Accessible route when 2nd story areas are not connected?

[jimcastino]

We have a commercial building in for permitting, where we have two second floor areas that total more than 3,000 SF, but they are not connected, are in separate areas of the existing building with no physical access between them. One is a 1,500 SF storage parts mezzanine. The other is a new 2,000 SF office area. The agency is requiring an accessible route (elevator), even though these two spaces are in separate area of the building.
Is there an exception in either the 2015 IBC or the 2015 IEBC which would negate the elevator requirement?

 

[steveray]

The IEBC has plenty of exceptions.....But not for the new office area likely....