
SLEEPING WITHIN A DWELLING UNIT IS NOT A SLEEPING UNIT.
3-13 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM STORIES; REFERENCES: 1021.2.1; TABLE 1021.2(1); 1029.1
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION;
3-35 COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL;
3-28 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS 3-15
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN ADDITION TO THE EXITS FROM A ROOM OR SPACE, THE EXIT STAIRS SERVING
A FLOOR MUST ALSO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REMOTENESS.
ELEVATORS ARE NOT CONSIDERED A PART OF THE NORMAL MEANS OF EGRESS.

ELEVATORS MAY BE AN ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS, HOWEVER.
REGARDLESS OF THE SHAPE OF THE SPACE, THE LONGEST DIAGONAL MUST BE

CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING THE REMOTENESS OF EXITS.
3-12 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM SPACES; REFERENCES: 1015.2.1

3-13 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM STORIES;
3-16 MEASURING REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MEASURING REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS 3-16
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN ADDITION TO THE EXITS FROM A ROOM OR SPACE, THE EXIT STAIRS

SERVING A FLOOR MUST ALSO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REMOTENESS.
REGARDLESS OF THE SHAPE OF THE SPACE, THE LONGEST DIAGONAL MUST

BE CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING THE REMOTENESS OF EXITS.
3-15 REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS; REFERENCES: 1015.2.1; 1015.2.2

3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY;
4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS 3-17
NOTES & REMINDERS
MAKE SURE THAT ALL EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS ARE AT LEAST 10 FEET FROM THE
PROPERTY LINE.
NOTE THAT THE NUMBER OF EXITS THAT MAY DISCHARGE WITHIN THE BUILDING
ON THE GROUND FLOOR IS 50% OF THE NUMBER OR CAPACITY OF EXITS. THUS,
IF TWO OF THE EXITS WERE MORE THAN 50% OF THE CAPACITY, ONLY ONE OF
THE TWO EXITS WOULD BE PERMITTED TO DISCHARGE IN THE BUILDING.
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; 1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE; REFERENCES: 1021.1; 1009.2; 1009.3; 1026.2; 1027.1
3-18 EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS; 3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE;
3-28 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE;
6-03 ALLOWABLE OPENINGS THROUGH FLOORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS 3-18
NOTES & REMINDERS
EXTERIOR STAIRWAYS MAY NOT BE USED AS A MEANS OF EGRESS IN HIGH-RISE

BUILDINGS OR BUILDINGS THAT HAVE A STORY MORE THAN SIX STORIES ABOVE
GRADE PLANE. THIS REQUIREMENT WAS DEVELOPED IN PART TO RESPOND TO
CONCERNS ABOUT VERTIGO, AND IN PART TO ADDRESS WEATHER CONCERNS.
EXTERIOR STAIRS NEED ONLY HAVE ONE OPEN SIDE THAT MEETS THE AREA
REQUIREMENTS NOTED IN THE CODE.
EXTERIOR AREA OF REFUGE REQUIREMENTS (I.E. RATED WALLS ADJACENT TO THE

AREA OF REFUGE) WOULD APPLY IN BUILDINGS WHERE THE STAIR IS SERVING AS
AN ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; REFERENCES: 1026.2; 1026.3

1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE;
1-03 DETERMINING HIGH-RISE CLASSIFICATION;
2-15 EXTERIOR WALL RATING AT EXTERIOR STAIRWAYS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY ENCLOSURES 3-19
NOTES & REMINDERS
INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS ARE AMONGST THE MOST HIGHLY PROTECTED

MEANS OF EGRESS ELEMENTS IN A BUILDING, OWING TO THEIR IMPORTANCE
AS THE PRIMARY MEANS FOR OCCUPANTS ON FLOORS ABOVE LEVELS THAT
HAVE ACCESS TO GRADE TO EXIT THE BUILDING. AS SUCH, THE CODE INTENDS
THAT THESE ELEMENTS PROVIDE A ONE OR TWO HOUR FIRE SEPARATION FROM
INTERIOR AREAS OF THE BUILDING.
ONE OF THE MOST COMMON ERRORS MADE IN THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUC-
TION OF EXIT ENCLOSURES IS PROVIDING ACCESS TO BUILDING AREAS THAT
ARE NOT NORMALLY OCCUPIED, OR PROVIDING ACCESS TO PANELS AND
EQUIPMENT THAT DO NOT SERVE THE STAIRWAY.
THE EXTERIOR WALLS OF STAIRWAYS ARE SOMETIMES REQUIRED TO BE OF

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION WHEN FACING A REAL OR ASSUMED
PROPERTY LINE, OR WHEN EXPOSED TO A PORTION OF THE SAME BUILDING
SUCH THAT A FIRE IN THAT PORTION OF THE BUILDING COULD COMPROMISE THE
INTEGRITY OF THE STAIRWAY.
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; REFERENCES: 1009.2.2; 1022

2-14 EXTERIOR WALL RATING AT INTERIOR STAIRWAYS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EXIT PASSAGEWAYS 3-20
NOTES & REMINDERS
EXIT PASSAGEWAYS MAY BE THOUGHT OF AS EXIT STAIRWAY ENCLOSURES ON

THEIR SIDE. AS SUCH, OPENINGS FROM NORMALLY UNOCCUPIED SPACES, AND
OPENINGS OTHER THAN THOSE NECESSARY TO EGRESS FROM A SPACE ARE NOT
PERMITTED INTO THE PASSAGEWAY.
WHEN A NORMALLY UNOCCUPIED SPACE IS ADJACENT TO AN EXIT PASSAGE-

WAY, IT MAY BE ACCEPTABLE TO PROVIDE A VESTIBULE AND SMOKE DETECTOR
BETWEEN THE EXIT PASSAGEWAY AND THE NORMALLY UNOCCUPIED SPACE.
ANY SUCH APPROACH REQUIRES APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING
JURISDICTION.
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; REFERENCES: 1023

3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS;
3-53 REQUIRED STANDPIPE CONNECTIONS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EXTERIOR EGRESS BALCONIES 3-21
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE PROVISION THAT EGRESS BALCONIES BE AT LEAST 50% OPEN ABOVE THE
GUARDRAIL HEIGHT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE 50% OPEN AREA MUST BE
CONTINUOUS. POROUS, GRATED, OR SIMILAR TYPES OF OPENINGS ARE
PERMISSIBLE AS LONG AS SMOKE CAN FREELY VENT FROM THE EGRESS
BALCONY.
EXTERIOR EGRESS BALCONIES MAY BE THOUGHT OF AS EXTERIOR EXIT

ACCESS CORRIDORS. SPECIFIC CODE REQUIREMENTS PERMIT THE OMISSION
OF RATINGS AT SUCH ELEMENTS, HOWEVER, DEPENDING UPON THE PLACEMENT
OF EXIT STAIRS AND WHETHER OR NOT SPRINKLERS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; 3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS; REFERENCES: 1019
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; 3-37 DEAD-END CORRIDORS;
6-33 RATED CORRIDORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EXIT DISCHARGE 3-22
NOTES & REMINDERS
SAFE DISPERSAL AREAS MAY BE USED WITH MOST OCCUPANCIES; HOWEVER,

SUCH AREAS CAN PROVE TO BE VERY USEFUL IN INSTITUTIONAL OCCUPANCIES
(I.E. PRISONS AND NURSING HOMES) AND SCHOOLS WHERE PROTECTION OF
THE OCCUPANTS IS NECESSARY ONCE THEY HAVE EVACUATED FROM THE
BUILDING.
IT IS GENERALLY REQUIRED TO MAKE ALL PORTIONS OF THE EXIT DISCHARGE

ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC WAY.
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; REFERENCES: 1006.1; 1027.1; 1027.5

1-06 GRADE PLANE; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY;
3-23 EXIT DISCHARGE ADJACENT TO THE PROPERTY LINE
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EXIT DISCHARGE ADJACENT TO THE PROPERTY LINE 3-23
NOTES & REMINDERS
NOTE THAT MORE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS MAY EXIST FOR EGRESS COURTS,
WHERE A SINGLE BUILDING EXISTS.
EXTERIOR RAMPS USED AS A PORTION OF THE EXIT DISCHARGE ARE SIMILARLY

REQUIRED TO BE LOCATED AT LEAST 10 FEET FROM A REAL PROPERTY LINE.
3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE; 2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE; REFERENCES: 1026.5

3-18 EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS;
3-21 EXTERIOR EGRESS BALCONIES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EGRESS COURTS 3-24
NOTES & REMINDERS
EGRESS COURTS ARE CONSIDERED TO EXIST ONLY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF A

SINGLE BUILDING. MULTIPLE BUILDINGS ARE SUBJECT TO OTHER MORE SPECIFIC
REQUIREMENTS.
THE CODE COULD BE CONSTRUED AS PROHIBITING A THREE SIDED EGRESS

COURT WITH A WALL ON THE FOURTH SIDE IN WHICH A SMALL DOOR IS
LOCATED, AS THIS WOULD VIOLATE THE PRINCIPLE THAT DECREASES IN EXIT
WIDTH SHOULD BE GRADUAL. THIS VIEW, HOWEVER, CONTRADICTS THE
DEFINITION OF A COURT.
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; 1-12 COURTS, YARDS REFERENCES: 1027.4

AND AREAWAYS; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY;
3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE; 3-25 EGRESS COURT MINIMUM DIMENSIONS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EGRESS COURT MINIMUM DIMENSIONS 3-25
NOTES & REMINDERS
NOTE THAT AN EGRESS COURT IS DEFINED AS A COURT OR YARD WHICH

PROVIDES ACCESS TO A PUBLIC WAY FOR ONE OR MORE EXITS. A COURT IS
DEFINED AS AN OPEN, UNCOVERED SPACE, UNOBSTRUCTED TO SKY, BOUNDED
ON THREE OR MORE SIDES BY EXTERIOR BUILDING WALLS OR OTHER ENCLOSING
DEVICES.
3-24 EGRESS COURTS; 1-12 COURTS, YARDS AND AREAWAYS; REFERENCES: 1027.4
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | HORIZONTAL EXITS 3-26
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN A HORIZONTAL EXIT IS USED, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THE

SUPPORTING STRUCTURE MUST ALSO HAVE AT LEAST THE SAME FIRE RATING
AS THE HORIZONTAL EXIT WALL. FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLIES WILL ALSO BE
REQUIRED TO CARRY A TWO HOUR RATING.
HORIZONTAL EXIT CAPACITY NEED ONLY BE DESIGNED FOR THE NUMBER OF

OCCUPANTS THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO USE THE HORIZONTAL EXIT DURING
AN EMERGENCY EVENT. AS SUCH, IT NEED NOT BE DESIGNED FOR THE TOTAL
NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS FROM EITHER OR BOTH SIDES OF THE HORIZONTAL
EXIT WALL.
AVOID HORIZONTAL EXIT DESIGNS THAT NECESSITATE EGRESS CROSS-FLOWS

THROUGH THE HORIZONTAL EXIT WALL. THIS IS NOT PROHIBITED BUT IS NOT
RECOMMENDED.
REFUGE AREAS SHOULD BE COMPRISED OF SPACES THAT CAN BE ACCESSED

(I.E. NOT LOCKED OR OTHERWISE SECURED), INCLUSIVE OF LOBBIES,
CORRIDORS, AND SIMILAR AREAS AS APPROVED BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING
JURISDICTION.
IN GROUP I OCCUPANCIES, THE REQUIRED REFUGE AREA FOR EACH

OCCUPANT VARIES FROM SIX SQUARE FEET TO THIRTY SQUARE FEET DEPENDING
ON THE DIVISION AND SPECIFIC USE (E.G. I-2 VS. I-3, AND AMBULATORY
VS. NONAMBULATORY).
HORIZONTAL EXITS ARE PERMITTED TO COMPRISE TWO-THIRDS OF THE REQUIRED

EXITS FROM ANY BUILDING OR FLOOR AREA WITHIN I-2 OCCUPANCIES.
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; 3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS REFERENCES: 1025; 905.4
IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS; 6-12 FIRE WALLS; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS;
4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; 3-53 REQUIRED STANDPIPE CONNECTIONS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS 3-27
NOTES & REMINDERS
CORRIDORS ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE AND

SMOKE FOR A TIME PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN 20 MINUTES, WHICH
CORRESPONDS TO THE TIME NEEDED FOR TYPICAL ON-FLOOR EVACUATIONS.
CORRIDORS SHOULD NOT BE INTERRUPTED BY ROOMS, UNLESS SUCH ROOMS

ARE FOYERS, LOBBIES, OR RECEPTION ROOMS CONSTRUCTED AS REQUIRED
FOR THE CORRIDOR. AS SUCH, WHEN THE CORRIDOR IS REQUIRED TO BE OF
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC TABLE
1018.1, THE LOBBY, FOYER OR RECEPTION ROOM MUST ALSO BE OF FIRE-
RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION. WHEN NON-RATED CORRIDORS ARE
PERMITTED BY 1018.1, THE LOBBY, FOYER OR RECEPTION ROOM MAY ALSO
BE OF NON-RATED CONSTRUCTION.
WHEN MORE THAN 500 OCCUPANTS ENTER INTO A CORRIDOR, THE CORRIDOR
IS NOT REQUIRED TO HAVE ACCESS TO THREE REMOTE EXITS. ALTERNATIVELY,
THE CORRIDOR IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO ONLY TWO REMOTE EXITS.
HOWEVER, IF THE CORRIDOR PASSES THROUGH A LOBBY, ACCESS TO THREE
REMOTE EXITS MAY BE REQUIRED FROM THE LOBBY AND CORRIDOR SYSTEM.
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; 1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; REFERENCES: 1018

6-33 RATED CORRIDORS; 6-32 FIRE PARTITION; 6-35 AIR MOVEMENT IN CORRIDORS;
6-36 AIR MOVEMENT IN CORRIDOR CEILINGS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE 3-28
NOTES & REMINDERS
TRAVEL DISTANCE NEED ONLY BE MEASURED FROM NORMALLY OCCUPIED

SPACES TO AN EXIT.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; REFERENCES: 1016; TABLE 1016.2
3-29 MEASURING TRAVEL DISTANCE ON A SINGLE FLOOR;
3-30 MEASURING TRAVEL DISTANCE THROUGH MULTIPLE FLOORS;
3-32 TRAVEL DISTANCE ON AN EXTERIOR EGRESS BALCONY
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MEASURING TRAVEL DISTANCE ON A SINGLE FLOOR 3-29
NOTES & REMINDERS
TRAVEL DISTANCE IS MEASURED TO THE TOP TREAD OF AN OPEN EXTERIOR STAIR,

AND NEED NOT BE MEASURED DOWN THE STAIR TO GRADE.
TRAVEL DISTANCE IS MEASURED TO THE DOOR OF AN ENCLOSED EXIT STAIR.

WHEN SUCH STAIRS DISCHARGE WITHIN THE BUILDING, IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO
ADD THE TRAVEL DISTANCE FROM THE POINT OF INTERNAL EXIT DISCHARGE TO
AN EXIT DOOR.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; REFERENCES: 1016.3

3-30 MEASURING TRAVEL DISTANCE THROUGH MULTIPLE FLOORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MEASURING TRAVEL DISTANCE THROUGH MULTIPLE FLOORS 3-30
NOTES & REMINDERS
TRAVEL DISTANCE IS TYPICALLY MEASURED ALONG AN ORTHOGONAL PATH

DUE TO THE LIKELY PRESENCE OF FURNITURE IN SPACES. WHEN TRAVEL
DISTANCE GOES THROUGH SPACES SUCH AS LOBBIES THAT ARE NOT LIKELY
TO HAVE INTERVENING FURNISHINGS, A DIRECT MEASUREMENT LINE IS OFTEN
PERMITTED.
TRAVEL DISTANCE AT EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS IS MEASURED ALONG THE PLANE

PARALLEL AND TANGENT TO THE STAIR TREAD NOSINGS IN THE CENTER OF THE
STAIR AND LANDINGS.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; 3-28 MAXIMUM REFERENCES: 1016.3

ALLOWABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE; 3-29 MEASURING TRAVEL DISTANCE
ON A SINGLE FLOOR
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | TRAVEL DISTANCE WITHIN AN ATRIUM 3-31
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE EXTENTS OF AN ATRIUM ARE NOT ALWAYS CLEARLY DEFINED, AND

SHOULD BE AGREED WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
WHEN AN ATRIUM IS OPEN TO AN ENTIRE FLOOR (I.E. OPEN FLOOR PLAN IN AN

OFFICE BUILDING), THE EXTENTS OF THE ATRIUM MAY BE DEFINED PROXIMATE TO
THE OPENING. FOR THE PURPOSES OF SMOKE CONTROL, HOWEVER, CONSIDER-
ATION MUST BE GIVEN TO THE IMPACT OF ALL SPACES ATMOSPHERICALLY OPEN
TO THE ATRIUM.
6-04 ATRIUM; 3-28 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE; REFERENCES: 404.9

BUILDING ORGANIZATION | TRAVEL DISTANCE ON AN EXTERIOR EGRESS BALCONY 3-32
NOTES & REMINDERS
BECAUSE EXTERIOR EGRESS BALCONIES ALLOW SMOKE TO FREELY VENT TO

THE ATMOSPHERE, AND DUE TO THE TYPICAL PRESENCE OF SPRINKLERS, AN
ADDITIONAL TRAVEL DISTANCE BONUS IS PERMITTED AT SUCH ELEMENTS.
3-21 EXTERIOR EGRESS BALCONY; 3-28 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE; REFERENCES: 1016.2.1
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MEZZANINE TRAVEL DISTANCE 3-33
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEREAS A STORY REPRESENTS A DIFFERENT LEVEL, A MEZZANINE IS

CONSIDERED TO BE AN ELEVATED PORTION OF THE ROOM IN WHICH IT IS
LOCATED. AS SUCH, TRAVEL DISTANCE, EGRESS CAPACITY AND COMMON
PATH OF TRAVEL ARE ALL CONTIGUOUS FROM MEZZANINES THROUGH THE
ROOM IN WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED.
TRAVEL DISTANCE FROM A MEZZANINE IS MEASURED ALONG THE PLANE

PARALLEL AND TANGENT TO THE STAIR TREAD NOSINGS IN THE CENTER OF THE
STAIR AND LANDINGS OF OPEN STAIRS SERVING THE MEZZANINE, UNLESS THERE
IS A CLOSER ENCLOSED STAIR TO WHICH TRAVEL DISTANCE CAN BE MEASURED.
1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE MEZZANINE AREA; 3-28 MAXIMUM ALLOW- REFERENCES: 1016.3; 1014.3
ABLE TRAVEL DISTANCE; 3-30 MEASURING TRAVEL DISTANCE THROUGH MULTIPLE
FLOORS; 3-35 COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL OR DEAD-END CORRIDOR 3-34
NOTES & REMINDERS
A ROOM IN WHICH OCCUPANTS ALWAYS HAVE ACCESS TO TWO OR MORE

EXITS HAS A COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL OF ZERO FEET BY DEFINITION.
ADDITION OF A SECOND DOOR FROM A ROOM WILL OFTEN ALLEVIATE

COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL PROBLEMS.
3-15 REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS; 3-35 COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL; REFERENCES: 202; 1014.3; 1018.4
3-37 DEAD-END CORRIDORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL 3-35
NOTES & REMINDERS
IF OCCUPANTS MUST CONVERGE AGAIN AFTER SEPARATING TO GO TOWARDS

TWO DISTINCT EXITS, THEN COMMON PATH MUST EXTEND BEYOND THE POINT
AT WHICH THE CONVERGENCE TAKES PLACE. THIS CAN SOMETIMES OCCUR
IN OPEN OFFICE SPACES WHEN OCCUPANTS ULTIMATELY CONVENE AT A
COMMON ENTRANCE TO AN EXIT ACCESS CORRIDOR AFTER HAVING
PREVIOUSLY SPLIT TO ACCESS AISLES WITHIN A ROOM, OR TO TRAVERSE
OBSTRUCTIONS WITHIN THE SPACE.
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF EGRESS ELEMENTS; REFERENCES: 1014.3

3-15 REMOTE MEANS OF EGRESS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | INTERVENING ROOMS 3-36
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHETHER OR NOT A ROOM IS ACCESSORY IS SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION.

ACCESSORY SPACES, WHILE NOT SPECIFICALLY DEFINED IN THE BUILDING
CODE, MAY BE CONSIDERED TO BE THOSE AREAS THAT ARE CONTRIBUTING,
SUBSIDIARY, OR SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE MAIN AREA IN QUESTION. SOMETIMES,
ONE AREA IS NOT TRULY AN ACCESSORY SPACE BY DEFINITION, BUT IT IS COM-
PLIMENTARY TO ANOTHER AREA SUCH THAT THIS DEFINITION CAN BE APPLIED.
ROOMS IN WHICH THE PATH OF TRAVEL MAY BE OBSTRUCTED ARE TYPICALLY OF

THE GREATEST CONCERN. ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO DISCERN
WHICH ROOMS MAY BE SUBJECT TO THIS, AREAS SUCH AS STORAGE ROOMS OR
SIMILAR ARE OFTEN NOT PERMITTED AS INTERVENING ROOMS BECAUSE OF THE
REASONABLE EXPECTATION THAT A HIGH FUEL LOAD OR POTENTIAL FOR PATHS
BEING BLOCKED EXISTS.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; REFERENCES: 1014.2; 1018.6

3-35 COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL;
3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | DEAD-END CORRIDORS 3-37
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE USE OF CROSS CORRIDOR DOORS TO LIMIT DEAD ENDS IS PERMISSIBLE. IT

IS IMPORTANT THAT DOORS SWING COUNTER TO THE DIRECTION OF THE DEAD
END.
RECOGNIZING THE FIRE PROTECTION BENEFITS AND PERFORMANCE HISTORY

OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, THE CODE PERMITS THE EXTENSION OF
DEAD END TRAVEL DISTANCE TO 50 FEET.
3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS; REFERENCES: 1018.4

BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS 3-38
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS ADOPTS THE ‘DEFEND IN PLACE’ STRATEGY

THAT IS ALSO USED IN PRISONS, HOSPITALS AND HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS. AS SUCH
THE USE OF REFUGE AREAS AND HORIZONTAL EXITS IS A PROMINENT FEATURE.
IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO CONFUSE ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS AND THE

ACCESSIBLE PATH. THE ACCESSIBLE PATH DOES NOT INCLUDE ELEMENTS SUCH
AS STAIRS BECAUSE THESE ELEMENTS CANNOT BE TRAVERSED BY A PERSON IN A
WHEELCHAIR. ALTERNATIVELY, WHERE EVACUATION ASSISTANCE IS PRESUMED
TO EXIST IN THE CONTEXT OF ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS, SUCH ELEMENTS
MAY BE INCLUDED IF REFUGE AREAS ARE PROVIDED.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN NONSPRINKLERED REFERENCES: 1007.1; 1007.2
BUILDINGS; 3-12 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM SPACES;
3-13 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM STORIES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN NONSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS 3-39
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS SIGNIFICANT TO NOTE THAT WHILE AREAS OF REFUGE AT STAIRS AND

ELEVATORS MAY BE ELIMINATED IN FULLY SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS, THE USE OF
AN ELEVATOR ITSELF AS AN ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IS STILL REQUIRED
IN BUILDINGS WITH AN ACCESSIBLE FLOOR FOUR OR MORE STORIES ABOVE A
LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE, AND THUS EMERGENCY POWER IS STILL REQUIRED
TO OPERATE THE ELEVATOR.
IN KEEPING WITH THE FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, AREAS OF REFUGE

ARE NOT REQUIRED AT ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS WHEN THE BUILDING IS
FULLY SPRINKLERED, THE IDEA BEING THAT THE ENTIRE FLOOR IS CONSIDERED TO
BE AN AREA OF REFUGE WHEN IT IS EXPECTED THAT A FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM
WILL CONTROL THE FIRE.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN REFERENCES: 1007.1; 1007.2
NON-SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS; 3-12 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF
EGRESS FROM SPACES; 3-13 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM
STORIES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR ACCESSIBLE AREA OF REFUGE 3-40
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE TERM ‘DIRECT ACCESS’ IS NOT DEFINED IN THE CODE, WITH RESPECT TO
HOW AREAS OF REFUGE MUST ACCESS A STAIR OR ELEVATOR. CONVENTION-
ALLY, ‘DIRECT’ IMPLIES AN OPENING BETWEEN THE AREA OF REFUGE AND THE
ELEVATOR LOBBY OR STAIR ENCLOSURE.
3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN NONSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS; REFERENCES: 1007.6; 1007.7

7-44 AREA OF REFUGE DIMENSIONS IN STAIRWAYS: 7-45 AREA OF REFUGE
DIMENSIONS IN VESTIBULES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | STAIRWAY AS ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS 3-41
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT WHILE UNENCLOSED INTERIOR STAIRWAYS MAY

BE USED AS AN ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS, SUCH STAIRWAYS MAY OR MAY
NOT BE ACCEPTABLE AS A NORMAL MEANS OF EGRESS FROM A FLOOR,
DEPENDING ON HOW MANY STORIES THE STAIRWAY CONNECTS, AND WHETHER
OR NOT IT IS CONNECTED TO GROUND FLOOR.
NOTE THAT IN NONSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS, AND AT EXTERIOR STAIRS, THE

CLEAR WIDTH IS MEASURED BETWEEN THE HANDRAILS, AS OPPOSED TO
STRINGER TO STRINGER (WHICH IS A COMMON METHOD FOR DETERMINING
INTERIOR STAIRWAY WIDTH).
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; 3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN REFERENCES: 1007.3
SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS; 3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN
NONSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS; 7-44 AREA OF REFUGE DIMENSIONS IN STAIRWAYS:
7-45 AREA OF REFUGE DIMENSIONS IN VESTIBULES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ELEVATOR OR PLATFORM LIFT AS ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS 3-42
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CODE SUGGEST THAT ACCESSIBLE ELEVATORS MUST

BE CAPABLE OF OPERATING DURING A LOSS OF NORMAL POWER, AND THUS
EMERGENCY BACKUP POWER IS REQUIRED. BECAUSE BATTERY ARRAYS ARE
NOT PRACTICAL, THIS IN TURN MEANS THAT A GENERATOR WILL OFTEN HAVE
TO BE PROVIDED IN BUILDINGS WHERE ONE OR MORE OF THE ELEVATORS IS AN
ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS ELEVATOR.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; 3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE; REFERENCES: 1007.2.1; 1007.4; 1007.5; 1109.8
3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS;
3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN NONSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS;
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | REQUIRED ELEVATORS 3-43
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN KEEPING WITH THE CONCEPT OF EQUIVALENT FACILITATION, ELEVATORS

NEED TO BE REASONABLY CLOSE (E.G. LESS THAN 200 FEET) TO OPEN
CIRCULATION STAIRWAYS IN BUILDINGS WHERE BOTH ELEMENTS ARE PROVIDED.
WHEN A FIRE SERVICE ACCESS ELEVATOR IS REQUIRED, THE SPECIFIC WAY IN

WHICH SUCH AN ELEVATOR ACCESSES ONE OR MORE STAIRWAYS WILL REQUIRE
APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION, DUE TO THE REQUIREMENT
FOR DIRECT ACCESS.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; 3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; REFERENCES: 403.6; 1023.5; 1104.4; 3002.4; 3002.7
1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE MEZZANINE AREA; 3-44 PROPERTIES
OF REQUIRED ELEVATORS; 3-42 ELEVATOR OR PLATFORM LIFT AS
ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | PROPERTIES OF REQUIRED ELEVATORS 3-44
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHETHER OR NOT AN ELEVATOR LOBBY IS REQUIRED IS CONTINGENT UPON

WHETHER THERE ARE ANY FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED CORRIDORS INTO WHICH
THE ELEVATOR OPENS, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF STORIES IN THE BUILDING, AND
WHETHER THE ELEVATOR IN QUESTION MUST ALSO SERVE AS AN ACCESSIBLE
MEANS OF EGRESS.
THE CODE IS NOT SPECIFIC AS TO THE ELEVATOR CAR DIMENSIONS TO

ACCOMMODATE AMBULANCE STRETCHERS. HOWEVER, THERE ARE
APPROACHES THAT ALLOW THE DESIGNER TO ESTIMATE THE MINIMUM CAR
SIZE BASED ON THE NEED TO TURN THE STRETCHER AS IT ENTERS OR LEAVES
THE CAR.
3-43 REQUIRED ELEVATORS; 3-45 ACCESSIBLE ELEVATOR DIMENSIONS; REFERENCES: 1109.7; 3002.4; 403.6.1; 3007
3-46 STRETCHER ELEVATOR DIMENSIONS;
3-47 REQUIRED ELEVATOR LOBBIES
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ACCESSIBLE ELEVATOR DIMENSIONS 3-45
NOTES & REMINDERS
TYPICAL WHEELCHAIR CLEARANCE SPACES ARE 30 INCHES BY 48 INCHES.

TYPICAL WHEELCHAIR TURNING SPACES ARE 60 INCHES DIAMETER OR T-SHAPED,
HAVING SIDES THAT ARE AT LEAST 60 INCHES.
THE FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY CODES PROVIDE NUMEROUS ELEVATOR CAR

SIZING OPTIONS THAT ARE DEPENDENT UPON THE TYPE OF ELEVATOR BEING
USED. LOCAL CODES MAY BE MORE RESTRICTIVE, OR LESS SPECIFIC IN TERMS
OF CAB SIZING RELATIVE TO THE LOCATION AND TYPE OF DOOR.
ACCESSIBLE ELEVATOR CARS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A TURNING

SPACE. WHEN A TURNING SPACE IS NOT PROVIDED WITHIN AN ELEVATOR CAR,
THE ELEVATOR CONTROLS MUST BE LOCATED WITHIN FORWARD OR SIDE REACH
RANGES.
3-43 REQUIRED ELEVATORS; 3-04 MANEUVERING CLEARANCES REFERENCES: ICC A117.1 407, 408
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | STRETCHER ELEVATOR DIMENSIONS 3-46
NOTES & REMINDERS
INTERIOR DIMENSION CRITERIA SHOWN ARE FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY

AND MUST BE APPROVED BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
CHECK FEDERAL ADA AND LOCAL ACCESSIBILITY CODES WHEN SIZING

ELEVATOR CARS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MINIMUM DIMENSIONAL
REQUIREMENTS ARE SATISFIED.
THE SIZE OF THE ELEVATOR CAR IS DEPENDENT ON THE LOCATION OF THE

ELEVATOR DOOR. DOORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE CENTER ARE LESS
EFFICIENT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF TURNING AREA REQUIRED BY A PERSON
IN A WHEELCHAIR, AND THUS THE DIMENSIONS OF THE ELEVATOR CAR ARE
REQUIRED TO BE LARGER FOR SUCH ARRANGEMENTS.
3-43 REQUIRED ELEVATORS REFERENCES: 3002.4
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | REQUIRED ELEVATOR LOBBIES 3-47
NOTES & REMINDERS
HOISTWAY DOORS ARE TYPICALLY LISTED FOR FIRE ENDURANCE UP TO TWO

HOURS, BUT THEY ARE NOT PROVIDED WITH THE ABILITY TO RESIST THE PASSAGE
OF SMOKE. AS SUCH, WHEN SUCH DOORS OPEN TO A RATED CORRIDOR,
SUPPLEMENTAL SMOKE BARRIERS ARE NEEDED AT THE ELEVATOR DOORS.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELEVATOR LOBBIES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY RELAXED IN

BUILDINGS EQUIPPED THROUGHOUT WITH AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM
IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 903.3.1.1.
3-43 REQUIRED ELEVATORS; 3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN SPRINKLERED REFERENCES: 713.14.1; 1007.4; 405.4.3; 909.21
BUILDINGS; 3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN NONSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS;
1-03 DETERMINING HIGH-RISE CLASSIFICATION; 3-48 ELEVATOR LOBBIES AND
BUILDING HEIGHT
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | ELEVATOR LOBBIES AND BUILDING HEIGHT 3-48
NOTES & REMINDERS
HIGH-RISE BUILDING DEFINITIONS MAY VARY DEPENDING ON LOCAL

AMENDMENTS. TYPICALLY, THIS REFERS TO BUILDINGS HAVING A FLOOR
USED FOR HUMAN OCCUPANCY THAT IS LOCATED MORE THAN 75 FEET
ABOVE THE LOWEST LEVEL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS.
OCCUPANCIES WHERE OCCUPANTS MAY NOT BE CAPABLE OF SELF

PRESERVATION (I.E. I-2 AND I-3) REQUIRE GREATER COMPARTMENTATION
IN ORDER FOR THE DEFEND-IN-PLACE CONCEPT TO WORK WELL.
3-47 REQUIRED ELEVATOR LOBBIES; 1-03 DETERMINING HIGH-RISE CLASSIFICATION; REFERENCES: 202; 713.14.1; 1007.4
3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE; 3-38 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN SPRINKLERED
BUILDINGS; 3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN NONSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | REQUIRED RESTROOM LOCATIONS 3-49
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE NUMBER OF PLUMBING FIXTURES HAS A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON BUILDING

ORGANIZATION BY VIRTUE OF ITS IMPACT ON THE SIZE AND LOCATION OF TOILET
FACILITIES.
UNISEX FACILITIES ARE GENERALLY ONLY PERMITTED TO BE THE ONLY TYPE OF

RESTROOM IN LOW OCCUPANCY SPACES (I.E. RETAIL OCCUPANCIES WITH LESS
THAN 100 OCCUPANTS). OTHERWISE, SEPARATE SEX FACILITIES ARE REQUIRED.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-50 SINGLE-USER TOILET ROOMS; REFERENCES: 2902.2; 2902.3
3-51 MULTIPLE USER TOILET ROOMS; 3-52 FAMILY OR ASSISTED-USE RESTROOMS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | SINGLE-USER TOILET ROOMS 3-50
NOTES & REMINDERS
DOOR SWINGS ARE OFTEN ALLOWED TO COINCIDE WITH THE TURNING SPACE
REQUIRED FOR A WHEELCHAIR, BUT IN NO CASE SHOULD THE DOOR SWING
INTO THE REQUIRED CLEAR SPACE IN FRONT OF THE WATER CLOSET, AS IT IS
LIKELY THAT THIS SPACE WOULD BE USED TO HOUSE THE WHEELCHAIR WHEN THE
WATER CLOSET IS IN USE.
CLEARANCE SPACES REQUIRED FOR SINKS MAY GO UNDER THE SINK, SO LONG
AS APPROPRIATE UNDER-SINK CLEARANCES AT VARIOUS DEPTHS ARE OBSERVED
AND BURN PROTECTION AT THE HOT WATER PIPES IS PROVIDED.
3-49 REQUIRED RESTROOM LOCATIONS; 4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; REFERENCES: IBC 1109.2; 2902.2; IPC 403.2; ICC A117.1 604-606
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 3-51 MULTIPLE USER TOILET ROOMS;
3-52 FAMILY OR ASSISTED-USE RESTROOMS; 3-04 MANEUVERING CLEARANCES;
7-17 PUSH AND PULL SIDE CLEARANCE AT DOORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MULTIPLE USER TOILET ROOMS 3-51
NOTES & REMINDERS
TECHNICALLY BURN PROTECTION IN THE FORM OF PIPE INSULATION IS ONLY

REQUIRED AT THE ACCESSIBLE SINK, BUT IT IS RECOMMENDED TO PLACE SUCH
PROTECTION AT EVERY SINK WITH POTENTIALLY HOT PIPES.”
A COMMON ERROR THAT IS MADE IN LARGE MULTI-COMPARTMENT RESTROOMS

IS THAT THE AMBULATORY STALLS ARE OMITTED.
3-49 REQUIRED RESTROOM LOCATIONS; 3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; REFERENCES: 1109.2

3-50 SINGLE-USER TOILET ROOMS; 3-52 FAMILY OR ASSISTED-USE RESTROOMS;
3-04 MANEUVERING CLEARANCES; 7-17 PUSH AND PULL SIDE CLEARANCE AT
DOORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | FAMILY OR ASSISTED-USE RESTROOMS 3-52
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT WHILE A FAMILY OR ASSISTED-USE TOILET ROOM

MAY SERVE EITHER MALE OR FEMALE OCCUPANTS, THE FIXTURES PROVIDED
WITHIN SUCH A ROOM MAY ONLY BE COUNTED ONCE TOWARDS THE REQUIRED
MALE OR FEMALE FIXTURES.
ALL FIXTURES WITHIN THE FAMILY OR ASSISTED-USE RESTROOM ARE REQUIRED TO

BE ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
3-49 REQUIRED RESTROOM LOCATIONS; 3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE REFERENCES: 1109.2.1
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | REQUIRED STANDPIPE CONNECTIONS 3-53
NOTES & REMINDERS
MANUAL STANDPIPES REFER TO STANDPIPES THAT HAVE TO BE PRESSURIZED

BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT VIA A PUMPER TRUCK IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE
MINIMUM PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS AT REMOTE LOCATIONS. AUTOMATIC
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS ARE THOSE THAT MEET MINIMUM PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
VIA BUILDING FIRE PUMPS OR STREET PRESSURE.
WET STANDPIPES ARE THOSE THAT CONTAIN WATER WITHIN THE PIPES. DRY
STANDPIPES ARE THOSE THAT DO NOT HAVE WATER NORMALLY IN THE SYSTEM
UNTIL IT IS PUMPED IN VIA A FIRE DEPARTMENT PUMPER TRUCK. SUCH SYSTEMS
ARE OFTEN USED WHEN WATER SUPPLIES ARE SCARCE OR SUBJECT TO FREEZING
AT THE STANDPIPE.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 3-01 FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS; REFERENCES: 905.4; 905.4.1
3-54 STANDPIPE CONNECTION AT FLOOR LEVEL LANDING
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | STANDPIPE CONNECTION AT FLOOR LEVEL LANDING 3-54
NOTES & REMINDERS
DIFFERENT FIRE DEPARTMENTS HAVE DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO FIGHTING FIRES

WITH THE AID OF STANDPIPE SYSTEMS. AS A RESULT, SOME DEPARTMENTS MAY
PREFER THAT THE STANDPIPE VALVES BE LOCATED ON FLOOR LEVEL LANDINGS
IN LIEU OF INTERMEDIATE LEVEL LANDINGS.
ADEQUATE SPACE MUST BE LEFT FOR THE STANDPIPE VALVE, AND SUCH VALVES
SHOULD BE POSITIONED SUCH THAT A HOSE CAN EASILY BE ATTACHED TO THE
VALVE AND CHARGED WITH WATER.
3-53 REQUIRED STANDPIPE CONNECTIONS REFERENCES: 905.4
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | REQUIRED ROOF ACCESS 3-55
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN MULTIPLE ROOF LEVELS EXIST, THE NATURE OF ROOF ACCESS MUST BE
AGREED WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION. MULTIPLE STAIRS,
LADDERS, HATCHES, OR SOME COMBINATION OF THESE ELEMENTS MAY BE
REQUIRED DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION, NATURE OF VARYING
ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND DEGREE OF FIRE PROTECTION THAT IS PROVIDED.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO OBSERVE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

ADMINISTRATION REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO GUARD RAIL PROTECTION
WHEN EMPLOYEES OR WORKERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE WORKING ON A ROOF.
TRAVEL DISTANCE, COMMON PATH OF TRAVEL, AND SIMILAR REQUIREMENTS

