Panic Hardware eliminates strike side clearances?

[DonaldsonR]

I am looking at an exterior exit door that does not have the ability to provide 12" strike side clearance on the push side of a door equipped with a latch and closer. I seem to recall someone mentioning that if you provide panic hardware on the door it would eliminate this requirement. I cannot find any language in the code that would support this. My gut feeling is that it is a no, but it sure would solve this problem. 2013 CBC What do you think?

Back to your basic question about panic hardware eliminating the requirement. In ANSI 117.1-2003, Not panic hardware, but Automatic doors might not require the clearances. Power assisted doors still require it though 404.3.2.

 

[jar546]

Update from OP. A wing wall was the answer to this issue. Hopefully the OP JPohling can elaborate. Thanks JP!

 

[JPohling]

I was able to get approval by constructing a wing wall 48" from the door forcing a hinge approach + side approach. This eliminates the need for a 12" strike side clearance. Took several rounds with the BO but it is clearly shown in the code. Once he realized this he was contemplating allowing the condition to remain and not requiring the wing wall, since in reality I have made the exit path less direct. I was already getting pressure back from the field inspector who could not believe it either so I just had them keep the wing wall and all is good. This was one instance where I did not feel like I was increasing accessibility, but I was complying with the code and my client was very happy because the impact to the plan was minimal.

 

[ADAguy]

Why not just add a self opener and call it good?

 

[JPohling]

This was a second exit only doorway. auto operators are an ongoing maintenance nightmare and in this case I believe would also need to be on emergency power.