New Building One Exit

[jar546]

Are there any situations where a building, not a space is allowed to have only one exit? One way in and one way out? Let's start with the 2018 IBC and newer.

 

[RLGA]

Yes, Sections 1006.3.3 (2018 IBC) and 1006.3.4 (2021 IBC). Although the sections refer to single exits from a story, each story of a building can use the same single exit. However, to be permitted a single exit, there are some thresholds that cannot be exceeded that are provided in two tables within the sections:

• Distance to an exit. The common path of egress travel (CPET) per the 2018 IBC and exit access travel distance (EATD) per the 2021 IBC (which are essentially the same thing) is limited to 125 feet for Group R-2 occupancies and 75 feet for all other occupancies (except H-1 and R-3).
• Group R-2 (dwelling units) is limited to three stories above the grade plane. All other occupancies are limited to one story, except for Groups B, F, M, and S which are permitted to be two stories above the grade plane.
• Group R-2 is limited to four dwelling units per story.
• Occupant load is limited by occupancy group and story:
  • First Story:
    • Groups A, B, E, F, M, and U: 49 occupants
    • Groups H-2 and H-3: 3 occupants
    • Groups H-4, H-5, I, R-1, and R-2 (sleeping units): 10 occupants
    • Group S: 29 occupants
  • Second Story: Groups B, F, M, and S: 29 occupants

 

[jar546]

Yes, Sections 1006.3.3 (2018 IBC) and 1006.3.4 (2021 IBC). Although the sections refer to single exits from a story, each story of a building can use the same single exit. However, to be permitted a single exit, there are some thresholds that cannot be exceeded that are provided in two tables within the sections:

• Distance to an exit. The common path of egress travel (CPET) per the 2018 IBC and exit access travel distance (EATD) per the 2021 IBC (which are essentially the same thing) is limited to 125 feet for Group R-2 occupancies and 75 feet for all other occupancies (except H-1 and R-3).
• Group R-2 (dwelling units) is limited to three stories above the grade plane. All other occupancies are limited to one story, except for Groups B, F, M, and S which are permitted to be two stories above the grade plane.
• Group R-2 is limited to four dwelling units per story.
• Occupant load is limited by occupancy group and story:
  • First Story:
    • Groups A, B, E, F, M, and U: 49 occupants
    • Groups H-2 and H-3: 3 occupants
    • Groups H-4, H-5, I, R-1, and R-2 (sleeping units): 10 occupants
    • Group S: 29 occupants
  • Second Story: Groups B, F, M, and S: 29 occupants

Thank you. I agree with you and have interpreted it the same way. The reason for my question is that I am taking a class with all fire inspectors put on by a fire service training company and one of the statements made is that since 2020 all buildings require 2 exits which I know is not true on many levels, including residential. I am seeing inconsistencies with occupant loads too so this is slightly off the beaten path of I-Codes since it is all NFPA. Very frustrating.

 

[RLGA]

Thank you. I agree with you and have interpreted it the same way. The reason for my question is that I am taking a class with all fire inspectors put on by a fire service training company and one of the statements made is that since 2020 all buildings require 2 exits which I know is not true on many levels, including residential. I am seeing inconsistencies with occupant loads too so this is slightly off the beaten path of I-Codes since it is all NFPA. Very frustrating.

The NFPA follows its own path, which is fine. However, the frustrating part is when jurisdictions adopt both codes (IBC and NFPA 101) and do not address the differences via amendments.