Current through Register Vol. 48, No. 39, March 25, 2024
Subpart 1.
IFC section 1104.1.
IFC section 1104.1 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.1
General.
Means of egress in existing buildings shall comply with the minimum egress
requirements when specified in Sections 1104.1 through 1104.23.
1104.1.1
Occupant loads. The
number of occupants shall be determined in accordance with Section
1004.
1104.1.2
Egress
width. The minimum required egress width shall be determined in
accordance with Section 1005.1.
1104.1.3
Ceiling height. The
ceiling height in corridors shall be not less than 78 inches (1,981
mm).
1104.1.4
Special exiting
provisions for younger students. Rooms in Group E occupancies used by
preschool, kindergarten, first- or second-grade pupils, latchkey, child care,
early childhood family education, teen parent, or similar programs shall be
located as required by the Building Code
Subp. 2.
IFC section 1104.2.
IFC section 1104.2 is amended to read:
1104.2
Elevators, escalators, and
moving walks. Elevators, escalators, and moving walks can only be used
as a component of a required means of egress where previously
approved.
Subp. 3.
IFC section 1104.3.
IFC section 1104.3 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.3
Exit signs -
general. Exit signs shall comply with Sections 1104.3.1 through
1104.3.5.
1104.3.1
Where
required. Exit signs shall be provided where two or more exits are
required from a room, area, or story.
1104.3.2
Locations. Exits and
exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from
any direction of egress travel.
1104.3.3
Main exits. Exit signs
need not be provided for main exterior exit doors that are obviously and
clearly identifiable as exits.
1104.3.4
Certain occupancies
exempt. Exit signs are not required in housing areas of Group I-3
occupancies; in sleeping rooms or dwelling units in Group R-1, R-2, or R-3
occupancies; and in Group U occupancies.
1104.3.5
Exit sign illumination.
Exit signs shall be internally illuminated, externally illuminated, or
self-luminous. The face of an exit sign illuminated from an external source
shall have an intensity of not less than 5 foot-candles (54 lux). Internally
illuminated signs shall provide equivalent luminance and be listed for the
purpose. Approved self-luminous signs that provide evenly illuminated letters
shall have a minimum luminance of 0.06 foot-lamberts (0.21
cd/m2).
Subp. 4.
IFC section 1104.5.
IFC section 1104.5 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.5
Illumination -
general. Normal and emergency illumination of the means of egress shall
comply with Sections 1104.5.1 through 1104.5.3.
1104.5.1
Illumination required.
The means of egress shall be illuminated at all times that the building space
served by the means of egress is occupied. Natural lighting in the interior
rooms or spaces can be used to satisfy this requirement during periods of
daylight.
1104.5.1.1
Group U
occupancies. Illumination is not required in Group U
occupancies.
1104.5.1.2
Aisle
accessways. Illumination is not required for aisle accessways.
1104.5.1.3
Dwelling units and sleeping
rooms. Illumination is not required for dwelling units and sleeping
rooms of Group I, R-1, R-2, and R-3 occupancies.
1104.5.2
Illumination level.
Floors and other walking surfaces within the means of egress shall be
illuminated according to Sections 1104.5.2.1 and 1104.5.2.2:
1104.5.2.1
General. The means of
egress illumination level shall not be less than one foot-candle (11 lux) at
the floor level.
1104.5.2.2
Assembly performances. In assembly occupancies, the illumination
of the floors of exit access shall be at least 0.2 foot-candle (2.2 lux) during
periods of performances or projections involving directed light.
1104.5.3
Illumination
emergency power. The power supply for means of egress illumination shall
normally be provided by the premises electrical supply. In the event of power
supply failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency
system for the following occupancies where such occupancies require two or more
means of egress:
1. Group A having 50 or more
occupants. Assembly occupancies used exclusively as a place of worship and
having an occupant load of less than 300 are not required to have emergency
illumination.
2. Group B buildings
three or more stories in height, buildings with 100 or more occupants above or
below the level of exit discharge, or buildings with 1,000 or more total
occupants.
3. Group E in interior
stairs, corridors, windowless areas with student occupancy, shops, and
laboratories.
4. Group F having
more than 100 occupants. Buildings used only during daylight hours that are
provided with windows for natural light are not required to have emergency
illumination.