WILL NOT APPLY TO UNOCCUPIED ROOF AREAS. STAIRWAYS PROVIDING
ACCESS TO THE ROOF MUST MEET DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE
TO EGRESS STAIRWAYS WHEN PROVIDED.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; 1-05 STORY ABOVE REFERENCES: 1021.1; 1009.16; 1009.17
GRADE PLANE; 2-20 ROOF ACCESS HATCHES AND ACCESS TO
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT; 3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF OCCUPIABLE SPACES 3-56
NOTES & REMINDERS
DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS FOR CEILING HEIGHT EXIST WITHIN MEANS OF EGRESS,

HABITABLE ROOMS, AND NON-HABITABLE ROOMS.
IN ADDITION TO MINIMUM CEILING HEIGHTS, SECTION 1208 OF THE IBC ALSO

PROVIDES REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO MINIMUM ROOM WIDTHS FOR
HABITABLE SPACES AND, MORE SPECIFICALLY, FOR KITCHENS (7 FEET IN ANY
PLAN DIMENSION FOR HABITABLE SPACES, AND NOT LESS THAN THREE FEET
BETWEEN COUNTER FRONTS AND APPLIANCES OR WALLS IN KITCHENS).
IN ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, BEAMS OR GIRDERS SPACED NOT LESS

THAN 4 FEET ON CENTER ARE PERMITTED TO PROJECT NOT MORE THAN 6 INCHES
BELOW THE REQUIRED CEILING HEIGHT.
IN ANY ROOM WITH A SLOPED CEILING, THE PRESCRIBED CEILING HEIGHT FOR
THE ROOM IS REQUIRED IN ONE-HALF THE AREA. ANY PORTION OF THE ROOM
MEASURING LESS THAN 5 FEET FROM THE FINISHED FLOOR TO THE CEILING
CANNOT BE INCLUDED IN THE COMPUTATION OF THE MINIMUM AREA THEREOF.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; 3-57 AREAS WITH REFERENCES: 1208.1; 1208.2; 1208.3; 1208.4
REDUCED HEADROOM; 7-22 PROJECTIONS INTO CORRIDORS
BUILDING ORGANIZATION | AREAS WITH REDUCED HEADROOM 3-57
NOTES & REMINDERS
SUCH BARRIERS ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO EXTEND TO THE POINT WHERE THE
STAIR STRINGER ABOVE IS GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO 80 INCHES. ABOVE THIS
HEIGHT, SUCH ELEMENTS NO LONGER POSE A HAZARD TO PEOPLE WITH VISUAL
IMPAIRMENTS.
STAIRWAYS PRESENT A PARTICULAR CHALLENGE TO PERSONS WHO ARE

VISALLY IMPAIRED. WHEN PORTIONS OF THE STAIRWAY (SUCH AS AT OPEN
FLOATING STAIRWAYS) ARE NOT DETECTABLE BY A CANE WITHIN THE 27 TO 80
INCH RANGE, AN APPROVED BARRIER SUCH AS A GUARD, BENCH OR PLANTER
MUST BE INSTALLED BELOW THE HEIGHT OF 27 INCHES SO THAT THE BOUNDARY
IS DETECTABLE USING A CANE. THE BARRIER ITSELF NEED NOT BE EXACTLY 27
INCHES IN HEIGHT, BUT MUST NOT CONSTITUTE A TRIPPING HAZARD.
3-56 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF OCCUPIABLE SPACES; REFERENCES: IBC 1003.3; ICC A117.1 307.2
7-22 PROJECTIONS INTO CORRIDORS
CHECKLIST ITEMS | DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD 1 of 2
Design Occupant Load represents both the permissible maximum of people within a building that will be enforced by the authority having jurisdiction and a conservative ‘worst-
case’ scenario used to inform requirements (especially requirements for means of egress). This number, expressed in persons, is calculated differently for different types of spaces.
Where fixed-seating, bench seating or booth seating is provided the capacity of these seating elements is used to determine occupant load while in spaces without fixed seating an
occupant load factor is applied to the gross or net area of the building or space to determine occupant load. Where spaces are grouped together and served by the same means of
egress it will be necessary to review the combined or aggregate occupant load of these spaces in evaluating code compliance and sizing Egress Components.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
1. Review the occupiable areas and determine which 4-00 VISUAL INDEX 202 (see “Occupant Load”); 1004.1
method is used to calculate design occupant load.
2.1 Where it is appropriate to base Design Occupant 4-01 OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON 1004.1.2; 202 (see “Floor Area, Gross”)
Load on Gross Floor Area determine the Gross Floor GROSS FLOOR AREA
Area.
2.2 Where it is appropriate to base Design Occupant 4-02 OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON 1004.1.2; 202 (see “Floor Area, Net”)
Load on Net Floor Area identify the areas not NET FLOOR AREA
included in the Net Floor Areas and determine
the Net Floor Area for each function present.
2.3 Where it is appropriate to base Design Occupant 4-03 OCCUPANT LOAD FOR FIXED 1004.4
Load on Fixed Seating use the quantity of seats or SEATING
the linear quantity of bench seating to determine
occupant load. Include wheelchair spaces in the
count.
CHECKLIST ITEMS | DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD 2 of 2
IMAGES CODE SECTION
3. Determine the appropriate Occupant Load Factor 4-04 OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORS Table 1004.1.2
to apply to any area where a Gross Area or Net
Area based Design Occupant Load is required.
Calculate the Design Occupant Load of the
space(s).
4.1 Review any occupiable area with accessory areas 4-05 AGGREGATE OCCUPANT LOAD 1004.1.1
and add the Design Occupant Loads together to
determine the aggregate load for the group of
spaces.
4.2 Review any occupiable area with a Mezzanine and 4-05 AGGREGATE OCCUPANT LOAD 1004.1.1
add the Design Occupant Loads of the mezzanine to
that of the space below to determine the aggregate
load for the space.
5. Identify any conditions where the combined occu- 4-06 COMBINED OCCUPANT LOADS 1004.1.1.1; 1015.1; 1021.2 EXCEPTION 1
pant loads of persons within a space and persons
passing through a space are required to inform the
required number of means of egress from that space.
DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD | VISUAL INDEX 4-00
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD CAN BE THOUGHT OF AS THE MAXIMUM

OCCUPANT LOAD THAT A SPACE CAN ACCOMMODATE BASED UPON
AVAILABLE EGRESS WIDTH. WHEN USE OF OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORS FROM
IBC SECTION 1004.1.1 YIELDS OCCUPANT LOADS THAT ARE LESS THAN WHAT
WOULD CUSTOMARILY BE EXPECTED, THE ACTUAL EXPECTED OCCUPANT LOADS
SHOULD BE USED IN LIEU OF THOSE OBTAINED USING THE TABLE, OR A MORE
RESTRICTIVE LOAD FACTOR (YIELDING HIGHER OCCUPANT DENSITY) SHOULD
BE USED FROM THE TABLE.
THE USE OF A SPACE WITH RESPECT TO OCCUPANT LOAD IS SEPARATE FROM

THE OCCUPANCY OF A SPACE. FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A BUSINESS
OCCUPANCY TO HAVE A CONCENTRATED ASSEMBLY USE WITH RESPECT TO
OCCUPANT LOAD.
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 4-01 OCCUPANT LOAD REFERENCES: 202; 1004.1
BASED ON GROSS FLOOR AREA; 4-02 OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON
NET FLOOR AREA; 4-03 OCCUPANT LOAD FOR FIXED SEATING
DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD | OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON GROSS FLOOR AREA 4-01
NOTES & REMINDERS
MANY BUILDINGS CONTAIN A COMBINATION OF NET AND GROSS AREAS WITH

RESPECT TO THE CALCULATION OF OCCUPANT LOAD. IN GENERAL, HIGHER
DENSITY USES ARE ASSOCIATED WITH NET AREAS, AND LOWER DENSITY USES
ARE ASSOCIATED WITH GROSS AREAS.
THE DEFINITION OF GROSS FLOOR AREA IS CLOSELY ALIGNED WITH THE

DEFINITION OF BUILDING AREA, AND THUS UNENCLOSED AREAS THAT ARE
BENEATH A PROJECTING FLOOR AREA ABOVE MAY NEED TO BE INCLUDED
IN THE GROSS FLOOR AREA, AS WELL AS THE BUILDING AREA. IF AN EXTERIOR
SPACE HAS A DEDICATED FUNCTION AND IS BELOW A PROJECTING ELEMENT
IT IS INCLUDED IN GROSS FLOOR AREA.
RESTROOMS AND SIMILAR AREAS ARE REQUIRED TO BE INCLUDED AS PART

OF A GROSS AREA, BUT MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM NET FLOOR AREA
CALCULATIONS.
4-02 OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON NET FLOOR AREA; REFERENCES: 1004.1.2; 202
4-04 OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORS;
1-12 COURTS, YARDS AND AREAWAYS
DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD | OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON NET FLOOR AREA 4-02
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE USE OF FIXED FURNITURE AND OTHER FIXED ELEMENTS SUCH AS PLANTERS IS
COMMONLY USED TO REDUCE NET FLOOR AREAS (AS THE PRESENCE OF SUCH
ELEMENTS INHERENTLY REDUCES THE OCCUPIABLE AREA).
WHETHER OR NOT A TERRACE OR ROOF AREA IS ATTRIBUTED AN OCCUPANT

LOAD DEPENDS ON THE RELATED BUILDING OCCUPANCY AND INTENDED
USE OF THE TERRACE OR ROOF. FOR EXAMPLE, IF IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE AN
ASSEMBLY GATHERING OF PEOPLE ON A ROOF IN A COMMERCIAL BUILDING,
LIFE SAFETY CONCERNS WARRANT LOADING THE SPACE. CONVERSELY,
TERRACES SERVING PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL UNITS IN MULTI-FAMILY DWELLINGS
ARE RARELY REQUIRED TO BE ASSIGNED AN OCCUPANT LOAD GREATER THAN
THAT ATTRIBUTED TO THE OTHER RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
4-01 OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON GROSS FLOOR AREA; REFERENCES: 1004.1.2; 202
4-04 OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORS;
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES
DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD | OCCUPANT LOAD FOR FIXED SEATING 4-03
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN CALCULATING THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS BASED ON FIXED SEATS,

IT IS IMPORTANT TO ADDRESS RELATED CIRCULATION SPACES. IN SOME CASES,
IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO OMIT RELATED CIRCULATION OR ACCESSORY USE SPACES.
HOWEVER, IN OTHER INSTANCES (I.E. WHEN A STAGE IS PRESENT ADJACENT TO
A SEATING AREA), THE SIMULTANEOUS OCCUPANT LOAD OF SAID SPACES MUST
BE CONSIDERED.
WHEN SEATING IS PROVIDED, FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY LAWS AND LOCAL

ACCESSIBILITY CODES REQUIRE THAT ACCESSIBLE SEATING BE PROVIDED IN
A DISTRIBUTED FASHION. REQUIREMENTS FOR VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL
DISTRIBUTION OF SEATS VARIES ACCORDING TO WHAT CODE IS BEING
REFERENCED.
4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; 4-02 OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON REFERENCES: 1004.4
NET FLOOR AREA
DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD | OCCUPANT LOAD FACTORS 4-04
NOTES & REMINDERS
STANDING QUEUE AREAS MAY BE CHARACTERIZED BY OCCUPANT LOAD

FACTORS THAT ARE MORE CONSERVATIVE THAN 1:5 (ONE OCCUPANT PER FIVE
SQUARE FEET). FOR EXAMPLE, AREAS OF REFUGE ARE DESIGNED ASSUMING
STANDING AREA PER OCCUPANT OF AS LOW AS 5 SQUARE FEET.
THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION MAY REQUIRE THE DESIGNER TO USE

AN OCCUPANT LOAD FACTOR THAT IS NOT LISTED IN THE TABLE. NOTHING IN
THE CODE IS INTENDED TO PRECLUDE THE USE OF ALTERNATE OCCUPANT LOAD
FACTORS IF SUCH FACTORS ARE RATIONAL AND APPROVED BY THE AUTHORITY
HAVING JURISDICTION.
4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; 4-01 OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON REFERENCES: TABLE 1004.1.2; 202
GROSS FLOOR AREA; 4-02 OCCUPANT LOAD BASED ON NET FLOOR AREA
DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD | AGGREGATE OCCUPANT LOAD 4-05
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE MEZZANINE IS CONSIDERED TO BE A PART OF THE FLOOR/SPACE IN WHICH

IT IS LOCATED (‘THE ROOM BELOW’), AND THUS EVEN THOUGH IT IS ON A
DIFFERENT LEVEL, THE SIMULTANEOUS AGGREGATE OCCUPANT LOAD OF
THIS SPACE MUST BE CONSIDERED.
AS OCCUPANTS TRAVERSE A BUILDING MOVING FROM OCCUPIED AREAS

TOWARDS THE EXITS, EXIT DISCHARGE, AND FINALLY THE PUBLIC WAY,
OCCUPANT LOADS FROM A SINGLE LEVEL (INCLUSIVE OF MEZZANINES)
ARE ADDED TOGETHER IN AN ACCUMULATIVE WAY.
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; REFERENCES: 1004.1.1
1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE MEZZANINE AREA;
4-06 COMBINED OCCUPANT LOADS
DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD | COMBINED OCCUPANT LOADS 4-06
NOTES & REMINDERS
IF AN INTERVENING ROOM SUCH AS A LOBBY IS CONSTRUCTED IN A

MANNER THAT IS CONSISTENT WITH THE CORRIDOR CONSTRUCTION TO WHICH
IT IS ATTACHED, THEN SUCH A SPACE IS CONSIDERED TO BE A PERMISSIBLE
INTERVENING ROOM WITHIN THE CORRIDOR. AS SUCH, ACCESS TO TWO EXITS
IS REQUIRED REGARDLESS OF THE OCCUPANT LOAD TRAVERSING SUCH
ROOMS. PLEASE NOTE THAT LOBBIES AND SIMILAR ROOMS CONNECTED TO
CORRIDORS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED WITH AN OCCUPANT LOAD.
FOR AREAS THAT ARE ABOVE THE LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE, ACCESS TO TWO
EXITS MAY BE REQUIRED FROM ANY POINT BY VIRTUE OF IBC SECTION 1021.2,
WHICH NECESSITATES THAT TWO EXITS OR EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS BE PROVIDED
FROM ANY STORY OR OCCUPIED ROOF. EXCEPTIONS TO THIS REQUIREMENT
ARE PROVIDED IN IBC TABLES 1021.2(1) AND 1021.2(2).
OCCUPANT LOADS FROM ADJACENT FLOORS ARE NOT CUMULATIVE. WHEN

DESIGNING THE MEANS OF EGRESS, THE GREATEST OCCUPANT LOAD FROM A
SINGLE LEVEL IS REQUIRED TO BE USED IN CALCULATING EXIT CAPACITY OF A
STAIRWAY. AS ONE TRAVERSES THE MEANS OF EGRESS TOWARDS THE EXIT, THE
WIDTH OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS CANNOT BE LESS THAN THE SINGLE GREATEST
LOAD ORIGINATING FROM ANY LEVEL ABOVE OR BELOW.
3-12 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS FROM SPACES; REFERENCES: 1004.1.1.1; 1015.1; 1021.2 EXCEPTION 1
4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; 3-22 EXIT DISCHARGE;
4-05 AGGREGATE OCCUPANT LOADS
CHECKLIST ITEMS | MATERIALS 1 of 4
Materials used for different elements of the building inform a wide variety of code requirements. A number of key distinctions classifying both buildings (Construction Type)
and individual elements within buildings (Combustibility, Primary Structural Frame, Load-Bearing Walls, Heavy Timber and Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood) are addressed and
defined in the building code. Construction Type is the classification of buildings based on the materials used. Construction Types include Noncombustible Buildings (Concrete,
Masonry, and Steel) and Combustible Buildings (heavy timber, dimensional lumber, and buildings consisting of a mixture of combustible and noncombustible elements). The use
of Combustible materials within Noncombustible Construction Types is limited to those specifically permitted by building code requirements. Interior finishes are materials
applied to the surfaces of walls, ceilngs and floors within buildings. These finishes (and interior trim) must be appropriate to the use (expressed in terms of Occupancy Group)
of the building. Additional material requirements apply to glazing (which must meet requirements for safety based on the location where it is used and the potential for human
impact) and Roof Coverings (which is key to resisting fire spread between buildings). It is essential to confirm that all materials present are consistent with the approach to
meeting requirements for Building Size and that the limitations on the use of materials are adhered to over the course of the design process.
1 Select a Construction Type for the building and IMAGES CODE SECTION
review the building height (in stories and as
measured) as well as the building area (per floor 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE 602.1 - 602.5
and for the entire building) to confirm the
Construction Type is permissible based on
Building Size.
2 Determine if the Construction Type constitutes 5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND 602.2; 703.5
Combustible or Noncombustible construction. NONCOMBUSTIBLE
3 Identify the requirements for Fire Resistance Rating 5-03 TYPE I AND TYPE II Table 601
and Combustibility based on Construction Type for CONSTRUCTION
Primary Structural Frame, Walls, Floor Construction
and Roof Construction. 5-04 TYPE III CONSTRUCTION
5-05 TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION
5-06 TYPE V CONSTRUCTION
IMAGES CODE SECTION
4.1 If the building is a high-rise determine if a reduction 5-07 REDUCED FIRE-RESISTANCE IN 403.2.1.1
of the requirements based on Construction Type is HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS
applicable.
4.2 Identify all components that are part of the 5-08 PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME 202 (see “Primary Structural Frame”)
Primary Structural Frame.
4.3 Identify any areas where a reduction in require 5-09 REDUCED FIRE-RESISTANCE Note ‘b’ to Table 601
ments for the roof and supporting construction BASED ON HEIGHT ABOVE
are applicable. WALKING SURFACE
4.4 Identify interior and exterior load-bearing walls and 5-10 LOAD-BEARING WALLS 202 (see “Wall, Load-bearing” and “Wall,
review requirements for Fire-Resistance Rating and Nonload-bearing”)
Combustibility.
4.5 Confirm that all exterior load-bearing walls also 2-03 REQUIRED RATINGS OF Note ‘f’ to Table 601; Table 602; 704.10
meet the minimum rating requirements based EXTERIOR WALLS
on fire separation distance.
5 In noncombustible construction types review each 5-11 COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOM 603.1

intended use of a combustible material to deter BUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION
mine if this use is permissible.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
6.1 Identify requirements for the interior finish applied 5-16 INTERIOR FINISH FOR WALLS 801.2; Table 803.9
to walls and ceilings for each area of the building AND CEILINGS
(exit enclosures, corridors, occupied spaces).
6.2 Identify requirements for the interior finish applied 5-17 INTERIOR FINISH FOR FLOORS 801.3; 804
to floors.
6.3 Identify requirements for trim (a type of interior 5-18 INTERIOR FINISH REQUIRE 801.4; 806
finish) and make sure the quantity of trim does not MENTS FOR TRIM
exceed the allowable maximum.
7 Confirm all building components to be constructed 5-19 FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED 202 (see “Treated Wood”)
of fire-retardant-treated wood are permissible as WOOD
fire-retardant-treated wood and make use of a
qualifying fire-retardant-treated wood product.
8 Confirm all building components permissible as 5-20 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF 602.4; Table 602.4
heavy timber make use of either solid sawn or SOLID SAWN HEAVY TIMBER
glued-laminated members that meet the minimum
dimensional requirements to qualify as heavy
timber.
5-21 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF
GLUED-LAMINATED HEAVY
TIMBER
IMAGES CODE SECTION
9 If the building is Type IV construction confirm all 5-22 INTERIOR PARTITIONS IN TYPE 602.4.6
interior partitions are properly constructed. IV CONSTRUCTION
10 Determine the roof covering requirements based 5-23 ROOF COVERING AND CON Table 1505.1; 202 (see “Roof Covering”)
on Construction Type STRUCTION TYPE
11 Identify all locations where safety glazing is 5-24 SAFETY GLAZING 2406.1; 2406.4.4
required.
MATERIALS | VISUAL INDEX 5-00
NOTES & REMINDERS
SECTION 703.5 OF THE 2012 IBC PROVIDES CRITERIA FOR NONCOMBUSTIBLE.

ELEMENTARY MATERIALS REQUIRED TO BE NONCOMBUSTIBLE ARE REQUIRED TO
BE TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 136. COMPOSITE MATERIALS HAVING
A NONCOMBUSTIBLE BASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 703.5.1 WITH
SURFACING OF NOT MORE THAN 0.125 INCH THICK THAT HAS A FLAME SPREAD
OF NOT GREATER THAN 50 WHEN TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E84 OR
UL 273 ARE ACCEPTABLE AS NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE; REFERENCES: NOT APPLICABLE
5-08 PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME; 5-10 LOAD-BEARING WALLS;
5-11 COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS | CONSTRUCTION TYPE 5-01
NOTES & REMINDERS
COMBUSTIBLE ELEMENTS ARE PERMITTED IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE BUILDINGS AS

LONG AS THEY MEET RELATED REQUIREMENTS IN CHAPTERS 6-8. FOR EXAMPLE,
IT IS COMMON FOR NONCOMBUSTIBLE BUILDINGS TO BE PROVIDED WITH
COMBUSTIBLE FLOOR CONSTRUCTION OR COMBUSTIBLE WALL FINISHES AS
LONG AS THE RESPECTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS
IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION ARE SATISFIED.
WATCH OUT FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR BEARING WALLS THAT MAY HAVE
A FIRE RATING THAT IS GREATER THAN THAT WHICH WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR
EXTERIOR WALLS AS A FUNCTION OF EXPOSURE. FOR EXAMPLE, IN SOME
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION, IT IS COMMON FOR BUILDINGS TO HAVE
TWO HOUR FIRE RATED EXTERIOR BEARING WALLS.
1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE HEIGHT; 1-17 DETERMINING REFERENCES: 602.1-602.5

ALLOWABLE AREA PER BUILDING; 2-03 REQUIRED RATINGS OF
EXTERIOR WALLS
MATERIALS | COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE 5-02
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS NOT UNCOMMON FOR FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED WOOD ELEMENTS TO

EXPERIENCE A DIMINISHMENT OF FIRE RESISTANCE OVER TIME DUE TO LEACHING
OF FIRE RESISTIVE SALTS FROM THE WOOD, OR DUE TO OTHER AGE/MOISTURE
RELATED PHENOMENA. BECAUSE OF THIS TRANSIENT FIRE RESISTIVE QUALITY,
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS TREATED WITH FIRE RETARDANTS WILL NOT BE
CONSIDERED NONCOMBUSTIBLE EVEN IF THEIR FLAME SPREAD INDICES ARE
LESS THAN 25.
PLASTICS AND FOAMS ARE FREQUENTLY INCLUDED IN COMPOSITE EXTERIOR

PANEL ASSEMBLIES. SUCH COMPOSITE MATERIALS MUST BE TESTED AND
DEMONSTRATED TO MEET CRITERIA RELATED TO COMBUSTIBLE INSULATION
OR AS EXTERIOR WALL FINISH (PER IBC SECTION 2603.5) IF THEY ARE USED IN
NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION.
FOR SPECIFIC CRITERIA ON COMBUSTIBILITY FOR ELEMENTARY MATERIALS AND

COMPOSITE MATERIALS, PLEASE REFER TO IBC SECTION 703.5 (INCLUDING IBC
SECTIONS 703.5.1 AND 703.5.2).
FOR GUIDANCE ON COMBUSTIBLE AND NON-COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION,

PLEASE REFER TO IBC TABLE 601, AND IBC SECTIONS 601.2 THROUGH 602.5.
5-05 TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION; 5-19 FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED WOOD REFERENCES: 601, 602, 703.5
MATERIALS | TYPE I AND TYPE II CONSTRUCTION 5-03
NOTES & REMINDERS
BECAUSE TYPE I AND II BUILDINGS MAY BE CHARACTERIZED BY VERY LARGE (I.E.

EFFECTIVELY UNLIMITED) HEIGHTS AND AREAS, THESE CONSTRUCTION TYPES ARE
HEAVILY REGULATED. CHAPTER 6 CONTAINS EXCEPTIONS RELATED TO THE USE
OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS IN TYPE I AND II CONSTRUCTION.
THE CODE PERMITS A REDUCTION IN THE FIRE RESISTANCE OF SOME STRUCTURAL

ELEMENTS WHEN SUCH ELEMENTS ARE LOCATED A SIGNIFICANT DISTANCE
FROM A POTENTIAL FIRE (I.E. AT LEAST 20 FEET ABOVE THE NEAREST WALKING
SURFACE BELOW). THIS REQUIREMENT REFLECTS THE DIMINISHED TEMPERATURE
AND HEAT FLUX THAT IS EXPECTED TO EXIST AT SUCH HEIGHTS FOR STANDARD
FIRE LOADS.
SPRINKLERS MAY BE USED TO OMIT THE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF ROOF

MEMBERS IN TYPE IIA CONSTRUCTION WHEN NOT REQUIRED FOR HEIGHT,
AREA, OR DUE TO BUILDING OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS AS PROVIDED IN
IBC SECTION 903.2.
5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE; 5-09 REDUCED FIRE- REFERENCES: 602.2; TABLE 601
RESISTANCE BASED ON HEIGHT ABOVE WALKING SURFACE;
1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE HEIGHT; 1-18 DETERMINING
ALLOWABLE AREA PER STORY
MATERIALS | TYPE III CONSTRUCTION 5-04
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE CONCEPT BEHIND TYPE III CONSTRUCTION IS THAT THE BUILDING WILL BE
PROTECTED FROM EXPOSURES FROM NEARBY BUILDINGS, AND THAT THE
BUILDING WILL NOT POSE AS GREAT OF AN EXPOSURE HAZARD TO NEARBY
BUILDINGS SHOULD IT BE THE FIRE EXPOSURE.
SPRINKLERS MAY BE USED TO OMIT THE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF ROOF

MEMBERS IN TYPE III CONSTRUCTION WHEN NOT REQUIRED FOR HEIGHT,
IBC SECTION 903.2.
FOR EXTERIOR PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME IN TYPE IIIA AND IIIB CONSTRUC-
TION IT IS NECESSARY TO MEET THE HIGHEST FIRE-RESISTANCE REQUIREMENT
LISTED IN IBC SECTION 704.10. IT IS NOTABLE THAT FOR THIS CONSTRUCTION
TYPE THE THE MINIMUM FIRE-RESISTANCE REQUIREMENT FOR EXTERIOR BEARING
WALLS IS HIGHER THAN THE REQUIREMENT FOR PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME.
5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE; 5-09 REDUCED FIRE- REFERENCES: 602.3; TABLE 601; 704.10
RESISTANCE BASED ON HEIGHT ABOVE WALKING SURFACE;
1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE HEIGHT; 1-18 DETERMINING
ALLOWABLE AREA PER STORY
MATERIALS | TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION 5-05
NOTES & REMINDERS
FOR EXTERIOR PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME IN TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION IT

IS NECESSARY TO MEET THE HIGHEST FIRE-RESISTANCE REQUIREMENT LISTED IN
IBC SECTION 704.10. IT IS NOTABLE THAT FOR THIS CONSTRUCTION TYPE THE
MINIMUM FIRE-RESISTANCE REQUIREMENT FOR EXTERIOR BEARING WALLS IS
HIGHER THAN THE REQUIREMENT FOR PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME.
5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE; 5-20 MINIMUM REFERENCES: 602.4; TABLE 601, 704.10
DIMENSIONS OF SOLID SAWN HEAVY TIMBER; 5-21 MINIMUM
DIMENSIONS OF GLUED-LAMINATED HEAVY TIMBER;
5-22 INTERIOR PARTITIONS IN TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS | TYPE V CONSTRUCTION 5-06
NOTES & REMINDERS
THERE ARE VARIOUS TYPES OF ONE HOUR FLOOR ASSEMBLIES THAT ARE
COMPRISED OF WOOD. HOWEVER, THE USE OF TYPE VA CONSTRUCTION
DOES NOT PRECLUDE USE OF NON-COMBUSTIBLE ASSEMBLIES AND MATERIALS
SUCH AS CONCRETE SLABS AND FLUTED METAL DECKING.
SPRINKLERS MAY BE USED TO OMIT THE FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF ROOF

MEMBERS IN TYPE V CONSTRUCTION WHEN NOT REQUIRED FOR HEIGHT,
IBC SECTION 903.2.
ICC-ES HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING ICC-ES EVALUATION REPORT(S)

CONFIRMING BUILDING PRODUCT’S CODE COMPLIANCE ON THIS SUBJECT:
ESR-1369; ESR-1461; ESR-1573; ESR-1657; ESR-2051; ESR-2233; ESR-2478; ESR-2824;
ESR-2995; ESR-3102; ESR-3255; ESR-3291. THIS INCLUDES ALTERNATIVE/
INNOVATIVE BUILDING PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED BY IBC.
SUCH PRODUCTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 104.11 OF THE IBC.
1-16 DETERMINING ALLOWABLE HEIGHT; 1-18 DETERMINING REFERENCES: 602.5; TABLE 601
ALLOWABLE AREA PER STORY; 5-05 TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS | REDUCED FIRE-RESISTANCE IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS 5-07
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING REDUCTIONS

OUTLINED IN IBC SECTIONS 403.2.1.1 AND 403.1.2 ARE ONLY PERMITTED IN
BUILDINGS THAT HAVE SPRINKLER CONTROL VALVES EQUIPPED WITH
SUPERVISORY INITIATING DEVICES AND WATER-FLOW INITIATING DEVICES
ON EACH FLOOR; IT IS NOTABLE THAT FOR BUILDINGS LESS THAN 420 FEET IN
HEIGHT AND OF TYPE IA CONSTRUCTION, THE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF
ELEMENTS OTHER THAN COLUMNS SUPPORTING FLOORS MAY BE REDUCED
TO THAT WHICH IS REQUIRED FOR TYPE IB CONSTRUCTION.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS EXIST FOR BUILDINGS WHERE THE HIGHEST

OCCUPIABLE FLOOR IS MORE THAN 120 FT OR 420 FT ABOVE THE LOWEST
LEVEL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS. THESE REQUIREMENTS MAY BE FOUND
IN SECTION 403 OF THE IBC.
IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, SPRINKLER SYSTEMS MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH CONTROL

VALVES, SUPERVISORY INITIATING DEVICES AND WATER FLOW INITIATING
DEVICES FOR EACH FLOOR TO QUALIFY FOR FIRE-RESISTIVE REDUCTIONS
DESCRIBED IN IBC SECTION 403.2.1.
1-03 DETERMINING HIGH-RISE CLASSIFICATION; 3-01 FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS; REFERENCES: 403.2.1.1
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 5-03 TYPE I AND TYPE II CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS | PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME 5-08
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE DEFINITION OF PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF

MUCH DISCUSSION IN THE PAST DECADE. THE CURRENT DEFINITION IS EXP
ANSIVE, AND GENERALLY INCLUDES VERTICAL LOAD BEARING MEMBERS (I.E.
COLUMNS), ANY MEMBERS THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING GRAVITY
LOADS DIRECTLY TO COLUMNS (SUCH AS GIRDERS, BEAMS AND TRUSSES OF
FLOOR AND ROOF CONSTRUCTION), OR MEMBERS THAT ARE USED TO STABILIZE
VERTICAL LOAD BEARING MEMBERS (I.E. DIAGONAL BRACING WITH DIRECT
CONNECTIONS TO COLUMNS).
SECONDARY MEMBERS INCLUDE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS NOT HAVING DIRECT

CONNECTIONS TO THE COLUMNS, MEMBERS OF THE FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
AND ROOF CONSTRUCTION NOT HAVING DIRECT CONNECTIONS TO COLUMNS,
AND BRACING MEMBERS OTHER THAN THOSE THAT ARE PART OF THE PRIMARY
STRUCTURAL FRAME.
LOAD-BEARING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING AS

WELL AS STRUCTURAL MEMBERS LOCATED WITHIN THE EXTERIOR WALLS MUST
MEET THE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED REQUIREMENTS OF IBC SECTION 704.10.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 5-10 LOAD-BEARING WALLS REFERENCES: 202
MATERIALS | REDUCED FIRE-RESISTANCE BASED ON HEIGHT ABOVE WALKING SURFACE 5-09
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN NOT EVERY PART OF THE ROOF ASSEMBLY IS 20 FEET OR MORE ABOVE
ANY FLOOR IMMEDIATELY BELOW (E.G. WHEN A BALCONY OR SIMILAR ELEMENT
IS PRESENT SUCH THAT ONLY A PORTION OF THE ROOF MEETS THIS CRITERIA),
IT MAY BE POSSIBLE TO SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR ALTERNATE MEANS AND
METHODS WHEREIN PORTIONS OF THE ROOF THAT ARE LESS THAN 20 FEET FROM
THE FLOOR BELOW ARE FIRE PROOFED, AND OTHER PORTIONS OF THE ROOF
THAT ARE MORE THAN 20 FEET ABOVE THE FLOOR BELOW ARE PERMITTED TO
HAVE FIRE-PROOFING ELIMINATED. SUCH ANALYSES SHOULD BE EXAMINED BY
QUALIFIED FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERS. THIS APPROACH REQUIRES SPECIFIC
APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
LIGHTWEIGHT TRUSS ELEMENTS SHOULD BE CAREFULLY EXAMINED IN THE

CONTEXT OF ANY PERFORMANCE BASED ANALYSIS OR RELATED EXCEPTION
TO REMOVE FIRE PROOFING.
THIS REDUCTION IN MINIMUM FIRE-RESISTANCE IS NOT PERMISSIBLE IN

OCCUPANCY GROUPS F-1, H, M AND S-1.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 5-08 PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME; REFERENCES: NOTE ‘b’ TO TABLE 601
1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE MEZZANINE AREA;
5-19 FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED WOOD
MATERIALS | LOAD-BEARING WALLS 5-10
NOTES & REMINDERS
LOAD BEARING WALLS ARE SUBJECT TO MORE RESTRICTIVE FIRE RATING

REQUIREMENTS IN SOME TYPES OF COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION.
LOAD-BEARING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING AS

WELL AS STRUCTURAL MEMBERS LOCATED WITHIN THE EXTERIOR WALLS MUST
MEET THE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED REQUIREMENTS OF IBC SECTION 704.10.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 5-08 PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME; REFERENCES: 202

2-01 FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE; 6-00 COMPARTMENTATION
MATERIALS | COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION 5-11
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN ALL OCCUPANCIES, HEAVY TIMBER MAY BE ALLOWED WHERE 1-HOUR OR LESS

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING IS REQUIRED.
WHERE A HORIZONTAL SEPARATION OF 20 FEET OR MORE IS PROVIDED,

WOOD COLUMNS AND ARCHES CONFORMING TO HEAVY TIMBER SIZES ARE
PERMITTED TO BE USED EXTERNALLY.
IT IS ALSO PERMISSIBLE TO USE COMBUSTIBLE ELEMENTS FOR DUCTS, PIPING

AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHERE PERMITTED IN THE INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL
AND PLUMBING CODES AS WELL AS IN APPROVED ELECTRICAL WIRING METHODS
(PER IBC SECTIONS 603.1.1 THROUGH 603.1.3).
5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE; REFERENCES: 603.1; ITEMS 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22 AND 23
5-03 TYPE I AND TYPE II CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS | EXTERIOR USE OF COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION 5-12
NOTES & REMINDERS
FOR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FOAM INSULATION AND

LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTICS, REFER TO IBC SECTIONS 2603 AND 2606,
RESPECTIVELY. FOAM PLASTICS ARE GENERALLY PERMITTED ON THE EXTERIOR
OF ONE STORY BUILDINGS ONLY, UNLESS THEY ARE PART OF APPROVED AND
TESTED INSULATED PANEL ASSEMBLIES. PLASTIC VENEER PANELS ARE LIMITED TO
300 SQUARE FEET IN AREA, AND ARE REQUIRED TO BE SEPARATED VERTICALLY
BY A MINIMUM OF FOUR FEET.
OTHER GENERAL REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ON

THE EXTERIOR SIDE OF EXTERIOR WALLS EXIST IN IBC SECTION 1406.
IN ALL OCCUPANCIES, HEAVY TIMBER MAY BE ALLOWED WHERE 1-HOUR OR

LESS FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING IS REQUIRED.
WHERE A HORIZONTAL SEPARATION OF 20 FEET OR MORE IS PROVIDED, WOOD

COLUMNS AND ARCHES CONFORMING TO HEAVY TIMBER SIZES ARE PERMITTED
TO BE USED EXTERNALLY.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 1406.3, BALCONIES AND SIMILAR PROJEC-

TIONS OF COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION OTHER THAN FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED
WOOD ARE REQUIRED TO BE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED PER IBC TABLE 601 FOR
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION, OR OF TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION PER IBC SECTION 602.4.

ESR-1112; ESR-1365. THIS INCLUDES ALTERNATIVE/INNOVATIVE BUILDING
PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED BY IBC. SUCH PRODUCTS MUST BE
APPROVED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 104.11
OF THE IBC.
5-11 COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION; REFERENCES: 603.1; ITEMS 4, 9, 13, 16 AND 17

5-03 TYPE I AND TYPE II CONSTRUCTION; 5-23 ROOF COVERING AND
CONSTRUCTION TYPE
MATERIALS | INTERIOR USE OF COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION 5-13
NOTES & REMINDERS
COMBUSTIBLE FLOOR, WALL AND CEILING SURFACES ARE ALSO PERMISSIBLE IN

NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION BUILDINGS AS LONG AS THE APPROPRIATE
REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO BACKING, FURRING AND FIRE PROTECTION ARE
OBSERVED.
LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTICS MAY ALSO BE USED FOR INTERIOR APPLICATIONS.

IN SOME CASES, BOTH THE CODE AND THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION
MAY REQUIRE THAT AN ANALYSIS BE UNDERTAKEN TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL
HAZARD OF PLASTICS WHEN THEY ARE USED WITHIN PARTITIONS OR FOR LARGE
DECORATIVE ELEMENTS.
5-11 COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION; REFERENCES: 603.1; ITEMS 6, 10, 11 AND 12

5-03 TYPE I AND TYPE II CONSTRUCTION;
5-19 FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED WOOD
MATERIALS | CONCEALED USE OF COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION 5-14
NOTES & REMINDERS
REVIEW THE REQUIREMENTS FOR USE OF COMBUSTIBLE WIRING, SPRINKLER

PIPING, PNEUMATIC TUBES, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND FOAM PLASTIC
INSULATION PROVIDED IN SECTIONS 602.2.1.1 THROUGH 602.2.1.5 OF THE IMC.
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS MAY BE INSTALLED ON OR EMBEDDED IN THE FLOORS

OF NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 805 OF THE
IBC.
COMBUSTIBLE PIPING/TUBING AND COMBUSTIBLE PIPE/TUBE INSULATION IS

PERMISSIBLE WHEN MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 720.7 OF THE
IBC (PER IBC SECTION 718.5).
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS FULLY ENCLOSED IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE RACEWAYS

OR SIMILAR ASSEMBLIES ARE PERMITTED WITHIN PLENUMS AS DESCRIBED IN
EXCEPTION 5 TO INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE (IMC) SECTION 602.2.1.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF COMBUSTIBLES IN PLENUMS CREATED

BY STUD WALL CAVITIES OR JOIST SPACES ARE FOUND IN SECTION 602.3 OF THE
IMC.
5-11 COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION; REFERENCES: 603.1; ITEMS 14, 18, 24 AND 25; 803.11; 718.5; Additional
5-03 TYPE I AND TYPE II CONSTRUCTION; Requirements not present within the IBC are provided by
5-15 COMBUSTIBLE INSULATION IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION Section 602.1 of the International Mechanical Code.
MATERIALS |COMBUSTIBLE INSULATION IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION 5-15
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN GENERAL, THE CODE REQUIRES THAT WHEN COMBUSTIBLE INSULATING

LAYERS ARE PROVIDED THAT SUCH LAYERS BE ENCAPSULATED BY NONCOMBUS-
TIBLE MATERIALS WITH LIMITED AIR SPACES IN ORDER TO LIMIT FLAME SPREAD.
CONVENTIONAL HARDWOOD FLOOR AND FOAM INSULATION IS PERMISSIBLE

(THOUGH IT IS CRITICAL TO ENSURE THAT SUCH INSULATION MEETS MINIMUM
FLAME SPREAD REQUIREMENTS, I.E. HAVING A FLAME SPREAD INDEX OF 200 OR
LESS).

