jar546
Forum Coordinator
In an open parking structure, there are vertical openings enclosed for security and weather protection (for example, fully or partially by doors, glass, walls, or other means).
Could you verify whether the 2018 IBC Section 406.5.9 exempts these vertical openings from requiring a fire-resistance rating?
Additionally, is it the purpose of the code to allow these openings to be exempt from the enclosure requirements outlined in the exit access stairway and ramp provisions (Section 1019), the interior exit stairways and ramps provisions (Section 1023), and the exterior exit stairways and ramps provisions (Section 1027)?
Attachment(s): ICC Opinion: This interpretation also pertains to the 2021 and 2024 IBC.
According to the 2018 IBC Section 406.5.9, it is not necessary to enclose vertical openings like those for stairways and elevators in open parking garages.
Furthermore, Section 712.1.12, along with Item #6 of Section 1019.3, specifically excludes exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that solely serve the parking garage. Similarly, Section 712.1.10.2 provides exemptions for elevator hoistways that serve only the parking garage and comply with Section 406.5 (open parking garages) or 406.6 (enclosed parking garages).
Therefore, a permitted, unenclosed vertical opening in an open parking garage, even if partially or fully enclosed, is generally not required to have a fire-resistance-rated enclosure. While in some instances it might be beneficial to have such enclosures rated, especially if they function as typical enclosed stairways or elevator hoistways, the partial or full enclosure of these openings for security or weather protection alone does not typically require them to be fire-resistance-rated, in our view.
Could you verify whether the 2018 IBC Section 406.5.9 exempts these vertical openings from requiring a fire-resistance rating?
Additionally, is it the purpose of the code to allow these openings to be exempt from the enclosure requirements outlined in the exit access stairway and ramp provisions (Section 1019), the interior exit stairways and ramps provisions (Section 1023), and the exterior exit stairways and ramps provisions (Section 1027)?
Attachment(s): ICC Opinion: This interpretation also pertains to the 2021 and 2024 IBC.
According to the 2018 IBC Section 406.5.9, it is not necessary to enclose vertical openings like those for stairways and elevators in open parking garages.
Furthermore, Section 712.1.12, along with Item #6 of Section 1019.3, specifically excludes exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that solely serve the parking garage. Similarly, Section 712.1.10.2 provides exemptions for elevator hoistways that serve only the parking garage and comply with Section 406.5 (open parking garages) or 406.6 (enclosed parking garages).
Therefore, a permitted, unenclosed vertical opening in an open parking garage, even if partially or fully enclosed, is generally not required to have a fire-resistance-rated enclosure. While in some instances it might be beneficial to have such enclosures rated, especially if they function as typical enclosed stairways or elevator hoistways, the partial or full enclosure of these openings for security or weather protection alone does not typically require them to be fire-resistance-rated, in our view.