5. Group I.
6. Group M buildings greater than 3,000
square feet (2,879 m2) in gross sales area or
exceeding one story in height.
7.
Group R-1. Where each guest room has direct access to the outside of the
building at grade, emergency illumination is not required.
8. Group R-2. Where each living unit has
direct access to the outside of the building at grade, emergency illumination
is not required.
9. Group R-4.
Where each sleeping room has direct access to the outside of the building at
ground level, emergency illumination is not required.
The emergency power system shall provide power for not less
than 30 minutes and consist of storage batteries, unit equipment, or an on-site
generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in
accordance with Section 604.
Subp. 5.
IFC section 1104.6.
IFC section 1104.6 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.6
Guards.
Guards complying with this section shall be provided at the open sides of means
of egress that are more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.
Exception: Approved existing open guards.
1104.6.1
Height of guards.
Guards shall form a protective barrier not less than 42 inches (1,067 mm) high
except for the following existing guards:
1.
Existing guards on the open side of stairs, which are permitted to be not less
than 30 inches (760 mm) high.
2.
Existing guards within dwelling units, which are permitted to be not less than
36 inches (910 mm) high.
3.
Existing guards in assembly areas.
4. Existing guards on stairs and balconies of
buildings designated as historic structures, which are permitted to be not less
than 24 inches (610 mm) high.
1104.6.2
Opening limitations.
Open guards shall have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a 6-inch (152
mm) diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 34 inches
(864 mm) except when one of the following conditions exist:
1. At elevated walking surfaces for access to
and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards
shall have balusters or be of solid materials such that a sphere with a
diameter of 21 inches (533 mm) cannot pass through any opening.
2. In occupancies in Group I-3, F, H, or S,
the clear distance between intermediate rails measured at right angles to the
rails shall not exceed 21 inches (533 mm).
Subp. 6.
IFC section
1104.7.
IFC section 1104.7 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.7
Doors -
general. Except where modified by Section 1008.1.2, doors shall be of
the side-hinged swing type. Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel
when serving an occupant load of 50 or more persons. The minimum width of each
door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof. Locks and
latches shall comply with Sections 1008.1.9 through 1008.1.11.4.
1104.7.1
Size of doors. Except
where modified by this section, each required means of egress door shall comply
with the minimum dimensions specified herein. Doors shall provide a clear width
of not less than 28 inches (711 mm). Where this section requires a minimum
clear width of 28 inches (711 mm) and a door opening includes two door leaves
without a mullion, one leaf shall provide a clear opening width of 28 inches
(711 mm). The maximum width of a swinging door leaf shall be 48 inches (1,219
mm) nominal. The height of doors shall not be less than 80 inches (2,032 mm).
1104.7.1.1
Closets. Door
openings to storage closets less than 10 square feet (0.93
m2) in area shall not be limited by the minimum
width.
1104.7.1.2
Revolving
doors. Width of door leafs in revolving doors shall not be
limited.
1104.7.1.3
Dwelling
units. Door openings within a dwelling unit are permitted to be 78
inches (1,981 mm) in height.
1104.7.1.4
Small rooms. Exit
access doors serving a room not larger than 70 square feet (6.5
m2) are permitted to be 24 inches (610 mm) in door
width.
1104.7.1.5
Health
care facilities. The minimum clear width for doors in the means of
egress from hospitals; nursing homes; limited care facilities; psychiatric
hospital sleeping rooms; and diagnostic and treatment areas, such as x-ray,
surgery, or physical therapy, shall be not less than 32 inches (810 mm) wide.
Existing 34-inch (865 mm) doors shall be permitted. Existing 28-inch (710 mm)
corridor doors in facilities where the fire plans do not require evacuation by
bed, gurney, or wheelchair shall be permitted.
Subp. 7.
IFC section
1104.10.
IFC section 1104.10 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.10
Stair dimensions
for existing stairs. Existing stairs in buildings shall be permitted to
remain if the rise does not exceed 8.25 inches (210 mm) and the run is not less
than 9 inches (229 mm). Existing stairs are permitted to have a minimum width
of 36 inches (914 mm) but not less than the width required for the number of
occupants served as determined by Section 1005.1. Existing stairs can be
rebuilt.
