Interpretation #7845
Published September 30, 2016
Original Request
- Code Version
- 2014
- Code
- BUILDING
- Code Description
- Chapter
- Section
- 1009.3/1016.3/1021.1/1026
- Topic
- Exit stairs for open parking garage
Question
On the topmost level of an 8-story open parking structure requiring (2) exits, is it code-compliant to have both exits be unenclosed exit access stairways, with the exit access travel distance measured from the most remote part of the level to the first riser of the stairway?
Answer Published 09/30/2016 at 1:57 PM
No. Please see the attached commentary
Commentary
Once the 6 story limit is reached, the stairs must be enclosed
(protected means of egress).
However, if the travel distance from the most remote point on
the top level to the enclosed stair door on the level below is
within the allowable travel distance, the unenclosed stair
would be code compliant.