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Number of Exits for 3 Story R-2, Sprinklers, V-A

texasbo

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Jan 4, 2010
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We have not adopted the 2012 IBC yet, and would like some interpretations from those who are familiar with it.

2 dwelling units per floor, 2500 gross SF per dwelling unit. Travel Distance, CPET NOT an issue.

Section 1021.2.3 allows a a single exit within and from the dwelling unit, provided that it complies with 1015, AND either the exit from the dwelling unit discharges to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, OR the exit access outside the dwelling unit provides access to not less than 2 approved independent exits.

That all makes sense to me.

However, Table 1021.2(1) seems to contradict the section I just quoted, saying that in R-2, basement, 1st, 2nd,and 3rd stories with up to 4 dwelling units can have only one exit from the story.

Is Table 1021.2(1) an exception to Section 1021.2.3? If so, it certainly could have been laid out cleaner.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Tex-

It appears 1021.2.3 is for "Individual single story or multiple-story dwelling units". You explanation was for a building with multiple dwelling units if I am not mistaken?

ZIG
 
This is a general requirement

1021.1 General.

Each story and occupied roof shall have the minimum number of exits, or access to exits, as specified in this section. The required number of exits, or exit access stairways or ramps providing access to exits, from any story shall be maintained until arrival at grade or a public way. Exits or access to exits from any story shall be configured in accordance with this section. Each story above the second story of a building shall have a minimum of one interior or exterior exit stairway, or interior or exterior exit ramp. At each story above the second story that requires a minimum of three or more exits, or access to exits, a minimum of 50 percent of the required exits shall be interior or exterior exit stairways, or interior or exterior exit ramps.

Specific requirement limited to R-2 maximum 4 Dwelling Units with sprinklers and emergency escape and rescue windows and a maximum travel distance.

TABLE 1021.2(1)

STORIES WITH ONE EXIT OR ACCESS TO ONE EXIT FOR R-2 OCCUPANCIES

General requirement for all dwelling units regardless of the number of stories with or without sprinklers or emergency egress windows or openings

1021.2.3 Single-story or multiple-story dwelling units.

Individual single-story or multiple-story dwelling units shall be permitted to have a single exit within and from the dwelling unit provided that all of the following criteria are met:

1. The dwelling unit complies with Section 1015.1 as a space with one means of egress and

2. Either the exit from the dwelling unit discharges directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, or the exit access outside the dwelling unit’s entrance door provides access to not less than two approved independent exits.

No contradiction just confusion when we keep reading and forget there are specific and general code sections mixed together.
 
Thank you both. Yes, I was missing the "individual" dwelling unit part. Much appreciated.
 
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