Emergency Escape and Condo/Townhouse

[jar546]

I have a very interesting scenario. There is a condo complex that calls themselves "townhomes" even though there are units on top of units, some 2-level units and some one level units. Some parts are 5 stories high and some are 4 stories high. There is an elevator in the middle that leads to open catwalks on the inside (courtyard) and you can walk to your unit from there. Attached is a picture. To me this is a condo and not a townhouse development.

Here is the question. Is there a difference as to whether or not EERO windows are required or not based on if these are condos or townhomes?

 

[RLGA]

Townhouses are defined in the IBC—condominiums are not. Condominiums are really apartments per the building code. If each story has two means of egress, then EEROs are not required.

 

[jar546]

Townhouses are defined in the IBC—condominiums are not. Condominiums are really apartments per the building code. If each story has two means of egress, then EEROs are not required.

So is a balcony considered a means of egress? What you see is what you get. One means of egress if from the inside catwalk courtyard and the second is from the balcony to nowhere.

 

[RLGA]

Each dwelling unit is permitted a single means of egress per IBC Section 1006.3.3, subparagraph 5. If that means of egress leads to a corridor that provides access to two exits, then EEROs are not required.

 

[cda]

So is a balcony considered a means of egress? What you see is what you get. One means of egress if from the inside catwalk courtyard and the second is from the balcony to nowhere.

Balcony only if you walk directly out of the bedroom to it.


To really answer the question depends on what code it was built under

Also if it has a fire sprinkler system.

 

[Yikes]

If each story has two means of egress, then EEROs are not required.

Except in California, where we modified the code.
In what state is this project located?

 

[cda]

Hummmm

Palm Trees. Alaska??

 

[RLGA]

Except in California, where we modified the code.
In what state is this project located?

I just looked at the 2019 CBC and Section 1006.3.3 is in there unchanged.

 

[e hilton]

In what state is this project located?

His profile says Palm Beach county.
Jar ... could you post the address, or even the street name. I’d like to see it on google earth.

 

[steveray]

What it is "called" is irrelevant....Code it was constructed and maintained to is as well as use and occuopancy...