ESR-1615. THIS INCLUDES ALTERNATIVE/INNOVATIVE BUILDING PRODUCTS NOT
SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED BY IBC. SUCH PRODUCTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE
BUILDING OFFICIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 104.11 OF THE IBC.
5-11 COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION; REFERENCES: 603.1; ITEM 2

5-03 TYPE I AND TYPE II CONSTRUCTION;
5-14 CONCEALED USE OF COMBUSTIBLES IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS | INTERIOR FINISH FOR WALLS AND CEILINGS 5-16
NOTES & REMINDERS
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO CLASS A FINISH MATERIALS, THE CODE PERMITS THE USE

OF SPRINKLER PROTECTION ON BOTH SIDES OF COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS WHEN
SUCH MATERIALS ARE ATTACHED TO WALLS AND CEILINGS THAT ARE REQUIRED
TO BE OF FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED OR NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION.
WHEN INTERIOR FINISHES ARE APPLIED TO FURRING STRIPS, INTERVENING

SPACES BETWEEN FURRING STRIPS ARE REQUIRED TO BE FILLED WITH MATERIAL
THAT IS INORGANIC, NONCOMBUSTIBLE, OR CLASS A. FIRE BLOCKING STRIPS
ARE GENERALLY APPLIED IN THE VERTICAL ORIENTATION SUCH THAT THE
REQUIREMENT THAT BLOCKING EVERY EIGHT FEET IS SATISFIED.

ESR-1112; ESR-1365; ESR-1838; ESR-2019; ESR-2451; ESR-3339. THIS INCLUDES
ALTERNATIVE/INNOVATIVE BUILDING PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED
BY IBC. SUCH PRODUCTS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL IN AC-
CORDANCE WITH SECTION 104.11 OF THE IBC.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 5-17 INTERIOR FINISH FOR FLOORS; REFERENCES: 202; 801.2; 803
5-18 INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS FOR TRIM
MATERIALS | INTERIOR FINISH FOR FLOORS 5-17
NOTES & REMINDERS
INTERIOR FLOOR FINISHES ARE REQUIRED TO BE TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH

NFPA 253, AND IDENTIFIED WITH A HANG TAG OR OTHER SUITABLE METHOD.
SUCH FINISHES ARE NOT TESTED IN THE SAME MANNER AS WALL AND CEILING
FINISH, AND THUS THE TYPE OF INFORMATION AND CLASSIFICATION SCHEME
ARE DIFFERENT (CLASS I AND II VERSUS CLASS A, B, OR C).
IT IS NOTABLE THAT MORE RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR FLOOR FINISH EXIST

WITHIN INSTITUTIONAL OCCUPANCIES (I-1, I-2, AND I-3).
WOOD FINISH FLOORING IS PERMITTED TO BE CEMENTED DIRECTLY TO THE TOP

SURFACES OF FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED FLOOR ASSEMBLIES OR DIRECTLY TO
WOOD SUBFLOORS ATTACHED TO SLEEPERS.
IN ALL OCCUPANCIES, INTERIOR FLOOR COVERING MATERIALS ARE REQUIRED

TO COMPLY WITH THE DOC FF-1 “PILL TEST” (CPSC 16 CFR PART 1630) OR WITH
ASTM D 2859, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CLASSIFICATION.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 5-16 INTERIOR FINISH FOR WALLS REFERENCES: 202; 801.3; 804
AND CEILINGS; 5-18 INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS FOR TRIM
MATERIALS |INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS FOR TRIM 5-18
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN THE QUANTITY OF INTERIOR TRIM EXCEEDS 10% OF THE WALL OR

CEILING AREA TO WHICH IT IS ATTACHED, SUCH TRIM ELEMENTS MUST MEET
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERIOR FINISH (I.E. FLAME SPREAD AND SMOKE
DEVELOPED INDICES).
CURTAINS, DRAPERIES, HANGINGS, AND OTHER DECORATIVE MATERIALS

THAT ARE SUSPENDED FROM THE WALL OR CEILING ARE REQUIRED TO MEET
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA IN NFPA 701. ALTERNATIVELY, WHEN USED IN
SLEEPING UNITS IN DORMITORIES IN GROUP R-2, SUCH ELEMENTS ARE LIMITED TO
NOT MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF AGGREGATE WALL AREA WHEN PROTECTED
BY SPRINKLERS.
SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS EXIST RELATED TO THE USE OF COMBUSTIBLE DECORATIVE

MATERIALS IN GROUP A AUDITORIUMS THAT ARE PROTECTED WITH SPRINKLERS.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 5-16 INTERIOR FINISH FOR REFERENCES: 202; 801.4; 806
WALLS AND CEILINGS; 5-17 INTERIOR FINISH FOR FLOORS;
5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS | FIRE-RETARDANT-TREATED WOOD 5-19
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE USE OF FIRE-RETARDANT TREATMENTS THAT ARE APPLIED IN THE FIELD

REQUIRES SPECIAL ATTENTION BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT SUCH
TREATMENTS WILL NOT LAST UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER OR HUMIDITY
CONDITIONS, OR DEPENDING ON TEMPERATURE OR EXPOSURE TO LIGHT.
SPECIFIC TYPES OF FIRE RESISTANT MATERIALS HAVE LIMITATIONS RELATED TO

THEIR USE, INCLUDING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO RE-APPLICATION AFTER
PRESCRIBED TIME PERIODS.
FRTW PRODUCTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E

84 OR UL 723, AND FOUND TO HAVE A LISTED FLAME SPREAD INDEX OF 25 OR
LESS AND SHOW NO EVIDENCE OF SIGNIFICANT PROGRESSIVE COMBUSTION
WHEN THE TEST IS CONTINUED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 20 MINUTE PERIOD.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 5-11 COMBUSTIBLES IN REFERENCES: 202; 603.1; 1405.5; 2303.2
NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION
MATERIALS | MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF SOLID SAWN HEAVY TIMBER 5-20
NOTES & REMINDERS
SAWN TIMBER ARCHES WHICH SPRING FROM THE FLOOR LINE AND SUPPORT
FLOOR LOADS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM NOMINAL DIMENSION OF 8
INCHES. WOOD FRAME ARCHES FOR ROOF CONSTRUCTION THAT SPRING FROM
THE FLOOR LINE AND DO NOT SUPPORT FLOOR LOADS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE
A MINIMUM NOMINAL DIMENSION OF 6 INCHES. FRAMED ARCHES FOR ROOF
CONSTRUCTION THAT SPRING FROM THE TOP OF WALLS OR WALL ABUTMENTS
AND DO NOT SUPPORT FLOOR LOADS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM
NOMINAL WIDTH OF 4 INCHES AND A MINIMUM NOMINAL DEPTH OF 6 INCHES.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAVY TIMBER VARY BASED ON WHETHER

SUCH MEMBERS ARE SUPPORTING FLOORS OR ROOFS ONLY, AND WHETHER
MEMBERS ARE HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL IN NATURE.
NOTE THAT MORE RESTRICTIVE DIMENSIONAL TIMBER REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO

ROOF FRAMING THAT SPRINGS FROM THE FLOOR LINE OR FROM GRADE THAT
DO NOT SUPPORT FLOOR LOADS PER 602.4.3.
5-05 TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION; 5-21 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF REFERENCES: 602.4; TABLE 602.4
GLUED-LAMINATED HEAVY TIMBER
MATERIALS | MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF GLUED-LAMINATED HEAVY TIMBER 5-21
NOTES & REMINDERS
GLUED-LAMINATED ARCHES WHICH SPRING FROM THE FLOOR LINE AND

SUPPORT FLOOR LOADS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM NOMINAL
DIMENSION OF 8 INCHES. GLUED-LAMINATED ARCHES FOR ROOF CONSTRUC-
TION THAT SPRING FROM THE FLOOR LINE AND DO NOT SUPPORT FLOOR LOADS
ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM NOMINAL DIMENSION OF 6 INCHES.
GLUED-LAMINATED ARCHES FOR ROOF CONSTRUCTION THAT SPRING FROM
THE TOP OF WALLS OR WALL ABUTMENTS AND DO NOT SUPPORT FLOOR LOADS
ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM NOMINAL WIDTH OF 4 INCHES AND A
MINIMUM NOMINAL DEPTH OF 6 INCHES.
DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR HEAVY TIMBER VARY BASED ON

WHETHER SUCH MEMBERS ARE SUPPORTING FLOORS OR ROOFS ONLY,
ONLY AND WHETHER MEMBERS ARE HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL IN NATURE.
5-05 TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION; 5-20 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS OF REFERENCES: 602.4; TABLE 602.4
SOLID SAWN HEAVY TIMBER
MATERIALS | INTERIOR PARTITIONS IN TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION 5-22
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN A 1 HOUR ASSEMBLY IS USED IN THE CONTEXT OF PERMISSIBLE INTERIOR

NON-LOAD BEARING WALL ASSEMBLIES, SUCH ASSEMBLIES MUST BE LISTED BY
AN APPROVED ORGANIZATION.
ALTERNATIVE USE OF MATERIALS IS COMMONLY UNDERTAKEN WHEREIN

GYPSUM WALLBOARD IS USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH WOOD FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF FIRE PARTITIONS OR FIRE BARRIERS SUCH AS CORRIDORS
OR INCIDENTAL USE SEPARATIONS, RESPECTIVELY.
5-05 TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION REFERENCES: 602.4.6
MATERIALS | ROOF COVERING AND CONSTRUCTION TYPE 5-23
NOTES & REMINDERS
A VARIETY OF REQUIREMENTS INFORM THE APPROPRIATE CONSTRUCTION OF

ROOFS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WEATHER PROTECTION, PERFORMANCE
REQUIREMENTS AND MATERIAL SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS. THE COVERING IS
ESTABLISHED BY CONSTRUCTION TYPE.
IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO USE A NONCLASSIFIED ROOF COVERING ON GROUP R-3 OR

U BUILDINGS WHERE THERE IS A MINIMUM FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE OF 6 FEET
MEASURED FROM THE LEADING EDGE OF THE ROOF
FOR BUILDINGS OF CONSTRUCTION TYPE IIB, IIIB OR VB IT IS PERMISSIBLE TO USE

SPECIFIC CEDAR OR REDWOOD SHAKES AND SHINGLES IF THE BUILDING: (1) IS
NOT MORE THAN TWO STORIES ABOVE GRADE PLANE, (2) HAS A PROJECTED
ROOF AREA OF NOT MORE THAN 6000 SQUARE FEET AND (3) HAS A MINIMUM
10 FOOT FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE FROM THE LEADING EDGE OF THE ROOF
TO A LOT LINE ON ALL SIDES THAT ARE NOT A STREET OR PUBLIC WAY.

ESR-1475; ESR-2991; ESR-3344. THIS INCLUDES ALTERNATIVE/INNOVATIVE
BUILDING PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFICALLY PRESCRIBED BY IBC. SUCH PRODUCTS
MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BUILDING OFFICIAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 104.11 OF THE IBC.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 2-19 ROOFTOP STRUCTURES; REFERENCES: Table 1505.1; 202
2-16 REQUIRED PARAPETS
MATERIALS | SAFETY GLAZING 5-24
NOTES & REMINDERS
SAFETY GLAZING IS PROVIDED WITH A MARK INDICATING THAT IT IS

TEMPERED OR LAMINATED. IT IS COMMON FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS TO
HAVE A MIX OF SAFETY GLAZING AND CONVENTIONAL NON-TEMPERED OR
UNLAMINATED GLAZING, AND THUS IT BECOMES IMPORTANT TO UNDERTAKE
A PROPER FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF EXISTING GLAZING WHEN UPGRADES ARE
BEING UNDERTAKEN IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 3407.1.
SAFETY GLAZING IS PROVIDED IN LOCATIONS WHERE PEOPLE CAN TRIP

AND FALL INTO THE GLAZING, OR WHERE SUCH GLAZING IS SERVING AS A
STRUCTURAL BARRIER, SUCH AS AT RAILINGS.
GLASS USED AS A HANDRAIL ASSEMBLY OR A GUARD SECTION IS REQUIRED

TO BE CONSTRUCTED OF (1) FULLY TEMPERED GLASS, (2) LAMINATED, FULLY
TEMPERED GLASS, OR (3) OR LAMINATED HEAT-STRENGTHENED GLASS.

6-43 FIRE DOORS WITH GLAZING REFERENCES: 2406.1; 2406.4
MATERIALS | REQUIRED SAFETY GLAZING IN GLAZED PANELS 5-25
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT GLAZING APPLICATIONS MUST MEET ALL FOUR

OF THE CODE CRITERIA IN ORDER FOR SAFETY GLAZING TO BE REQUIRED.
HOWEVER, USE OF SAFETY GLAZING IN DISCONTINUOUS GLASS PANELS IN
RAILINGS OR SIMILAR ELEMENTS THAT MAY NOT MEET ALL OF THE FOUR CRITERIA
MAY BE WARRANTED.
GLAZING THAT IS NOT SAFETY GLAZING MAY FORM HAZARDOUS SHARDS WHEN
BROKEN.
GLASS USED AS A HANDRAIL ASSEMBLY OR A GUARD SECTION IS REQUIRED

TO BE CONSTRUCTED OF (1) FULLY TEMPERED GLASS, (2) LAMINATED, FULLY
TEMPERED GLASS, OR (3) OR LAMINATED HEAT-STRENGTHENED GLASS.
5-24 SAFETY GLAZING REFERENCES: 2406.4.3
MATERIALS | REQUIRED SAFETY GLAZING IN DOORS 5-26
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN TRANSPARENT ‘GLASS’ DOORS THAT MEET SAFETY

GLAZING REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS FIRE RESISTIVE CRITERIA, INCLUSIVE OF FIRE
RATINGS. TRANSPARENT CERAMICS ARE COMMONLY USED IN SUCH APPLICA-
TIONS.
5-24 SAFETY GLAZING; 6-43 FIRE DOORS WITH GLAZING REFERENCES: 2406.4.1
MATERIALS | REQUIRED SAFETY GLAZING ADJACENT TO DOORS 5-27
NOTES & REMINDERS
GLAZING IN WALLS ON THE LATCH SIDE OF AND PERPENDICULAR TO THE PLANE

OF THE DOOR IN A CLOSED POSITION IN ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS OR
WITHIN INDIVIDUAL DWELLING UNITS OF AN R-2 OCCUPANCY IS NOT REQUIRED
TO BE SAFETY GLAZING.
DECORATIVE GLAZING IS EXEMPTED FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF SAFETY

GLAZING ADJACENT TO DOORS. AS PER THE DEFINITION PROVIDED IN SECTION
202 OF THE IBC, DECORATIVE GLASS IS CARVED, LEADED OR DALLE GLASS
OR GLAZING MATERIAL WHOSE PURPOSE IS DECORATIVE OR ARTISTIC NOT
FUNCTIONAL; WHOSE COLORING, TEXTURE, OR OTHER DESIGN QUALITIES OR
COMPONENTS CANNOT BE REMOVED WITHOUT DESTROYING THE GLAZING
MATERIAL AND WHOSE SURFACE, OR ASSEMBLY INTO WHICH IT IS
INCORPORATED, IS DIVIDED INTO SEGMENTS.
5-24 SAFETY GLAZING REFERENCES: 2406.4.2
MATERIALS | REQUIRED SAFETY GLAZING AT STAIRWAYS 5-28
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN GENERAL, SAFETY GLAZING IS REQUIRED AT LOCATIONS WHERE OCCUPANTS

COULD TRIP AND FALL INTO WINDOW OR GUARD ASSEMBLIES UTILIZING GLASS.
5-24 SAFETY GLAZING REFERENCES: 2406.4.6; 2406.4.4, 2604.4.7
CHECKLIST ITEMS | COMPARTMENTATION 1 of 10
Compartmentation includes the subdivision of the building (both vertically and horizontally) to separate areas of the building in terms of the spread of smoke and fire as well as
requirements to isolate specific components within the building from adjacent areas. This will include a description of the permissible openings between floors including Atriums.
The building code describes five major types of fire and smoke resistance rated separations (Fire Walls, Fire Barriers, Fire Partitions, Smoke Barriers, and Smoke Partitions) as well
as other more specific forms of compartmentation (such as Party Walls and Rated Shafts). Each type of separation has its own set of requirements and limitations that must be
met for its construction, vertical and horizontal continuity, and the premissible openings and penetrating items that can pass through it, including through penetrations, membrane
penetrations, duct penetrations and opening protectives (such as Fire Doors and Fire Rated Glazing). Detailed requirements for shaft enclosures including specific requirementss
for Elevator Hoistways, Linnen Chutes and Rubbish Chutes are provided in the building code as well as a listing of room types (based on their use or equipment present) that must
be separated from surrounding areas by fire-resistance-rated assemblies.
IMAGES CODE SECTION

1. Determine if all stories are separated by 6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 711
appropriate horizontal assemblies based on
Construction Type. 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE Table 601
2. Review the edge of slab and provide a fire 6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION 715.4
resistance rated edge of slab detail.
3. Review all joints in horizontal assemblies to 6-02 JOINTS AND RATED 715
determine fire resistance rating is maintained. ASSEMBLIES
4. Review all openings through horizontal assemblies 6-03 ALLOWABLE OPENINGS 712.1.3; 712.1.8; 712.1.12
and determine if they are permissible. THROUGH FLOORS
5. Determine if there is an atrium present and 6-04 ATRIUM 202 (see “Atrium”); 404
whether or not an atrium smoke control system
or atrium enclosure from adjacent stories
is required.
6-05 ATRIUM ENCLOSURE OPTIONS 404.6
IMAGES CODE SECTION
6. Determine if a draft curtain is required at any of 6-06 DRAFT CURTAIN AT OPENINGS 712.1.3.1; Exception 4 to 1009.3
the openings.
7. Review all penetrations through horizontal 6-07 RATED AND FILLED 711.5; 714.4; 202 (see “Annular Space”)
assem blies and determine if rated or filled PENETRATIONS
penetrations are required.
8. Review the areas where penetrations are located 6-08 NONCOMBUSTIBLE 714.4
and confirm the aggregate area of penetrations is PENETRATIONS THROUGH
below the allowable maximum for the type of A SINGLE FLOOR
pen etration.
6-09 NONCOMBUSTIBLE RATED 714.4.1.1 EXCEPTION 1
PENETRATIONS THROUGH
MULTIPLE FLOORS
6-10 NONCOMBUSTIBLE FILLED 714.4.1.1 EXCEPTION 2

PENETRATIONS THROUGH
MULTIPLE FLOORS
9. Review the types of rated or smoke resistant 6-11 CLASSIFICATION OF RATED 202 (see “Fire Wall”, “Fire Barrier”, “Fire Partition”,
separations and identify wall, barrier and partition AND SMOKE RESISTANT “Smoke Barrier” and “Smoke Partition”)
types that will be present in the project. SEPARATIONS
IMAGES CODE SECTION
10. Identify any fire walls and identify the rating 6-12 FIRE WALLS 706; Table 706.4
requirement.
11. Identify any horizontal exits and provide the required 3-26 HORIZONTAL EXITS 1025.2
compartmentation using either a fire wall(s) or fire
barrier(s). A horizontal exit is required to extend
vertically through all levels of the building (a fire wall
or stacked fire barriers) unless the floor assemblies 706
6-12 FIRE WALLS
have a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 hours with
no unprotected openings. As a result in buildings with
2 hour rated floor assemblies the separation for a
horizontal exit is frequently provided using fire barriers
6-18 FIRE BARRIERS 707
(which are more easily constructed than fire walls).
12. Review the horizontal continuity and vertical 6-13 VERTICAL CONTINUITY FOR 706.6
continuity of fire walls (and party walls). Confirm all FIRE WALLS
locations where the fire wall intersects an exterior
wall or roof are compliant.
6-15 HORIZONTAL CONTINUITY 706.5
FOR FIRE WALLS
13. Where fire walls are present in a building with 6-16 FIRE WALLS AT STEPPED 706.6.1; 706.5.1 Exception 2
a stepped roof condition or at the corner of a BUILDINGS AND BUILDING
building confirm that the requirements for fire wall CORNERS
extension and continuity are met.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
14. Identify any party walls separating buildings and 6-17 PARTY WALLS 706.1.1
identify the rating requirement. No openings are
permitted in party walls.
15. In a building that uses a separated mixed use 1-20 SEPARATED MIXED USE 508.4
approach provide fire barriers to separate all
adjacent occupancies where a rated separation
is required. 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS 707
16. Identify shafts, linen/rubbish chutes and elevator 6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES 713.1; 713.14
hoistways that require a rated enclosure and
provide fire barriers.
6-23 LINEN CHUTES 713.13; 903.2.11.2
6-24 RUBBISH CHUTES 713.13; 903.2.11.2
6-25 ELEVATOR HOISTWAY 3002.1; 3002.2

ENCLOSURES
IMAGES CODE SECTION
17. Determine the required rating of shaft enclosures 6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES 713.4
based on the number of stories connected and the
minimum required rating for floors based on
construction type.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE
18. Review the top and bottom of rated shafts and 6-21 BOTTOM OF SHAFT 713.11
determine if the fire barriers terminate correctly. ENCLOSURE
6-22 TOP OF SHAFT ENCLOSURE 713.12
19. Identify linen/rubbish chute access and termination 6-23 LINEN CHUTES 713.13; 903.2.11.2
rooms and provide fire barriers.
6-24 RUBBISH CHUTES 713.13; 903.2.11.2
IMAGES CODE SECTION
20. Provide hoistway ventilation for all elevator 6-26 ELEVATOR HOISTWAY 3004
hoistways where it is required. VENTING
21. Identify required elevator lobbies. 3-46 STRETCHER ELEVATOR 713.14.1; 1007.4; 405.4.3
DIMENSIONS
6-32 FIRE PARTITIONS 708
22. Identify fire pump rooms, elevator machine rooms, 6-27 RATED ROOMS 509.4; TABLE 509.4; 913.2.1
electrical rooms, generator rooms and rooms that
are classified as hazardous incidental use areas that
require a fire resistance rating. Provide fire barriers.
23. Provide required ventilation for 6-29 ELEVATOR MACHINE 3006

elevator machine rooms. ROOM VENTILATION
6-18 FIRE BARRIERS 707.5
IMAGES CODE SECTION
24 Review all fire barriers for horizontal and vertical 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS 707.5
continuity.
25. Identify any corridors where a rating is required 6-33 RATED CORRIDORS 1018.1; TABLE 1018.1
and provide fire partitions.
26. In residential projects review requirements for 6-38 COMPARTMENTATION ON 420.2; 420.3; 708.3; 711.3
separation between residential units and provide RESIDENTIAL STORIES
fire partitions.
27 Review any instances where HVAC systems are 6-35 AIR MOVEMENT IN 1018.5
designed to move air within a corridor or above CORRIDORS
the ceiling of a corridor. This is permissible only
in specific circumstances
6-36 AIR MOVEMENT IN 1018.5.1
CORRIDOR CEILINGS
28. Review any ducts passing through corridor walls for 6-37 DUCTS WITHIN CORRIDORS 717.5.4 Exceptions 1-4
openings and assemblies at the corridor wall.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
29 Review all fire partitions for horizontal and vertical 6-32 FIRE PARTITIONS 708.4
continuity.
30. Identify any smoke barriers and smoke partitions. 6-39 SMOKE BARRIERS 709
6-40 SMOKE PARTITIONS 710
31. Where doors are provided through rated walls 6-41 FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED 716; Table 716.5
provide appropriate opening protectives OPENING PROTECTIVES
(fire doors).
32 Where glazing is provided in rated walls provide 6-44 FIRE-PROTECTION-RATED 716.5.3.2

appropriate glazing. GLAZING
33. Where items penetrate one side of a rated 6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH 202 (see “Membrane Penetration” and “Through
assembly (membrane penetration) provide PENETRATIONS Penetration”)
appropriate rated assemblies at the penetration.
6-46 MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN 714.4.1.2
HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES
6-47 MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN 714.3.2

VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES
IMAGES CODE SECTION
34. Where penetrating items pass completely through 6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH 202 (see “Membrane Penetration” and
rated assemblies (through penetrations) provide PENETRATIONS “Through Penetration”)
appropriate rated assemblies at the penetration.
6-49 THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN 714.4.1.1
HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES
6-50 THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN 714.3.1

VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES
35. Where a penetrating item is within a penetration 6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH 714.2
sleeve confirm that a rated assembly is provided PENETRATIONS
both around the sleeve and within the open space
created by the sleeve.
36 Where ducts penetrate a rated or smoke resistant 6-52 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN RATED 717.6.1
assembly (membrane or through penetrations) HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES
provide appropriate dampers.
6-53 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN 717.6.3
NON RATED HORIZONTAL
ASSEMBLIES
6-54 CEILING RADIATION DAMPERS 717.6.2; 717.6.2.1

FOR DUCT PENETRATIONS
6-55 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN 717.5

VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES
IMAGES CODE SECTION
37. In combustible construction provide required 6-57 FIREBLOCKING 718.2

fireblocking in concealed spaces.
38. In combustible construction without automatic 6-61 FIREBLOCKING WITHIN 718.1; 718.3; 718.4
sprinkler protection provide required draftstopping FLOORS
in concealed spaces.
COMPARTMENTATION | VISUAL INDEX 6-00
NOTES & REMINDERS
CHAPTERS 6 AND 7 OF THE CODE PROVIDE REQUIREMENTS THAT RELATE TO

BUILDING COMPARTMENTATION, WHICH IS FUNDAMENTALLY ACHIEVED VIA
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TYPE AS WELL AS SPECIALIZED FIRE RESISTIVE
ASSEMBLIES THAT ADDRESS ADJACENCIES OF DIFFERENT OCCUPANCIES,
SPECIAL INCIDENTAL HAZARDOUS USES, MEANS OF EGRESS PROTECTION, ETC.
THE BUILDING CODE PROVIDES REQUIREMENTS FOR HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL

FIRE RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES. THE NATURE AND ROBUSTNESS OF PROTECTED
OPENINGS IN SUCH ASSEMBLIES VARIES ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF
HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL FIRE RESISTIVE ASSEMBLY.
IN OTHER THAN INSTITUTIONAL OCCUPANCIES (GROUP I), THERE ARE FEW

REQUIREMENTS THAT LIMIT THE MAXIMUM SIZE OF CONTIGUOUS COMPART-
MENTS ON A GIVEN LEVEL.
6-03 ALLOWABLE OPENINGS THROUGH FLOORS; 6-07 RATED AND REFERENCES: NOT APPLICABLE
FILLED PENETRATIONS; 6-11 CLASSIFICATION OF RATED AND SMOKE
RESISTANT SEPARATIONS; 6-27 RATED ROOMS
COMPARTMENTATION | HORIZONTAL SEPARATION 6-01
NOTES & REMINDERS
HORIZONTAL FIRE ASSEMBLIES ARE ARGUABLY ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT

TYPES OF FIRE ASSEMBLIES IN LIGHT OF HOW FIRES TYPICALLY SPREAD THROUGH
BUILDINGS. AS SUCH, THE CODE IS GENERALLY RESTRICTIVE WITH RESPECT TO
INTERCOMMUNICATION BETWEEN LEVELS.
SPANDREL PROTECTION (OR HORIZONTAL FLAME BARRIERS) IS GENERALLY NOT

REQUIRED IN BUILDINGS THAT ARE PROTECTED THROUGHOUT WITH SPRINKLERS.
NONETHELESS, THE EDGE OF SLAB CONDITION THAT EXISTS AT THE INTERSECTION
OF CURTAIN WALLS OR IN-FILL WALLS AND FLOOR SLABS MUST BE ADDRESSED
VIA LISTED OR OTHER APPROVED ASSEMBLIES IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE FIRE
SPREAD.
THE EDGE OF SLAB CONDITION SHOWN IN THIS DIAGRAM IS CONCEPTUAL

ONLY, AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT A SPECIFIC LISTED OR OTHERWISE
APPROVED ASSEMBLY.
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES; 6-07 RATED AND FILLED PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 711; 715.4
6-08 NONCOMBUSTIBLE PENETRATIONS THROUGH A SINGLE FLOOR;
6-09 NONCOMBUSTIBLE RATED PENETRATIONS THROUGH MULTPLE FLOORS;
6-10 NONCOMBUSTIBLE FILLED PENETRATIONS THROUGH MULTIPLE FLOORS
COMPARTMENTATION | JOINTS AND RATED ASSEMBLIES 6-02
NOTES & REMINDERS
A FIRE-RESISTANT JOINT SYSTEM IS AN ASSEMBLAGE OF SPECIFIC MATERIALS

OR PRODUCTS THAT ARE DESIGNED, TESTED AND FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH EITHER ASTM E 1966 OR UL 2079 TO RESIST THE PASSAGE
OF FIRE THROUGH JOINTS MADE IN OR BETWEEN FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED
ASSEMBLIES.
A FIRE-RESISTANT JOINT SYSTEM MUST BE INSTALLED ACCORDING TO ITS LISTING

ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE JOINT SO AS NOT TO DISLODGE, LOOSEN
OR OTHERWISE IMPAIR THE ABILITY OF THE JOINT ASSEMBLY TO ACCOMMODATE
BUILDING MOVEMENTS AND RESIST PASSAGE OF FLAME AND HEATED GASES.
ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING TYPES OF JOINT ASSEMBLIES THAT IS

ENCOUNTERED IS THAT WHICH EXISTS AT THE EDGE OF SLAB AT THE EXTERIOR
CURTAIN WALL/FLOOR INTERSECTION. THIS JOINT IS OFTEN CHARACTERIZED
BY A DESIRE TO USE INNOVATIVE (AND UNTESTED) SOLUTIONS. SUCH SOLUTIONS
MAY BE ADDRESSED USING ENGINEERING JUDGMENTS IF ACCEPTABLE TO THE
AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-11 CLASSIFICATION OF RATED AND REFERENCES: 715; 711.6; 706.10; 707.8; 708.8; 709.7; 710.7
SMOKE RESISTANT SEPARATIONS
COMPARTMENTATION | ALLOWABLE OPENINGS THROUGH FLOORS 6-03
NOTES & REMINDERS
PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THE CODE WERE MORE PERMISSIVE OF STAIR OPEN-

INGS THROUGH MULTIPLE FLOORS, BUT THE EXCEPTION ALLOWING THE USE OF
A DRAFT CURTAIN AND CLOSELY SPACED SPRINKLERS AT OPEN EXIT ACCESS
STAIRS WAS REMOVED. IT IS NOTABLE, HOWEVER, THAT THIS EXCEPTION STILL
EXISTS FOR ESCALATOR OPENINGS THOUGH MULTIPLE LEVELS.
AS A GENERAL RULE, THE CODE HAS BEEN PERMISSIVE OF UP TO TWO LEVELS

BEING INTERCONNECTED ATMOSPHERICALLY OR VIA DUCTWORK OR OTHER
OPENINGS. WHEN MORE THAN TWO LEVELS ARE OPEN, ATRIUM PROVISIONS
ARE GENERALLY INVOKED.
BECAUSE OF THE SPATIAL, AUDITORY AND VISUAL RELATIONSHIP THAT OFTEN

EXISTS BETWEEN A MEZZANINE AND THE SPACE IN WHICH IT IS LOCATED,
MEZZANINES ARE CONSIDERED TO BE A PART OF THE ROOM OR SPACE IN
WHICH THEY ARE LOCATED, AND ARE PART OF THAT STORY.
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-04 ATRIUM; REFERENCES: 712.1.3; 712.1.8; 712.1.12

6-06 DRAFT CURTAIN AT OPENINGS;
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES
COMPARTMENTATION | ATRIUM 6-04
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THE USE OF THE TERM ‘STORY’ IN CONJUNCTION WITH

THE DEFINITION OF ATRIUMS. MEZZANINES ARE NOT CONSIDERED STORIES.
OPENINGS THROUGH FLOORS THAT ALLOW FOR TWO OR MORE STORIES

CAN BE CONSIDERED TO BE AN ATRIUM. HOWEVER, ONLY ATRIA THAT
INTERCONNECT THREE OR MORE FLOORS REQUIRE THAT SMOKE CONTROL
MEASURES BE INSTITUTED.
THE FIRE BARRIER BETWEEN THE ATRIUM AND ADJOINING SPACES MAY BE
OMITTED ON ANY THREE FLOORS (CONSECUTIVE OR NON-CONSECUTIVE)
IF ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE DESIGN OF THE SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM.
IN ATRIUMS THAT ARE FOUR OR MORE STORIES IN HEIGHT, IT IS OFTEN USEFUL
TO RETAIN THE FIRE BARRIER SEPARATIONS ON THE UPPERMOST LEVELS OF THE
ATRIUM. IT IS NOTABLE THAT THE LOCATION OF THE FIRE BARRIER IN SUCH
ATRIA IS NOT PRESCRIBED.
THE CODE PROVIDES A COUPLE OF ALTERNATIVES TO CONVENTIONAL FIRE

BARRIERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENCLOSING ATRIUMS. PRESCRIPTIVE OPTIONS
PROVIDED IN THE EXCEPTION TO IBC SECTION 404.6 INCLUDE THE USE OF
CLOSELY SPACED AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS PROTECTING GLASS WALLS AND
GLASS-BLOCK WALL ASSEMBLIES. OTHER APPROCHES SUCH AS THE USE OF
SHAFT ENCLOSURES TO SEPARATE PORTIONS OF THE ATRIUM FROM ADJACENT
SPACES WILL REQUIRE SPECIFIC APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING
JURISDICTION.
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-05 ATRIUM ENCLOSURE OPTIONS; REFERENCES: 202; 404; 404.5; 404.6
3-31 TRAVEL DISTANCE WITHIN AN ATRIUM
COMPARTMENTATION | ATRIUM ENCLOSURE OPTIONS 6-05
NOTES & REMINDERS
SPECIFIC FIRE CURTAIN ASSEMBLIES APPROVED AS FIRE BARRIERS MAY BE

ANOTHER OPTION FOR ATRIUM ENCLOSURE IF ACCEPTABLE TO THE AUTHORITY

ESR-1394; THIS INCLUDES ALTERNATIVE/INNOVATIVE BUILDING PRODUCTS NOT
6-04 ATRIUM; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS REFERENCES: 404.6
COMPARTMENTATION | DRAFT CURTAIN AT OPENINGS 6-06
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE EXCEPTION ALLOWING FOR THE USE OF A DRAFT CURTAIN AND CLOSELY
SPACED SPRINKLERS AT ESCALATOR OPENINGS IS BASED ON HISTORICAL
TESTING IN WHICH THE TEMPERATURE AND QUANTITY OF SMOKE ALLOWED
TO TRAVERSE SUCH OPENINGS WAS MEASURED WITH AND WITHOUT THE
PRESCRIBED MEASURES. ALTHOUGH SUCH OPENINGS ALLOW FOR SMOKE AND
HEAT TO PASS FROM THE FLOOR OF ORIGIN TO OTHER FLOORS, THE QUANTITY
AND TEMPERATURE OF SUCH SMOKE IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED.
STANDARD PENDANT SPRINKLERS ARE OFTEN PERMISSIBLE FOR USE IN THIS

APPLICATION. THE IMPACT OF USING SUCH SYSTEMS ON WATER DEMAND
AND PRESSURE MUST BE CONSIDERED ASSUMING SIMULTANEOUS ACTIVATION
OF THE OPENING PROTECTION SYSTEM AND THE STANDARD BUILDING
CONTENTS SPRINKLER SYSTEM.
THE OPENING LIMITATION RELATIVE TO THE SIZE OF THE ESCALATOR OR STAIR

GOING THROUGH THE OPENING IS A CRITICAL ELEMENT WITH RESPECT TO
MANAGING SMOKE MOVEMENT.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO THE LOCATION OF SPRINKLERS

WHEN USED AT A DRAFT CURTAIN ARE PROVIDED IN NFPA 13 (CITED IN IBC
SECTION 1009.3).
IBC SECTION 712.1.8 INDICATES THAT STAIRWAYS OR RAMPS REQUIRED BY

CHAPTER 10 MAY NOT BE USED IN A TWO STORY OPENING. COMMUNICATING
STAIRS (EXIT ACCESS STAIRS) THAT ARE LOCATED IN OTHER THAN I-2 AND I-3
OCCUPANCIES AND THAT SERVE, OR ATMOSPHERICALLY COMMUNICATE
BETWEEN ONLY TWO STORIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE ENCLOSED PER 1009.3.
6-03 ALLOWABLE OPENINGS THROUGH FLOORS; REFERENCES: 712.1.3.1; EXCEPTION 4 TO 1009.3

3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS
COMPARTMENTATION | RATED AND FILLED PENETRATIONS 6-07
NOTES & REMINDERS
THROUGH PENETRATION FIRE STOP SYSTEMS OFFER VARIOUS ADVANTAGES

OVER CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE/GROUT/MORTAR FILLED PENETRATIONS.
SUCH SYSTEMS MAY PERMIT GREATER MOVEMENT OF THE ELEMENTS PASSING
THROUGH RELATIVE TO THE BUILDING, AND ARE OFTEN EASIER TO INSTALL
DURING CONSTRUCTION.
THROUGH PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEMS ARE DESIGNED TO LIMIT BOTH THE

SPREAD OF FLAME/SMOKE AND THE TRANSMISSION OF TEMPERATURE (F AND T
RATINGS).
6-49 THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES; REFERENCES: 711.5; 714.4; 202

6-50 THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES;
6-51 PENETRATION SLEEVE
COMPARTMENTATION | NONCOMBUSTIBLE PENETRATIONS THROUGH A SINGLE FLOOR 6-08
NOTES & REMINDERS
A COMMONLY ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE TO PROVIDING THROUGH-

PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEMS IS TO PUT ELEMENTS SUCH AS PIPES OR
CABLES THAT PASS THROUGH MANY FLOORS IN RATED SHAFT ENCLOSURES.
THIS IS DONE IN CASES WHERE MAINTENANCE OF SUCH PENETRATIONS OVER
TIME IS A CONCERN, SUCH AS IN AN OFFICE ENVIRONMENT WHERE CHANGES
TO THE COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE ARE COMMON (BUT WHERE
EFFORTS TO RESEAL OR PROPERLY FIRESTOP PENETRATIONS MAY BE LIMITED).
LIMITATIONS RELATED TO THE PERMISSIBLE AREA OF PENETRATIONS EXISTS WHEN

