Exit Walkway at Main Exit

[Phil B]

I have an walkway at the main exit of a restaurant. The overall width is 10'-4". My question is does the 2'-0" low planter wall violate the highlighted section of the code below that refers to the 10' wide space?

 

[TheCommish]

Does the restaurant have a capacity of over 300 people.

 

[Phil B]

Does the restaurant have a capacity of over 300 people.

Occupant load around 500. I have enough width at the main exit.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Where is the property line, and which of the two designated doorways is the main exit?

Here's the 2021 IBC Commentary on 1029.2:

The width of an exterior court is to be determined in
the same fashion as for an interior corridor. The width
is to be not less than that required to serve the number
of occupants from the exit or exits and not less than
the minimum specified in this section (see also Section
1205). The width of the court and any openings
through barriers around the court must be sufficient to
accommodate the number of occupants leaving the
building so that the court will not become a bottleneck
for the egress path.
A cross reference to Section 1005.7 in the exceptions
for width in aisles (see Section 1018.1), corridors
(see Section 1020.4), exit passageways (see Section
1024.2) and exit courts (see Section 1029.2) reinforces
the fact that the protrusion limits provision is
generally applicable for these types of confined routes.

I think a 2-foot wall constraining the path of exit discharge travel would qualify as a barrier or a "bottleneck." So, without any information suggesting otherwise, my view is that the 2-foot planter has to be considered. The actual width of the walkway should be sized based on the occupant load served. Since this will be an egress court, the next question is whether or not the exterior wall of building along the egress court needs to be fire-resistance rated.

 

[TheCommish]

Occupant load around 500. I have enough width at the main exit.

That establishment I would require 10 foot of sidewalk width, plusses consideration of the exit coming in from the side

 

[Paul Sweet]

I think the 10 ft. requirement more for fire separation than exit width. Do you have a third exit if over 500 occupants (IBC Table 1006.3.3)? Do you have adequate separation between exits (IBC 1007)?

 

[Phil B]

I think the 10 ft. requirement more for fire separation than exit width. Do you have a third exit if over 500 occupants (IBC Table 1006.3.3)? Do you have adequate separation between exits (IBC 1007)?

I agree. and yes I am good on exits. Thank you all for your comments!

 

[Yikes]

I'm confused. The OP referenced 1029.2, but in the 2023 FBC that is 1030.2.

Here's the 2021 IBC Commentary on 1029.2:
I think a 2-foot wall constraining the path of exit discharge travel would qualify as a barrier or a "bottleneck." So, without any information suggesting otherwise, my view is that the 2-foot planter has to be considered. The actual width of the walkway should be sized based on the occupant load served. Since this will be an egress court, the next question is whether or not the exterior wall of building along the egress court needs to be fire-resistance rated

Meanwhile it appears that in post #4, YC quoted the commentary from 1029.2, but I think what we really need is the commentary from 1030.2.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I'm confused. The OP referenced 1029.2, but in the 2023 FBC that is 1030.2.


Meanwhile it appears that in post #4, YC quoted the commentary from 1029.2, but I think what we really need is the commentary from 1030.2.

The question was posted under the building code section, not the fire protection code section.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

I think the 10 ft. requirement more for fire separation than exit width. Do you have a third exit if over 500 occupants (IBC Table 1006.3.3)? Do you have adequate separation between exits (IBC 1007)?

Since the section is addressing egress courts, it's not just about fire separation distance for the building. It's also about providing sufficient open space that occupants won't be directly impinged by fire or excessive heat while existing. That means if a 10-foot wide space is required, the occupants need to be able tio use the full ten foot width for egress, so they're not walking right next to the burning building (as shown on the plan in the OP).

 

[Yikes]

I know the OP is over 6 years old, but it's a worthy topic.
2021 IBC 1029.2 requires min. 36" egress court usable width for R and U occupancies, and min. 44" usable width for other occupancies, but no less than the required capacity based on occupant load (which I assume is per 1005).
The protection from heat or fire while using the exit court is achieved by either (a) having that minimum exit width occur with its edge at least 10' away form the building, or (b) providing 45 minute opening protectives.

• For example, if an exit court serving 170 people was a 10' (120") in width, and the space between 0" (the building face) 76" was all landscape, then the between 76"-120" was exit walkway, no opening protective would be required.
• If there was landscape between 0-74", and a walkway between 74-118", and a fence between 118-120" then opening protectives would be required.

 

[steveray]

Seems like it wants the people to fan out after going through the door so no....Kind of dumb that it's not really OL related other than 300, more building vs. room....