Common Path without Fixed Seats

[Francis Vineyard]

Is the common path of travel distance for outdoor assembly (rooftop restaurant) aisle between unconcentrated tables and chairs different than for fixed seating (and tables)?

2012 IBC in reference to Table 1014.3 footnote c. For a room or space used for assembly purposes having fixed seating, see Section 1028.8.

1028.8 Common path of egress travel. The common path of egress travel shall not exceed 30 feet from any seat to a point where an occupant has a choice of two paths of egress travel to two exits.
Exceptions:
1. For areas serving less than 50 occupants, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 75 feet.
2. For smoke-protected assembly seating, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 50 feet.

 

[RLGA]

Section 1028.1: "A room or space used for assembly purposes which contains seats, tables, displays, equipment or other material shall comply with this section."

However, unless a table is over 30 feet long and one end is pushed up against a wall, it is difficult not to provide separate paths using standard tables and chairs.

 

[steveray]

I would say yes, I think 1028 is mainly for "aisles" that get some other gimmies...

 

[Francis Vineyard]

Would you approve this?

 

[RLGA]

Questionable; it matters as to what area the 60 occupants apply. But if you can draw two separate and distinct paths, that do not cross, from the most remote location, then I would say there is no common path, provided the paths comply with the minimum aisle widths of Section 1028.9.

 

[cda]

Would you approve this?
View attachment 2633

Is there or is there not a roof or canopy on this entire area?

 

[steveray]

That looks approvable to me....

 

[Francis Vineyard]

Questionable; it matters as to what area the 60 occupants apply. But if you can draw two separate and distinct paths, that do not cross, from the most remote location, then I would say there is no common path, provided the paths comply with the minimum aisle widths of Section 1028.9.

One way to illustrate two distinct paths as prongs of a tuning fork and the stem (common path) at the farthest table.

 

[cda]

One way to illustrate two distinct paths as prongs of a tuning fork and the stem (common path) at the farthest table.

Is there or is there not a roof or canopy on this entire area?

 

[Francis Vineyard]

Is there or is there not a roof or canopy on this entire area?

No

 

[cda]

So outside area that should not trap smoke or hear