SUCH PENETRATIONS GO THROUGH MULTIPLE FLOORS.
FLOOR PENETRATIONS LOCATED WITHIN THE CAVITY OF A WALL ABOVE OR

BELOW A FLOOR (INSTALLED AND TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 814
OR UL 1479 WITH A MINIMUM POSITIVE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL OF 0.01 INCH
OF WATER) DO NOT REQUIRE A T RATING.
FLOOR PENETRATIONS BY FLOOR DRAINS, TUB DRAINS, OR SHOWER DRAINS

CONTAINED AND LOCATED WITHIN CONCEALED SPACES OF HORIZONTAL
ASSEMBLIES (INSTALLED AND TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 814 OR
UL 1479 WITH A MINIMUM POSITIVE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL OF 0.01 INCH OF
WATER) DO NOT REQUIRE A T RATING.
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-07 RATED AND FILLED PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 714.4.1.1 EXCEPTIONS 1 AND 2
6-49 THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES;
6-50 THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES
COMPARTMENTATION | NONCOMBUSTIBLE RATED PENETRATIONS THROUGH MULTIPLE FLOORS 6-09
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE CODE DOES NOT PRESCRIPTIVELY PRECLUDE USING MULTIPLE APPROACHES

(I.E. FILLED THROUGH PENETRATIONS AND THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRESTOP
SYSTEMS).
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE NUMBER OF FLOORS THAT MAY BE

PENETRATED BY APPROVED FIRE-RESISTIVE RATED ASSEMBLIES IS SUBJECT TO
LIMITATIONS FOR A PARTICULAR ASSEMBLY, AND IS NOT EXPRESSLY LIMITED BY
THE CODE.
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-07 RATED AND FILLED PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 714.4.1.1 EXCEPTION 1
COMPARTMENTATION | NONCOMBUSTIBLE FILLED PENETRATIONS THROUGH MULTIPLE FLOORS 6-10
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE ALLOWANCE FOR 144 SQUARE INCHES OF PENETRATIONS PER 100 SF IS

REMOVED WHEN THE METHOD OF PROTECTING THE THROUGH PENETRATION
IS VIA FILLING WITH CONCRETE, GROUT OR MORTAR INSTALLED FOR THE FULL
THICKNESS OF THE FLOOR. THIS EFFECTIVELY LIMITS THE OVERALL QUANTITY
OF THROUGH PENETRATIONS ON A GIVEN FLOOR SIGNIFICANTLY MORE THAN
WHEN THE ANNULAR SPACE PROTECTION METHOD IS USED.
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-07 RATED AND FILLED PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 714.4.1.1 EXCEPTION 2
COMPARTMENTATION | CLASSIFICATION OF RATED AND SMOKE RESISTANT SEPARATIONS 6-11
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE CODE IS PARTICULARLY RESTRICTIVE WITH RESPECT TO OPENINGS BETWEEN

PARTY WALLS (OPENINGS ARE NOT PERMITTED) BECAUSE THE PARTIES ON EITHER
SIDE OF SUCH WALLS ARE INDEPENDENT, I.E. ONE HAS LITTLE OR NO CONTROL
OVER THE ACTIONS OF THE OTHER AND BECAUSE THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT
LOTS WHICH CAN EASILY BE SOLD SEPARATELY INVOLVED.
THE DEGREE OF FIRE-RESISTANCE PROVIDED AT A PARTY WALL IS A DIRECT

FUNCTION OF THE NATURE OF THE TWO OCCUPANCIES BEING SEPARATED AND
THE CONSTRUCTION TYPE. ANY SUCH ASSEMBLY WILL HAVE A MINIMUM RATING
OF TWO HOURS OR MORE.
ALTHOUGH SMOKE BARRIERS ARE IMPLICITLY DEFINED AS A TYPE OF WALL

ASSEMBLY AS DESCRIBED IN IBC SECTION 709.4, FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLIES
ARE OFTEN USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH SMOKE BARRIERS TO LIMIT SMOKE
MOVEMENT IN BUILDINGS. IN THIS WAY, FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLIES BEHAVE
IN A SIMILAR MANNER TO SMOKE BARRIERS, ALBEIT IN A HORIZONTAL
CONFIGURATION, AND ARE AN INTEGRAL PART TO FORMING SMOKE ZONES
TO EFFECTIVELY LIMIT THE MOVEMENT OF SMOKE.
IN ADDITION TO THE FIVE CATEGORIES OF RATED SEPARATIONS SHOWN HERE

THE CODE PROVIDES SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTY WALLS AND SHAFT
ENCLOSURES.
6-12 FIRE WALLS; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; 6-32 FIRE PARTITIONS; REFERENCES: 202
6-39 SMOKE BARRIERS; 6-40 SMOKE PARTITIONS
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE WALLS 6-12
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE MAJORITY OF FIRE RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES THAT ARE ENCOUNTERED IN A

TYPICAL BUILDING ARE FIRE BARRIERS AND FIRE PARTITIONS.
SMOKE BARRIERS ARE MOST COMMONLY USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH A

SMOKE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AS PART OF THE PASSIVE SMOKE CONTROL
MEASURES IN I-2, I-3 AND HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS.
SMOKE PARTITIONS ARE USED TO LIMIT OR DIRECT SMOKE MOVEMENT, AND

MAY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH NON-RATED CORRIDORS IN I-2, I-3 AND
HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS.
WHEN AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM IS PROVIDED, IT IS REQUIRED TO

BE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 903.3.1.1.
6-11 CLASSIFICATION OF RATED AND SMOKE RESISTANT SEPARATIONS; REFERENCES: 706

1-13 BUILDINGS ON THE SAME LOT; 6-13 VERTICAL CONTINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS;
6-15 HORIZONTAL CONTINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS; 6-17 PARTY WALLS
COMPARTMENTATION | VERTICAL CONTINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS 6-13
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS EXPECTED THAT IF A BUILDING IS SEPARATED BY A FIRE WALL, AND ONE

SIDE OF THE BUILDING EXPERIENCES A PARTIAL OR TOTAL COLLAPSE, THE OTHER
SIDE WILL REMAIN STANDING AND THE INTEGRITY OF THE FIRE WALL WILL BE
MAINTAINED.
OPENINGS IN FIRE WALLS MAY BE NORMALLY OPEN (I.E. DOORS ON

AUTOMATIC CLOSERS OR FIRE SHUTTERS), AS APPROVED BY THE AUTHORITY
FIRE WALLS MAY NOT BE USED TO CREATE SEPARATE BUILDINGS OF LIMITED

AREA TO AVOID THE REQUIREMENT FOR SPRINKLER SYSTEMS.
6-12 FIRE WALLS; 6-14 FIRE WALL TERMINATION AT ROOF OPTIONS; REFERENCES: 706.6
6-15 HORIZONTAL CONTINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS; 6-16 FIRE WALLS AT
STEPPED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING CORNERS
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE WALL TERMINATION AT ROOF OPTIONS 6-14
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE NEED TO ENSURE STABILITY OF FIRE WALLS UNDER FIRE CONDITIONS IS OF

PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE. AS SUCH, THE INCLUSION OF HORIZONTAL JOGS
IN SUCH ASSEMBLIES IS GENERALLY NOT PERMITTED, AND IF ALLOWED, IS DONE
ONLY WITH CAREFUL REVIEW AND APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING
JURISDICTION.
THE EXCEPTIONS TO IBC SECTION 706.6 ARE FREQUENTLY APPLIED SO THAT

FIRE WALLS DO NOT TERMINATE 30 INCHES ABOVE THE ROOF.
FLOOR AND ROOF FRAMING AT FIRE WALLS MUST BE CAREFULLY DESIGNED

(POSSIBLY INCLUDING BREAKAWAY FASTENERS) SO THAT IT DOES NOT PULL
THE WALL DOWN IF THE FRAMING FAILS.
6-12 FIRE WALLS; 6-13 VERTICAL CONTINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS ; REFERENCES: 706.6 EXCEPTIONS 2-4
6-16 FIRE WALLS AT STEPPED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING CORNERS
COMPARTMENTATION | HORIZONTAL CONTINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS 6-15
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHETHER OR NOT A FIRE WALL CAN PENETRATE AT THE UNDERSIDE OF THE

ROOF IS A FUNCTION OF THE FIRE RESISTANCE OF THE FIRE WALL ASSEMBLY, THE
NATURE OF MATERIALS USED IN THE ROOF SHEATHING (I.E. NONCOMBUSTIBLE VS
COMBUSTIBLE), AND THE CONSTRUCTION TYPE OF THE BUILDING IN WHICH THE
FIRE WALL IS LOCATED.
FOR SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTION METHODS, PLEASE REFER TO IBC SECTION 706.6.
THE CODE IS SILENT WITH RESPECT TO WHETHER OPENINGS WITHIN FOUR FEET
PERPENDICULARLY OF EITHER SIDE OF A FIRE WALL ARE PERMITTED.
FIRE WALLS NEED NOT EXTEND THROUGH HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES WHEN

THE HORIZONTAL BUILDING SEPARATION ALLOWANCE IS USED (I.E. PODIUM
CONSTRUCTION AS PER IBC SECTION 510.2).
6-12 FIRE WALLS; 6-16 FIRE WALLS AT STEPPED BUILDINGS AND REFERENCES: 706.5
BUILDING CORNERS
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE WALLS AT STEPPED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING CORNERS 6-16
NOTES & REMINDERS
HORIZONTAL EXTENSIONS BEYOND THE EXTERIOR WALL MAY BE ELIMINATED AS

ALLOWED BY THE CODE WHEN ONE HOUR OR NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUC-
TION IS USED FOR A DISTANCE OF FOUR FEET TO EITHER SIDE OF THE FIRE WALL.
FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS MEASUREMENT, IT IS CONSERVATIVE TO MEASURE
THE FOUR FOOT DIMENSION FROM THE OUTERMOST PORTION OF EACH SIDE
OF THE FIRE WALL.
FIRE WALLS IN BUILDINGS WHERE EACH SIDE OF THE FIRE WALL IS PROTECTED
BY AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC
SECTION 903.3.1.1 OR 903.3.1.2 ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED WITH
HORIZONTAL EXTENSIONS.
6-12 FIRE WALLS; 6-13 VERTICAL CONTINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS; REFERENCES: 706.6.1; 706.5.1 EXCEPTIONS 1 AND 2
6-15 HORIZONTAL CONTINUITY FOR FIRE WALLS
COMPARTMENTATION | PARTY WALLS 6-17
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THE RATED EXTERIOR WALLS ARE PROVIDED

AT LEAST 15 FEET ABOVE THE LOWER BUILDING WHEN FIRE WALLS ARE USED
TO SEPARATE BUILDINGS OF DIFFERENT HEIGHTS (HENCE 15 FEET PLUS AN
ADDITION 30 INCHES TO ACCOUNT FOR THE TOP OF THE FIRE WALL).
ADDITIONALLY, WHEN FIRE WALLS ARE USED TO SEPARATE TWO BUILDINGS
THAT HAVE EXPOSURES TO EACH OTHER THAT IS LESS THAN 180 DEGREES, THE
ADJACENT WALLS WITHIN FOUR FEET OF THE FIRE WALL ARE REQUIRED TO BE
RATED. MANY TIMES, THE REQUIRED RATINGS ARE NOT INITIALLY PRESENT WHEN
FIRE WALLS ARE USED TO SEPARATE AN EXISTING BUILDING FROM A NEW
ADDITION.
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PROVIDING A RATED VERTICAL SEPARATION, A

HORIZONTAL SEPARATION OF AT LEAST 10 FEET PROVIDED WITH SUPPORTING
CONSTRUCTION RATED FOR ITS FULL LENGTH MAY BE PROVIDED AS ALLOWED
BY CODE.
WHEN DEALING WITH H-1, H-2 AND H-3 OCCUPANCIES, ADDITIONAL

CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO DETACHED BUILDINGS, FLOOR
CONSTRUCTION, SEPARATION OF INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS, WATER
REACTIVES, AND WATERPROOFING REQUIREMENTS ARE PROVIDED IN IBC
SECTIONS 415.6 AND 415.7.
6-12 FIRE WALLS REFERENCES: 706.1.1; TABLE 706.4
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE BARRIERS 6-18
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE WAY IN WHICH A FIRE BARRIER INTERSECTS WITH AN EXTERIOR WALL IS

SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION. IT IS
NOTABLE THAT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN FIRE RATINGS AT EXTERIOR
WALLS ARE NOT PROVIDED AS FOR FIRE WALLS.
FIRE BARRIERS ARE INTENDED TO BE CONTINUOUS FROM ‘SLAB-TO-SLAB’ SUCH

THAT A VERTICALLY CONTINUOUS MEMBRANE IS FORMED FROM THE FLOOR TO
THE CEILING (ABOVE DROPPED CEILINGS AND SIMILAR ELEMENTS THAT MIGHT
PRECLUDE FORMATION OF A COMPLETE VERTICAL BARRIER).

6-02 JOINTS AND RATED ASSEMBLIES; 6-19 OPENINGS IN FIRE BARRIERS;
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES; 6-27 RATED ROOMS
COMPARTMENTATION | OPENINGS IN FIRE BARRIERS 6-19
NOTES & REMINDERS
PENETRATIONS THROUGH FIRE BARRIERS COMPRISING EXIT ENCLOSURES ARE

PROHIBITED EXCEPT FOR REQUIRED EXIT DOORS, EQUIPMENT AND DUCTWORK
NECESSARY FOR INDEPENDENT VENTILATION OR PRESSURIZATION, SPRINKLER
PIPING, STANDPIPES, ELECTRICAL RACEWAY FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT COMMUNI-
CATIONS, AND ELECTRICAL RACEWAYS SERVING THE ENCLOSURE.
OPENINGS ARE NOT LIMITED TO 156 SF WHERE ADJOINING FLOORS ARE

EQUIPPED THROUGHOUT WITH AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 903.3.1.1.
OPENINGS ARE NOT LIMITED TO 156 SF OR 25% OF THE LENGTH OF THE WALL
WHERE THE OPENING PROTECTIVE IS A FIRE DOOR SERVING ENCLOSURES FOR
EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS, EXIT RAMPS, INTERIOR EXIT STAIRS OR INTERIOR EXIT
RAMPS.
OPENINGS ARE NOT LIMITED TO 156 SF OR 25% OF THE LENGTH OF THE WALL
WHERE THE OPENING PROTECTIVE HAS BEEN TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ASTM E119 OR UL263 AND HAS A MINIMUM FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF THAT
REQUIRED FOR THE WALL.
OPENINGS ARE NOT LIMITED TO 156 SF OR AN AGGREGATE LENGTH OF 25% OF

THE LENGTH OF THE WALL WHEN THE OPENING PROTECTIVE IS A FIRE DOOR IN A
FIRE BARRIER SEPARATING AN ENCLOSURE FOR EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS AND
INTERIOR EXIT RAMPS FROM AN EXIT PASSAGEWAY.
FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLIES IN ATRIUM SEPARATIONS ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE

MAXIMUM AGGREGATE WIDTH OF 25% OF THE LENGTH OF THE WALL.
6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; 6-41 FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED OPENING PROTECTIVES REFERENCES: 707.6
COMPARTMENTATION | SHAFT ENCLOSURES 6-20
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE RATING OF SHAFT ENCLOSURES IS DEPENDENT ON NOT ONLY THE NUMBER

OF STORIES THAT THE SHAFT TRAVERSES, BUT ALSO THE CONSTRUCTION TYPE.
SHAFT ENCLOSURES MAY NOT HAVE A RATING THAT IS LESS THAN THAT OF THE
FLOOR ASSEMBLIES PENETRATED.
THE FIRE RESISTIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR SHAFT ENCLOSURES APPLY TO INTERIOR

SPACES, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY APPLY TO EXTERIOR FACING WALLS OF THE
SHAFT (THE INTENT IS TO LIMIT THE EFFECTS OF LEVEL-TO-LEVEL MIGRATION TO
SPACES WITHIN A BUILDING, AND NOT NECESSARILY TO THE EXTERIOR.
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS SUPPORTING SHAFT WALLS ARE REQUIRED TO BE OF THE

SAME CONSTRUCTION AS THE SHAFT WALL ITSELF, AND THUS MAY BE OF TWO
HOUR CONSTRUCTION IN A NON-RATED BUILDING, OR WHEN OTHERWISE SUCH
ELEMENTS WOULD HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH A ONE HOUR FIRE RATING.
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; REFERENCES: 713

6-21 BOTTOM OF SHAFT ENCLOSURE;
6-22 TOP OF SHAFT ENCLOSURE
COMPARTMENTATION | BOTTOM OF SHAFT ENCLOSURE 6-21
NOTES & REMINDERS
LINEN AND TRASH ROOMS ARE EXAMPLES OF ROOMS THAT ARE RELATED
TO THE SHAFT THAT THEY SERVE. DUE TO THE FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENT THAT
THE BOTTOM OF THE SHAFT BE OPEN TO SUCH ROOMS, THESE ROOMS ARE
REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE RATING OF THE SHAFTS TO WHICH THEY ARE
CONNECTED. EXCEPTIONS EXIST FOR CHUTES SERVING AND CONTAINED
WITHIN A SINGLE DWELLING UNIT.
SHAFTS THAT ARE USED FOR REFUSE OR LINEN MAY NOT BE USED FOR ANY
OTHER PURPOSE.
A FIRE RATED ROOM SEPARATION IS NOT REQUIRED WHEN THERE ARE NO

OPENINGS OF THE SHAFT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING AND THE
ROOM INTO WHICH THE SHAFT OPENS IS IN A FULLY SPRINKLERED BUILDING.
ALTERNATIVELY, THE FIRE RATED ROOM SEPARATION IS NOT REQUIRED AND
PROTECTION IS NOT REQUIRED AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SHAFT WHEN THERE
ARE NO COMBUSTIBLES IN THE SHAFT AND THERE ARE NO OPENINGS FROM
THE SHAFT TO THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING.
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES REFERENCES: 713.11
COMPARTMENTATION | TOP OF SHAFT ENCLOSURE 6-22
NOTES & REMINDERS
TWO HOUR SHAFTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE ENCLOSED AT THE TOP BY AN

ASSEMBLY HAVING A FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF NOT LESS THAN TWO
HOURS, REGARDLESS OF THE RATING OF THE ROOF OR SLAB AT THE TOP OF
THE BUILDING (UNLESS THE SLAB IS GREATER THAN TWO HOURS, IN WHICH
CASE THE GREATER RATING WOULD APPLY).
HORIZONTAL JOGS IN SHAFTS ARE GENERALLY PERMITTED, AND MUST BE

CHARACTERIZED BY THE SAME FIRE RESISTANCE AS THE VERTICAL SHAFT
ELEMENTS TO WHICH THEY ARE CONNECTED.
FOR REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FIRE AND SMOKE DAMPERS, PLEASE REFER

TO IBC SECTION 717.5.3. SEVERAL EXCEPTIONS EXIST THAT PERMIT OMISSION OF
DAMPERS UNDER SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES.
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES; 6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS REFERENCES: 713.12
COMPARTMENTATION | LINEN CHUTES 6-23
NOTES & REMINDERS
DOORS OPENING INTO REFUSE, RECYCLING AND LAUNDRY ROOMS ARE

REQUIRED TO MINIMALLY BE 3/4 HOUR SELF CLOSING OR AUTOMATIC CLOSING
ASSEMBLIES.
IT IS SIGNIFICANT TO NOTE THAT LAUNDRY AND REFUSE ROOMS THAT ARE NOT
CONNECTED TO A SHAFT NEED ONLY COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
INCIDENTAL USES (I.E. LAUNDRY AND WASTE COLLECTION ROOMS OVER 100 SF
ARE REQUIRED TO BE PROTECTED WITH AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS OR PROVIDED
WITH A ONE HOUR FIRE SEPARATION. WASTE AND LINEN ROOMS IN I-2
OCCUPANCIES ARE ALWAYS REQUIRED TO BE SEPARATED FROM ADJACENT
CONSTRUCTION BY ONE HOUR FIRE BARRIERS.
DOORS INTO CHUTES MAY NOT OPEN DIRECTLY INTO CORRIDORS (RATED OR
UNRATED).
REFUSE CHUTES MAY NOT TERMINATE IN AN INCINERATOR ROOM.
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; 6-24 RUBBISH CHUTES REFERENCES: 713.13; 903.2.11.2
COMPARTMENTATION | RUBBISH CHUTES 6-24
NOTES & REMINDERS
SPRINKLERS WITHIN RUBBISH AND LINEN CHUTES MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR

SERVICING, AND PROTECTED FROM FREEZING.
DOORS THAT ARE INSTALLED IN REFUSE AND LAUNDRY CHUTES AND ACCESS
TERMINATION ROOMS PER 713.3.3 AND 713.3.4 ARE REQUIRED TO BE
AUTOMATIC CLOSING BY THE ACTUATION OF SMOKE DETECTORS OR BY LOSS
OF POWER TO THE SMOKE DETECTOR OR HOLD-OPEN DEVICE. INTAKE DOORS
INSTALLED IN REFUSE AND LAUNDRY CHUTES MUST ALSO FAIL IN THE ‘DOOR
CLOSED’ POSITION, AND BE POSITIVE LATCHING SO THAT THEY REMAIN CLOSED
IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE EVENT.
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; 6-23 LINEN CHUTES REFERENCES: 713.13; 903.2.11.2
COMPARTMENTATION | ELEVATOR HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES 6-25
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE PROVISION FOR HOISTWAY VENTING MAY CONFLICT WITH SPECIFIC

ELEVATOR PRESSURIZATION APPROACHES.
ELEVATORS ARE GENERALLY REQUIRED TO BE LOCATED WITHIN A RATED

SHAFT ENCLOSURE UNLESS THEY ARE WITHIN AND OPEN TO AN ATRIUM, OR
OPEN TO THE EXTERIOR OF THE BUILDING. SUCH APPROACHES REQUIRE
SPECIFIC CONCURRENCE WITH THE AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION.
ELEVATOR DOORS WILL OFTEN PROVIDE UP TO TWO HOURS OF FIRE-

RESISTANCE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR LISTING. SUCH DOORS RARELY
PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE SMOKE SEAL, HOWEVER, AND SO ADDITIONAL DOORS
OR ASSEMBLIES (OR ENCLOSED ELEVATOR LOBBIES) MUST BE PROVIDED TO
MAINTAIN A SMOKE SEAL AT THE ELEVATOR OPENING.
6-20 SHAFT ENCLOSURES; 6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; 6-26 HOISTWAY VENTING; REFERENCES: 713.14; 3002.1; 3002.2; 3002.6
6-28 ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOMS; 6-29 ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM VENTILATION
COMPARTMENTATION | ELEVATOR HOISTWAY VENTING 6-26
NOTES & REMINDERS
ELEVATORS LOCATED WITHIN R-1, R-2, I-1, I-2 AND SIMILAR OCCUPANCIES
WHERE SLEEPING OCCURS MUST BE PROVIDED WITH A MEANS OF VENTING.
WHEN ELEVATORS IN THESE OCCUPANCIES ARE PRESSURIZED, THE MEANS OF
VENTING WOULD NORMALLY BE CLOSED, UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT IT IS REQUIRED
TO BE ACTIVATED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. ADDITIONAL LEAKAGE OF SUCH
VENTS MUST BE ADDRESSED IN THE PRESSURIZATION DESIGN OF SUCH SPACES.
HOISTWAY VENTING, WHEN REQUIRED, MUST BE LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE

HOISTWAY SUCH THAT THE VENT OPENS DIRECTLY TO OUTSIDE AIR, OR VIA
DUCTWORK TO OUTSIDE AIR. TYPICALLY, THERE IS SOME LEEWAY AS TO THE
SPECIFIC LOCATION OF THE VENTS, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE
THE USE OF MECHANICAL VENTILATION IS SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

(GENERALLY WHERE STANDARD NATURAL VENTING MEANS CANNOT BE
PROVIDED). SPECIFICALLY, THE OCCUPANCY MAY NOT CONTAIN OVERNIGHT
SLEEPING UNITS (R-1, R-2, I-1, I-2 OR SIMILAR OCCUPANCIES IN WHICH PEOPLE
SLEEP), VENTS MAY NOT HAVE EXPOSURE TO THE EXTERIOR, HOISTWAYS DO
NOT EXTEND TO THE TOP OF THE BUILDING, THE MECHANICAL SYSTEMS ARE
AUTOMATICALLY INITIATED BY THERMOSTATIC MEANS, AND EQUIVALENT
VENTING OF THE HOISTWAY IS ACCOMPLISHED.
6-25 ELEVATOR HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES; 5-02 COMBUSTIBLE AND REFERENCES: 3004

NONCOMBUSTIBLE
COMPARTMENTATION | RATED ROOMS 6-27
NOTES & REMINDERS
FIRE RESISTIVE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL ROOMS ARE

TYPICALLY PROVIDED AS A RESULT OF COMPLIANCE WITH ELECTRICAL CODES
EVEN WHEN THE IBC WOULD NOT MANDATE INCLUSION OF FIRE BARRIERS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE INCIDENTAL USE SEPARATION REQUIREMENTS IN IBC
TABLE 509. FOR EXAMPLE, SUCH ROOMS MAY REQUIRE A FIRE RESISTIVE
SEPARATION IF THE TOTAL AMPERAGE EXCEEDS A THRESHOLD, OR IF THEY
CONTAIN TRANSFORMERS OF A CERTAIN SIZE.
INCINERATOR ROOMS, HYDROGEN CUT-OFF ROOMS, PAINT SHOPS, I-3 CELLS

WITH PADDED SURFACES, WASTE AND LINEN COLLECTION ROOMS IN I-2
OCCUPANCIES, AND STATIONARY STORAGE BATTERY SYSTEM ROOMS THAT
MEET THE ELECTROLYTE OR LITHIUM-ION/METAL COMPOUND THRESHOLDS
ALWAYS REQUIRE AT LEAST ONE HOUR (AND UP TO TWO HOURS).
6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; 6-28 ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOMS; REFERENCES: 509.4; TABLE 509; 913.2.1
6-30 RATED ELECTRICAL ROOMS; 6-31 RATED GENERATOR ROOMS
COMPARTMENTATION | ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOMS 6-28
NOTES & REMINDERS
ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOMS WILL TYPICALLY BE ADJACENT AND HAVE

OPENINGS INTO THE HOISTWAY ENCLOSURE THEY SERVE. AS A RESULT THE
MACHINE ROOMS ARE REQUIRED TO BE SEPARATED FROM ADJACENT AREAS
IN THE SAME WAY THE HOISTWAY IS.
SPECIAL PROVISIONS EXIST FOR SHUNT TRIP OF ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT WHEN

SPRINKLERS ARE PROVIDED IN THE MACHINE ROOMS OR MACHINERY SPACES.
ELEVATOR SHUTDOWN SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO AUTOMATICALLY DISCON-
NECT THE MAIN POWER SUPPLY UPON APPLICATION OF WATER VIA SPRINKLERS
IN THE MACHINE ROOM OR MACHINERY SPACE.
6-25 ELEVATOR HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES; REFERENCES: 3006

6-29 ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM VENTILATION
COMPARTMENTATION | ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOM VENTILATION 6-29
NOTES & REMINDERS
LEAKAGE TO AND FROM ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOMS DIRECTLY INTO

ELEVATOR SHAFTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN DESIGNING PRESSURIZATION
SYSTEMS. THE PRESENCE OF VENTILATION FROM THE MACHINE ROOM MAY
POSE SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES TO SUCH PRESSURIZATION SYSTEMS IF NOT
ADDRESSED EARLY IN THE DESIGN PROCESS.
6-25 ELEVATOR HOISTWAY ENCLOSURES; 6-28 ELEVATOR MACHINE ROOMS REFERENCES: 3006.2; 3006.3
COMPARTMENTATION | RATED ELECTRICAL ROOMS 6-30
NOTES & REMINDERS
IF A SMALL ELECTRICAL ROOM CONTAINS A DRY-TYPE TRANSFORMER LARGER

THAN 12.5 KVA, THE ROOM MUST BE RATED REGARDLESS OF ITS SIZE.
CONSTRUCTION SUPPORTING ONE HOUR FIRE BARRIERS OR HORIZONTAL

ASSEMBLIES USED FOR INCIDENTAL USE SEPARATIONS OF ANY KIND IN
BUILDINGS OF TYPE IIB, IIIB AND VB CONSTRUCTION IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE
FIRE RESISTANCE RATED UNLESS REQUIRED BY OTHER SECTIONS OF THE CODE.
WHERE TABLE 509 PERMITS THE USE OF SPRINKLERS WITHOUT A FIRE BARRIER, THE
INCIDENTAL USE MUST BE SEPARATED FROM OTHER PORTIONS OF THE BUILDING
WITH CONSTRUCTION CAPABLE OF RESISTING THE PASSAGE OF SMOKE
(I.E. SMOKE PARTITIONS WHERE THE WALLS EXTEND FROM THE TOP OF
FOUNDATION OR FLOOR BELOW TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE CEILING THAT IS
PART OF A FIRE RESISTANCE RATED FLOOR ASSEMBLY OR TO THE UNDERSIDE OF
FLOOR OR ROOF SHEATHING, DECK OR SLAB ABOVE.
6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; 6-27 RATED ROOMS REFERENCES: TABLE 509; Additional Requirements not present within
the IBC are provided by the NEC
COMPARTMENTATION | RATED GENERATOR ROOMS 6-31
NOTES & REMINDERS
GENERATOR ROOMS OR SIMILAR SPACES WHERE FUEL IS PRESENT IN A

CLOSED USE OR STORAGE CONFIGURATION SHOULD BE SEPARATED FROM
SURROUNDING ROOMS AS REQUIRED BY CODE IN ORDER TO ISOLATE
POTENTIAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH FUEL SPILLS AND RELATED FIRES
THAT MAY OCCUR.
FUEL GRADE DIESEL USED IN BUILDINGS IS TYPICALLY CLASSIFIED AS A

CLASS II COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID.
THE DESIGN AND NUMBER OF CONTROL AREAS IS GOVERNED BY TABLE 414.2.2.

THE PERCENTAGE OF THE MAXIMUM QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA, NUMBER
OF CONTROL AREAS PER FLOOR AND FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF THE ROOM
AS A FUNCTION OF THE FLOOR LEVEL ARE PROVIDED IN THIS TABLE.
ACCORDING TO SECTION 603.3.2 OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE

LARGER QUANTITIES (EXCEEDING 660 GALLONS) OF FUEL OIL STORAGE
INSIDE BUILDINGS ARE PERMISSIBLE IF SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ARE MET.
SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS EXIST FOR FUEL OIL WHEREIN THE MAXIMUM QUANTITY
OF FUEL OIL STORAGE IS NOT LIMITED IN THE SAME WAY AS OTHER COMBUSTIBLE
LIQUIDS. THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE TYPICALLY PERMITS IN EXCESS OF 600
GALLONS OF FUEL OIL, WHICH IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED TO BE A MORE
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENT.
6-18 FIRE BARRIERS; 6-27 RATED ROOMS; REFERENCES: 307.1; 403.4.8.1

2-13 LOCATING AIR EXHAUST OPENINGS
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE PARTITIONS 6-32
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE INTENT OF THE FIRE PARTITIONS AND HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES THAT CONSTI-
TUTE A CORRIDOR IS TO PROVIDE AT LEAST 20 MINUTES OF PROTECTION (BASED
ON OPENING PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS) FOR OCCUPANTS WHO WOULD
TRAVERSE THE CORRIDOR DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF A FIRE. SMOKE SEALS
ARE NOT TYPICALLY LISTED FOR MORE THAN 20 MINUTES, EVEN THOUGH THE FIRE
RATING OF THE FIRE PARTITION MAY BE ONE HOUR OR GREATER.
FIRE PARTITIONS ARE THE LEAST ROBUST TYPE OF FIRE RATED ASSEMBLY. THIS
IS BECAUSE THE OPENINGS IN FIRE PARTITIONS ARE GENERALLY PERMITTED TO
HAVE LESS FIRE RESISTANCE THAN OPENINGS IN OTHER FIRE RESISTIVE
CONSTRUCTION (I.E. FIRE BARRIERS, FIRE WALLS, SMOKE BARRIERS).
FIRE PARTITIONS ARE TYPICALLY REQUIRED AT WALLS SEPARATING DWELLING

UNITS IN THE SAME BUILDING, WALLS SEPARATING SLEEPING UNITS IN THE SAME
BUILDING, WALLS SEPARATING TENANT SPACES IN COVERED OR OPEN MALL
BUILDINGS, CORRIDOR WALLS, AND ELEVATOR LOBBY SEPARATIONS.
SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION FOR A FIRE PARTITION IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE

PROTECTED TO AFFORD THE FIRE RESISTANCE RATING OF THE WALL SUPPORTED
AT WALLS SEPARATING TENANT SPACES IN COVERED AND OPEN MALLS, WALLS
BETWEEN DWELLING UNITS OR SLEEPING UNITS IN TYPE IIB, IIIB, OR VB
CONSTRUCTION.

6-02 JOINTS AND RATED ASSEMBLIES; 6-41 FIRE RESISTANCE RATED
OPENING PROTECTIVES
COMPARTMENTATION | RATED CORRIDORS 6-33
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN OCCUPANCIES WITH POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS (INCLUDING

GROUP H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 AND H-5) AS WELL AS IN OCCUPANCIES WHERE
OCCUPANTS SLEEP, CORRIDORS ARE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED WITH
FIRE-RESISTANCE EVEN WHEN SPRINKLERS ARE PROVIDED.
SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OPENINGS EXIST WITHIN

CORRIDORS OF GROUP I-3 OCCUPANCIES. THE REQUIREMENT FOR RATED
CORRIDORS CAN BE REDUCED AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 408.8 OF THE IBC.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CORRIDOR CONSTRUCTION EXIST FOR I-2

OCCUPANCIES IN IBC SECTIONS 407.2 AND 407.
3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS; 6-32 FIRE PARTITIONS; 6-34 RATED CEILING REFERENCES: 1018.1; TABLE 1018.1
OPTIONS FOR CORRIDORS; 6-35 AIR MOVEMENT IN CORRIDORS;
6-36 AIR MOVEMENT IN CORRIDOR CEILINGS; 6-37 DUCTS WITHIN CORRIDORS
COMPARTMENTATION | RATED CEILING OPTIONS FOR CORRIDORS 6-34
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE DESIGNER MAY PURSUE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT APPROACHES WHEN

DETERMINING THE CORRIDOR ARRANGEMENT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE INTO
ACCOUNT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CORRIDOR AND HVAC EQUIPMENT.
DUCTWORK PASSING THROUGH OR SERVING A CORRIDOR IS FREQUENTLY
REQUIRED TO BE PROTECTED USING COMBINATION FIRE/SMOKE DAMPERS OR
SIMILAR. ADDITIONALLY, WHEN APPROACHES SUCH AS TUNNEL CONSTRUC-
TION ARE USED, THE IMPACT OF LIGHTING FIXTURES AND SIMILAR PENETRATIONS
ON THE ASSEMBLY MUST BE CONSIDERED.
EXTERIOR WALLS THAT ARE PART OF A CORRIDOR ASSEMBLY ARE ONLY

REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR EXTERIOR WALL ASSEMBLIES,
AND ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ALSO COMPLY WITH FIRE PARTITION REQUIREMENTS
FOR CORRIDORS.
SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS EXIST RELATED TO FIRE PARTITION CONSTRUCTION EXIST

WHEREIN WALLS NEED NOT BE EXTENDED INTO CRAWL SPACES BELOW WHEN
THE FLOOR ABOVE THE CRAWL SPACE HAS A MINIMUM ONE HOUR
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING.
6-33 RATED CORRIDORS; 6-32 FIRE PARTITIONS; REFERENCES: 708.4 EXCEPTIONS 2 AND 3
6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION
COMPARTMENTATION | AIR MOVEMENT IN CORRIDORS 6-35
NOTES & REMINDERS
CORRIDORS WERE COMMONLY USED AS PART OF AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

IN EXISTING BUILDINGS. WHEN TENANT RETROFITS ARE BEING UNDERTAKEN, THE
NATURE OF THE AIR DISTRIBUTION AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE CORRIDORS
SHOULD BE CONSIDERED.
CORRIDORS MAY BE USED AS A SOURCE OF MAKEUP AIR FOR EXHAUST

SYSTEMS IN ROOMS THAT OPEN DIRECTLY ONTO THE CORRIDOR, INCLUDING
TOILET ROOMS, BATHROOMS, DRESSING ROOMS, JANITOR’S CLOSETS, AND
SIMILAR PROVIDED THAT THE CORRIDOR IS DIRECTLY SUPPLIED WITH OUTDOOR
AIR AT A RATE GREATER THAN THE AMOUNT OF AIR TAKEN FROM THE
CORRIDOR.
CORRIDORS WITHIN DWELLING UNITS OR TENANT SPACES HAVING 1,000 SF OR

LESS OF AREA MAY BE USED TO CONVEY RETURN AIR.
3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS; 6-33 RATED CORRIDORS; REFERENCES: 1018.5

6-36 AIR MOVEMENT IN CORRIDOR CEILINGS
COMPARTMENTATION | AIR MOVEMENT IN CORRIDOR CEILINGS 6-36
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE PRESENCE OF A RATED CEILING ON THE CORRIDOR EFFECTIVELY CREATES

A RATED EGRESS TUNNEL, AND THUS ANY AIR ABOVE THE RATED CEILING IS
SEPARATED FROM THE CORRIDOR, MITIGATING POTENTIAL HAZARDS RELATED
TO SMOKE SPREAD WITHIN A CORRIDOR.
LIGHTING FIXTURES AND ELECTRICAL PENETRATIONS CONSTITUTE SOME OF THE

MORE COMMON PENETRATIONS THAT EXIST IN THE CEILING OF A CORRIDOR.
CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THESE ELEMENTS ARE PROPERLY
CONSIDERED WHEN RATED CORRIDOR CEILINGS ARE IMPLEMENTED.
3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS; 6-33 RATED CORRIDORS; REFERENCES: 1018.5.1

6-35 AIR MOVEMENT IN CORRIDORS
COMPARTMENTATION | DUCTS WITHIN CORRIDORS 6-37
NOTES & REMINDERS
FIRE DAMPERS ARE NOT REQUIRED IN DUCTS PENETRATING NON-RATED

CORRIDORS. IN SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS WHERE CORRIDORS ARE REQUIRED
TO BE RATED, HOWEVER, FIRE DAMPERS CAN ALSO BE OMITTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS IN SECTION 717.5.4 OF THE IBC
(I.E. IN OTHER THAN GROUP H OCCUPANCIES).
FIRE DAMPERS MAY ALSO BE OMITTED IN DUCTS THAT PASS THROUGH, BUT
THAT DO NOT SERVE CORRIDORS WHEN SUCH DUCTS ARE LESS THAN 100
SQUARE INCHES IN AREA, CONSTRUCTED OF STEEL HAVING A MINIMUM
THICKNESS OF 0.0217 INCHES (0.55 MM), ARE INSTALLED ABOVE THE CEILING,
DO NOT TERMINATE AT A WALL REGISTER IN A RATED WALL, AND ARE PROVIDED
WITH A MINIMUM 12 INCH LONG BY 0.060 INCH THICK SLEEVE AS REQUIRED BY
EXCEPTION 3 TO IBC SECTION 717.5.4.
LISTED SMOKE DAMPERS DESIGNED TO RESIST THE PASSAGE OF SMOKE ARE

REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED AT EACH POINT A DUCT OR AIR TRANSFER OPENING
PENETRATES A CORRIDOR ENCLOSURE EXCEPT WHEN THE BUILDING IS PROTECT-
ED THROUGHOUT WITH AN APPROVED SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM, OR WHEN THE
DUCT ITSELF IS CONSTRUCTED OF STEEL NOT LESS THAN 0.019 INCH IN THICKNESS
AND THERE ARE NO OPENINGS SERVING THE CORRIDOR.
6-33 RATED CORRIDORS; 6-32 FIRE PARTITIONS; REFERENCES: 717.5.4 EXCEPTIONS 1 - 4

6-55 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES
COMPARTMENTATION | COMPARTMENTATION ON RESIDENTIAL STORIES 6-38
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE USE OF 1/2 HOUR FIRE PARTITIONS WITH 20 MINUTE DOORS AT UNIT-TO-UNIT
PARTITIONS IS PREDICATED UPON THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE BUILDING BE
EQUIPPED THROUGHOUT WITH AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN
FLOOR ASSEMBLIES SEPARATING DWELLING UNITS OR SLEEPING UNITS IN THE

SAME BUILDING, OR FLOOR ASSEMBLIES SEPARATING DWELLING OR SLEEPING
UNITS FROM OTHER OCCUPANCIES CONTIGUOUS WITH THEM MAY HAVE
NON-RATED SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION WHEN THE REQUIRED FIRE-RESIS-
TANCE RATING OF SAID HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES DOES NOT EXCEED 1 HOUR
(IN CONSTRUCTION TYPES IIB, IIIB, AND VB).
THE ALLOWANCE FOR 1/2 HOUR HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES SEPARATING

DWELLING UNITS FROM LEVELS ABOVE OR BELOW IS PREDICATED UPON THE
PRESENCE OF AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM THROUGHOUT IN
3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDORS; 6-32 FIRE PARTITIONS; REFERENCES: 420.2; 420.3; 708.3; 711.3
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 6-01 HORIZONTAL SEPARATION
COMPARTMENTATION | SMOKE BARRIERS 6-39
NOTES & REMINDERS
SMOKE BARRIERS ARE BY DEFINITION REQUIRED TO EXTEND FROM OUTSIDE WALL

TO OUTSIDE WALL AND FROM THE TOP OF THE FOUNDATION OR FLOOR/CEIL-
ING ASSEMBLY BELOW TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FLOOR OR ROOF SHEATHING,
DECK OR SLAB ABOVE, INCLUDING THROUGH CONCEALED SPACES.
SMOKE BARRIERS ARE OFTEN USED TO LIMIT SMOKE SPREAD WITHIN A BUILDING
ESPECIALLY AS REQUIRED FOR GROUP I-2 AND I-3 OCCUPANCIES. FLOOR-
TO-FLOOR SEPARATIONS ARE TYPICALLY CONSTRUCTED AS SMOKE BARRIERS,
BUT MAY CONSIST OF PERMISSIBLE PENETRATIONS THAT ALLOW FOR SMOKE TO
SPREAD FROM FLOOR TO FLOOR SUCH AS OPEN NON-EGRESS STAIRS OR ES
CALATORS. THESE TYPES OF OPENINGS ARE PERMISSIBLE DUE TO SPECIFIC
EXCEPTIONS.
VERTICAL SMOKE BARRIER SYSTEMS ARE COMMONLY USED TO DEFINE SMOKE

ZONES ON A FLOOR. SUCH SMOKE ZONES MAY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION
WITH PASSIVE OR ACTIVE (I.E. PRESSURIZATION OR EXHAUST) SMOKE CONTROL
SYSTEMS.
SMOKE BARRIERS USED AT ELEVATOR LOBBY WALLS AND AREAS OF REFUGE IN

ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 1007.6.2 ARE NOT REQUIRED TO EXTEND
FROM EXTERIOR WALL TO EXTERIOR WALL.
SMOKE BARRIER WALLS ARE NOT REQUIRED AT INTERSTITIAL SPACES WHERE

SUCH SPACES ARE DESIGNED WITH CEILINGS THAT PROVIDE RESISTANCE TO THE
PASSAGE OF FIRE AND SMOKE THAT IS EQUIVALENT TO THAT PROVIDED BY THE
SMOKE BARRIER WALL.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; 6-55 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES REFERENCES: 709
COMPARTMENTATION | SMOKE PARTITIONS 6-40
NOTES & REMINDERS
BECAUSE SMOKE PARTITIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE OF FIRE-RESISTANCE

RATED CONSTRUCTION, THESE BUILDING ELEMENTS MAY BE CONSTRUCTED OF
MATERIALS SUCH AS GLASS, NON-RATED GYPSUM, OR ANY OTHER MATERIALS
PERMITTED BY THE CODE (AND THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE CONSTRUCTION
TYPE OF THE BUILDING).
SMOKE PARTITIONS ARE GENERALLY REQUIRED TO EXTEND FROM THE TOP OF

THE FOUNDATION OR FLOOR BELOW TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FLOOR OR
ROOF SHEATHING, DECK OR SLAB ABOVE OR TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE
CEILING ABOVE WHERE THE CEILING MEMBRANE IS USED TO LIMIT SMOKE
TRANSFER.
ELEMENTS SUCH AS DRAFT CURTAINS (I.E. SMOKE CURTAINS) ARE DESIGNED TO

CONTROL THE MOVEMENT OF SMOKE, BUT ARE NOT CONSIDERED TO BE SMOKE
PARTITIONS.
6-33 RATED CORRIDORS REFERENCES: 710
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED OPENING PROTECTIVES 6-41
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE REQUIRED FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF OPENING PROTECTIVES IN FIRE

RATED ASSEMBLIES IS A FUNCTION OF THE TYPE OF ASSEMBLY (E.G. FIRE WALL,
FIRE PARTITION, ETC.) AND THE RATING OF THE ASSEMBLY (1 HOUR, 2 HOUR,
ETC.).
SPECIFIC LIMITATIONS ON THE DOOR VISION PANEL SIZE, FIRE RATED GLAZING
MARKINGS AND SIDELIGHT. TRANSOM ASSEMBLY RATINGS AND MARKINGS ARE
PROVIDED IN IBC TABLE 716.5.
TWO DOORS, EACH WITH A FIRE PROTECTION RATING OF 90 MINUTES, INSTALLED

ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE SAME OPENING IN A FIRE WALL, ARE DEEMED TO BE
EQUIVALENT IN FIRE PROTECTION RATING TO ONE 3-HOUR FIRE DOOR.
THE TERM “FIRE CURTAIN” IS USED IN THE CODE TO DESCRIBE A RATED OR FIRE-
RESISTANT OPENING PROTECTIVE, USUALLY FOR LARGE OPENINGS. THESE MUST
COMPLY WITH NFPA 80.
6-11 CLASSIFICATION OF RATED AND SMOKE RESISTANT SEPARATIONS; REFERENCES: 716; TABLE 716.5
6-42 FIRE DOORS; 6-44 FIRE-PROTECTION-RATED GLAZING
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE DOORS 6-42
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENT THAT FIRE DOOR AND FIRE SHUTTER ASSEM-
BLIES BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 80, SUCH ASSEMBLIES MUST
ALSO BE TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 252 OR UL10B/UL10C.
WITH VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS (SUCH AS VIEWPORTS THAT REQUIRE A HOLE NOT
LARGER THAN 1 INCH IN DIAMETER THROUGH THE DOOR AND THAT HAVE AT
LEAST 0.25 INCH THICK GLASS DISCS AND A METAL HOLDER THAT WILL NOT
MELT WHEN SUBJECTED TO TEMPERATURES OF 1,700 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT),
MODIFICATIONS TO LISTED DOOR ASSEMBLIES ARE NOT PERMITTED.
FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLIES IN CORRIDORS AND SMOKE BARRIERS MUST ALSO MEET
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SMOKE AND DRAFT CONTROL DOOR ASSEMBLY
TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UL1784 AS OUTLINED IN IBC SECTION 716.5.3.1.
6-41 FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED OPENING PROTECTIVES; REFERENCES: 716.5

6-43 FIRE DOORS WITH GLAZING
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE DOORS WITH GLAZING 6-43
NOTES & REMINDERS
GLAZING IN 20 MINUTE FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLIES IS EXEMPT FROM THE HOSE

STREAM TEST. GLAZING IN ANY PART OF THE ASSEMBLY OTHER THAN THE DOOR
ITSELF IS SUBJECT TO NFPA 257 AND UL 9, INCLUDING THE HOSE STREAM TEST.
FIRE PROTECTION RATED GLAZING MUST COMPLY WITH SIZE LIMITATIONS OF

NFPA 80 AND AS PROVIDED IN IBC SECTIONS 716.5.8.1.1 AND 716.5.8.1.2.
GLAZING IN CORRIDORS IS NOT LIMITED IN AREA, BUT MUST MEET TESTING
REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 252 OR UL 10C WITHOUT THE
HOSE STREAM TEST.
DOOR FRAMES WITH TRANSOM LIGHTS, SIDELIGHTS OR BOTH ARE PERMITTED

WHERE A 3/4 HOUR FIRE PROTECTION RATING OR LESS IS REQUIRED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH IBC TABLE 716.5. SUCH ASSEMBLIES MUST BE TESTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 119 OR UL 263 WHEN THE FIRE PROTECTION
RATING EXCEEDING 3/4 HOUR IS REQUIRED.
6-11 CLASSIFICATION OF RATED AND SMOKE RESISTANT SEPARATIONS; REFERENCES: 716.5.3.2

6-42 FIRE DOORS; 6-44 FIRE-PROTECTION-RATED GLAZING;
5-24 SAFETY GLAZING
COMPARTMENTATION | FIRE-PROTECTION-RATED GLAZING 6-44
NOTES & REMINDERS
FIRE-PROTECTION-RATED GLAZING IN FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLIES MUST BE

TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AND MEET THE CRITERIA IN NFPA 257 AND UL9,
INSTALLED PER NFPA 80.
SOME FIRE-PROTECTION-RATED GLAZING ASSEMBLIES MUST ALSO MEET THE

REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY GLAZING.
SPECIFIC FIRE GLAZING MARKING REQUIREMENTS ARE PROVIDED IN IBC TABLE

716.6.
OPENINGS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN FIRE WALLS AND FIRE BARRIERS HAVING A
FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING GREATER THAN OR EQUAL TO ONE HOUR EXCEPT
WHEN TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 119 OR UL 263 AS SPECIFIED IN
IBC SECTION 716.2.
NOTE THAT THE FIRE BARRIERS RATED ONE HOUR OR LESS ARE PERMITTED TO
HAVE FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLIES ARE ONLY THOSE IN INCIDENTAL USE AREAS
AND MIXED OCCUPANCY SEPARATIONS.
6-11 CLASSIFICATION OF RATED AND SMOKE RESISTANT SEPARATIONS; REFERENCES: 716.6; TABLE 716.6
6-42 FIRE DOORS; 6-43 FIRE DOORS WITH GLAZING; 5-24 SAFETY GLAZING
COMPARTMENTATION | MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS 6-45
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE DEFAULT REQUIREMENT FOR MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IS THAT THEY ARE

SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THROUGH PENETRATIONS UNLESS THEY MEET
SPECIFIC EXCEPTIONS AS INDICATED HEREIN.
MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATION REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO FIRE

RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION ONLY. PENETRATIONS OF NONFIRE-
RESISTANCE RATED FLOOR OR FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLIES OR OF THE
CEILING MEMBRANE OF NON RATED ROOF/CEILING ASSEMBLIES ARE
REQUIRED TO EITHER BE ENCLOSED IN SHAFTS PER IBC SECTION 713, OR MEET
REQUIREMENTS IN IBC SECTIONS 714.4.2.1 AND 714.4.2.2 (ANNULAR SPACES
OF PENETRATING ITEMS CONNECTING FIVE OR FEWER STORIES MAY BE FILLED
WITH NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL, AND PENETRATING ITEMS CONNECTING
NOT MORE THAN TWO STORIES MAY HAVE THEIR ANNULAR SPACES FILLED
WITH ANY APPROVED MATERIAL.
SOME NON-RATED FLOORS OR WALLS MAY BE SMOKE PARTITIONS, AND THUS

BE SUBJECT TO PENETRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SMOKE BARRIERS. SPECIAL
REQUIREMENTS FOR SMOKE BARRIERS ARE PROVIDED IN IBC SECTION 714.5.
6-07 RATED AND FILLED PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 202

6-52 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN RATED HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES;
6-55 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES
COMPARTMENTATION | MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES 6-46
NOTES & REMINDERS
MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS BY STEEL, FERROUS, OR COPPER CONDUITS, PIPES,

TUBES OR VENTS, OR CONCRETE OR MASONRY ITEMS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO
SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THROUGH PENETRATIONS WHEN THE ANNULAR
SPACE IS PROTECTED SUCH THAT IT PREVENTS THE FREE PASSAGE OF FLAME AND
SMOKE, AND THE AGGREGATE AREA OF THE OPENINGS DOES NOT EXCEED 100
SQUARE INCHES IN 100 SQUARE FEET OF CEILING AREA (FOR ASSEMBLIES TESTED
WITHOUT PENETRATIONS).
CEILING MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN 2 HOUR OR LESS FIRE RATED HORIZONTAL

ASSEMBLIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THROUGH-
PENETRATIONS IF THEY DO NOT EXCEED 16 SQUARE INCHES EACH, AND
CONSTITUTE AN AGGREGATE AREA EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN 100 SQUARE
INCHES PER 100 SQUARE FEET OF WALL AREA.
MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS OF LISTED ELECTRICAL BOXES, OR LISTED OPENING

PROTECTIVE MATERIAL SYSTEMS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
OF THROUGH PENETRATIONS. ADDITIONALLY, NONCOMBUSTIBLE ITEMS THAT
ARE CAST INTO CONCRETE BUILDING ELEMENTS THAT DO NOT PENETRATE BOTH
THE TOP AND BOTTOM SURFACES OF THE ELEMENT.
OTHER EXCEPTIONS EXIST FOR ANNULAR SPACES OF AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS,

THESE MAY BE PROTECTED BY A METAL ESCUTCHEON PLATE.
6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 714.4.1.2

6-47 MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES;
6-48 BOXED OUT MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS
COMPARTMENTATION | MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES 6-47
NOTES & REMINDERS
MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN 2 HOUR OR LESS FIRE RATED WALLS ARE NOT

REQUIRED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THROUGH-PENETRATIONS IF THEY
DO NOT EXCEED 16 SQUARE INCHES EACH, AND CONSTITUTE AN AGGREGATE
AREA EQUAL TO OR LESS THAN 100 SQUARE INCHES PER 100 SQUARE FEET
OF WALL AREA. SUCH BOXES LOCATED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE WALL
ARE REQUIRED TO BE SEPARATED BY A HORIZONTAL DISTANCE OF NOT LESS
THAN 24 INCHES WHERE THE WALL IS COMPRISED OF INDIVIDUAL, NON-
COMMUNICATING STUD CAVITIES, AND BY A HORIZONTAL DISTANCE OF NOT
LESS THAN THE DEPTH OF THE WALL CAVITY WHERE THE CAVITY IS FILLED WITH
CELLULOSE LOOSEFILL, ROCKWOOL OR SLAG MINERAL WOOL INSULATION.
ALTERNATIVELY, SOLID FIRE BLOCKING, LISTED PUTTY PADS, OR LISTED
MATERIALS OR METHODS ARE PERMISSIBLE.
MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS OF LISTED ELECTRICAL BOXES NEED NOT MEET THE

REQUIREMENTS OF THROUGH-PENETRATIONS. THE ANNULAR SPACE BETWEEN
THE WALL MEMBRANE AND THE BOX MAY NOT EXCEED 1/8 INCH, UNLESS THE
LISTING SPECIFICALLY PERMITS ALTERNATIVE ANNULAR SPACE DIMENSIONS.
SUCH BOXES LOCATED ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE WALL ARE REQUIRED TO BE
SEPARATED BY A HORIZONTAL DISTANCE OF NOT LESS THAN THAT SPECIFIED
IN THE LISTING REQUIREMENTS. ALTERNATIVELY, SOLID FIRE BLOCKING, LISTED
PUTTY PADS, OR LISTED MATERIALS OR METHODS ARE PERMISSIBLE.
OTHER EXCEPTIONS EXIST FOR LISTED ASSEMBLIES AND APPROVED MEMBRANE

PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEMS INSTALLED AS TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
ASTM E 814 OR UL 1479. ADDITIONALLY, ANNULAR SPACES OF AUTOMATIC
SPRINKLERS MAY BE PROTECTED BY A METAL ESCUTCHEON PLATE.
6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 714.3.2

6-46 MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES;
6-48 BOXED OUT MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS
COMPARTMENTATION | BOXED OUT MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS 6-48
NOTES & REMINDERS
FOR THE HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY SHOWN IN THIS DIAGRAM, IT IS ASSUMED THAT

INSULATION IS NOT REQUIRED TO SERVE A FIRE RESISTIVE FUNCTION WITHIN THE
CEILING ASSEMBLY (I.E. IT IS ACOUSTIC INSULATION)
THE CONSTRUCTION OF RATED BOXES IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS ‘DOG

HOUSE’ CONSTRUCTION.
WHEREAS SPECIFIC APPROACHES TO DESIGNING BOXED OUT ASSEMBLIES MAY

NOT HAVE BEEN SPECIFICALLY TESTED, IT IS IMPORTANT TO OBTAIN CONCUR-
RENCE FROM THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION THAT SUCH APPROACHES
ARE ACCEPTABLE AND WILL NOT VIOLATE THE LISTING OF THE ASSEMBLY THAT
THEY ARE USED TO PROTECT.
6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: NOT APPLICABLE

6-46 MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES;
6-47 MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES
COMPARTMENTATION | THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES 6-49
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN CABLES OR PIPE CLUSTERS WHOSE CONFIGURATION IS SUBJECT TO

FREQUENT CHANGES PASS THROUGH A FLOOR ASSEMBLY, A COMMON
APPROACH THAT MAY BE IMPLEMENTED WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORITY
HAVING JURISDICTION IS TO ENCLOSE SUCH ELEMENTS IN SHAFT ENCLOSURES.
THIS APPROACH REMOVES THE REQUIREMENT TO PROTECT THE PENETRATIONS
AT THE FLOOR, INSTEAD USING THE SHAFT ENCLOSURE TO ACHIEVE FLOOR-TO-
FLOOR PROTECTION.
THROUGH PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEMS ARE REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED

AND TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 814 OR UL 1479.
FLOOR PENETRATIONS CONTAINED AND LOCATED WITHIN THE CAVITY OF A

WALL ABOVE THE FLOOR OR BELOW THE FLOOR DO NOT REQUIRE A T RATING
AT THE THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRE-STOP SYSTEM. FLOOR PENETRATIONS BY
FLOOR DRAINS, TUB DRAINS OR SHOWER DRAINS CONTAINED AND LOCATED
WITHIN THE CONCEALED SPACE OF A HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY DO NOT REQUIRE
A T RATING.
6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 714.4.1.1

6-50 THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES;
6-51 PENETRATION SLEEVES
COMPARTMENTATION | THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES 6-50
NOTES & REMINDERS
THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN FIRE-RESISTANCE-RATED WALLS ARE REQUIRED

TO BE PROTECTED WITH APPROVED FIRE RESISTANCE RATED ASSEMBLIES OR
THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEMS.
WHERE PENETRATING ITEMS ARE STEEL, FERROUS OR COPPER PIPES, TUBES

OR CONDUITS, THE ANNULAR SPACE BETWEEN THE PENETRATING ITEM IS
PERMITTED TO BE PROTECTED USING CONCRETE, GROUT OR MORTAR
INSTALLED THE FULL THICKNESS OF THE WALL FOR PENETRATIONS WHERE
THE PENETRATING ITEM HAS A MAXIMUM 6 INCH NOMINAL DIAMETER AND
THE AREA OF THE OPENING THROUGH THE WALL DOES NOT EXCEED 144
SQUARE INCHES. ALTERNATIVELY, OTHER FILL MATERIALS TESTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 119 OR UL 263 MAY BE PERMITTED.

6-51 PENETRATION SLEEVES
COMPARTMENTATION | PENETRATION SLEEVES 6-51
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE PRINCIPAL REQUIREMENT WHEN SLEEVES ARE USED IS THAT THEY BE

SECURELY FASTENED TO THE ASSEMBLY PENETRATED, WHEREIN THE SPACE
BETWEEN THE SLEEVE AND THE ASSEMBLY PENETRATED IS PROTECTED AS A
THROUGH PENETRATION PER IBC SECTION 714.
FILL MATERIAL USED WITHIN SLEEVE ASSEMBLIES MUST BE APPROVED FOR USE.
6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 714.2

COMPARTMENTATION | DUCT PENETRATIONS IN RATED HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES 6-52
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN DUCTS PASS THROUGH TWO STORIES AND COMMUNICATE WITH

ROOFTOP SPACES, SPECIFIC APPROVAL FOR THE OMISSION OF DAMPERS MUST
BE OBTAINED FROM THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION; THE NATURE OF THE
ROOFTOP SPACE WILL OFTEN IMPACT WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMPER
OMISSIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE.
FLEXIBLE DUCTS AND AIR CONNECTORS MAY NOT PASS THROUGH AN

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED ASSEMBLY.
IT IS NOT PERMISSIBLE FOR DUCTS TO PENETRATE A FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED

FLOOR/CEILING WITHOUT A SHAFT ENCLOSURE IN OCCUPANCY GROUPS
I-2 AND I-3.
IT IS PERMISSIBLE FOR A DUCT THAT IS NOT LOCATED WITHIN A SHAFT TO

CONNECT UP TO THREE STORIES (AND PASS THROUGH TWO FIRE-RESISTANCE
RATED HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES) WITHOUT PROVIDING A DAMPER AT EACH
FLOOR IN FIVE SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES LISTED AS THE EXCEPTIONS TO
SECTION 717.6.1 OF THE IBC.

6-53 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN NONRATED HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES;
6-54 CEILING RADIATION DAMPERS FOR DUCT PENETRATIONS;
6-56 TYPES OF DAMPERS
COMPARTMENTATION | DUCT PENETRATIONS IN NONRATED HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES 6-53
NOTES & REMINDERS
DUCTS THAT CONNECT MORE THAN THREE STORIES ARE REQUIRED TO BE

PROTECTED WITH SHAFT ENCLOSURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 713
WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
FIRE DAMPERS ARE NOT REQUIRED IN THE DUCTS WITHIN INDIVIDUAL

RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS.

6-54 CEILING RADIATION DAMPERS FOR DUCT PENETRATIONS;
COMPARTMENTATION | CEILING RADIATION DAMPERS FOR DUCT PENETRATIONS 6-54
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE OPERATING TEMPERATURE OF A CEILING RADIATION DAMPER

ACTUATION DEVICE IS REQUIRED TO BE 50 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT ABOVE
THE NORMAL TEMPERATURE WITHIN THE DUCT SYSTEM, BUT NOT LESS THAN 160
DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. THIS WILL GENERALLY ALLOW THE CEILING RADIATION
DAMPER TO ACTIVATE PRIOR TO SPRINKLER ACTIVATION (ASSUMES SPRINKLER
ACTIVATION TEMPERATURE OF 165 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT OR GREATER).
CEILING RADIATION DAMPERS ARE REQUIRED TO BE TESTED IN ACCORDANCE

WITH IBC SECTION 717.3.1. SUCH DAMPERS MAY BE OMITTED WHEN TESTS IN
ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 119 OR UL 263 HAVE DEMONSTRATED THAT THE
CEILING RADIATION DAMPERS ARE NOT NECESSARY, OR WHERE EXHAUST DUCT
PENETRATIONS ARE PROTECTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 714.4.1.2
AND ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE CAVITY OF THE WALL AND DO NOT PASS
THROUGH ANOTHER DWELLING UNIT OR TENANT SPACE.
6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS; REFERENCES: 717.6.2; 717.6.2.1

6-53 CEILING DUCT PENETRATIONS IN NONRATED HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES;
COMPARTMENTATION | DUCT PENETRATIONS IN VERTICAL ASSEMBLIES 6-55
NOTES & REMINDERS
DUCTS THAT PASS THROUGH RATED WALL ASSEMBLIES THAT DO NOT REQUIRE
FIRE DAMPERS OR COMBINATION DAMPERS ARE REQUIRED TO BE TREATED AS
THROUGH PENETRATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTIONS 714.2 THROUGH
714.3.3. SIMILARLY DUCTS PASSING THROUGH RATED HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES
ARE REQUIRED TO BE TREATED IN A SIMILAR FASHION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
IBC SECTIONS 714.4 THROUGH 714.4.2.2.
FIRE DAMPERS MUST BE LISTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UL 555. WHEN USED

AS PART OF A HVAC SYSTEM DESIGNED TO OPERATE WITH FANS ON DURING
A FIRE, SUCH DAMPERS MUST BE LISTED FOR DYNAMIC SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS.
COMBINATION DAMPERS ARE REQUIRED TO ALSO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS
OF UL 555C.
ALL FIRE AND SMOKE DAMPERS ARE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED WITH

APPROVED MEANS OF ACCESS SUCH THAT INSPECTION OF THE DAMPERS
CAN BE UNDERTAKEN. SUCH ACCESS MAY NOT UNDERMINE THE INTEGRITY OF
ANY FIRE RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES IN WHICH THE ACCESS PANELS ARE PROVIDED.
SMOKE DAMPERS ARE NOT REQUIRED AT DUCT PENETRATIONS OF CORRIDORS

WHEN THE BUILDING IS FULLY SPRINKLERED AND THE DAMPER IS NOT NECESSARY
FOR THE PROPER OPERATION OF A SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM.
SMOKE DAMPERS ARE NOT REQUIRED AT CORRIDORS WHEN THE DUCT IS

CONSTRUCTED OF STEEL HAVING A THICKNESS OF NOT LESS THAN 0.019
INCHES AND THERE ARE NO OPENINGS INTO THE CORRIDOR.
6-11 CLASSIFICATION OF RATED AND SMOKE RESISTANT SEPARATIONS; REFERENCES: 717.5

6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS;
COMPARTMENTATION | TYPES OF DAMPERS 6-56
NOTES & REMINDERS
FIRE DAMPERS MAY BE OMITTED AT PENETRATIONS OF FIRE BARRIERS AT PEN-

ETRATIONS TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E119 OR UL263, WHEN DUCTS
ARE PART OF AN APPROVED SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH
IBC SECTION 909 AND SUCH DAMPERS WOULD INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION
OF THE SYSTEM, OR WHEN SUCH PENETRATIONS IN WALLS ARE BY 26 GAUGE OR
GREATER HVAC DUCTS IN 1 HOUR OR LESS FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED WALLS THAT
ARE WITHIN FULLY SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS (NOT SERVING GROUP H
OCCUPANCIES).
FIRE DAMPERS AT SHAFT ENCLOSURES MAY BE OMITTED WHEN 22 INCH STEEL

SUB-DUCTS ARE PROVIDED IN THE SHAFT WHERE AIRFLOW IS UPWARD TO THE
OUTSIDE, PENETRATIONS ARE TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM E 119 OR
UL 263, DUCTS ARE PART OF AN APPROVED SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM (WHERE
SUCH DAMPERS WILL INTERFERE WITH THE OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM), AND THE
PENETRATIONS ARE IN PARKING GARAGE SUPPLY OR EXHAUST SHAFTS
SEPARATED FROM OTHER CONSTRUCTION BY 2 HOURS.
IN GROUP B AND R OCCUPANCIES PROTECTED THROUGHOUT BY AN

APPROVED AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC
SECTION 903.3.1.1, SMOKE DAMPERS MAY BE OMITTED AT KITCHEN, CLOTHES
DRYER, BATHROOM AND TOILET ROOM EXHAUST OPENINGS WHEN 22 INCH
STEEL SUB-DUCTS ARE INSTALLED AND AN EXHAUST FAN TREATED ACCORDING
TO THE PROVISIONS OF IBC SECTION 909 .11 IS INSTALLED AT THE UPPER
TERMINUS OF THE SHAFT.
SMOKE DAMPERS ARE NOT REQUIRED AT SHAFT PENETRATIONS WHEN PART

OF A SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEM AND THE DAMPERS WILL INTERFERE WITH THE
OPERATION OF THE SYSTEM. FIRE AND COMBINATION DAMPERS ARE NOT
REQUIRED AT KITCHEN AND CLOTHES DRYER EXHAUST SYSTEMS WHEN SUCH
SYSTEMS ARE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL
MECHANICAL CODE.
6-45 MEMBRANE AND THROUGH PENETRATIONS; 6-52 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN REFERENCES: 717.3.2
RATED HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES; 6-53 DUCT PENETRATIONS IN NONRATED
HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLIES; 6-54 CEILING RADIATION DAMPERS FOR DUCT PEN-
ETRATIONS
COMPARTMENTATION | FIREBLOCKING 6-57
NOTES & REMINDERS
PERMISSIBLE FIREBLOCKING MATERIALS INCLUDE TWO INCH NOMINAL LUMBER,

TWO THICKNESSES OF 1 INCH NOMINAL LUMBER WITH BROKEN LAP JOINTS, ONE
THICKNESS OF 0.719 INCH THICKNESS WOOD STRUCTURAL PANELS WITH JOINTS
BACKED BY 0.719 INCH STRUCTURAL PANELS, ONE THICKNESS OF 0.75 INCH
PARTICLEBOARD WITH JOINTS BACKED BY 0.75 INCH PARTICLEBOARD, 1/2 INCH
GYPSUM BOARD, 1/4 INCH CEMENT-BASED MILLBOARD, MINERAL WOOL OR
SIMILAR BLANKETS OR BATTS, OR TESTED CELLULOSE INSULATION.
UNFACED FIBERGLASS BATT INSULATION USED AS FIREBLOCKING IS REQUIRED TO

FILL THE ENTIRE CROSS SECTION OF A WALL CAVITY TO A MINIMUM HEIGHT OF
16 INCHES MEASURED VERTICALLY.
BATTS OR BLANKETS OF MINERAL WOOL OR MINERAL FIBER ARE PERMITTED

FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE 10 FOOT HORIZONTAL FIREBLOCKING IN WALLS
CONSTRUCTED USING PARALLEL ROWS OF STUDS OR STAGGERED STUDS.
LOOSE-FILL INSULATION MATERIAL, INSULATING FOAM SEALANTS AND

CAULK MATERIALS MAY NOT BE USED TO FORM FIREBLOCKING UNLESS
SUCH MATERIALS HAVE BEEN SPECIFICALLY TESTED IN THE FORM THAT THEY
ARE INTENDED TO BE USED.
5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE REFERENCES: 718.2
COMPARTMENTATION | FIREBLOCKING BETWEEN STORIES 6-58
NOTES & REMINDERS
FIREBLOCKING NEEDS TO BE INSTALLED BETWEEN STORIES AND BETWEEN THE

ATTIC AND THE FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLY BELOW WHEN THE COMBUSTIBLE
CONSTRUCTION INCLUDES CONCEALED SPACES.
REFER TO IBC SECTION 718.2.1 FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS PERTAINING TO THE USE
OF BATTS OR BLANKETS OF MINERAL WOOL OR MINERAL FIBER, AS WELL AS
UNFACED FIBERGLASS AND LOOSE-FILL INSULATION.
6-57 FIREBLOCKING; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE; REFERENCES: 718.2.2; 718.2.1

1-05 STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE
COMPARTMENTATION | FIREBLOCKING AT STAIRWAYS 6-59
NOTES & REMINDERS
ENCLOSED SPACES UNDER STAIRS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO BE PROTECTED

WITH 1 HOUR FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION, OR CONSTRUCTION
THAT IS EQUAL TO THE FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF THE STAIR, WHICHEVER IS
GREATER. ACCESS TO SUCH SPACES MAY NOT BE FROM THE STAIRWAY
ITSELF. EXCEPTIONS EXIST WITHIN SINGLE DWELLING UNITS OF R-2 AND R-3
OCCUPANCIES, WHERE SUCH SPACES MAY BE PROTECTED BY A SINGLE LAYER
OF 1/2 INCH GYPSUM BOARD.
THE LUMBER USED TO CONSTRUCT STAIRS IS COMMONLY USED TO FORM THE

FIRE BLOCKING REQUIRED AT STAIRS. IF NO CONCEALED DRAFT OPENINGS
ARE CREATED BY VIRTUE OF THE STAIR CONSTRUCTION, FIREBLOCKING IS NOT
REQUIRED.
6-57 FIREBLOCKING; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE REFERENCES: 718.2.4; 718.2.1
COMPARTMENTATION | FIREBLOCKING WITHIN WALLS 6-60
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE USE OF METAL STUDS AND GYPSUM BOARD (NON-COMBUSTIBLE

CONSTRUCTION) ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR FIREBLOCKING IN WALLS.
SPECIAL ATTENTION MUST BE GIVEN TO CONNECTIONS BETWEEN HORIZONTAL

AND VERTICAL SPACES. FOR COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION, FIREBLOCKING IS
REQUIRED AT THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL
ASSEMBLIES. EXAMPLES INCLUDE SOFFITS, DROP CEILINGS, COVE CEILINGS AND
SIMILAR.
SEPARATE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIREBLOCKING EXIST FOR EXTERIOR WALL

COVERINGS, AS DISCUSSED IN IBC SECTION 718.2.6.
COMPARTMENTATION | FIREBLOCKING WITHIN FLOORS 6-61
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN REQUIRED BY IBC SECTION 712.1.7 OR EXCEPTION 1 OF IBC SECTION

714.4.1.2, FIREBLOCKING OF THE ANNULAR SPACE AROUND VENTS, PIPES,
DUCTS, CHIMNEYS AND FIREPLACES IN FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLIES IS
REQUIRED TO BE INSTALLED.
FIREBLOCKING IS NOT REQUIRED FOR SLAB ON GRADE CONSTRUCTION IN

GYMNASIUMS.
FIREBLOCKING IS NOT REQUIRED AT THE JUNCTURE OF EACH ALTERNATE LANE

AND AT THE ENDS OF ALTERNATE LANES IN BOWLING ALLEYS.
COMPARTMENTATION | DRAFTSTOPPING 6-62
NOTES & REMINDERS
A CRAWL SPACE USUALLY DOES NOT REQUIRE DRAFTSTOPPING.
THE PRESENCE OF AN APPROVED AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLED

THROUGHOUT A BUILDING IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 903.3.1.1
NEGATES THE REQUIREMENT FOR DRAFTSTOPPING AT FLOORS.
DRAFTSTOPPING IN ALL OCCUPANCIES MAY BE OMITTED IN ATTICS WHEN

SUCH BUILDINGS ARE SPRINKLERED THROUGHOUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH
IBC SECTION 903.3.1.1.
DRAFTSTOPPING AT CORRIDORS IN GROUP R-1 AND R-2 CONSTRUCTION NEED

ONLY BE PROVIDED AT ONE OF THE CORRIDOR WALLS WITHIN A CONCEALED
SPACE.
1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; 5-01 CONSTRUCTION TYPE REFERENCES: 718.1
COMPARTMENTATION | DRAFTSTOPPING IN FLOOR-CEILING ASSEMBLIES 6-63
NOTES & REMINDERS
ACCEPTABLE DRAFTSTOPPING MATERIALS INCLUDE 1/2 INCH OR GREATER

GYPSUM BOARD, 3/8 INCH WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL, 3/8 INCH OR GREATER
PARTICLEBOARD, 1 INCH NOMINAL STRUCTURAL LUMBER, CEMENT FIBERBOARD,
BATTS OR BLANKETS OF MINER WOOL OR GLASS FIBER OR OTHER APPROVED
MATERIALS THAT CAN BE ADEQUATELY SUPPORTED.
DRAFTSTOPPING MAY BE OMITTED IN LINE WITH THE DWELLING UNIT OR

SLEEPING UNIT SEPARATIONS WHEN THE BUILDING IS PROTECTED THROUGHOUT
BY AN APPROVED AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH
IBC SECTION 903.3.1.1.
DRAFTSTOPPING IS NOT REQUIRED IN BUILDINGS EQUIPPED THROUGHOUT

WITH AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION
903.3.1.1.
6-62 DRAFTSTOPPING; 1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; REFERENCES: 718.3

COMPARTMENTATION | DRAFTSTOPPING IN ATTICS 6-64
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN OCCUPANCIES IN GROUP R-2 THAT DO NOT EXCEED FOUR STORIES

ABOVE GRADE PLANE, THE ATTIC SPACE IS REQUIRED TO BE SUBDIVIDED BY
DRAFTSTOPS INTO AREAS NOT EXCEEDING 3,000 SQUARE FEET, OR ABOVE
EVERY TWO DWELLING UNITS, WHICHEVER IS SMALLER.
DRAFTSTOPPING IS NOT REQUIRED IN BUILDINGS EQUIPPED THROUGHOUT

WITH AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTIONS
903.3.1.2 OR 903.3.1.3, PROVIDED THAT AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS ARE ALSO
INSTALLED IN COMBUSTIBLE CONCEALED SPACES WHERE DRAFTSTOPPING IS
BEING OMITTED.
6-62 DRAFTSTOPPING; 1-10 ATTICS; REFERENCES: 718.4

CHECKLIST ITEMS | EGRESS COMPONENTS 1 of 8
The Egress Components that make up the Means of Egress must meet minimum dimensional requirements for both height and width. These components include Aisles and
Aisle Accessways, Doors, Corridors, Stairways and Ramps. The sizes of these elements are informed by both minimum dimensions based on the type of element and minimum
dimensions based on the capacity required. Capacity is calculated based on the number of persons required to use the egress component and an occupant load factor that equates
this to required capacity in persons to a minimum dimension. Projections into the width and required elements in the means of egress (such as handrails, guards and ramp edge
protection) inform the correct method of measurement. Egress components can be either converging or not converging. Other aspects of egress components including their
required hardware, door opening force, minimum landings dimensions and accessibility requirements can also inform the dimensions of these components.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
1. Review each means of egress and determine that 7-00 VISUAL INDEX 1003.6; 1005.4
the egress components it consists of provide a
progression of increasing safety for each. 1001.1; 1003.6
3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF
EGRESS ELEMENTS
2. Review the design occupant loads for each 4-00 VISUAL INDEX 202; 1004.1
occupiable space to determine if the minimum
number of required means of egress are provided. 3-12 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF 1015.1; TABLE 1015.1; 1021.2.4
EGRESS FROM SPACES
3-13 QUANTITY OF MEANS OF 1021.2; TABLE 1021.2(2); 1021.2.4