1104.10.1
Stair dimensions for
replacement stairs. The replacement of an existing stairway in a
structure shall not be required to comply with the new stairway requirements of
Section 1009 where the existing space and construction will not allow a
reduction in pitch or slope.
Subp. 8.
IFC section 1104.12.
IFC section 1104.12 is amended to read:
1104.12
Circular stairways.
Existing circular stairs shall be allowed to continue in use provided the
minimum depth of tread at the outside of the stair is at least 10 inches (254
mm).
Subp. 9.
IFC
section 1104.16.
IFC section 1104.16 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.16
Fire escape
stairs. Fire escape stairs shall comply with Sections 1104.16.1 through
1104.16.7.
1104.16.1
Existing means of
egress. Fire escape stairs shall be permitted in existing buildings but
shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the required exit
capacity.
1104.16.2
Protection of openings. Openings within 10 feet (3,048 mm) of fire
escape stairs shall be protected by fire assemblies having a minimum 3/4-hour
fire-resistance rating. In buildings equipped throughout with an approved
automatic sprinkler system, opening protection is not required.
1104.16.3
Dimensions. Fire
escape stairs shall meet the minimum width, capacity, riser height, and tread
depth as specified in Table 1104.16.
1104.16.4
Access. Access to a
fire escape from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room. Access to
a fire escape stair shall be from a door or window meeting the criteria of
Section 1005.3.2. Access to a fire escape stair shall be directly to a balcony,
landing, or platform. These shall be no higher than the floor or windowsill
level and no lower than 8 inches (203 mm) below the floor level or 18 inches
(457 mm) below the windowsill.
1104.16.5
Materials and
strength. Components of fire escape stairs shall be constructed of
noncombustible materials.
Fire escape stairs and balconies shall support the dead load
plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78
kN/m2). Fire escape stairs and balconies shall be
provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side.
The fire code official is authorized to require testing or
other satisfactory evidence that an existing fire escape stair meets the
requirements of this section.
1104.16.6
Termination. The
lowest balcony shall not be more than 18 feet (5,486 mm) from the ground. Fire
escape stairs shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced
stairs reaching the ground. For fire escape stairs serving ten or fewer
occupants, an approved fire escape ladder is allowed to serve as the
termination for fire escape stairs.
1104.16.7
Maintenance. Fire
escapes shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and shall be
maintained in good working order.
TABLE 1104.16
DIMENSIONS FOR EXISTING FIRE ESCAPE STAIRS
Feature:
|
Serving More Than 10 Occupants
|
Serving 10 or Fewer Occupants
|
Minimum Width |
22 inches |
18 inches |
Maximum Height of Risers |
9 inches |
12 inches |
Minimum Tread Depth |
9 inches |
6 inches |
Subp. 10.
IFC section 1104.17.
IFC section 1104.17 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.17
Corridors.
Corridors and the openings therein shall provide an effective barrier to resist
the movement of smoke. Corridors, common path of travel, and travel distance
shall comply with Sections 1104.17.1 through 1104.17.4.2. Corridors complying
with Section 1018.1 need not be fire-resistance rated.
1104.17.1
Construction.
Corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with this section and
Table 1104.17.1. Existing walls surfaced with wood lath and plaster in good
condition or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard are acceptable for corridor walls and
ceilings. Where Table 1104.17.1 allows a sprinkler system in lieu of
fire-resistance-rated construction, the building shall be protected throughout
with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or
903.3.1.2.
1104.17.1.1
Existing places
of religious worship. In Group A occupancies used as places of religious
worship, existing corridor walls, ceilings, and opening protection not in
compliance with Section 1104.17.1 may be continued when such buildings are
protected with an approved automatic fire alarm system. The fire alarm system
shall include automatic smoke detection throughout the exit system and approved
detection in all boiler rooms, furnace rooms, mechanical rooms, and storage
rooms.
1104.17.1.2
Existing
Group B occupancies. In office areas of Group B occupancies not
exceeding 10,000 square feet (929 m2) in size,
existing corridor walls, ceilings, and opening protection not in compliance
with Section 1104.17.1 may be continued when such buildings are protected with
an approved automatic fire alarm system. The fire alarm system shall include
automatic smoke detection throughout the exit system and approved detection in
all boiler rooms, furnace rooms, mechanical rooms, and storage rooms.
