exit discharge walkways

[dat]

The Code talks of "a direct and unobstructed access to a public way". It appears that a hard surface landing may be required just outside the exterior door but what prohibits grass or landscaping or pavers etc. to provide the rest of the accessto the public way

dat

 

[cda]

Welcome to the board of public opinion

 

[Examiner]

Check your accessibility for exit discharge. The surface on the exterior would have to comply with accessibility surfaces.

 

[Yikes]

By way of analogy: Chapter 2 definitions also defines "Yard" as an open space unobtructed; 1026.1 item 4 requires escape openings (windows) to open directly to a yard... that provides access to a public way. Yet we all knwo of yards that have landscaping rather than an accessible surface. So, I don't know that this code sections you referred to above can alone require a paved surface.

My opinion is thatyou would have to look at the accessibility portion of the code. Our California code would likely compel an accessible path, unless (for example) the exit discharge was from a stairwell.

 

[Coug Dad]

Welcome DAT

Your climate also comes into play. It is harder to keep a grass path clear through heavy winter snows or areas subject to heavy rains.

 

[pwood]

escape openings apply to s.f.d.s and the accessibility provisions like a hard surface to the public way generally apply to commercial projects and multifamily apartments. Dat, what type of occupancy are you dealing with here?