EGRESS FROM STORIES
3. Review stairways located on means of egress and 7-02 CONVERGING MEANS 1005.6
determine if a convergence occurs. OF EGRESS
4. Determine the appropriate means of egress 7-05 CAPACITY OF MEANS OF 1005.6

capacity factors for each type of egress component EGRESS
present.
7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR 1005.2; 1005.3.1; 1005.3.2
EGRESS COMPONENTS
IMAGES CODE SECTION
5.1 Identify spaces where aisles accessways and aisles 7-07 AISLES AND 1017.1; 1017.2
are present. Note that for fixed assembly seating a AISLE ACCESSWAYS
separate set of egress requirements apply.
7-08 MEASURING AISLE AND

AISLE ACCESSWAY WIDTH
5.2 Measure aisle accessways and aisles to determine 7-09 DETAILED AISLE WIDTH 1017.1
if the minimum width is provided. MEASUREMENT
5.3 Confirm the width of each aisle and aisle accessway 7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR 1005.2; 1005.3.1; 1005.3.2
is sufficient for the number of occupants served EGRESS COMPONENTS
based on the capacity factor.
4-00 VISUAL INDEX 202; 1004.1
4-05 AGGREGATE OCCUPANT LOAD 1004.1.1
4-06 COMBINED OCCUPANT LOADS 1004.1.1.1; 1015.1; 1021.2 EXCEPTION 1
6.1 Identify doors in means of egress and confirm the 7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 1008.1; 1008.1.5
type of door is acceptable for egress use.
7-11 DOOR TYPES IN MEANS
OF EGRESS
6.2 Measure the clear width of doors and determine 7-13 MEASURING DOOR CLEAR 1008.1.1
if the minimum width is provided. WIDTH
IMAGES CODE SECTION
6.3 Confirm the clear width of each door in a means 7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR 1005.2; 1005.3.1; 1005.3.2
of egress is sufficient for the number of occupants EGRESS COMPONENTS
served based on the capacity factor.
4-00 VISUAL INDEX 202; 1004.1
6.4 Determine if doors are required to swing in 7-14 SWING DIRECTION FOR DOORS 1008.1.2
the direction of egress travel. IN MEANS OF EGRESS
6.5 Determine which doors require panic hardware. 7-15 PANIC HARDWARE 1008.1.10
6.6 Determine if all doors on accessible routes 7-17 PUSH AND PULL SIDE Requirements are provided by Section 404.2.4
including recessed doors have the minimum CLEARANCE AT DOORS of ICC A117.1 and are not present within the IBC.
push side and pull side clearance.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE 202; 1104; 1106.6; 1110
6.7 Review doors located in series and determine 7-18 DOORS IN SERIES 1008.1.8; Additional requirements are provided
if the minimum distances between doors are by Section 404.2.6 of the ICC A117.1 and are not
maintained, a turning space is provided and present within the IBC.
door swing direction is acceptable.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
6.8 Confirm that the minimum force to open each door 7-19 MAXIMUM DOOR OPENING 1008.1.3
serving as a means of egress does not exceed the FORCE
maximum allowable door opening force.
7.1 Identify corridors and similar level exit access 7-20 CORRIDORS IN MEANS OF 1003.3.3; 1018.2; 1005.3.2; 1005.7
components serving as part of a means of egress. EGRESS
7.2 Measure the clear width of corridors/level exit 7-21 FACTORS INFORMING 1018.2; 1008.3; 1005.3.2; 1005.7
access components to determine if the minimum CORRIDOR WIDTH
width is provided.
7.3 Review elements projecting into the horizontal and 7-21 FACTORS INFORMING 1018.2; 1008.3; 1005.3.2; 1005.7
vertical dimensions of corridors/level exit access CORRIDOR WIDTH
components (including projections by door swings)
and confirm the projections do not exceed 7-22 PROJECTIONS INTO 1003.3
permissible maximum distances into required CORRIDORS
width.
8.1 Identify stairways serving as part of a means 7-24 STAIRWAYS IN MEANS 1009.2; 1009.3; 1026.2
of egress. OF EGRESS
IMAGES CODE SECTION
8.2 If curved stairways or spiral stairways are intended 7-25 CURVED STAIRWAYS IN 1009.11; 1009.7
to serve as part of a means of egress verify that MEANS OF EGRESS
these types of stairways are permissible for this
use and meet dimensional requirements.
7-26 SPIRAL STAIRWAYS IN MEANS 1009.12
OF EGRESS
8.3 Measure the width of stairways to determine 7-27 STAIRWAY WIDTH AND 1009.4; 1009.5; 1012.8
if the minimum width is provided. HEADROOM
7-28 DETAILED STAIRWAY WIDTH 1009.4, 1005.7; 1012.8

MEASUREMENT
8.4 Confirm that stair treads and risers meet requirements 7-30 STAIR TREAD AND RISER 1009.7.2; 1009.7.3
for tread depth, riser height and other dimensional DIMENSIONS
requirements. Confirm that stair treads and risers
within a stairway meet requirments for dimensional
uniformity.
8.5 Confirm that no single flight of stairs extends more 7-31 STAIRWAY LANDINGS AND 1009.8; 1009.10
than the maximum allowable vertical height. MAXIMUM RISE
Provide landings that meet minimum dimensional BETWEEN LANDINGS
criteria as required.
IMAGES CODE SECTION
8.6 Where doors open onto stairway landings maintain 7-32 STAIRWAY LANDINGS 1009.8
the minimum dimensions for these landings. WITH DOORS
8.7 Provide Guards and Handrails for all stairways. 7-33 STAIRWAY GUARDS AND 1013.2; 1012.1
Provide the required handrail extensions at the HANDRAILS
top and bottom of flights of stairs.
8.8 Only the width of a stairway within 30” of a 7-34 INTERMEDIATE HANDRAILS 1012.9
qualifying handrail can count towards the width FOR STAIRWAYS
of that stairway for calculating egress capacity.
It may be necessary to provide an intermediate
handrail to increase the qualifying width of
a stairway.
8.9 Confirm the width of each stairway in a means of 7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR 1005.3.1; 1005.3.2
egress is sufficient for the number of occupants EGRESS COMPONENTS
4-00 VISUAL INDEX 202; 1004.1
9.1 Identify ramps serving as part of a means of egress. 7-35 RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 1010.1; 1010.3 - 1010.7
IMAGES CODE SECTION
9.2 Confirm ramps meet the maximum slope 7-35 RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 1010.3; 1010.4; Additional requirements are
requirements for egress (and accessibility). provided by Section 405.2 and 405.3 of ICC A117.1
9.3 Confirm that no single ramp extends more than the 7-35 RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 1010.5
maximum allowable vertical height. Provide
landings that meet minimum dimensional criteria
as required. Provide landings at each change of
direction.
9.4 Provide edge protection where required 7-36 RAMP EDGE PROTECTION 1010.10; Additional requirements are provided by
for all ramps. Section 405.9 of ICC A117.1
9.5 Where doors open onto ramp landings maintain 7-37 RAMP LANDINGS WITH DOORS 1010.7.5
the minimum dimensions for these landings.
9.6 Provide Guards and Handrails for all ramps. Provide 7-38 RAMP GUARDS AND 1010.11; 1013.2; 1010.9; Additional requirements
the required handrail extensions at the top and HANDRAILS are provided by Section 405.8 of ICC A117.1
bottom of ramps.
9.7. Confirm the width of each ramp in a means of 7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR 1005.3.1; 1005.3.2
egress is sufficient for the number of occupants EGRESS COMPONENTS
4-00 VISUAL INDEX 202; 1004.1
IMAGES CODE SECTION
10. Identify all locations where guards are required. 7-33 STAIRWAY GUARDS AND 1013.2; 1012.1
HANDRAILS
7-38 RAMP GUARDS AND HANDRAILS IBC 1010.11; 1013.2; 1010.9; ICC A117.1 405.8
7-39 REQUIRED GUARDS 1013.2
11. Confirm that all guards meet dimensional 7-40 GUARD DIMENSIONS 1013.3; 1013.4
requirments.
12. Confirm that all handrails meet dimensional require 7-41 HANDRAIL DIMENSIONS 1012.2; 1012.3
ments including extensions and cross-sectional
measurements. 7-42 HANDRAIL CROSS-SECTION 1012.3; 1012.4; 1012.6; 1012.7
DIMENSIONS
13.1 Where required confirm that areas of refuge 7-44 AREA OF REFUGE DIMENSIONS 1007.6
provided on the floor level landings of stairways to IN STAIRWAYS
meet accessible means of egress requirements
meet minimum dimensional criteria.
13.2 Confirm the width of each ramp in a means of 7-45 AREA OF REFUGE DIMENSIONS 1007.6
egress is sufficient for the number of occupants IN VESTIBULES
EGRESS COMPONENTS | VISUAL INDEX 7-00
NOTES & REMINDERS
REQUIREMENTS IN CHAPTER 10 APPLY TO INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PORTIONS

OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS. PORTIONS OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS THAT ARE
COMMONLY EXTERIOR INCLUDE THE EXIT DISCHARGE AND THE PUBLIC WAY.
REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS EGRESS WIDTH AND ILLUMINATION APPLY TO THESE
MEANS OF EGRESS ELEMENTS.
IN SOME CASES, MEANS OF EGRESS WILL PASS FROM INTERIOR SPACES

TO EXTERIOR SPACES, AND THEN BACK TO INTERIOR MEANS OF EGRESS
COMPONENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, OCCUPANTS IN A BUILDING MAY EXIT ONTO
A BALCONY OR ROOFTOP AREA, AND THEN BACK INTO AN EXIT ENCLOSURE.
SUCH ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE CONFIRMED TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE
THE CODE PROVIDES DISTINCT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF

MEANS OF EGRESS FROM ANY SPACE, AS WELL AS THE NUMBER OF REQUIRED
ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 3-11 CLASSIFICATION OF REFERENCES: 1003.6; 1005.4
EGRESS ELEMENTS; 7-01 COMPONENTS OF A MEANS OF EGRESS;
7-05 CAPACITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | COMPONENTS OF A MEANS OF EGRESS 7-01
NOTES & REMINDERS
OTHER MEANS OF EGRESS COMPONENTS INCLUDE EGRESS BALCONIES, AREAS

OF REFUGE, HORIZONTAL EXITS, AND EXIT PASSAGEWAYS.
WHEN DETERMINING THE MINIMUM WIDTH OF ANY GIVEN MEANS OF EGRESS

COMPONENT, IT IS NECESSARY TO FIRST DETERMINE THE MINIMUM WIDTH FOR
THE SPECIFIC COMPONENT AND TYPE OF OCCUPANCY AS PROVIDED IN
THE CODE. NEXT, THE WIDTH REQUIRED TO ACCOMMODATE THE TOTAL
OCCUPANT LOAD USING THE PARTICULAR ELEMENT HAS TO BE CALCULATED.
THIS IS DONE BY DETERMINING THE OCCUPANT LOAD OF EACH OCCUPIED
ROOM OR SPACE, AND DETERMINING HOW THOSE OCCUPANTS CAN MOVE
THROUGH THE MEANS OF EGRESS SYSTEM TO THE EXITS, EXIT DISCHARGE AND
ULTIMATELY TO THE PUBLIC WAY. CONSIDERATION OF SIMULTANEOUS USE,
ACCUMULATIVE LOADS (CONVERGING FROM THE SAME FLOOR, OR FROM
FLOORS ABOVE AND BELOW) IS GIVEN IN THIS CALCULATION.
3-10 MEANS OF EGRESS AND PUBLIC WAY; 7-07 AISLES AND AISLE REFERENCES: 1005.2; 1005.3
ACCESSWAYS; 7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-20 CORRIDORS IN
MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-24 STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS;
7-35 RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | CONVERGING MEANS OF EGRESS 7-02
NOTES & REMINDERS
DETERMINATION OF THE MINIMUM WIDTH OF AN EXIT STAIR IS A FUNCTION

OF THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS USING THAT STAIR FROM ANY
GIVEN FLOOR. THE WIDTH PROVIDED IN THE STAIR MUST ACCOMMODATE THE
GREATEST NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS ENTERING THAT STAIR FROM THE POINT
OF ENTRY TO THE POINT THAT OCCUPANTS EXIT THE STAIR. WHERE LOADS FROM
ABOVE AND BELOW CONVERGE AT AN INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, THE WIDTH AT THE
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MUST BE ABLE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY ACCOMMODATE THE
SUM OF THOSE LOADS.
THE CODE ALLOWS FOR ENCLOSED EXIT STAIRS TO DISCHARGE WITHIN THE
BUILDING UNDER SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES. THE OCCUPANT LOAD COMING
OUT OF THE STAIR AND INTO THE BUILDING IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE ADDED TO
THE WIDTH OF THE FLOOR ONTO WHICH THAT OCCUPANT LOAD IS BEING
INTRODUCED. THIS CONDITION MUST BE REVIEWED WITH THE AUTHORITY
7-05 CAPACITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-03 NONCONVERGING REFERENCES: 1005.6

MEANS OF EGRESS AT A STAIRWAY; 7-04 CONVERGING MEANS OF
EGRESS AT A STAIRWAY
EGRESS COMPONENTS | NONCONVERGING MEANS OF EGRESS AT A STAIRWAY 7-03
NOTES & REMINDERS
STAIRS ARE PRESUMED TO EXIT IN A MANNER OF CASCADING EGRESS, WHEREIN

AS SOME OCCUPANTS FLOW INTO THE STAIR, OTHERS FLOW OUT. IN THIS
WAY, STAIRS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO SIMULTANEOUSLY ACCOMMODATE ALL
OCCUPANTS ENTERING THE STAIR AT THE SAME TIME. IN TALL BUILDINGS WHERE
THERE ARE MANY LEVELS ENTERING THE STAIR, AND ONLY ONE EXIT FROM THE
STAIR IT IS COMMON TO PHASE EVACUATIONS (I.E. EXITING THE ALARM FLOOR,
THE FLOOR ABOVE AND THE FLOOR BELOW), FOLLOWED BY OTHER FLOORS.
IN BUILDINGS WHERE THE WIDTH OF THE EGRESS STAIRS ARE SET BY LARGE
OCCUPANT LOADS ON UPPER FLOORS, THE WIDTH OF THE STAIR MAY NOT
DECREASE BELOW SUCH LEVELS EVEN WHEN THE OCCUPANT LOAD ON THOSE
LEVELS IS LESS. IN THIS WAY, STAIRS DO NOT TYPICALLY DECREASE IN WIDTH AS
ONE TRAVERSES THE STAIR TO THE EXIT DISCHARGE.
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; 7-05 CAPACITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS; REFERENCES: 1005.6
7-02 CONVERGING MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-04 CONVERGING MEANS OF
EGRESS AT STAIRWAY
EGRESS COMPONENTS | CONVERGING MEANS OF EGRESS AT A STAIRWAY 7-04
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE MAIN IMPACT OF CONVERGING OCCUPANT LOADS THAT ARISE WHEN A

LEVEL ABOVE THE LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE MEETS THE OCCUPANTS FROM A
LEVEL BELOW THE LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE IS THAT THE LANDINGS AND DOORS
AT THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL MUST BE DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE THE TOTAL
OCCUPANT LOAD. IN SOME CASES, WHERE ADDITIONAL RAMPS OR STAIRS ARE
PRESENT, THESE ELEMENTS MUST ALSO BE DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE THE
COMBINED OCCUPANT LOAD.
WHEN A STAIR EXTENDS ABOVE AND BELOW GRADE, AN APPROVED BARRIER

(I.E. GATE) IS REQUIRED IN THE STAIR AT THE LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE TO
PREVENT PERSONS FROM UNINTENTIONALLY CONTINUING INTO LEVELS BELOW.
THE INTENT OF THE CODE WITH RESPECT TO CONVERGING OCCUPANT LOADS

IS TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE EGRESS WIDTH IS PROVIDED SUCH THAT THE
PROXIMATE LEVELS TO THE POINT OF CONVERGENCE CAN EGRESS IN A TIMELY
FASHION.
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; 7-05 CAPACITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS; REFERENCES: 1005.6
7-02 CONVERGING MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-03 NONCONVERGING
MEANS OF EGRESS AT A STAIRWAY
EGRESS COMPONENTS | CAPACITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS 7-05
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE CODE PROVIDES THREE FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MEANS OF

EGRESS CONTINUITY: (1) THE PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL MAY NOT BE INTERRUPTED
BY ANY BUILDING ELEMENT OTHER THAN A MEANS OF EGRESS COMPONENT,
(2) OBSTRUCTIONS MAY NOT BE PLACED IN THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF MEANS OF
EGRESS, AND (3) THE REQUIRED CAPACITY OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS MAY NOT
BE DIMINISHED ALONG THE PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL. EXCEPTIONS RELATED TO
EACH OF THESE FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS ARE PROVIDED IN CHAPTER 10.
A KEY TERM WITH RESPECT TO MEANS OF EGRESS WIDTH IS “REQUIRED WIDTH”.

THIS IS THE MINIMUM WIDTH THAT IS REQUIRED BASED ON THE GREATER OF
EITHER THE MINIMUM CODE REQUIRED WIDTH FOR A GIVEN MEANS OF EGRESS
ELEMENT OR THE CALCULATED WIDTH AS DETERMINED FOR THE NUMBER OF
OCCUPANTS USING THE GIVEN ELEMENT. IF WIDTH IS PROVIDED IN EXCESS OF
THE REQUIRED WIDTH, IT IS NOT NECESSARILY SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS
IMPOSED ON REQUIRED WIDTH WITH RESPECT TO OBSTRUCTIONS AND
REDUCTIONS IN WIDTH.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS EXIST FOR MEANS OF EGRESS ELEMENTS SUCH AS

EGRESS COURTS WHEREIN ANY REDUCTIONS IN WIDTH MUST BE GRADUAL
(WHEN THE EGRESS COURT EXCEEDS THE MINIMUM REQUIRED WIDTH AND
THE WIDTH OF THE COURT IS REDUCED ALONG THE PATH OF TRAVEL).
7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR EGRESS COMPONENTS; 4-00 DESIGN REFERENCES: 1005.1; 1005.2; 1005.3
OCCUPANT LOAD; 7-02 CONVERGING MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | CAPACITY FACTORS FOR EGRESS COMPONENTS 7-06
NOTES & REMINDERS
MEANS OF EGRESS CAPACITY FACTORS ARE LOOSELY BASED ON THE IDEA

THAT A CERTAIN NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS POSSESSING A UNIT WIDTH SHOULD
BE ABLE TO EVACUATE FROM AN AREA (OF UNDETERMINED SIZE) WITHIN A
REASONABLE TIME PERIOD. OVER TIME, THE USE OF EGRESS CAPACITY FACTORS
HAS BECOME WIDELY ACCEPTED, BUT MAY NOT ALWAYS RESULT IN A
DESIGN THAT SUPPORTS OPTIMAL EVACUATION CONDITIONS. FOR UNIQUE
OR VERY DENSELY OCCUPIED SPACES, DYNAMIC EGRESS STUDIES MAY BE
WARRANTED.
STAIRS REQUIRE APPROXIMATELY 50% MORE WIDTH THAN LEVEL OR RAMPED

SURFACES DUE TO THE NATURE OF OCCUPANT MOVEMENT IN SUCH SPACES.
FACTORS SUCH AS THE TENDENCY TO SWAY LATERALLY AS ONE TRAVERSES A
STAIR, AS WELL AS OTHER PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH OCCUPANT
MOVEMENT UP OR DOWN EXIT STAIRS HAVE RESULTED IN THE ACKNOWLEDGE-
MENT THAT GREATER WIDTHS ARE NEEDED TO FACILITATE TIMELY EVACUATIONS
WHEREIN OCCUPANTS DO NOT QUEUE EXCESSIVELY AT STAIRS.
OCCUPANCIES SUCH AS GROUP H AND I-2 WHERE SIGNIFICANT HAZARDS MAY

BE PRESENT, OR WHERE OCCUPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE LARGELY IMMOBILE
(OR MOBILITY CHALLENGED) ARE REQUIRED TO EMPLOY EGRESS FACTORS THAT
RESULT IN GREATER WIDTHS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER OR NOT SPRINKLERS AND
A EMERGENCY/VOICE ALARM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ARE PROVIDED.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT REDUCTIONS TO EGRESS WIDTH ARE PREDICATED

UPON THE PRESENCE OF AN EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM AND AN AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM.
7-05 CAPACITY OF MEANS OF EGRESS; 1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION REFERENCES: 1005.3.1; 1005.3.2
EGRESS COMPONENTS | AISLES AND AISLE ACCESSWAYS 7-07
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN ADDITION TO THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AISLES THAT ARE PROVIDED IN

CHAPTER 10, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CHECK ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
PERTAINING TO THESE TYPES OF ELEMENTS. MINIMUM WIDTHS FOR WHEEL-
CHAIRS ARE TYPICALLY REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED IN PUBLIC FACILITIES.
THE METHOD BY WHICH THE CLEAR WIDTH OF AISLES AND AISLE ACCESSWAYS
IS MEASURED DEPENDS ON THE NATURE OF THE ITEMS IN THE SPACE. FOR
EXAMPLE, WHEN MOVABLE CHAIRS AND TABLES ARE PRESENT, THE CLEAR WIDTH
OF THE AISLE IS MEASURED AT A DISTANCE NO LESS THAN 19 INCHES FROM THE
EDGE OF THE TABLE.
AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION WILL TYPICALLY REQUIRE SEATING PLANS

FOR THE PURPOSES OF CHECKING THAT MINIMUM AISLE REQUIREMENTS ARE
MET, TO SET MAXIMUM SEATING CAPACITIES, AND TO DETERMINE WHERE
ACCESSIBLE SEATING IS REQUIRED.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; 7-08 MEASURING AISLE REFERENCES: 1017.1; 1017.2; 1028.10
AND AISLE ACCESSWAY WIDTH
EGRESS COMPONENTS | MEASURING AISLE AND AISLE ACCESSWAY WIDTH 7-08
NOTES & REMINDERS
AISLES ARE TYPICALLY LOCATED WITHIN ROOMS OR SPACES. THE MINIMUM

WIDTH OF AISLES SUBJECT TO PRESCRIPTIVE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO THE
NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS SERVED AS WELL AS TO ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
ARISING FROM LOCAL OR FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, AISLES THAT
HAVE AMENITIES ON BOTH SIDES WILL OFTEN BE REQUIRED TO HAVE A MINIMUM
WIDTH OF 44 INCHES TO SATISFY ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, WHICH IS
GENERALLY GREATER THAN THE MINIMUM WIDTHS THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED
BASED ON THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS SERVED.
AISLES IN ROOMS OR SPACES THAT REQUIRE TWO MEANS OF EGRESS ARE

REQUIRED TO BE ILLUMINATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 1006.3.
THIS INCLUDES EMERGENCY BACK UP POWER FOR THESE LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
AISLES MAY CONSIST OF LEVEL, RAMPED OR STAIR ELEMENTS. EACH OF THESE

IS SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC MINIMUM WIDTH REQUIREMENTS BASED ON CAPACITY
AND THE NATURE OF THE ELEMENT IN QUESTION.
WHEN AN AISLE SERVES MORE THAN 50 OCCUPANTS, THE COMMON PATH OF

TRAVEL IS LIMITED TO 75 FEET.
DETAILED REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO AISLES, CROSS AISLES AND SIMILAR IN

ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES IS PROVIDED IN SECTION 1028. THESE REQUIREMENTS
MAY BE MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THE GENERAL AISLE REQUIREMENTS AND SO
MUST BE CONSULTED FOR GROUP A OCCUPANCIES. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
FOR AISLES IN GROUP B AND M OCCUPANCIES ARE PROVIDED IN IBC SECTIONS
1017.3 AND 1017.4.
7-07 AISLES AND AISLE ACCESSWAYS; 7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR REFERENCES: 1017.1; 1005.3.2; 1028.10
EGRESS COMPONENTS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | DETAILED AISLE WIDTH MEASUREMENT 7-09
NOTES & REMINDERS
SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS WITH THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION AS TO

WHERE SEATING WILL BE PLACED IS CRITICAL TO UNDERSTANDING AISLE
REQUIREMENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, IF THE PLAN INDICATES THAT SEATING IS NOT
PRESENT AT THE END OF TABLES, BUT THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION
BELIEVES THAT THIS CONDITION WILL ARISE BASED ON EXPERIENCE, IT MAY BE
NECESSARY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ROOM AT THE ENDS OF SUCH TABLES.
WHERE FIXED SEATING OR FIXED ELEMENTS SUCH AS PLANTERS OR PONY WALLS

ARE PROVIDED, THE WIDTH OF THE AISLE MAY BE MEASURED TO THE BACK OF
SUCH SEATS (IN THE RECLINED POSITION IF APPLICABLE) OR TO THE FACE OF
SUCH WALLS.
PERMISSIBLE PROJECTIONS (I.E. THOSE PROJECTS THAT ARE WITHIN PRE-

ESTABLISHED HEIGHT AND DEPTH ALLOWANCES) MAY NOT PROJECT INTO
REQUIRED MINIMUM WIDTH OF AISLES IN ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES. THIS IS
DIFFERENT THAN FOR OTHER MEANS OF EGRESS COMPONENTS SUCH AS STAIRS
AND CORRIDORS, WHERE PERMISSIBLE PROJECTIONS MAY PROJECT INTO THE
REQUIRED WIDTH.
7-08 MEASURING AISLE AND AISLE ACCESSWAY WIDTH REFERENCES: 1017.1; 1028.10
EGRESS COMPONENTS | DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-10
NOTES & REMINDERS
DOORS MUST MEET SEVERAL FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING (1)

MINIMUM THREE FOOT WIDTH OF THE DOORWAY, (2) MINIMUM CLEAR WIDTH
OF 32” (ACCOUNTING FOR PROJECTIONS AND THE WIDTH OF THE DOOR), (3)
LEVEL LANDINGS ON EACH SIDE THAT ARE A FUNCTION OF THE APPROACH TO
THE DOOR, (4) STRIKE SIDE AND PUSH SIDE CLEARANCES TO FACILITATE
WHEELCHAIR APPROACHES WHEN OPENING THE DOOR, AND (5) DOOR
SWING WHEN THE OCCUPANT LOAD EXCEEDS SPECIFIC THRESHOLDS.
MANY OF THE CRITICAL SPATIAL REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO DOORS ARE

A FUNCTION OF ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FROM LOCAL AND FEDERAL
REQUIREMENTS. FOR EXAMPLE, LANDING DIMENSIONS MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY
GREATER THAN THE MINIMUM 44 INCH DEPTH REQUIREMENT OUTLINED IN THE
BUILDING CODE IF SIDE APPROACHES FOR WHEELCHAIRS ARE NECESSARY.
DOORS THAT ARE IN FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED ASSEMBLIES ARE REQUIRED TO

MEET NUMEROUS REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS BEING SELF-CLOSING, LISTED
ASSEMBLIES THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE SMOKE TIGHT. LIMITATIONS ON THE
SIZE AND NATURE OF GLAZING IN AND AROUND SUCH DOORS ALSO EXIST.
7-11 DOOR TYPES IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-13 MEASURING DOOR REFERENCES: 1008.1; 1008.1.5
CLEAR WIDTH; 7-17 PUSH AND PULL SIDE CLEARANCE AT DOORS;
7-18 DOORS IN SERIES; 7-19 MAXIMUM DOOR OPENING FORCE
EGRESS COMPONENTS | DOOR TYPES IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-11
NOTES & REMINDERS
DOORS HAVING LEAFS GREATER THAN 48 INCHES MAY BE PERMISSIBLE IF IT CAN

BE DEMONSTRATED THAT THESE DOORS ARE (1) NOT MEANS OF EGRESS DOORS,
OR (2) THAT THE DOOR OPENING FORCE REQUIRED TO SET THE DOOR IN
MOTION IS LESS THAN 15 POUNDS. ANY SUCH ALLOWANCES ARE SUBJECT
TO SPECIFIC APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
SOME DOORS SUCH AS REVOLVING DOORS MAY BE PERMISSIBLE AS MEANS

OF EGRESS DOORS, BUT THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF
INGRESS OR EGRESS (I.E. A WHEELCHAIR USER COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO
SUCCESSFULLY USE THE DOOR). IF IT IS DESIRED TO USE A REVOLVING DOOR
AT AN ACCESSIBLE ENTRANCE, A SIDE-HINGED SWINGING, PIVOT
DOOR OR SLIDING DOOR WOULD GENERALLY HAVE TO BE PLACED ADJACENT
TO THE REVOLVING DOOR.
MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM WIDTHS DO NOT APPLY TO DOOR OPENINGS THAT

ARE NOT PART OF THE MEANS OF EGRESS IN R-2 AND R-3 OCCUPANCIES.
DOOR OPENINGS IN SLEEPING UNITS IN I-3 OCCUPANCIES MAY HAVE A CLEAR
WIDTH OF 28 INCHES.
DOORS DO NOT HAVE TO BE PIVOTED OR SIDE-HINGED TYPE IN PRIVATE

GARAGES, OFFICE AREAS, FACTORY OR STORAGE AREAS HAVING AN
OCCUPANT LOAD OF 10 OR LESS. ALTERNATIVE DOOR TYPES ARE ALSO
PERMISSIBLE IN GROUP I-3 OCCUPANCIES USED AS A PLACE OF DETENTION
AND IN INTENSIVE CARE PATIENT ROOMS.
REVOLVING, HORIZONTAL SLIDING, AND POWER OPERATED DOORS MAY BE

USED IN OTHER THAN GROUP H OCCUPANCIES. MANUALLY OPERATED
HORIZONTAL SLIDING DOORS MAY BE USED IN OTHER THAN GROUP H
OCCUPANCIES FROM SPACES WITH AN OCCUPANT LOAD OF 10 OR LESS.
7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-12 REVOLVING DOORS IN REFERENCES: 1008.1.2; 1008.1.4
MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-14 SWING DIRECTION FOR DOORS IN MEANS
OF EGRESS; 7-19 MAXIMUM DOOR OPENING FORCE
EGRESS COMPONENTS | REVOLVING DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-12
NOTES & REMINDERS
DISPERSAL AREAS ARE REQUIRED BETWEEN REVOLVING DOORS AND STAIRS DUE
TO THE CONTINUOUS FLOWING NATURE OF OCCUPANTS USING THESE DOORS.
OCCUPANTS NEAR THE STAIR COULD BE PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS
IF ADEQUATE DISPERSAL AREA IS NOT PROVIDED.
REVOLVING DOOR SPEEDS ARE REGULATED IN IBC SECTION 1008.1.4.1,

VARYING DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE DOOR IS POWER-DRIVEN, OR MANUAL.
MAXIMUM SPEEDS ARE ALSO A FUNCTION OF THE INSIDE DIAMETER OF THE
REVOLVING DOOR.
REVOLVING DOORS MAY NOT BE PART OF AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE REQUIRED

BY IBC SECTION 1007 OR LOCAL OR FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY CODES.
7-11 DOOR TYPES IN MEANS OF EGRESS REFERENCES: 1008.1.4; 1008.1.4.1.1
EGRESS COMPONENTS | MEASURING DOOR CLEAR WIDTH 7-13
NOTES & REMINDERS
MEASUREMENT OF THE CLEAR WIDTH AT A DOOR OPENING MUST CONSIDER

THE THICKNESS OF THE DOOR ITSELF. CONSIDERATION OF PANIC HARDWARE
AND OTHER DOOR HARDWARE IS NOT REQUIRED SO LONG AS THE HARDWARE
PROJECTS A MAXIMUM OF 4 INCHES AT A HEIGHT OF 34 TO 80 INCHES ABOVE
THE FLOOR.
THE CLEAR WIDTH OF A DOOR IS MEASURED WITH THE DOOR OPEN AT 90

DEGREES FROM THE FACE OF THE OPENING (I.E. AT A RIGHT ANGLE TO THE
OPENING). THE DIMENSION IS TAKEN FROM THE FACE OF THE DOOR TO THE
DOOR FRAME ON THE STRIKE SIDE OF THE DOOR OPENING.
DOUBLE DOORS WHERE EACH DOOR LEAF BY ITSELF IS LESS THAN 32 INCHES
(BUT WHERE THE SUM WIDTH PROVIDED BY THE DOORS EXCEEDS 32 INCHES)
REPRESENTS A NON-COMPLIANT CONDITION. AT LEAST ONE OF THE TWO LEAFS
ON A DOUBLE DOOR MUST PROVIDE AT LEAST 32 INCHES OF CLEAR WIDTH TO
SATISFY EGRESS AND ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR REFERENCES: 1008.1.1; ICC A117.1 404.2.3
EGRESS COMPONENTS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | SWING DIRECTION FOR DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-14
NOTES & REMINDERS
SPECIAL CARE MUST BE GIVEN TO DOORS THAT OPEN FROM ROOMS INTO
CORRIDORS SUCH THAT THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF THE CORRIDOR IS NOT
REDUCED BY MORE THAN ONE HALF DURING THE COURSE OF THE SWING OF
THE DOOR. IN SOME CASES, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CREATE AN ALCOVE,
OR WIDEN THE CORRIDOR.
ONE OF THE MOST COMMON ISSUES THAT IS DISCOVERED AFTER DOORS HAVE
BEEN INSTALLED IS THAT THE DOOR OPENING FORCES REQUIRED TO SET THE
DOOR LEAF IN MOTION ARE IN EXCESS OF THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE DOOR
OPENING FORCES. THIS MAY OCCUR BECAUSE OF POORLY ADJUSTED DOOR
CLOSERS, OR DUE TO PRESSURE DIFFERENTIALS THAT EXIST ACROSS THE DOOR
THRESHOLD AS A RESULT OF HVAC OR SMOKE CONTROL SYSTEMS.
DUE TO POTENTIAL HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRICAL SHOCK AND FIRE

AS WELL AS TOXIC GASES, DOORS SERVING SOME ELECTRICAL ROOMS AND
SOME REFRIGERATION MACHINERY ROOMS MUST SWING OUT FROM THE ROOM
SUCH THAT OCCUPANT EVACUATION IN AN EMERGENCY IS FACILITATED.