1104.17.1.3
Existing Group E
occupancies. In Group E occupancies, existing corridor walls, ceilings,
and opening protection not in compliance with Section 1104.17.1 may be
continued when such buildings are protected with an approved automatic fire
alarm system that is monitored by a central, proprietary, or remote station
service. The fire alarm system shall include automatic smoke detection
throughout the exit system and approved detection in all rooms and areas other
than classrooms and offices.
TABLE 1104.17.1
CORRIDOR FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING
Occupancy
|
Occupant Load
|
Required Fire-Resistance Rating
(hours)
|
| Served by
Corridor | Without sprinkler
system | With sprinkler system |
A, B, E, F, H, M, S, U |
Greater than 30 |
1 |
0 |
I |
Greater than 10 |
1 (see Section 1104.17.2.3) |
0 |
R |
Greater than 10 |
1 |
0 |
1104.17.2
Corridor openings.
Openings into corridors shall comply with Sections 1104.17.2.1 through
1104.17.2.3.
1104.17.2.1
Doors.
Doors opening into corridors required by Table 1104.17.1 to be fire-resistance
rated shall be protected by 20-minute fire assemblies or solid wood doors not
less than 1-3/4 inches (45 mm) thick. Where the existing frame will not
accommodate the 1-3/4 inches (45 mm) thick door, a 1-3/8 inches (35 mm) thick
solid bonded wood core door or equivalent insulated steel door shall be
permitted. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke
detection.
1104.17.2.2
Other
openings. Openings with fixed wired glass set in steel frames are
permitted for corridor walls and ceilings. Transoms, louvers, and openings
other than doors from corridors to rooms shall be automatic-closing by smoke
detection or shall be covered with a minimum of 3/4-inch (19 mm) gypsum
wallboard or equivalent material on the room side.
1104.17.2.3
Existing Group I-2 and I-3
occupancies. Patient room doors in corridors in Group I-2 occupancies
and Group I-3 corridor doors need not be fire-resistance rated or self-closing
where smoke barriers are provided in accordance with the Building Code or NFPA
101.
1104.17.3
Corridor width. The minimum corridor width shall be in accordance
with Sections 1104.17.3.1 through 1104.17.3.2.
1104.17.3.1
Minimum width. The
minimum corridor width shall be as determined by the occupant load calculations
in Section 1005.3 but not less than 36 inches.
1104.17.3.2
Minimum width in mechanical
areas. The minimum corridor width is allowed to be reduced to 24 inches
(610 mm) for spaces providing access to electrical, mechanical, or plumbing
systems.
1104.17.4
Dead ends. Where more than one exit or exit access doorway is
required, the exit access shall be arranged such that dead ends do not exceed
the limits specified in Sections 1104.17.4.1 through 1104.17.4.2 and Table
1104.17.4.
1104.17.4.1
Wide corridors
and dead-end provisions. A dead-end passageway or corridor shall not be
limited in length where the length of the dead-end passageway or corridor is
less and 2.5 times the least width of the dead-end passageway or corridor.
TABLE 1104.17.4
COMMON PATH, DEAD-END, AND TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMITS (by
occupancy)
Occupancy
|
Common Path Limit
|
Dead-End Corridor Limit
| Travel Distance Limit |
| Unspr (feet) | Spr
(feet) | Unspr (feet) | Spr
(feet) | Unspr (feet) | Spr
(feet) |
Group A |
20/75a |
20/75a |
20b |
20b |
200 |
250 |
Group B |
75 |
100 |
50 |
50 |
200 |
300 |
Group E |
75 |
75 |
50 |
50 |
200 |
250 |
Groups F-1, S-1d |
75 |
100 |
50 |
50 |
200 |
250 |
Groups F-2, S-2d |
75 |
100 |
50 |
50 |
300 |
400 |
Group H-1 |
25 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
75 |
75 |
Group H-2 |
50 |
100 |
0 |
0 |
75 |
100 |
Group H-3 |
50 |
100 |
20 |
20 |
100 |
150 |
Group H-4 |
75 |
75 |
20 |
20 |
150 |
175 |
Group H-5 |
75 |
75 |
20 |
50 |
150 |
200 |
Group I-1 |
75 |
75 |
20 |
20 |
200 |
250 |
Group I-2 (Health Care) |
N/R |
N/R |
N/R |
N/R |
150 |
200c |
Group I-3 |
100 |
100 |
N/R |
N/R |
150c |
200c |
Group I-4 (Day Care) |
N/R |
N/R |
20 |
20 |
200 |
250 |
Group M (Covered Mall) |
75 |
100 |
50 |
50 |
200 |
400 |
Group M (Mercantile) |
75 |
100 |
50 |
50 |
200 |
250 |
Group R-1 (Hotels) |
75 |
75 |
50 |
50 |
200 |
250 |
Group R-2 (Apartments) |
75 |
75 |
50 |
50 |
200 |
250 |
Groups R-3, R-4 |
N/R |
N/R |
N/R |
N/R |
N/R |
N/R |
Group U |
75 |
100 |
20 |
50 |
300 |
400 |
"Unspr" means unsprinklered and "Spr" means sprinklered.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
a. 20 feet for common path serving more than
50 persons; 75 feet for common path serving 50 or fewer persons.
