Yikes
SAWHORSE
IBC / CBC 1029.1 requires that emergency escape windows open onto a public way, or a yard or court that leads to a public way. To my knowledge, there is nothing in the building or fire code that lists the minimum size of the yard, though typically it is minimum 3-5 feet in order to allow for the opening to exist (based on 705.8).
I have a local jurisdiction that is coming back with plan check corrections saying the yard must be at least 5' clear unobstructed width for the second floor windows and 10' for third floor windows. They are referencing NFPA 32, chapter 5 "Ground Use Of Ladders", section 5.1.8 "Angle of Inclination", which states the angle of a ladder should be 70-76 degrees, with 75 degrees as optimum - - plus room for feet at the base of the ladder, plus property line block wall width
Plan check is a very inopportune time to require a greater yard setback than what is stated in the code! Do you know of anyone who enforces NFPA 32.5.1.8 for purposes of establishing yard setbacks? If so, what is the code mechanism to enforce this, if it wasn't specifically adopted by the municipality?
I have a local jurisdiction that is coming back with plan check corrections saying the yard must be at least 5' clear unobstructed width for the second floor windows and 10' for third floor windows. They are referencing NFPA 32, chapter 5 "Ground Use Of Ladders", section 5.1.8 "Angle of Inclination", which states the angle of a ladder should be 70-76 degrees, with 75 degrees as optimum - - plus room for feet at the base of the ladder, plus property line block wall width
Plan check is a very inopportune time to require a greater yard setback than what is stated in the code! Do you know of anyone who enforces NFPA 32.5.1.8 for purposes of establishing yard setbacks? If so, what is the code mechanism to enforce this, if it wasn't specifically adopted by the municipality?