7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; REFERENCES: 1008.1.2
7-15 PANIC HARDWARE; 7-19 MAXIMUM DOOR OPENING FORCE
EGRESS COMPONENTS | PANIC HARDWARE 7-15
NOTES & REMINDERS
PANIC HARDWARE IS NOT REQUIRED BY DEFAULT IN ALL OCCUPANCIES SIMPLY

BECAUSE THE OCCUPANT LOAD IS 50 OR MORE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT
IBC SECTION 1008.1.10 LIMITS THE MANDATORY USE OF PANIC HARDWARE TO
GROUPS A, E AND H OCCUPANCIES AND SOME INCIDENTAL HAZARDOUS USES.
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS MAY BE MORE STRINGENT.
ONCE PANIC HARDWARE HAS BEEN PROVIDED AT DOOR ASSEMBLIES DUE TO A

PARTICULAR HAZARD OR THE NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS AND THE OCCUPANCY
USE GROUP, SUBSEQUENT DOOR ASSEMBLIES SERVING THOSE OCCUPANTS
MUST BE PROVIDED WITH PANIC HARDWARE UNTIL SUCH TIME THAT OCCUPANTS
REACH THE EXIT DISCHARGE OR PUBLIC WAY.
SOME PANIC HARDWARE IS NOT FIRE EXIT HARDWARE. FIRE EXIT HARDWARE IS
PANIC HARDWARE THAT IS LISTED FOR USE IN A FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED WALL
ASSEMBLY (AS A FIRE RATED DOOR ASSEMBLY).
7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 4-00 DESIGN OCCUPANT LOAD; REFERENCES: 202; 1008.1.10
7-14 SWING DIRECTION FOR DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS;
7-16 PANIC HARDWARE DETAILS; 7-19 MAXIMUM DOOR OPENING
FORCE
EGRESS COMPONENTS | PANIC HARDWARE DETAILS 7-16
NOTES & REMINDERS
PANIC HARDWARE IS REQUIRED TO BE LISTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH UL 305,

UL 10C (IF ALSO FIRE EXIT HARDWARE), THE ACTUATING PORTION OF THE RE-
LEASING DEVICE MUST EXTEND AT LEAST ONE-HALF OF THE DOOR LEAF WIDTH,
AND THE MAXIMUM UNLATCHING FORCE MAY NOT EXCEED 15 POUNDS.
MORE RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO PANIC HARDWARE UNLATCHING

FORCE MAY EXIST DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OF THE DOOR DUE TO
ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
7-15 PANIC HARDWARE REFERENCES: 1008.1.10; 1008.1.10.1
EGRESS COMPONENTS | PUSH AND PULL SIDE CLEARANCE AT DOORS 7-17
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE INTENT OF THE MANEUVERING CLEARANCE AREA ON THE PUSH AND PULL
SIDE OF DOORS IS TO PERMIT A WHEELCHAIR USER TO ROLL UP TO THE DOOR,
ACTIVATE THE HARDWARE, AND PUSH OR PULL THE DOOR OPEN. SUCH USERS
TYPICALLY NEED MORE STRIKE SIDE CLEARANCE AND A GREATER CLEAR SPACE
(MINIMUM DEPTH OF 60 INCHES) WHEN THEY ARE REQUIRED TO PULL THE DOOR
TOWARDS THEM. WHEN SIDE APPROACHES ARE NECESSARY, THE STRIKE SIDE
CLEARANCES AND LANDING CLEAR AREAS MUST BE EVEN LARGER ACCORD-
ING TO LOCAL AND FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
IN NARROW CORRIDORS WHERE THE DOORS FROM THE ROOMS SERVED BY

THE CORRIDOR SWING OUT INTO THE CORRIDOR, MAKE SURE THAT THE DEPTH
OF THE LANDING AT THE DOORS IS ADEQUATE. FOR EXAMPLE, A 60 INCH
LANDING DEPTH AT THE DOOR MAY BE REQUIRED IN A 44 INCH CORRIDOR,
THUS NECESSITATING AN ALCOVE.
SLIDING DOOR ASSEMBLIES MAY GENERALLY BE APPROACHED IN A MANNER

SIMILAR TO A PUSH SIDE HINGED DOOR DUE TO THE MINIMAL MANEUVERING
REQUIREMENT.
FOR MORE RESTRICTIVE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO SIDE APPROACH, REFER

TO LOCAL AND FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; REFERENCES: ICC A117.1 404.2
7-14 SWING DIRECTION FOR DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | DOORS IN SERIES 7-18
NOTES & REMINDERS
DOORS IN SERIES MUST BE SEPARATED BY ADEQUATE SPACE FOR A WHEELCHAIR

USER TO RESIDE WITHOUT BEING INTERSECTED BY THE DOOR SWING (I.E. AT LEAST
48 INCHES). FURTHERMORE, TURNING CIRCLES ARE REQUIRED TO ALLOW THE
WHEELCHAIR USER TO COMPLETELY TURN AROUND WITHIN THE SPACE CREATED
BY THE DOORS IN SERIES.
THE 60 INCH DIMENSION IS GENERALLY ALLOWED TO BE MEASURED FROM FACE

OF DOOR TO FACE OF THE OPPOSING DOOR.
ACCESSIBILITY CODES GENERALLY PERMIT AN OVERLAP OF UP TO 12 INCHES

BETWEEN THE TURNING CIRCLE AND A DOOR SWING.
THE MINIMUM DIMENSIONS DESCRIBED HERE ARE NOT APPLICABLE WHEN THE
DOORS ARE RECESSED IN THICKER WALLS AS ADDITIONAL PUSH OR PULL SIDE
CLEARANCE MAY BE NECESSARY.
REVIEW ALL DOORS IN SERIES USED AS EGRESS COMPONENTS TO MAKE SURE

THAT REQUIREMENTS FOR DOOR SWING DIRECTION THAT MAY SUPERSEDE THESE
PERMISSIBLE ARRANGEMENTS ARE MET.
7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-14 SWING DIRECTION FOR REFERENCES: 1008.1.8; ICC A117.1 404.2.5
DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | MAXIMUM DOOR OPENING FORCE 7-19
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE DOOR OPENING FORCES ARE PERMITTED TO BE GREATER AT FIRE DOORS

DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF DOOR CLOSING MECHANISMS (I.E. HYDRAULIC OR
SPRING ACTIVATED DOOR CLOSERS). SUCH MECHANISMS TYPICALLY PROVIDE
3-10 LBS OF FORCE TO FACILITATE SELF-CLOSING OF THE DOOR WHEN IT IS PART
OF A FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED ASSEMBLY.
TWO TYPES OF MEASUREMENTS ARE TAKEN WHEN MEASURING DOOR OPENING

FORCE: (1) UNLATCHING FORCE, AND (2) FORCE REQUIRED TO SET THE DOOR
IN MOTION. ONCE THE DOOR IS IN MOTION, THE FORCE IS LESS THAN THE
FORCE REQUIRED TO SET THE DOOR IN MOTION.
FORCES ARE REQUIRED TO BE APPLIED TO THE LATCH SIDE OF THE DOOR (WHEN
MEASURED).
THE FORCE REQUIRED TO SET A POWER-OPERATED DOOR LEAF IN MOTION

MANUALLY MAY NOT EXCEED 50 POUNDS. THE FORCE REQUIRED TO OPERATE
A HORIZONTAL SLIDING DOOR TO SET THE DOOR IN MOTION MAY NOT EXCEED
30 POUNDS AND 15 POUNDS TO CLOSE THE DOOR OR OPEN IT TO THE MINIMUM
REQUIRED WIDTH.
7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; REFERENCES: 1008.1.3

7-11 DOOR TYPES IN MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | CORRIDORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-20
NOTES & REMINDERS
CORRIDOR CAPACITY MAY BE INCREASED IN BUILDINGS EQUIPPED THROUGH-

OUT WITH AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH IBC SECTIONS 903.3.1.1 OR 903.3.1.2 AND AN EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM
COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTION 907.5.2.2
(USING A CAPACITY FACTOR OF 0.15 INCHES PER OCCUPANT).
DOORS MAY NOT SWING INTO THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF A CORRIDOR SUCH
THAT THEY BOCK MORE THAN ONE HALF OF THE REQUIRED WIDTH AT ANY POINT
OF THE DOOR SWING. WHEN FULLY OPEN, DOORS MAY NOT PROJECT MORE
THAN 7 INCHES INTO THE REQUIRED WIDTH.
CORRIDORS SERVING OCCUPANCIES WHERE PEOPLE MAY BE IMMOBILE

OR MOBILITY IMPAIRED ARE GENERALLY REQUIRED TO BE WIDER TO
ACCOMMODATE WHEELCHAIRS AND/OR GURNEYS.
FOR CORRIDORS GREATER THAN 200 FEET, ADDITIONAL WIDTH MAY BE RE-
QUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL OR FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS
IN ORDER TO ALLOW WHEELCHAIRS TO PASS ONE ANOTHER. ALTERNATIVE
APPROACHES INCLUDE ALCOVES AND T-JUNCTIONS.
3-27 EXIT ACCESS CORRIDOR; 7-21 FACTORS INFORMING CORRIDOR WIDTH; REFERENCES: 1018.2
7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR EGRESS COMPONENTS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | FACTORS INFORMING CORRIDOR WIDTH 7-21
NOTES & REMINDERS
CORRIDOR WIDTH IS IMPACTED BY NUMEROUS TYPES OF HORIZONTAL PROJEC-

TIONS. THIS INCLUDES PROJECTIONS BY STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS, FIXTURES AND
FURNISHINGS OVER 4 INCHES INTO THE CORRIDOR, PROJECTIONS BY HAND-
RAILS OVER 4.5”, AND PROJECTIONS BY NONSTRUCTURAL PROJECTIONS AND
DECORATIONS OVER 1.5” AS WELL AS DOORS OPENING INTO THE CORRIDOR.
THE DESIGNER SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN DESIGNING CORRIDORS USING

MINIMUM WIDTHS (I.E. 36 OR 44 INCHES) DUE TO THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS THAT
MIGHT ENCROACH ON THOSE WIDTHS, EFFECTIVELY REDUCING THE WIDTHS
FURTHER.
CORRIDORS MUST BE WIDE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE PASSING WHEEL-

CHAIRS (I.E. 60 INCHES VS 44 INCHES) WHEN THE CORRIDOR HAS A LENGTH
OF MORE THAN 200 FEET. ALTERNATIVELY, T-JUNCTIONS OR ALCOVES MAY BE
CREATED TO ALLOW WHEELCHAIRS TO PASS AND TURN AROUND WITHIN THE
CORRIDOR.
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 7-20 CORRIDORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; REFERENCES: 1003.3.3; 1018.2; 1005.3.2; 1005.7
7-22 PROJECTIONS INTO CORRIDORS;
7-23 DOORSWING PROJECTIONS INTO CORRIDORS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | PROJECTIONS INTO CORRIDORS 7-22
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE HEIGHT RANGE OF 27 TO 80 INCHES CORRESPONDS TO THE RANGE THAT

A VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSON CAN DETECT OBJECTS IN THE WALKING PATH
USING THE SWEEP OF A CANE.
MINIMUM HEADROOM IN ROOMS AND OTHER AREAS THAT ARE NOT PART OF
THE MEANS OF EGRESS IS FREQUENTLY ALLOWED TO BE REDUCED TO 80 INCHES.
WITHIN THE MEANS OF EGRESS, ONLY THE TRANSOMS ABOVE DOORS OR ELE-
MENTS THAT ARE LESS THAN 50% OF THE AREA OF THE CORRIDOR CAN PROJECT
INTO THE CLEAR HEIGHT (OF 90 INCHES).
7-20 CORRIDORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-23 DOORS SWING PROJECTIONS REFERENCES: 1003.3; 1005.7
INTO CORRIDORS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | DOOR SWING PROJECTIONS INTO CORRIDORS 7-23
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN DETERMINING WHETHER A DOOR IN THE FULLY OPEN POSITION

ENCROACHES INTO THE REQUIRED WIDTH BY MORE THAN 7 INCHES, THE
MEASUREMENT IS TAKEN FROM THE OUTER FACE OF THE DOOR LEAF TO THE
WALL BEHIND. CONSIDERATION OF DOOR HARDWARE IS NOT REQUIRED IF
THE DOOR HARDWARE IS INSTALLED 34-48 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND THAT THE BASIS OF ALL DOOR ENCROACH-

MENT REQUIREMENTS IS “MINIMUM REQUIRED WIDTH”, AND NOT “PROVIDED
WIDTH”. OFTEN THE PROVIDED WIDTH EXCEEDS THE MINIMUM REQUIRED WIDTH,
AND THUS THE ACTUAL ALLOWABLE ENCROACHMENT INTO THE CORRIDOR IS
EFFECTIVELY LARGER.
ELEMENTS ABOVE 80 INCHES MAY GENERALLY ENCROACH INTO THE REQUIRED

WIDTH AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT. DOOR STOPS AND CLOSERS MAY ENCROACH
INTO THE REQUIRED WIDTH IF INSTALLED AT LEAST 78 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR.
7-22 PROJECTIONS INTO CORRIDORS REFERENCES: 1005.7.1
EGRESS COMPONENTS | STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-24
NOTES & REMINDERS
IT IS IMPORTANT TO USE THE CLEAR WIDTH OF A DOOR WHEN CALCULATING

THE CAPACITY. COMMONLY, AT LEAST TWO INCHES ARE SUBTRACTED FROM
THE ACTUAL DOOR LEAF WIDTH TO ACCOUNT FOR THE THICKNESS OF A
STANDARD DOOR. CLEAR WIDTH IS NOT AFFECTED BY CODE COMPLIANT
DOOR HARDWARE USUALLY. AS SUCH, A 36 INCH DOOR WOULD HAVE
A 34 INCH CLEAR WIDTH.
A STANDARD 36 INCH DOOR CAN ACCOMMODATE 170 OCCUPANTS WHEN

THE CLEAR WIDTH OF 34 INCHES IS USED (ASSUMES NON-SPRINKLERED
CAPACITY FACTOR OF 0.2”/OCCUPANT). A STANDARD 44 INCH STAIR MAY
USE THE ENTIRE WIDTH AS LONG AS HANDRAIL PROJECTIONS AND SIMILAR
ARE WITHIN THE ALLOWABLE PROJECTION LIMITATIONS OF 4.5 INCHES.
SUCH A STAIR COULD ACCOMMODATE 146 OCCUPANTS (ASSUMES
NON SPRINKLERED CAPACITY FACTOR OF 0.3”/OCCUPANT).
IN BUILDINGS EQUIPPED THROUGHOUT WITH AN AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM

INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH IBC SECTIONS 903.3.1.1 OR 903.3.1.2 AND AN
EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH
IBC SECTION 907.5.2.2, A STANDARD 36 INCH DOOR CAN ACCOMMODATE 226
OCCUPANTS WHEN THE CLEAR WIDTH OF 34 INCHES IS USED (ASSUMES SPRIN-
KLERED CAPACITY FACTOR OF 0.15”/OCCUPANT). A STANDARD 44 INCH STAIR
MAY USE THE ENTIRE WIDTH AS LONG AS HANDRAIL PROJECTIONS AND SIMILAR
ARE WITHIN THE ALLOWABLE PROJECTION LIMITATIONS OF 4.5 INCHES. SUCH A
STAIR COULD ACCOMMODATE 220 OCCUPANTS (ASSUMES SPRINKLERED
CAPACITY FACTOR OF 0.2”/OCCUPANT).
3-17 EXIT STAIRWAY OPTIONS; 7-27 STAIRWAY WIDTH AND HEADROOM; REFERENCES: 1009.2; 1009.3; 1026.2
7-29 STAIRWAY CAPACITY WITH DOORS; 7-30 STAIR TREAD AND RISER DIMENSIONS;
7-31 STAIRWAY LANDINGS AND MAXIMUM RISE BETWEEN LANDINGS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | CURVED STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-25
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE CODE HAS GENERALLY DISCOURAGED STAIR DESIGNS WHERE IT IS LIKELY

THAT OCCUPANTS WILL SLIP OFF OF THE EDGE OF THE TREAD. EVEN THOUGH
CURVED STAIRS ARE CHARACTERIZED BY TREAD DEPTHS LESS THAN 11 INCHES
AT POINTS (WHICH IS THE REQUIREMENT FOR RECTANGULAR TREADS), THE ENTIRE
WIDTH OF A PROPERLY DESIGNED CURVED STAIR TREAD MAY BE USED IN
CALCULATING THE REQUIRED WIDTH.
A COMMON MISTAKE THAT DESIGNERS MAKE WITH RESPECT TO WINDER STAIR

DESIGN IS TO MAKE THE MINIMUM INTERIOR RADIUS OF THE STAIR TOO SMALL.
THE MINIMUM INTERIOR RADIUS AS MEASURED TO THE EDGE OF THE STAIR
TREADS IS REQUIRED TO BE TWICE THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF THE STAIR.
IN CONTRAST TO WINDER STAIRS (CURVED STAIRS), SPIRAL STAIRS ARE

PERMITTED TO BE USED IN ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS
INVOLVING LOW OCCUPANT LOADS AND SPECIFIC OCCUPANCIES.
RADIUS RESTRICTIONS FOR WINDER TREADS IN CURVED STAIRS DO NOT

APPLY IN INDIVIDUAL DWELLING UNITS OF R-2 OCCUPANCIES AND IN R-3
OCCUPANCIES.
7-24 STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-26 SPIRAL STAIRWAYS IN REFERENCES: 1009.11; 1009.7
MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | SPIRAL STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-26
NOTES & REMINDERS
A COMMON DESIGN ERROR ENTAILS THE USE OF SPIRAL STAIRS TO SERVE

MEZZANINES THAT ARE MORE THAN 250 SQUARE FEET OR HAVE MORE THAN
FIVE OCCUPANTS. EVEN IN EXISTING BUILDINGS, IF SUCH SPACES ARE ALTERED,
CONSIDERATION MUST BE GIVEN TO WHETHER THE USE OF A SPIRAL STAIR WILL
BE ACCEPTABLE.
SPIRAL STAIRS ARE CHARACTERIZED BY NON-STANDARD DIMENSIONS, WHICH

ARE PERMISSIBLE BECAUSE IT IS ASSUMED THAT ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF
OCCUPANTS WILL USE SUCH A STAIR ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS, AND WHEN
USED, OCCUPANTS WILL GENERALLY BE FAMILIAR WITH HOW TO TRAVERSE THE
STAIR.
REDUCED HEADROOM IS ALLOWED DUE TO THE REDUCED SPEED WITH WHICH

OCCUPANTS WOULD BE EXPECTED TO BE TRAVERSING A SPIRAL STAIR.
7-24 STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-25 CURVED STAIRWAYS IN REFERENCES: 1009.12

MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | STAIRWAY WIDTH AND HEADROOM 7-27
NOTES & REMINDERS
WITHIN THE MEANS OF EGRESS SERVING NORMALLY OCCUPIED AREAS OF A

BUILDING, SPIRAL STAIRS ARE ARGUABLY THE LEAST SAFE TYPE OF STAIRWAY
OWING TO THE STEEP INCLINES AND NARROW TREAD CONFIGURATIONS.
TRIPPING HAZARDS ON SUCH STAIRS MAY BE GREATER, AND THUS THE USE OF
THESE TYPES OF STAIRS NEEDS TO BE CAREFULLY WEIGHED AGAINST THE TOTAL
OCCUPANT LOAD USING THE STAIR AND THE TYPE OF OCCUPANTS THAT WILL
BE EXPECTED TO TRAVERSE SUCH STAIRS.
THE PERMISSIBLE USE OF A SPIRAL STAIR HINGES ON HAVING A SPACE THAT IS

LESS THAN 250 SQUARE FEET, AND HAVING AN OCCUPANT LOAD OF LESS THAN
5. THIS EFFECTIVELY PRECLUDES ASSEMBLY USES, AND LARGER ADMINISTRATIVE
OFFICE COMPONENTS FROM BEING SERVED BY SPIRAL STAIRS.
HEADROOM ON SPIRAL STAIRS IS PERMITTED TO BE REDUCED. OCCUPANTS

TRAVERSING SUCH STAIRS WOULD BE EXPECTED TO BE MOVING MORE SLOWLY
AS A FUNCTION OF THE STAIR DESIGN, AND HENCE THE REDUCED HEADROOM
(78 INCHES VERSUS 80 INCHES IN A TYPICAL STRAIGHT OR WINDER STAIR) HAS
NOT BEEN OBSERVED TO BE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO TRIP AND FALL
ACCIDENTS ON SUCH STAIRS.
NOTE THAT SOME JURISDICTIONS MAY INTERPRET THE REQUIREMENT THAT

OCCUPANTS BE WITHIN 30 INCHES OF THE HANDRAIL TO MEAN THE POINT
AT WHICH THE HANDRAIL ATTACHES TO THE WALL.
THE WIDTH OF AN EXIT STAIR IS TYPICALLY MEASURED FROM WALL TO WALL, OR

IF NO WALLS ARE PRESENT, FROM OUTSIDE FACE OF STRINGER TO OUTSIDE FACE
OF STRINGER. BECAUSE OF THEIR PRESENCE NEAR THE MIDDLE OF THE BODY,
HANDRAILS THAT PROJECT LESS THAN 4.5 INCHES INTO THE REQUIRED WIDTH
WILL NOT REDUCE THAT WIDTH.
7-24 STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-06 CAPACITY FACTORS FOR EGRESS REFERENCES: 1009.4; 1009.5; 1012.8
COMPONENTS; 7-28 DETAILED STAIRWAY WIDTH MEASUREMENT
EGRESS COMPONENTS | DETAILED STAIRWAY WIDTH MEASUREMENT 7-28
NOTES & REMINDERS
INCLUSION OF THE STRINGER WITHIN THE MEASUREMENT OF CLEAR WIDTH IS

SUBJECT TO INTERPRETATION, AND SO CONCURRENCE THAT ELEMENTS SUCH AS
STRINGERS DO NOT DECREASE THE CLEAR WIDTH MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE
THE WIDTH OF A STRINGER IS GENERALLY NOT SUBTRACTED FROM THE CLEAR

WIDTH OF A STAIR BECAUSE THE EGRESS WIDTH THAT OCCUPANTS REQUIRE
AT THE HEIGHT OF THE STRINGER (WHERE PEOPLE’S FEET ARE LOCATED) IS LESS
THAN THE WIDTH THAT IS REQUIRED AT ELEVATIONS BETWEEN 38 AND 80 INCHES,
WHERE PEOPLE’S BODIES ARE WIDER.
THE ALLOWANCE OF PROJECTIONS IN THE CLEAR WIDTH IS PREDICATED UPON

THE PROJECTIONS MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CODE PERTAINING TO
THEIR DIMENSIONS AND LOCATIONS.
AN EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE

WITH IBC SECTION 907.5.2.2 IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
REDUCED CAPACITY FACTORS FOR STAIRWAYS.
7-27 STAIRWAY WIDTH AND HEADROOM; REFERENCES: 1009.4, 1005.7; 1012.8

7-34 INTERMEDIATE HANDRAILS FOR STAIRWAYS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | STAIRWAY CAPACITY WITH DOORS 7-29
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF EXIT STAIRWAYS MAY NOT DECREASE AS ONE

TRAVERSES THE EXIT STAIRWAY TOWARDS THE LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE.
THE APPROACH OF HOW TO MEASURE STAIR WIDTH IS SUBJECT TO

INTERPRETATION. TYPICALLY, THE WIDTH OF CODE COMPLIANT STRINGERS,
HANDRAILS AND SIMILAR ELEMENTS IS NOT CONSIDERED TO DIMINISH THE
USABLE WIDTH OF THE STAIR, AND HENCE THE WIDTH OF SUCH ELEMENTS
ARE NOT NECESSARILY SUBTRACTED FROM THE STAIR WIDTH EVEN THOUGH
THEY ACTUALLY DIMINISH THE WIDTH OF THE TREAD.
7-27 STAIRWAY WIDTH AND HEADROOM REFERENCES: 1005.2; 1005.3.1; 1005.3.2
EGRESS COMPONENTS | STAIR TREAD AND RISER DIMENSIONS 7-30
NOTES & REMINDERS
ALTHOUGH THE MINIMUM DEPTH OF A TREAD IS 11 INCHES, THE CODE DOES

NOT EXPLICITLY PROVIDE A MAXIMUM DEPTH. AT THE DEPTH OF A LANDING OF
44 INCHES, HOWEVER, THE STAIR IS NO LONGER CONSIDERED A CONVENTIONAL
STAIR AND MAY ALTERNATIVELY BE CONSIDERED A SERIES OF STEPS. THE
NATURE OF OCCUPANT MOVEMENT ON SUCH ELEMENTS IS SOMEWHAT
DIFFERENT OWING TO THE LANDINGS THAT ARE CREATED AT EVERY STEP, AND
IS TYPICALLY VIEWED AS A SAFER CONDITION. SUCH INTERPRETATIONS ARE
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
UNIFORMITY BETWEEN STAIR RISERS MUST BE OBSERVED, THOUGH SOME AD

JUSTMENTS (WITHIN THE 3/8” TOLERANCE) MAY BE MADE TO ACHIEVE FLOOR-
TO-FLOOR CONNECTIONS. IN GENERAL, MAINTAINING ABSOLUTE UNIFORMITY
IS BETTER BECAUSE SUCH CONSISTENCY IS GENERALLY ASSOCIATED WITH FEWER
TRIPPING ACCIDENTS.
STAIRWAYS TO EQUIPMENT AND UNOCCUPIED ROOFS (NOT USED AS A MEANS

OF EGRESS) WILL TYPICALLY BE REQUIRED TO MEET THE DIMENSIONAL CRITERIA
FOR EGRESS STAIRWAYS.
OPEN RISER STAIRS ARE GENERALLY NOT PERMITTED IN ANY BUILDING OR

PORTION THEREOF THAT IS REQUIRED TO BE ACCESSIBLE.
7-24 STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-31 STAIRWAY LANDINGS REFERENCES: IBC 1009.7.2 and 1009.7.3; ICC A117.1 504.3
AND MAXIMUM RISE BETWEEN LANDINGS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | STAIRWAY LANDINGS AND MAXIMUM RISE BETWEEN LANDINGS 7-31
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE LANDING WIDTH AND DEPTH IS GENERALLY REQUIRED TO BE EQUAL TO THE

WIDTH OF THE STAIRS USING THE LANDING. HOWEVER, SPACE THAT IS OUTSIDE
OF THE ARC CREATED BY EXTENDING THE RADIUS THAT IS EQUAL TO THE WIDTH
OF THE STAIR (FORMING A QUARTER CIRCLE AT THE LANDING) MAY BE USED TO
HOUSE SUCH ELEMENTS AS FIRE SPRINKLER AND STANDPIPE LINES.
STRAIGHT RUN STAIR LANDINGS NEED NOT EXCEED 48 INCHES EVEN WHEN THE
WIDTH OF THE STAIR EXCEEDS 48 INCHES. SUCH LANDINGS PROVIDE RESTING
AREAS FOR OCCUPANTS TRAVERSING THE STAIRS (IN THE UPWARD AND
DOWNWARD DIRECTIONS).
IN CONTRAST TO STRAIGHT RUN STAIR LANDINGS, 90 DEGREE STAIR LANDINGS

AND SIMILAR MUST HAVE A DEPTH EQUAL TO THE WIDTH OF THE STAIR SERVED.
WHEN TWO STAIRS OF UNEQUAL WIDTHS CONVERGE AT SUCH A LANDING, THE
WIDTH OF THE LARGEST STAIR MUST BE USED TO ENSURE PROPER OCCUPANT
FLOW.
7-24 STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-37 STAIRWAY LANDINGS REFERENCES: IBC 1009.8; 1009.10; ICC A117.1 504
WITH DOORS; 7-43 REQUIRED LANDINGS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | STAIRWAY LANDINGS WITH DOORS 7-32
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN A SIMILAR FASHION AS WITH CORRIDORS, DOORS OPENING INTO STAIR

LANDINGS MAY NOT RESTRICT THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF THE LANDING BY MORE
THAN 1/2 AT ANY POINT ALONG THE SWING OF THE DOOR, AND SUCH DOORS
MAY NOT PROJECT INTO THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF THE LANDING BY MORE THAN
7 INCHES WHEN THE DOOR IS FULLY OPEN.
EXTRA CARE MUST BE TAKEN WHEN DOUBLE DOORS ARE USED TO ACCESS
STAIRS, AS THE DEPTH OF THE LANDING MUST BE EQUAL TO THE TOTAL WIDTH
OF THE DOORWAY.
WHEN AREAS OF REFUGE ARE PRESENT, SUCH AREAS PROVIDED FOR

WHEELCHAIRS MUST BE COMPLETELY OUTSIDE OF THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF
THE STAIRS AND THE LANDING, EFFECTIVELY MANDATING ENLARGEMENT OF
THE LANDING. IT IS NOTABLE THAT AREAS OF REFUGE ARE GENERALLY NOT
REQUIRED IN STAIRS THAT ARE WITHIN FULLY SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS.
7-31 STAIRWAY LANDINGS AND MAXIMUM RISE BETWEEN LANDINGS; REFERENCES: 1009.8
7-43 REQUIRED LANDINGS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | STAIRWAY GUARDS AND HANDRAILS 7-33
NOTES & REMINDERS
OPEN STAIRS REQUIRE HANDRAILS AND GUARDS. SUCH ASSEMBLIES MUST BE

SEPARATE. REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO MAXIMUM OPENING SIZE IN GUARDS
ALSO APPLY.
HANDRAILS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN TO A WALL, GUARD OR THE WALKING

SURFACE OR THEY MUST BE CONTINUOUS TO THE HANDRAIL OF AN ADJACENT
STAIR FLIGHT.
HANDRAIL GRIPPING SURFACES ARE REQUIRED TO BE CONTINUOUS WITHOUT

INTERRUPTION BY NEWEL POSTS OR SIMILAR EXCEPT WITHIN DWELLING UNITS
AT A TURN OR LANDING. OTHER EXCEPTIONS EXIST IN 1012.4 RELATED TO
BRACKETS OR BALUSTERS.
WHEN HANDRAIL FITTINGS OR BENDINGS ARE USED TO PROVIDE CONTINUOUS

TRANSITION BETWEEN FLIGHTS, THE FITTINGS OR BENDINGS MAY EXCEED THE
MAXIMUM HEIGHT. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS EXIST WITHIN RESIDENTIAL
OCCUPANCIES AS PROVIDED IN 1012.2.
7-24 STAIRWAYS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-27 STAIRWAY WIDTH AND REFERENCES: 1013.2; 1012.1
HEADROOM; 7-34 INTERMEDIATE HANDRAILS FOR STAIRWAYS;
7-40 GUARD DIMENSIONS; 7-41 HANDRAIL DIMENSIONS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | INTERMEDIATE HANDRAILS FOR STAIRWAYS 7-34
NOTES & REMINDERS
PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THE CODE ALLOWED UP TO 44 INCHES BETWEEN THE

CENTERLINE OF THE STAIR AND HANDRAILS. THIS REQUIREMENT WAS MADE
MORE RESTRICTIVE SUCH THAT STAIRWAYS MUST HAVE INTERMEDIATE HAND-
RAILS LOCATED SUCH THAT ALL PORTIONS OF THE STAIRWAY WIDTH REQUIRED
FOR EGRESS CAPACITY ARE WITHIN 30 INCHES OF A HANDRAIL.
WHEN MONUMENTAL STAIRS ARE USED, HANDRAILS MUST BE PLACED ALONG

THE MOST DIRECT PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL. THIS MAY BE INTERPRETED BY THE
AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION AS BEING IN THE CENTER OF THE STAIR OR
AT OTHER INTERVALS IN EXCESS OF THE MINIMUM REQUIRED WIDTH. HANDRAIL
PLACEMENT ONLY ON THE SIDES WILL BE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL.
INTERMEDIATE HANDRAILS ARE TYPICALLY ONLY REQUIRED WHEN THE REQUIRED

EGRESS WIDTH AT A STAIR EXCEEDS 60 INCHES.
7-33 STAIRWAY GUARDS AND HANDRAILS; 7-41 HANDRAIL DIMENSIONS; REFERENCES: 1012.9
7-27 STAIRWAY WIDTH AND HEADROOM
EGRESS COMPONENTS | RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS 7-35
NOTES & REMINDERS
HANDRAILS ARE REQUIRED ON RAMPS THAT HAVE A RISE OF MORE THAN 6

INCHES. HANDRAILS AT AISLES IN ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES ARE SUBJECT TO
THE REQUIREMENTS OF 1028.13, AND MAY BE ELIMINATED OR MODIFIED IN
SOME CASES.
WHEN THE RAMP IS MORE THAN 30 INCHES ABOVE A SURFACE BELOW, GUARDS
ARE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED IN ADDITION TO HANDRAILS.
FEDERAL AND LOCAL ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS MAY NECESSITATE RAMP

LANDINGS OF 60-72 INCHES DEPENDING ON THE CONFIGURATION OF THE
LANDING.
WHERE A RAMP IS NOT PART OF AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE, THE LENGTH OF THE

LANDING MAY BE REDUCED TO 48 INCHES. AN EXAMPLE OF THIS CONDITION
WOULD BE A NON-ACCESSIBLE LOADING DOCK RAMP (THAT IS PERMITTED TO
NOT BE ACCESSIBLE).
IN GROUP R-2 AND R-3 INDIVIDUAL DWELLING AND SLEEPING UNITS THAT ARE
NOT REQUIRED TO BE ACCESSIBLE, LANDINGS MAY BE REDUCED TO 36 INCHES
MINIMUM.
7-36 RAMP EDGE PROTECTION; 7-37 RAMP LANDINGS WITH DOORS; REFERENCES: IBC 1010.1; 1010.3 - 1010.7; ICC A117.1 405
7-38 RAMP GUARDS AND HANDRAILS; 7-43 REQUIRED LANDINGS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | RAMP EDGE PROTECTION 7-36
NOTES & REMINDERS
EDGE PROTECTION IS INTENDED TO PROTECT WHEELCHAIR USERS AS THEY

TRAVERSE RAMPS, WHEREIN THE EDGES ACT AS GUIDE RAILS IN THE EVENT
THAT THE WHEELCHAIR IS NOT ABLE TO BE ADEQUATELY CONTROLLED AS IT
DESCENDS THE RAMP.
AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE ‘GUIDE’ APPROACH, AN EXTENSION OF THE

RAMP SURFACE BEYOND THE WALKABLE SURFACE (AS DEFINED BY THE
HANDRAILS AND/OR GUARDRAILS) MAY BE PROVIDED. THIS 12 INCH
EXTENSION PROVIDES ADDITIONAL MANEUVERING ROOM, WHICH IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE GUARDS AND/OR HANDRAILS ALLOWS THE
WHEELCHAIR TO CONTROL THE WHEELCHAIR AS IT DESCENDS THE RAMP.
EDGE PROTECTION IS NOT REQUIRED ON RAMPS THAT ARE NOT REQUIRED

TO HAVE HANDRAILS, AS LONG AS FLARED SIDES ARE PROVIDED.
EDGE PROTECTION IS NOT REQUIRED AT RAMPS HAVING A VERTICAL DROP

OFF OF NOT MORE THAN 1/2 INCH WITHIN 10 INCHES HORIZONTALLY OF THE
REQUIRED LANDING AREA.
EDGE PROTECTION IS NOT REQUIRED IN ASSEMBLY SPACES WITH FIXED

SEATING WHEN RAMPS PROVIDE ACCESS TO ADJACENT SEATING AND
AISLE ACCESSWAYS.
EDGE PROTECTION IS NOT REQUIRED AT RAMP LANDINGS SERVING AN

ADJOINING RAMP RUN OR STAIRWAY.
7-35 RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-38 RAMP GUARDS AND HANDRAILS REFERENCES: IBC 1010.10; ICC A117.1 405.9
EGRESS COMPONENTS | RAMP LANDINGS WITH DOORS 7-37
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE INTENT OF THE 42 INCH CLEAR AREA IN FRONT OF DOORS IS TO PROVIDE

A STAGING AREA FOR PERSONS USING WHEELCHAIRS IN THE EVENT THAT
ANOTHER OCCUPANT OPENS THE DOOR AS THEY APPROACH IT ON THE
LANDING. THE 42 INCH AREA CORRESPONDS TO THE MINIMUM AREA NEEDED
TO SAFELY PARK A WHEELCHAIR.
BECAUSE RAMPS ARE SIZED TO MINIMALLY ACCOMMODATE A WHEELCHAIR IN

THE PARKED POSITION, PROJECTIONS INTO THE CLEAR LANDING AREA ARE NOT
PERMITTED. ADDITIONALLY, PROJECTIONS INTO THE REQUIRED WIDTH OF
A RAMP ARE ALSO NOT PERMITTED BECAUSE SUCH PROJECTIONS WOULD
POTENTIALLY INTERFERE WITH A WHEELCHAIR BECAUSE OF THE HEIGHT OF THE
WHEELCHAIR. THIS CONTRASTS WITH THE ALLOWABLE PROJECTIONS INTO STAIR
WIDTH.
7-35 RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-36 RAMP EDGE PROTECTION; REFERENCES: 1010.7.5
7-38 RAMP GUARDS AND HANDRAILS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | RAMP GUARDS AND HANDRAILS 7-38
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN A SIMILAR MANNER AS FOR STAIRWAYS, HANDRAILS PROVIDED FOR

OCCUPANT STABILITY ON RAMPS MUST EXTEND 12 INCHES BEYOND THE END
OF THE SLOPED PORTION OF THE RAMP SURFACE (WHEN THE HANDRAIL IS
DISCONTINUOUS).
ALTHOUGH RAMPS ARE REQUIRED TO BE CONSTRUCTED OF MATERIALS

THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION TYPE, WOODEN
HANDRAILS ARE PERMITTED TO BE USED IN ALL RAMP APPLICATIONS.
7-35 RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-40 GUARD DIMENSIONS; REFERENCES: IBC 1010.11; 1013.2; 1010.9; ICC A117.1 405.8
7-41 HANDRAIL DIMENSIONS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | REQUIRED GUARDS 7-39
NOTES & REMINDERS
WHEN GLAZING IS USED TO PROVIDE A GUARD, OR IS A PORTION OF A GUARD

SYSTEM, THE GUARD MUST ALSO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR SAFETY GLAZING.
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS OF 1607.8 MUST ALSO BE OBSERVED , OR COMPLY-
ING GUARDS IN ADDITION TO THE GLAZING ARE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED.
GUARDS MAY ALSO BE OMITTED AT SPECIFIC LOCATIONS, AS FOLLOWS: (1)

STEPS LEADING TO THE AUDIENCE SIDE OF STAGES AND PLATFORM, (2) AT
VERTICAL OPENINGS IN THE PERFORMANCE AREA OF STAGES OR PLATFORMS,
I.E. PITS, (3) AT ELEVATED WALKING SURFACES APPURTENANT TO STAGES AND
PLATFORMS FOR ACCESS TO AND UTILIZATION OF SPECIAL LIGHTING AND
EQUIPMENT, (4) ALONG VEHICLE SERVICE PITS NOT ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC,
AND (5) IN ASSEMBLY SEATING WHERE GUARDS PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH IBC SECTION 1028.14 ARE PROVIDED.
A FASCIA OR RAILING SYSTEM IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUARD REQUIREMENTS

AND HAVING A MINIMUM HEIGHT OF 26 INCHES MAY BE PROVIDED WHERE
THE FLOOR OR FOOTBOARD ELEVATION IS MORE THAN 30 INCHES ABOVE THE
FLOOR OR GRADE BELOW AND THE RAILING OR FASCIA WOULD OTHERWISE
INTERFERE WITH SIGHT LINES OF IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT SEATING.
A FASCIA OR RAILING SYSTEM COMPLYING WITH REQUIREMENTS FOR GUARDS

IS REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE FULL WIDTH OF AISLES WHERE THE FOOT
OF THE AISLE IS MORE THAN 30 INCHES ABOVE THE FLOOR OR GRADE BELOW.
SUCH FASCIAS OR RAILINGS MUST BE 36 INCHES HIGH AND MUST PROVIDE 42
INCHES MEASURED DIAGONALLY BETWEEN THE TOP OF THE RAIL AND THE
NOSING OF THE NEAREST TREAD.
3-02 OCCUPIABLE AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES; REFERENCES: 1013.2

7-40 GUARD DIMENSIONS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | GUARD DIMENSIONS 7-40
NOTES & REMINDERS
GUARD RAIL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO MAXIMUM SIZE OF

OPENINGS IN THE GUARD VARY AS A FUNCTION OF LOCATION. LARGER
OPENINGS ARE PERMITTED ABOVE THE HANDRAIL HEIGHT OWING TO THE
DIMINISHED LIKELIHOOD THAT VERY SMALL CHILDREN WOULD BE ABLE TO GO
THROUGH SUCH OPENINGS ABOVE 36 INCHES, AND AS A RESULT OF THE
PRACTICAL ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH MEETING GUARD RAIL AND HANDRAIL
HEIGHT ISSUES SIMULTANEOUSLY.
GUARDS MAY BE REDUCED FROM 42 INCHES TO 36 INCHES IN HEIGHT IN R-3

OCCUPANCIES NOT MORE THAN 3 STORIES IN HEIGHT AND WITHIN INDIVIDUAL
DWELLING UNITS IN GROUP R-2 NOT MORE THAN THREE STORIES IN HEIGHT AS
PER 1013.3
IN R-3 OCCUPANCIES AND INDIVIDUAL UNITS OF R-2 OCCUPANCIES, GUARDS

LOCATED ON THE OPEN SIDES OF STAIRS MAY HAVE A HEIGHT OF 34 INCHES
AS PER 1013.3. IT IS ALSO PERMISSIBLE IN R-3 OCCUPANCIES AND INDIVIDUAL
UNITS OF R-2 OCCUPANCIES FOR GUARD HEIGHT TO BE REDUCED TO 34 INCHES
WHERE THE TOP OF THE GUARD ALSO SERVES AS THE HANDRAIL ON THE OPEN
SIDE OF STAIRS.
ALONG ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICES AND SHIP LADDERS, GUARDS THAT ALSO
SERVE AS HANDRAILS MAY HAVE A HEIGHT OF 30-34 INCHES. GUARDS MAY
ALSO BE REDUCED FOR SIGHT LINE REASONS IN ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCIES
PENDING APPROVAL BY THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.

