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Egress Width in Open Mall Building

ccanney

REGISTERED
Joined
Jun 25, 2021
Messages
25
Location
San Francisco
Hello,
I am looking to get clarification in regard to California Building Code section 402.8.1.1 Minimum Width for covered or open mall buildings. This section notes that the aggregate clear width shall not be less than 20 feet and shall be sufficient to accommodate the actual occupant load served. The code language continues to state that any portion of the minimum required aggregate egress width shall not be less than 10 feet measured to a height of 8 feet between any projection of a tenant space bordering the mall and the nearest kiosk, vending machine, bench, display opening, food court or other obstruction to means of egress travel.

My interpretation of this section is that the total egress width provided from the mall building must be greater than 20 feet (or larger dependent on occupant load calc) as dispersed between the total number of exits. At no point along the egress path shall the width be reduced to less than 10 feet due to projections into the path of travel.

We currently have a project in plan review that proposes a new exterior dining patio. The exterior guardrail of the patio reduces the width of one egress width to 15 feet. The total aggregate width is well over 20 feet given numerous existing exits from the open mall courts. The existing egress path throughout the mall does not provide 20 feet clear.

Am I interpreting this accurately? Please see the attached PDF for reference.
 

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