Interpretation #6966
Published April 26, 2012
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2010
- Code
- RESIDENT
- Code Description
- Residential
- Chapter
- 3
- Section
- R310.1
- Topic
- wrap around porch
Question
Is it the intent of this section to not allow a porch completely around a house as this would not meet the open to the atmosphere.
Answer Published 04/26/2012 at 9:57 AM
No. The exception allows emergency escape and rescue
openings to open into a screened porch as long as the
screen porch is open to the atmosphere an leads directly to
yard, court, or public way. The screen enclosure must be
provided with a door leading away from the residence.
openings to open into a screened porch as long as the
screen porch is open to the atmosphere an leads directly to
yard, court, or public way. The screen enclosure must be
provided with a door leading away from the residence.
Commentary
Should the porch not be screened a person exiting the
emergency escape could proceed directly away from the
residence. Unless the porch is elevated, then there is the
guardrail and drop which must be negotiated. Should the
porch be screened it would be necessary to have a door
through the screen enclosure in close proximity to the
emergency escape. Otherwise one must move around the porch
to find a door in the screened in porch instead of
immediately moving away from a dangerous situation, perhaps
creating panic and complicating the escape. A case-by-case
review by the building official may be appropriate in order
to ensure the level of intended life safety is not
compromised.