b. See Section 1024.9.5 for dead-end aisles
in Group A occupancies.
c. This
dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have
fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room,
and from the room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy
chapter.
d. See the International
Building Code for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangers.
N/R = No requirements.
Subp. 11.
IFC section 1104.18.
IFC section 1104.18 is amended to read:
1104.18
Exit access travel
distance. Exits shall be located so that the maximum length of exit
access travel, measured from the most remote point to an approved exterior
exit, vertical exit enclosure, horizontal exit, or exit passageway along the
natural and unobstructed path of egress travel, does not exceed the distances
given in Table 1104.17.4.
Subp.
12.
IFC section 1104.19.
IFC section 1104.19 is amended to read:
1104.19
Common path of egress
travel. The common path of egress travel shall not exceed the distances
given in Table 1104.17.4.
Subp.
13.
IFC section 1104.20.
IFC section 1104.20 is amended to read:
1104.20
Stairway discharge
identification. A stairway in an exit enclosure that continues below the
level of exit discharge shall be arranged and marked to make the direction of
egress to a public way readily identifiable. Stairs that continue one-half
story beyond the level of exit discharge need not be provided with barriers
where the exit discharge is obvious.
Subp. 14.
IFC section 1104.21.
IFC section 1104.21 is amended to read:
1104.21
Exterior stairway
protection. Exterior exit stairs shall be separated from the interior of
the building as required in Section 1026.6.
Subp. 15.
IFC section 1104.22.
IFC section 1104.22 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.22
Minimum aisle
width. The minimum clear width of aisles and aisle accessways shall be
in accordance with this section and Table 1104.22.
1104.22.1
Aisle and aisle accessway
width. Aisles and aisle accessway widths shall be as determined by the
occupant load calculations in Section 1005.3, but not less than the widths
shown in Table 1104.22.
TABLE 1104.22
MINIMUM AISLE AND AISLE ACCESSWAY WIDTHS
Condition
|
Minimum Width (in inches)
|
Aisle accessways serving seating areas having 50 or fewer
seats, tables, or desks |
24 inches (610 mm) |
Aisle accessways serving seating areas more than 50 seats,
tables, or desks |
30 inches (760 mm) |
Aisle accessways serving employee areas only |
24 inches (610 mm) |
Level or ramped aisles having seating on each side and
serving 50 or fewer seats |
36 inches (914 mm) |
Level or ramped aisles having seating on each side and
serving more than 50 seats |
42 inches (1,067 mm) |
Level or ramped aisles having seating on one side and
serving 60 or fewer seats |
30 inches (760 mm) |
Level or ramped aisles having seating on one side and
serving more than 60 seats |
36 inches (914 mm) |
Aisle stairs having seating on each side and serving 50 or
fewer seats |
36 inches ( 914 mm) |
Aisle stairs having seating on each side and serving more
than 50 seats |
42 inches (1,067 mm) |
Aisle stairs having seating on one side and serving 60 or
fewer seats |
30 inches (760 mm) |
Aisle stairs having seating on one side and serving more
than 60 seats |
36 inches (914 mm) |
Aisle stair - distance between seating and aisle handrail
or guard when the aisle is subdivided |
20 inches (508 mm) |
Subp. 16.
