Open exterior stairs for 3 story Type VB, R2

[Ryan Schultz]

In Texas, we have a 3 story Type VB, R2. The proposed 6000sf footprint is illustrated below.


Am I correct to assume that these (2) exterior stairs can be open (not enclosed) per 1019.3 exception 4?


The longest Exit Access Travel Distance is under 250ft, per 1017.2.

---

Also I assume the wall circled in red below, can have windows and does not need to be rated per section 1020.1 exception 5, correct?

Thank you.

 

[Ryan Schultz]

Happy Monday. Just wanted to ping the group, to see if my assumptions are correct above.

 

[Paul Sweet]

How about 1027.6 Exterior Stair and Ramp Protection, exception 2?
"Separation from the interior of the building is not required where the exterior exit stairway or ramp is served by an exterior exit ramp or balcony that connects two remote exterior exit stairways or other approved exits with a perimeter that is not less than 50 percent open. To be considered open, the opening shall be not less than 50 percent of the height of the enclosing wall, with the top of the openings not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the top of the balcony."

 

[Ryan Schultz]

Could these stairs be considered 'Exit Access' stairs, instead of 'Exit' stairs, since the overall travel distance is less than 250ft from the 3rd floor to the ground, per 1017.2?

 

[classicT]

Could these stairs be considered 'Exit Access' stairs, instead of 'Exit' stairs, since the overall travel distance is less than 250ft from the 3rd floor to the ground, per 1017.2?

Shouldn't... as the MOE would travel through two stories, it is a violation of IBC Section 1006.3. That's why buildings of 3-stories commonly need either an interior or exterior exit access stairway.

1006.3 Egress From Stories or Occupied Roofs​

The means of egress system serving any story or occupied roof shall be provided with the number of exits or access to exits based on the aggregate occupant load served in accordance with this section. The path of egress travel to an exit shall not pass through more than one adjacent story.​

 

[Ryan Schultz]

Thanks @classicT, yes, upon further inspection, you're right. Section 1027.6 exception 2 would allow us to not rate the stair walls.

And section 1020.1 exception 5 allows us to not rate the corridor as well.

Thank you for your perspective.