Code question regarding Horizontal Exits at Texas apartment units

[Sagegroup]

Please refer to the attached PDF partial floor plan of this 3 story apartment project.

We need to add this area separation wall to create 2 buildings and keep within the allowable area for Type VA construction.

The 3 apartment units noted have their exit through the fire wall making it an exit through an horizontal exit.

Since we are 3 story is it allowed by code to apply code section for the single exit and emergency escape to these 3 apartment units?

 

[classicT]

Noting that you called out an "area separation wall" and not a fire wall, are you using a GA ASW assembly?

If so, take note that GA does not permit any openings or penetrations of an ASW. Meaning, no horizontal access through the ASW.

 

[Sagegroup]

Thanks for your quick response.
The wall are "Fire Walls".

 

[Jay Smith]

Why not put the fire wall straight across the building, where no unit entries are affected? A fire wall is not necessarily a horizontal exit. Many people seem to think otherwise.

 

[Sagegroup]

The lower level does not align with the units above in any other configuration.

 

[Jay Smith]

If there is a fire and the area at the end of the building has burned down, three A2 units in the next area have no exit. Going back to the original question, an emergency escape and rescue opening isn’t an exit. That’s where it seems like a hard sell.

 

[Sagegroup]

Refer to IBC Section 1006.3.3 Single Exit. This section allows one exit per IBC tables 1006.3.3(1) and 1006.3.3(2) for a 3 story apartment. It will require Emergency escape and rescue per IBC Section 1030.