IFC section 1104.23.
IFC section 1104.23 is amended to read:
1104.23
Stairway floor number
signs. Existing stairs shall be marked in accordance with Section
1022.9.
Subp. 17.
IFC section 1104.24.
IFC section 1104.24 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.24
Number of means of
egress or exits. The number of means of egress doors or exits from a
room, area, story, or building shall be in accordance with Sections 1104.24.1
through 1104.24.4 and Table 1104.24.
Where two or more means of egress doors or exits are required
from a room or area, such doors shall be separated from each other by a
distance not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal
dimension of the area served.
1104.24.1
Number based on
capacity. Two means of egress doors or exits are required from rooms,
areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants exceeds the values
shown in Table 1104.24.
1104.24.1.1
Dormitories. Dormitory sleeping rooms having an exit doorway
direct to the exterior are not required to have a second exit or exit access
doorway provided that:
a. The room has 16 or
fewer occupants;
b. The travel
distance from any point in the room to the exit doorway does not exceed 30
feet;
c. The room is not located
more than two stories above grade;
d. The room is not located on a level below
grade; and
e. The room is provided
with an emergency escape window in accordance with Sections 1029.2 through
1029.5 and the escape window is separated from the exit doorway in accordance
with Section 1015.2.1.
1104.24.2
Three egress doors or exits
required. Three means of egress doors or exits are required from rooms,
areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants exceeds 501
persons.
1104.24.3
Four
egress doors or exits required. Four means of egress doors or exits are
required from rooms, areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants
is 1,001 or more persons.
1104.24.4
Group E laboratories. Group E science laboratories containing
hazardous materials shall have two exits when exceeding 1,000 square feet (93
m2) in size.
TABLE 1104.24
TWO EGRESS DOORS OR EXITS REQUIRED
Occupancy
|
Number of Occupants
|
A, B, E, F, M, S, U |
50 occupants |
H, I, R |
10 Occupants |
R (dormitories) |
16 Occupants (see 1104.23.1.1) |
Subp. 18.
IFC section 1104.25.
IFC section 1104.25 is amended and sections added to
read:
1104.25
Escape
windows. In Group R and Group I-1 occupancies, escape windows shall be
provided, installed, and maintained in rooms used for sleeping below the fourth
story. A readily accessible escape window shall be provided from basement
levels occupied as a licensed family or group family child care home. Escape
windows shall be in accordance with this section.
1104.25.1
Escape windows not
required. Emergency escape windows are not required for the following
conditions:
1. If the room has a door that
leads directly to the exterior of the building.
2. In dwellings and structures constructed
prior to July 1, 1972, provided they are not licensed by Minnesota or used for
transient lodging.
3. If the
building is protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler
system.
4. From rooms of existing
buildings having two separate means of escape, provided that the means of
escape are independent of each other and they pass through only one adjacent
nonlockable room or area.
5. In
Group R hotels or motels constructed prior to April 11, 1983.
1104.25.2
Minimum size and
dimensions. Escape window openings shall have a minimum net clear
opening area of 4.5 square feet (648 square inches). Opening height and width
dimensions shall not be less than 20 inches.
1104.25.3
Maximum height from
floor. The maximum height from the floor to the window sill opening
shall not exceed 48 inches.
1104.25.4
Emergency escape windows
under decks and porches. Emergency escape windows are allowed to be
installed under decks and porches provided the location of the deck allows the
emergency escape window to be fully opened and provides a path not less than 36
inches in height to a yard or court.
1104.25.5
Window wells. An
escape window opening with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground
level shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Sections
1104.25.5 through 1104.25.5.2.
1104.25.5.1
Minimum size. The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall
be 9 square feet, with a minimum dimension of 36 inches. The area of the window
well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully
opened.
1104.25.5.2
Ladders
or steps. Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches
shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or steps. Ladders
or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches, shall project at
least 3 inches from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches on
center vertically for the full height of the window well. The ladder or steps
shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the window well by more than
6 inches. The ladder or steps shall not be obstructed by the emergency escape
and rescue opening. Ladders or steps required by this section are exempt from
the stairway requirements of Section 1009.
Statutory Authority: MS s
326B.02