1027.5

[joecode]

This is a small 3 story wood frame apartment building with fire treated wood stairs the only exit from the second floor- perpendicular to the building, open on both sides.

Is the 10' Fire Separation required here? It would affect a lot of windows and doors. (All the samples show parallel stairs, does it matter?)

First and Second Floor plans attached.

Thank you for any input.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Is the 10' Fire Separation required here? It would affect a lot of windows and doors. (All the samples show parallel stairs, does it matter?)

IMHO, yes.

IBC 2021 Definitions:

[BE] EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY. An exit component
that serves to meet one or more means of egress design requirements,
such as required number of exits or exit access travel
distance, and is open to yards, courts or public ways.

IBC Commentary on the above:

Requirements for an exterior exit stairway are different
from those for an interior exit stairway. Exterior exit
stairways are typically outside of the building, provide
exits from above or below the level of exit discharge,
and are exposed to at least some elements of
weather. The protection requirements, therefore, are
for the exterior walls between the building and the
stairway, rather than interior walls. For the stairway
requirements, see Section 1011. For specifics for exterior
exit stairways, see Section 1027.

IBC 1027.1:

1027.1 General. Exterior exit stairways and ramps serving as
an exit component in a means of egress system shall comply
with the requirements of this section.

IBC Commentary on 1027.1:

Stairways and ramps can be exit access, exit or exit
discharge elements. Exterior exit access and exit discharge
stairways and ramps typically involve a change
of elevation of less than a story. Exterior exit access
stairways or ramps between stories must comply with
Section 1019.3 and, where permitted as part of the
required means of egress, are limited by Section
1006.3. Exit stairways and ramps traverse a full story
or more. Interior exit stairways and ramps must be
enclosed in accordance with Section 1023. This section
addresses exterior stairways and ramps that function
as exit elements.

The stairs in your design traverse a full story (and probably a bit more), so they are not exit access or exit discharge. That means they are exterior exit stairs and are subject to the requirement to rate the walls and protect any openings within 10 feet of the stairs.

 

[joecode]

Yes, I think it applies here also. thank you for all the citations.