Egress of Accessory Offices in an F-1 Occupancy

[sbb-j]

I have a small building that is primarily an F-1 occupancy, with a few accessory spaces (two offices, a break room, mechanical and restrooms).
I initially considered the building a mixed use per 508, with the accessory spaces a B occupancy (shown in green in the picture below).


My question is regarding egress of the offices and break room. IBC 2021 1016.2 note 3 says that egress can pass through an adjoining space if they are accessory to each other as long as there is a discernible path of egress travel to an exit. I interpret this as being a clearly marked path on the floor leading to the exit(s). It further says by exception that means of egress are not prohibited through adjoining/intervening spaces in an F occupancy where the spaces are the same or lesser hazard. In my case as shown above I assume the F-1 occupancy would be considered a greater hazard than the B occupancy, thus eliminating the stated exception

Can the offices and break room be all considered part of the F-1 occupancy, making the building entirely single occupancy? I have seen many industrial shops with a singular office adjoining for a manager etc. Where in the code (IBC 2021) would this be explained?

 

[Inspector 102]

I will take a chance on this one. Section 508.2 (IBC 2012 Edition) allows accessory uses to occupy up to 10% of flor area without requiring separations. If the office space meets that restriction, then the occupancy classification for the entire building would be F-1, eliminating your concern of egress through a greater hazard. I think that is correct.

 

[mtlogcabin]

I interpret this as being a clearly marked path on the floor leading to the exit(s)

No that would not be the intent of the requirement to be discernable.

DISCERNIBLE, adjective That may be seen distinctly; discoverable by the eye or the understanding; distinguishable. A star is discernible by the eye; the identity or difference of ideas is discernible by the understanding.

There are a number of ways to meet the intent of that section. A furniture and fixture floor plan would be very helpful for you for your review.
The drawing you posted would not meet 107.2.3


[A] 107.2.3 Means of egress.
The construction documents shall show in sufficient detail the location, construction, size and character of all portions of the means of egress including the path of the exit discharge to the public way in compliance with the provisions of this code. In other than occupancies in Groups R-2, R-3, and I-1, the construction documents shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor, and in all rooms and spaces.

 

[mtlogcabin]

In my case as shown above I assume the F-1 occupancy would be considered a greater hazard than the B occupancy, thus eliminating the stated exception

I will use the IEBC performance that assigns hazard ratings to the different occupancy groups.
There is no difference between a B, F or S group for means of egress hazard determination.

If the office space meets that restriction, then the occupancy classification for the entire building would be F-1,

Yes the entire building would be an F-1. However, you are to classify each room by its use for OL and egress requirements.

 

[sbb-j]

Thank you for the replies. I agree that the building as a whole would be classified entirely as an F-1.

Regarding the discernable path to the exit - I know that is not the intent of that requirement, Just thinking of possible ways to accomplish that.

 

[mtlogcabin]

Exception: Means of egress are not prohibited through adjoining or intervening rooms or spaces in a Group H, S or F occupancy where the adjoining or intervening rooms or spaces are the same or a lesser hazard occupancy group.

I believe the exception does not require a discernable path for your project. However, paint on the floor would accomplish making the path "discernable"