7-39 REQUIRED GUARDS; 7-33 STAIRWAY GUARDS AND HANDRAILS; REFERENCES: 1013.3; 1013.4
7-38 RAMP GUARDS AND HANDRAILS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | HANDRAIL DIMENSIONS 7-41
NOTES & REMINDERS
THE CODE PROVIDES SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO HANDRAIL

GRASPABILITY IN SECTION 1012. TYPE I AND TYPE II HANDRAILS HAVING A
SMALL DIAMETER CIRCULAR CROSS SECTION OR A FINGER RECESS ON A
LARGER DIAMETER CROSS SECTION MAY BE UTILIZED.
HANDRAILS WITHIN DWELLING UNITS NOT REQUIRED TO BE ACCESSIBLE DO NOT

REQUIRE HANDRAIL EXTENSIONS. AISLE HANDRAILS IN ROOMS OR SPACES USED
FOR ASSEMBLY PURPOSES DO NOT REQUIRE HANDRAIL EXTENSIONS IN ACCOR-
DANCE WITH BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS (BUT THEY MAY STILL BE REQUIRED
BY INTERPRETATION DUE TO ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS). HANDRAILS FOR
ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICES AND SHIP LADDERS MAY TERMINATE AT A
LOCATION VERTICALLY ABOVE THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF RISERS, AND ARE
NOT REQUIRED TO BE CONTINUOUS BETWEEN FLIGHTS.
7-42 HANDRAIL CROSS-SECTION DIMENSIONS; 7-33 STAIRWAY REFERENCES: 1012.2; 1012.3

GUARDS AND HANDRAILS; 7-38 RAMP GUARDS AND HANDRAILS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | HANDRAIL CROSS-SECTION DIMENSIONS 7-42
NOTES & REMINDERS
LOCAL REQUIREMENTS MAY NECESSITATE MORE RESTRICTIVE HANDRAIL

REQUIREMENTS.
THE MINIMUM PERIMETER IS INTENDED TO ENSURE THAT A GRASPABLE SURFACE

IS PROVIDED FOR USERS WHO RELY ON THE HANDRAIL FOR STABILITY AS THEY
TRAVERSE THE STAIR. IT IS NOTABLE THAT REGARDLESS OF THE SHAPE OF
NON-CIRCULAR HANDRAILS, SUCH HANDRAILS ARE STILL GENERALLY REQUIRED
TO BE SMOOTH AND CONTINUOUS (THIS AIDS VISUALLY IMPAIRED OCCUPANTS
ESPECIALLY).
TYPE II HANDRAILS HAVE A PERIMETER GREATER THAN 6-1/4 INCHES, AND ARE
REQUIRED TO PROVIDE GRASPABLE FINGER RECESSES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE
PROFILE. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ARE PROVIDED IN IBC SECTION 1012.3.2.
7-41 HANDRAIL DIMENSIONS REFERENCES: 1012.3; 1012.4; 1012.6; 1012.7
EGRESS COMPONENTS | REQUIRED LANDINGS 7-43
NOTES & REMINDERS
LANDINGS ARE PRINCIPALLY REQUIRED AT TRANSITION POINTS, SUCH AS

DOORS, TOP AND BOTTOM OF RAMPS AND STAIRS (AND INTERMEDIATE
LOCATIONS AS REQUIRED FOR THE PARTICULAR ELEMENT). LANDINGS PROVIDE
AN AREA TO REST, SLOW DOWN, ALLOW OTHERS TO PASS, OR REGAIN STABILITY
THAT MAY DIMINISH AS AN OCCUPANT TRAVERSES A MEANS OF EGRESS
ELEMENT.
TO EFFECTIVELY SERVE THEIR PURPOSE, LANDING MUST BE LEVEL AND AT A

CONSISTENT ELEVATION WHEN TWO OR MORE LANDINGS ON EITHER SIDE
OF A DOOR ARE PROVIDED.
LANDING DIMENSIONS MAY BE SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER THAN THE MINIMUM

STANDARDS PROVIDED IN THE BUILDING CODE AS A RESULT OF LOCAL AND
FEDERAL ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, WHICH ARE NOT HARMONIZED WITH
THE IBC.
7-10 DOORS IN MEANS OF EGRESS; 7-31 STAIRWAY LANDINGS AND REFERENCES: 1008.1.5; 1009.8; 1009.10; 1010.7
MAXIMUM RISE BETWEEN LANDINGS; 7-35 RAMPS IN MEANS OF EGRESS
EGRESS COMPONENTS | AREA OF REFUGE DIMENSIONS IN STAIRWAYS 7-44
NOTES & REMINDERS
AREAS OF REFUGE IN STAIRS AND AT ELEVATORS ARE REQUIRED UNDER CERTAIN

CIRCUMSTANCES IN NON-SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS. SUCH AREAS ARE INTENDED
TO PROVIDE A SAFE AREA FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS TO REST AND CALL FOR
ASSISTANCE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY. IN BUILDINGS WHERE SPRINKLER
SYSTEMS ARE PROVIDED, THE ENTIRE FLOOR IS GENERALLY DEEMED EQUIVALENT
TO AN AREA OF REFUGE OWING TO THE ADDITIONAL SAFETY PROVIDED BY THE
SPRINKLER SYSTEM, AND THUS DEDICATED AREAS SEPARATED BY SMOKE
BARRIERS ARE NOT REQUIRED.
IT IS THE INTENT OF THE CODE THAT AREAS OF REFUGE NOT BE WITHIN THE PATH
OF TRAVEL OF OCCUPANTS DURING AN EVACUATION.
EVERY REQUIRED AREA OF REFUGE IS REQUIRED TO BE ACCESSIBLE FROM THE

SPACE IT SERVES, AND WITHIN THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE TRAVEL DISTANCES
OUTLINED IN IBC SECTION 1016.1. SUCH AREAS OF REFUGE MUST HAVE DIRECT
ACCESS TO STAIRWAYS OR ELEVATORS.
3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN UNSPRINKLERED BUILDINGS; REFERENCES: 1007.6

7-31 STAIRWAY LANDINGS AND MAXIMUM RISE BETWEEN LANDINGS;
3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE;
EGRESS COMPONENTS | AREA OF REFUGE DIMENSIONS IN VESTIBULES 7-45
NOTES & REMINDERS
IN ADDITION TO INTERIOR AREAS OF REFUGE, THE CODE PROVIDES FOR

EXTERIOR AREAS OF ASSISTED RESCUE. SUCH AREAS MUST BE SEPARATED FROM
THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING BY FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION AND
BE CHARACTERIZED BY OPENNESS WHEREIN THE SIDES OF SUCH AREAS ARE
AT LEAST 50 PERCENT OPEN SO AS TO MINIMIZE THE ACCUMULATION OF
SMOKE.
SIGNAGE IS REQUIRED AT AREAS OF REFUGE WHEN PROVIDED. SUCH SIGNAGE

SHOULD BE PROVIDED AT EACH DOOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO AN AREA
OF REFUGE, COMPLYING WITH ICC A117.1 FOR VISUAL CHARACTERS. THE
INTERNATIONAL SYMBOL OF ACCESSIBILITY MUST ALSO BE INCLUDED.
DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE INDICATING THE LOCATION OF OTHER MEANS OF

EGRESS THAT ARE ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS ARE REQUIRED TO BE
PROVIDED AT EXITS SERVING ACCESSIBLE SPACES THAT ARE NOT PROVIDED
WITH AN APPROVED ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS, AT ELEVATOR LANDINGS
AND WITHIN AREAS OF REFUGE.
TWO WAY COMMUNICATIONS ARE AN INTEGRAL ASPECT OF THE AREA

OF REFUGE, ALLOWING DISABLED OCCUPANTS TO CALL FOR HELP AND
COMMUNICATE WITH FIRST RESPONDERS OR SIMILAR. THE CENTRAL CONTROL
POINT TO WHICH THE TWO WAY COMMUNICATIONS ARE CONNECTED MUST BE
APPROVED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. WHEN IT IS NOT CONSTANTLY ATTENDED,
DIAL OUT CAPABILITY OR 9-1-1 SERVICES MUST BE PROVIDED. SUCH SYSTEMS
MUST INCLUDE BOTH AUDIBLE AND VISIBLE SIGNALS.
3-39 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS IN NON-SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS; REFERENCES: 1007.6

3-03 ACCESSIBLE ROUTE; 7-44 AREA OF REFUGE DIMENSIONS IN STAIRWAYS
INDEX
Accessible -definition of... 7-07 Basement
-Parking Spaces... 3-08 -Measurement... 7-09 -definition of... 1-05
-Passenger Loading Zones...3-09 Alley -with Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings... 2-11
-Vehicle Pull-Up Space... 3-09 -as a Public Way... 3-10 Battery Storage Rooms
-Building Entrances... 3-03 -definition of... 3-11 -and fire-resistance rating... 6-30
-knee and toe clearance... 3-05 Annular Space Bay Windows
Accessible Means of Egress -definition of... 6-07 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-12
-in Sprinklered Buildings...3-38 Area Blocking
-in Non-sprinklered Buildings... 3-39 -Allowable Area per Building... 1-17 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-14
Accessible Route -Allowable Mezzanine Area... 1-08 Building
-definition of... 3-03 -Allowable Area per Story... 1-18 -Building Area... 1-14
-and Elevators... 3-43 -Building Area... 1-14 Building Envelope
Accessible Space -Increase for Frontage... 1-11 -definition of... 2-00
-3-02 -Increase for Sprinklers... 1-18 Building on the Same Lot
Accessory -Tabular... 1-18 -and air intake openings... 2-12
-Accessory Occupancy... 1-02 -Unlimited Area Buildings... 1-15 -and air exhaust openings... 2-13
-Accessory Occupancy and Mixed Use... 1-19 Area of Refuge -and Fire Separation Distance... 2-02
-Intervening Room... 3-36 -Interior... 3-40 Business Occupancy
-Accessory Spaces and Occupant Load... 4-05 -Exterior... 3-40 -1-01
Aggregate Area of Mezzanines -Dimensions in Stairways...7-44 Cable Bundle
-1-08 -Dimensions in Vestibules... 7-45 -Through Penetration in Horizontal Assemblies... 6-49
Aggregate Occupant Load Areaway Cable Penetration
-4-05 -1-12 -in Horizontal Assembly... 6-49
Air Assembly Cable Sleeve
-Intake Openings... 2-12 -Occupancy... 1-01 -6-51
-Exhaust Openings... 2-13 Atrium Cane-Detectable Barriers
Air Distribution -definition of... 6-04 -3-57
-above corridor ceilings... 6-36 -Enclosure of Atrium... 6-05 Canopy
-in corridors... 6-35 Attic -2-22
Air-Transfer Opening -Definition of... 1-10 Capacity
-6-03 -Fireblocking... 6-58 -and Converging Means of Egress... 7-02
Aisle -and Draftstopping... 6-64 -and Revolving Doors... 7-12
-definition of... 7-07 Automatic Closing -of a Means of Egress... 7-05
-Measurement... 7-09 -6-42 -of Aisles and Aisle Accessways... 7-08
-width per occupant... 7-06 Awning -of Doors... 7-13
Aisle Accessway -2-22 -of Stairways and Doors... 7-29
-width per occupant... 7-06 Balanced Door
-width per occupant... 7-06 -in Means of Egress... 7-11

INDEX
Carpet -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-18 -and Gross Floor Area... 4-01
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-17 Combustible Material Cross-Corridor Doors
Catwalk -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-11 -3-37
-3-02 Combustible Penetration Curtain Wall
Caulking -in Rated Vertical Assemblies...6-50 -rated joint at floor slab... 6-01
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-12 Common Path of Travel Curtain
Ceiling Membrane -and Mezzanines... 3-33 -Curtains and Doors... 7-11
-Membrane Penetration in Horizontal Assemblies... 6-46 -definition of... 3-34 -Fire Curtain... 6-41
-and Ceiling Radiation Damper... 6-54 Concealed Spaces -Draft Curtain... 6-06
Ceiling Radiation Damper -and Fireblocking... 6-57 Curved Stairway
-6-56 -Combustibles in Noncombustible Construction... 5-14 -7-25
Chute Construction Type Damper
-Linen... 6-23 -and Rooftop Structures... 2-19 -Ceiling Radiation... 6-56
-Refuse, Trash or Recycling... 6-24 -definition of... 5-01 -minimum ratings for... 6-56
Clear Width Convergence -Fire Damper... 6-56
-of Aisles and Aisle Accessways... 7-09 -definition of... 2 -Combination Fire/Smoke Damper... 6-56
-of Doors in Means of Egress... 7-13 -at a Stairway... 7-04 Dead-end Corridor
-of Stairways...7-28 Cooling -3-37
Closely Spaced Sprinklers -of Elevator Machine Rooms... 6-29 Design Occupant Load
-and atrium enclosure... 6-05 Corridor -4-00
-and draft curtains... 6-06 -and air distribution... 6-35 Door
Column -and air distribution above the ceiling... 6-36 -and Panic Hardware... 7-15
-and structural frame... 5-08 -and fire-resistance rating... 6-33 -Balanced... 7-11
-projection into public way... 2-24 -construction options for... 6-34 - Fire Door... 6-42
Combination Fire/Smoke Damper -dead-end... 3-37 -in Means of Egress... 7-10
-6-56 -definition of... 3-27 -maximum opening force... 7-19
Combined Occupant Load -factors informing width of... 7-21 -Pivoted... 7-11
-4-06 -in Means of Egress... 7-20 -Power Assist... 7-11
Combustible -Measurement.. 7-20 -Power-Operated... 7-11
-defintion of... 5-02 -minimum width... 7-20 -push and pull side clearance... 7-17
-Projections... 2-07 -Open-ended... 3-27 -Side-Hinged Swinging... 7-11
Combustible Construction -width per occupant... 7-06 -Sliding... 7-11
-and Construction Type... 5-01 Corridors -swing direction... 7-14
-and Fireblocking... 6-57 -and fire resistance rating... 6-33 -Revolving Door... 7-12
Combustible Guard Court Door Frames
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-18 -definition of... 1-12 -in Fire Door Assemblies... 6-43
Combustible Handrail -and Means of Egress... 3-24 Door Swing
-and Rated Exterior Walls... 3-25 -and doors in series... 7-18

INDEX
-directional requirements... 7-14 -and fire-resistance rating... 6-30 Exhaust
-projecting into Corridors... 7-23 -and Panic Hardware... 7-15 -Environmental Exhaust... 2-13
Doors in Series Elevator -Product-Conveying... 2-13
-7-18 -as an Accessible Means of Egress... 3-42 Exit
Draft Curtain -as an Accessible Route... 3-43 -and Means of Egress... 3-10
-at Escalator Opening... 6-03 -Accessible Elevator... 3-44 -elements of an Exit... 3-11
-at Stairway Opening... 6-06 -Ambulance Stretcher Elevator... 3-44 -Horizontal Exit... 3-26
-definition of... 6-06 -Fire Service Elevator... 3-44 Exit Access
Draftstopping Elevator Doors -and Means of Egress... 3-10
-6-62 -as Fire Door Assemblies... 6-42 -elements of Exit Access... 3-11
Duct Penetration Elevator Hoistway Enclosure -Exit Access Corridor... 3-27
-in Rated Horizontal Assembly... 6-52 -6-25 -Exit Access Corridor Dimensions... 7-20
-in Nonrated Horizontal Assembly... 6-53 Elevator Hoistway Venting -Travel Distance... 3-28
-in Rated Vertical Assembly... 6-55 -6-26 -with Aisles and Aisle Accessway... 7-07
-in Rated Wall Assembly... 6-55 Elevator Lobby Exit Access Door
Dwelling Unit -and Accessible Means of Egress... 3-39 -and Aisles... 7-07
-compartmentation... 6-38 -and Fire Service Elevator... 3-44 -definition of... 7-05
Edge-Protection -and Smoke Barriers... 6-39 Exit Access Stairway
-7-36 Elevator Machine Rooms -definition of... 3-17
Educational Occupancy -and compartmentation... 6-28 -with draft curtains... 6-06
-1-01 -Ventilation... 6-29 Exit Discharge
Egress Elevator Penthouse -and Doors from Stairways... 7-29
-definition of... 3-10 -definition of... 2-19 -and Means of Egress... 3-10
-Capacity Factor... 7-06 -and Roof Access... 3-55 -definition of... 3-22
Egress Court Elevator Shaft -list of elements... 3-11
-3-24 -6-25 Exit Passageway
Egress Door Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings -3-20
-definition of... 7-10 -2-11 Exit Stairway
-Permissible Types... 7-11 Equipment Platform -3-17
Egress Width -3-02 Exit Stairway Enclosure
-and Capacity... 7-05 Escalator -3-19
-of Aisles and Aisle Accessways... 7-08 -and minimum distance from Revolving Door... 7-12 Exterior Area of Assisted Rescue
-of Doors in Means of Egress... 7-10 Escalator Opening -3-40
Electrical Box -6-03 Exterior Egress Balconies
-as a Membrane Penetration... 6-46 Escutcheon -and Travel Distance... 3-32
-Membrane Penetration in Vertical Assemblies... 6-47 -Membrane Penetration in Horizontal Assemblies... 6-46 -and Rated Exterior Walls... 3-21
Electrical Rooms -Membrane Penetration in Vertical Assemblies... 6-47 -definition of... 3-21
-and door swing... 7-14

INDEX
Exterior Exit Stairway Fire Department Access -uses of... 6-11
-3-18 -and frontage increase... 1-11 -vertical continuity... 6-13
Exterior Plastic Veneer -and High-Rise Classification... 1-03 Fire-Resistant Rated Joints
-5-12 -definition of... 3-01 -6-02
Exterior Wall Fire Department Connection Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood
-allowable area of openings... 2-09 -3-01 -and Rooftop Structures... 2-19
-rating at exterior stairways... 2-15 Fire Door -definition of... 5-19
-rating at interior stairways... 2-14 -6-42 -in Type III Construction... 5-04
-rating based on construction type... 5-01 -and required rating... 6-41 -in Type IV Construction... 5-05
-Rating based on Fire Separation Distance... 2-03 Fire Exit Hardware -reduced Minimum Fire-Resistance due to height... 5-09
-Rating from one side or both sides... 5-05 -7-15 Fireblocking
-nonsymmetrical rating... 2-05 Fire Lane -6-57
Exterior Wood Veneer -3-01 Firestop Material
-5-19 Fire Partition -Through Penetration in Horizontal Assemblies... 6-49
F Rating -and fire resistance rating... 6-27 Fixed Seating
-6-07 -and rated corridors... 6-33 -with Aisles and Aisle Accessway... 7-07
Factory Occupancy -and residential compartmentation... 6-38 Flexible Seals
-1-01 -definition of... 6-32 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-12
Filled Penetrations Fire Pump Room Floor Area
-6-07 -6-27 -Gross... 4-01
Finish Flooring Fire Rated Rooms -Net... 4-01
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-13 -6-27 Front-Approach Clearance
Fire Apparatus Access Road Fire Rating -7-17
-3-01 -6-11 Frontage
Fire Barrier Fire Separation Distance -1-11
-and atrium enclosure... 6-05 -and allowable area of openings... 2-09 Generator Fuel Tank
-and rated rooms... 6-27 -definition of... 2-01 -6-31
-allowable area of openings... 6-19 Fire Shutter Generator Rooms
-as Shaft Enclosure... 6-20 -6-41 -and fire-resistance rating... 6-31
-uses of... 6-11 -as Fire Door Assemblies... 6-42 -and fuel storage... 6-31
-definition of... 6-18 Fire Wall Glass
-openings... 6-19 -and Building Area... 1-13 -adjacent to Fire Door assemblies... 6-43
Fire Damper -at building corner... 6-16 -Fire-Protection Rated... 6-44
-definition of... 6-56 -at stepped building... 6-16 -in Fire Door assemblies... 6-43
-Ducts without a Rated Shaft through Rated Floors... 6-53 -definition of... 6-12 -glass block and atrium enclosure... 6-05
-Ducts without a Rated Shaft through Unrated Floors... 6-52 -horizontal continuity... 6-15 -Safety... 5-24
-for Rated Corridor... 6-37 -minimum fire-resistance... 6-17 -Wired... 6-44
-termination at roof... 6-14
INDEX
Glazing Hazardous Location Imaginary Property Line
-adjacent to Fire Door Assemblies... 6-43 -5-24 -2-02
-Fire-Protection Rated... 6-44 Headroom Incinerator rooms
-in Fire Door Assemblies... 6-43 -above and below mezzanine... 1-08 -6-27
-Safety... 5-24 -at access point to Attic... 1-10 Industrial Occupancy
Grade Plane -at Doors... 7-22 -1-01
-definition of... 1-06 -in Corridor... 7-22 Institutional Occupancy
-Story Above Grade Plane... 1-05 -in Occupiable Spaces... 3-56 -1-01
Gross Floor Area -in Stairways... 7-27 Insulation
-4-01 Heavy Timber -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-15
Grout -definition of... 5-05 Interior Finish for Floors
-at Through Penetrations of Vertical Assemblies... 6-50 -Glued-Laminated Dimensions... 5-21 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-17
Guard -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-11 Interior Finish for Walls and Ceilings
-at areaway... 1-12 -in Type V Construction... 5-06 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-16
-at Fixed-Seating... 7-39 -interior partition requirements... 5-22 Interior Refuge Area
-at loading dock... 7-39 -Solid-Sawn Dimensions... 5-20 -and Smoke Barriers... 6-39
-at Ramp... 7-38 Height Intermediate Handrail
-at roof access... 2-20 -Allowable Height in Feet... 1-16 -7-34
-at Stage or Platform... 7-39 -Allowable Height in Stories... 1-16 Intervening Room
-at Stairway... 7-33 -Building Height... 1-04 -3-36
-at Unoccupied Roof... 7-39 -Height for High-Rise Classification... 1-03 Janitor Closet
-dimensions... 7-40 High-Rise Building -and air distribution from corridor... 6-35
-extension into the Public Way... 2-24 -and reduced Minimum Fire Resistance... 5-07 Joints
Gypsum -definition of... 1-03 -6-02
-5-02 Hoistway Venting Knee Clearance
Handrail -6-26 -and turning spaces... 3-05
-Cross-Section Dimensions... 7-42 Horizontal Assembly -definition of... 3-05
-dimensions... 7-41 -and residential compartmentation... 6-38 Landing
-extension into public way... 2-24 -and Shaft Enclosures... 6-22 -at Doors... 7-10
-for Ramp... 7-38 -definition of... 6-01 -at Stairways... 7-31
-for Spiral Stairways... 7-26 Horizontal Exit -door projection into Ramp landing... 7-37
-for Stairway... 7-33 -3-26 -door projection into Stairway landing... 7-32
-gripping surfaces... 7-42 Horizontal Glazing -handrail projection into Stairway landing... 7-31
-Intermediate Handrail for Stairway... 7-34 -2-21 -maximum rise between landings for Ramps... 7-35
-projecting into Corridors... 7-22 Human Impact -maximum rise between landings for Stairways... 7-31
Hazardous Occupancy -5-24 -minimum dimensions for Ramps... 7-35
-1-01 Hydrogen Cut Off Rooms -minimum dimensions for Stairways... 7-31
-6-27 -required locations... 7-43
INDEX
Latch -Components... 7-01 -Projections... 2-07
-and Fire Doors... 6-42 -Converging... 7-02 Noncombustible Construction
-maximum operating force for panic hardware... 7-16 -definition of... 3-10 -5-03
-maximum release force... 7-19 -Nonconverging... 7-03 Noncombustible Penetration
Lavatories -Remote Means of Egress... 3-15 -of a single floor... 6-08
-knee and toe clearance underneath... 3-05 Membrane Penetration -filled penetrations of multiple floors... 6-10
Leading Edge of Tread -Boxed out... 6-48 -rated penetrations of multiple floors... 6-09
-7-30 -definition of... 6-45 Nonload-Bearing Wall
Linen Chute -of Rated Horizontal Assemblies... 6-46 -5-10
-6-23 -of Rated Vertical Assemblies... 6-47 Normally Unoccupied Space
Liquid Electrolyte Capacity -of Rated Wall Assemblies... 6-47 -and Exit Enclosure... 3-19
-6-30 Membrane-Penetration Firestop System -and Exit Passageway... 3-20
Listed Fixture -6-46 -and Travel Distance... 3-29
-as a Membrane Penetration... 6-46 Mercantile Occupancy Number of Means of Egress
Lithium-Ion Capacity -1-01 -from a space... 3-12
-6-30 Mezzanine -from a story... 3-13
Listed Fixture -Allowable Mezzanine Area... 1-08 Occupancy
-as a Membrane Penetration... 6-46 -and Travel Distance... 3-33 -Acccessory Occupancy... 1-02
Lithium-Ion Capacity -definition of... 1-08 -Occupancy Group... 1-01
-6-30 -Enclosed Mezzanine... 1-09 -Hazardous Occupancy... 1-01
Load-Bearing Wall -Partially Enclosed Mezzanine... 1-09 -Institutional Occupancy... 1-01
-5-10 Millwork -Residential Occupancy... 1-01
Loading Dock -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-13 -Educational Occupancy... 1-01
-and air intake openings... 2-12 Minimum Headroom -Assembly Occupancy... 1-01
Lobby -3-56 -Industrial Occupancy... 1-01
-constructed as required for corridor... 3-27 Mirrors -Factory Occupancy... 1-01
Louvers -and Doors... 7-11 -Business Occupancy... 1-01
-in Fire Door Assemblies... 6-43 Mixed Use -Storage Occupancy... 1-01
Maintenance Space -Nonseparated Mixed Use... 1-19 -Utility Occupancy... 1-01
-3-02 -Separated Mixed Use... 1-19 -and rated corridors... 6-33
Marquee Mortar -and egress width per occupant... 7-06
-2-22 -at Through Penetrations of Vertical Assemblies... 6-50 Occupancy Separation
Mastics Movable Seating -definition of... 1-19
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-12 -with Aisles and Aisle Accessway... 7-07 -and Fire Barriers...1-20
Maximum Diagonal of a Space Net Floor Area -and rated horizontal assemblies...1-20
-3-16 -4-02 Occupant Load
Means of Egress Noncombustible -definition of... 4-00
-Capacity... 7-05 -definition of... 5-02 -aggregate for egress capacity... 4-05

INDEX
-and door swing... 7-14 Panic Hardware Plenum Rated Cables
-and Mezzanines... 4-05 -and maximum unlatching force... 7-16 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-14
-and Panic Hardware... 7-15 -and minimum dimensions... 7-16 Pneumatic Tubes
-based on Floor Area... 4-04 -definition of... 7-15 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-14
-combined for quantity of Means of Egress... 4-06 Parapet Podium Building
-definition of... 4-00 -alternatives to parapets... 2-18 -1-21
-for Bench Seating... 4-03 -definition of... 2-16 Power Assist Door
-for Booth Seating... 4-03 Parking -in Means of Egress... 7-11
-for Fixed Seating... 4-03 -Accessible Parking Spaces... 3-08 Power-Operated Doors
Occupant Load Factor -and Fire Department Access... 3-01 -in Means of Egress... 7-11
-4-04 -and Podium Building... 1-21 Primary Structural Frame
Occupiable Roof -height increase above Group B or M... 1-23 -5-08
-and Building Area... 1-14 -height increase below Group R... 1-22 Projection
Occupiable Space Partition -allowable extension toward property line... 2-06
-and Means of Egress... 3-10 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-13 -and Fire Retardant Treated Wood... 2-07
-definition of... 3-02 Party Wall -and Fire Walls... 2-08
-list of elements... 3-11 -6-17 -Architectural Projections... 2-22
Open Riser Penetration -by door hardware into door width... 7-13
-7-30 -Membrane... 6-45 -into the Public Way... 2-23
Open Side -Through... 6-45 -projection materials... 2-07
-for Exterior Egress Balcony... 3-21 Penetration Firestop System -projections into Means of Egress... 7-22
-for Exterior Stairway... 3-18 -6-45 -and Fire Walls... 2-08
Open Tread Penetration Sleeve -into Corridor width... 7-22
-7-30 -6-51 -into Stairway Width... 7-27
Opening Penthouse Property Line
-allowable openings in exterior walls... 2-09 -2-19 -and air exhaust openings... 2-13
-allowable openings in Fire Barriers... 6-19 Pivoted Door -and air intake openings... 2-12
-Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings... 2-11 -in Means of Egress... 7-11 -and Exit Discharge location... 3-23
-for Air Exhaust... 2-13 Plastic Piping -and Fire Separation Distance... 2-01
-for Air Intake... 2-12 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-14 -and Grade Plane Calculation... 1-06
-Protected Opening... 2-10 Platform -and Yards... 1-12
-Unprotected Opening... 2-10 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-13 -Imaginary Property Line... 2-02
Opening Protective Platform Lift Protected Openings
-6-41 -as an Accessible Means of Egress... 3-42 -allowable area in exterior wall... 2-10
Oriel Windows Plenum -definition of... 2-09
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-12 -and corridor ceiling... 6-36 Public Way
Paint Shops -Plenum Rated Cable... 5-14 -definition of... 3-10
-6-27 -list of elements... 3-11
INDEX
-projections into... 2-22 Residential Occupancy -in Operable Panels... 5-25
Pull Side Clearance -and Draftstopping in Floors... 6-63 Secondary Hoistway Doors
-7-17 -and Draftstopping in Attics... 6-64 -3-47
Push Side Clearance -definition of... 1-01 Secondary Member
-7-17 Restroom -and reduced Minimum Fire-Resistance... 5-09
Quantity of Means of Egress -Family or Assisted-Use... 3-52 -definition of... 5-08
-from a space... 3-12 -Multiple-User Toilet Room... 3-51 Self-Closing
-from a story... 3-13 -Single-User... 3-50 -6-42
Ramp -required restrooms... 3-49 Separation Distance
-dimensions... 7-35 -Unisex... 3-50 -2-01
-edge-protection... 7-36 Revolving Door in Means of Egress Separation of Exits
-in Means of Egress... 7-35 - 7-12 -3-16
-width per occupant... 7-06 Riser Shaft Enclosure
Rated Corridor -7-30 -and Elevators... 6-25
-and fire dampers... 6-37 Roof Access -and Linen Chute... 6-23
-and residential compartmentation... 6-38 -Hatch... 2-20 -and Rubbish Chute... 6-24
-construction options for... 6-34 -Requirements for Access... 3-55 -definition of... 6-20
-required by Occupancy Group... 6-33 Roof Construction -not extending to the lowest level of the building... 6-21
Rated Horizontal Assembly -and reduced Minimum Fire-Resistance... 5-09 -not extending to the roof of the building... 6-22
-6-01 Roof Covering -supported by rated construction... 6-21
Rated Opening Protective -Classifications... 5-23 -Through Penetration in Horizontal Assemblies... 6-49
-6-41 -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-12 Show Windows
Rated Rooms Rooftop Structure -in Noncombustible Construction... 5-12
-6-27 -and Building Height... 1-04 Side Light
Rated Separations -and Building Area... 1-14 -in Fire Door Assemblies... 6-43
-6-11 -definition of... 2-19 Side-Hinged Swinging Door
Rated Shaft Safe Dispersal Area -adjacent to Revolving Door... 7-12
-6-20 -3-22 -in Means of Egress... 7-11
Recessed Doors in Corridors Safety Glazing Signage on Accessible Routes
-7-23 -and Fire-Resistance-Rating... 5-24 -3-06
Refrigeration Machinery Rooms -adjacent to Doors... 5-27 Sinks
-7-14 -adjacent to Landings... 5-28 -knee and toe clearance underneath... 3-05
Refuse Chute -adjacent to Ramps... 5-28 Skylights
-6-24 -adjacent to Stairways... 5-28 -2-21
Remote Means of Egress -definition of... 5-24 Sleeve
-3-15 -in Doors... 5-26 -6-51
Residential Compartmentation -in Fixed-Panels... 5-25 Sliding Doors
-6-38 -in Guards... 5-25 -and maximum door opening force... 7-19

INDEX
-in Means of Egress... 7-11 -minimum width... 7-24 -and Refuse Chute... 6-24
Slope -Stair Tread and Riser dimensions... 7-30 Through Penetration
-7-35 -Width for Curved Stairways... 7-25 -definition of... 6-45
Smoke Barrier -Width for Spiral Stairways... 7-26 -in Horizontal Assembly... 6-49
-definition of... 6-39 -width per occupant... 7-06 -in Rated Vertical Assemblies... 6-50
-uses of... 6-11 Stanchion -in Rated Wall Assemblies... 6-50
Smoke Compartment -2-22 Through-Penetration Firestop System
-6-39 Standpipe Connection -definition of... 6-07
Smoke Detectors -and Exit Passageway... 3-20 -in Rated Vertical Assemblies... 6-50
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-14 -and Horizontal Exit... 3-26 Toe Clearance
Smoke Partition -required locations ... 3-53 -and turning spaces... 3-05
-definition of... 6-40 Steeple -definition of... 3-05
-uses of... 6-11 -and Building Height... 1-04 Toilet Compartment
Solid Tread Storage Occupancy -wheelchair-accessible... 3-51
-7-30 -1-01 -ambulatory-accessible... 3-51
Spandrel Walls Story Toilet Room
-6-01 -and rating of Shaft Enclosures... 6-21 -Accessible... 3-52
Spiral Stairway -definition of... 1-05 -and air distribution from corridor... 6-35
-7-26 -open to the atrium... 6-04 -Assisted-Use... 3-52
Sprinkler Escutcheon -Story Above Grade Plane...1-05 -Family... 3-52
-Membrane Penetration in Horizontal Assemblies... 6-46 Street -required locations... 3-49
-Membrane Penetration in Vertical Assemblies... 6-47 -3-11 -Multiple-User Toilet Room... 3-51
Sprinklers Strike Side Clearance -Single-User Toilet Room... 3-50
-Increase in area per building... 1-17 -7-17 Tower
-Increase in area per story... 1-18 Stringer -and Building Height... 1-04
-Increase in Building Height... 1-16 -7-27 Transformer Rooms
Stage T Rating -and fire-resistance rating... 6-30
-and Guards... 7-39 -6-07 Transom Light
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-13 T-Shaped Turning Space -in Fire Door Assemblies... 6-43
Stair -3-04 Travel Distance
-Tread and Riser Dimensions... 7-30 Tabular Area -and Exterior Egress Balconies... 3-32
Stairway -1-18 -from Mezzanines... 3-33
-and Fireblocking... 6-59 Temperature Rating -maximum allowable... 3-28
-and minimum distance from Revolving Door... 7-12 -6-07 -on Stairways... 3-30
-and headroom ... 7-27 Termination Room -within Atrium... 3-31
-Headroom for Spiral Stairways... 7-26 -and Linen Chute... 6-23 Tread
-in Means of Egress... 3-17 -7-30
-measurement of clear width...7-28

INDEX
Trim Wheelchair Turning Space
-in Noncombustible Construction... 5-18 -3-04
Tunnel Corridor Width per occupant
-6-34 -7-06
Turning Space Wired Glass
-and doors in series... 7-18 -6-44
-in Single-User Toilet Room... 3-50 Yard
-in Multiple-User Toilet Room... 3-51 -and Unlimited Area Buildings... 1-15
-within Accessible Elevator... 3-45 -definition of... 1-12
Type I Construction
-5-03
Type II Construction
-5-03
Type III Construction
-5-04
Type IV Construction
-definition of... 5-05
-interior partition requirements... 5-22
Type V Construction
-5-06
Unlimited Area Buildings
-1-15
Unprotected Openings
-2-10
Utility Occupancy
-1-01
Van-Accessible Parking Spaces
-3-08
Vent Shaft
-and Building Area... 1-14
-and Gross Floor Area... 4-01
Ventilation
-of Elevator Hoistways... 6-26
-of Elevator Machine Rooms... 6-29
Wall
-Load-Bearing... 5-10
-Nonload-Bearing... 5-10
THE AUTHORS
Joseph Gentile and Nate Wittasek have spent years advising architects, engineers, building owners and authorities having jurisdiction on the correct application of the International Building Code. During the
course of these efforts they have developed unique insight into the relationship between the design process and use of building codes. This checklist represents an effort to improve the built environment
through education and encouraging a comprehensive approach to code compliance at an early stage of the design process. Additional technical review of this document has been undertaken by the
International Code Council. The International Building Code has been adopted at the state or local level in many parts of the United States and the world.
JOSEPH GENTILE NATE WITTASEK, P.E., CFEI, LEED AP
Graduated University of Houston, Graduated

Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture Worcester Polytechnic Institute
(B.S. CE, M.S. FPE)
Consultant at Arup
Senior Managing Engineer at Exponent

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Joseph Gentile and Nate Wittasek P.E.

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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Interactive Guide to the 2012 IBC® An Illustrated Checklist

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE UP AND PAGE DOWN

FORWARD AND BACK

CHAPTER SUMMARY LINK TO AN ILLUSTRATED PAGE

ICC EVALUATION REPORT

IMAGES CODE SECTION

1-02 ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES 508.2

1-06 GRADE PLANE 202 (see “Grade Plane”)

1-09 ENCLOSED MEZZANINES 505.2

1-10 ATTICS 202 (see “Attic”)

10. Determine whether allowable increases based on 506.3, 504.2

17. All buildings and structures are assigned a single 1604.5

TAKE NOTE OF THE HIGHEST STORY ON WHICH A GIVEN OCCUPANCY IS

IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONFIRM WHICH SPACES WILL BE ACCEPTABLE AS YARDS

SOME BUILDING USES DO NOT CLEARLY FALL INTO A PARTICULAR OCCUPANCY

CHAPTER 4 OF THE BUILDING CODE CONTAINS OCCUPANCY-SPECIFIC

1-02 ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES AND INCIDENTAL USES REFERENCES: 302.1, 303-312

IT IS COMMON FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECTS TO CONSIST OF MULTIPLE

IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO SEPARATE DIFFERENT OCCUPANCIES WITH WALLS IN

ACCESSORY OCCUPANCIES AND INCIDENTAL USES ARE TREATED SIMILARLY

REVIEW THE EXCEPTIONS THAT EXIST WITHIN THE ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCY

1-01 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION; REFERENCES: 508.2; 509.1; 303.1.2

IT IS CRITICAL TO COME TO AN UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT THE ‘LOWEST LEVEL

TYPICALLY, HIGH-RISE PROVISIONS ARE APPLIED THROUGHOUT CONTIGUOUS

THERE ARE MULTIPLE HEIGHT REGIMES WITHIN THE HIGH-RISE CATEGORY,

IT MAY BE DESIRABLE TO MAINTAIN THE TOP FLOOR OF A

AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWERS, OPEN PARKING GARAGES, GROUP A-5

WHEN DETERMINING BUILDING HEIGHT IN STRUCTURES THAT CONSIST OF

SPECIAL APPROACHES EXIST IN DETERMINING BUILDING HEIGHT FOR

WHERE MULTIPLE BUILDINGS ARE CONSIDERED AS A SINGLE BUILDING FOR THE

TOWERS, SPIRES, STEEPLES, AND OTHER ROOF STRUCTURES MAY BE CONSTRUCT-

WATCH OUT FOR ENTRANCES THAT EXIST IN WELLS OR SIMILAR BELOW-GRADE

BE CAREFUL WHEN MULTIPLE BASEMENT LEVELS ARE PRESENT BECAUSE EVEN

AT A MINIMUM, POINTS AT EACH VERTEX OF THE BUILDING FOOTPRINT SHOULD

ALTERNATIVE CALCULATION APPROACHES FOR GRADE PLANE MAY BE

ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL ASPECTS OF CALCULATING GRADE PLANE IS

1-06 GRADE PLANE REFERENCES: 202; 502

ALTHOUGH MEZZANINES ARE TYPICALLY CONSIDERED TO BE RAISED ABOVE

WHEN DETERMINING THE NUMBER OF EXITS FROM A MEZZANINE, IT IS IMPORTANT

MEZZANINE FLOORS MUST BE CONSTRUCTED IN A MANNER THAT IS CONSISTENT

ENCLOSED PORTIONS OF MEZZANINES ARE REQUIRED TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN

THE AGGREGATE AREA OF MEZZANINES IN BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES OF

PROVISIONS FOR SEPARATED USES MAY OVERRIDE THE BASIC ALLOWANCE

ALTHOUGH THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS AS TO WHEN AN ACCESSIBLE

MEZZANINES OR PORTIONS THEREOF ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE OPEN TO THE

MEZZANINES WITH TWO OR MORE MEANS OF EGRESS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO

MEZZANINES OR PORTIONS THEREOF ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BE OPEN TO THE

IN INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES, MEZZANINES USED FOR CONTROL EQUIPMENT MAY

1-08 MEZZANINES AND ALLOWABLE MEZZANINE AREA; REFERENCES: 505.2.3

WHEN MODIFICATIONS ARE MADE TO ATTICS SUCH AS PROVISION FOR STAIRS

IN FULLY SPRINKLERED BUILDINGS, COMBUSTIBLE ATTIC SPACES ARE ALSO

BE CAREFUL WHEN APPLYING FRONTAGE INCREASES AT PUBLIC WAYS OR

THE AVERAGE WEIGHTED FRONTAGE IS CALCULATED WHEN THE WIDTH OF THE

THE CODE INTENDS THAT YARDS USED IN THE CALCULATION OF FRONTAGE

ANY PORTION OF THE BUILDING THAT IS COVERED MAY CONTRIBUTE TO

AT NO TIME CAN AREAS (OTHER THAN ADJACENT PUBLIC WAYS) BEYOND A

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS EXIST TO PROTECT OCCUPANTS FROM FALLING INTO