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Under the Building Codes, a link is provided for the 2009 Commentary.... This is an excerpt of what the commentary states.
(Although in most jurisdictions the commentary is not "the code", it does provide incite or guidance on how a building official may interpret the code.)
While there are no disbursement requirements specific to accessible means of egress or travel distance limitations where there is no area of refuge requirement (see Sections 1007.3, 1007.4 and 1007.6), the code requires exits to be distinct and independent (Section 1021.1). Therefore, if a stairway and elevator being used for accessible means of egress were adjacent to each other, this would only count as one accessible means of egress.
An accessible means of egress is required to provide a continuous path of travel to a public way. This principle is consistent with the general requirements for all means of egress, as reflected in Section 1003.1 and in the definition of "Means of egress" in Section 1002. This section also emphasizes the intent that accessible means of egress must be available to a person with a mobility impairment, such as a person in a wheelchair. Some mobility impairments do not allow for self-evacuation along a stairway; therefore, utilization of the exit and exit discharge may require assistance. The safety and fire evacuation plans (see IFC Section 404) require planning for all occupants of a building. This assistance is typically with the fire department or other trained personnel, either along the exit stairways or in buildings five stories or taller, with the elevator system or a combination of both (see commentary, Section 1007.2.1). It is required that accessible routes, areas of refuge and exterior areas of rescue assistance are indicated on these plans. These plans must be approved by the local fire official and reviewed annually.
