Storefront glass in egress stair

[radioatlas]

Can an exit stair have storefront glass where it exits into a public right of way at grade level?

• IBC 2018
• 4 stories of Type V-A construction and R-2 occupancy (condos)
• above 1 levels of Type IA concrete
• This is one of two exit stairways that connect from the roof to all levels of the building.

Thanks for your input!

 

[steveray]

Short answer...yes.....But it depends....

 

[radioatlas]

Short answer...yes.....But it depends....

Thanks, steveray. Is it considered an unprotected opening?

 

[classicT]

The answer to your question can be found in IBC Section 1023.7.

Basically, if the storefront glazing in on the exterior wall of the building and the walls to either side of the storefront glazing are in the same plane, then you should have no issue as unprotected openings are allowed.

1023.7 Interior Exit Stairway and Ramp Exterior Walls​

Exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls. Where nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the exterior of the stairway or ramps and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees (3.14 rad), the building exterior walls within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of a nonrated wall or unprotected opening shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the topmost landing of the stairway or ramp, or to the roof line, whichever is lower.

 

[steveray]

Thanks, steveray. Is it considered an unprotected opening?

As CT said....You USUALLY don't have to protect the exterior walls of the stair....Fire separation distance and adjacent walls <180 are the normal issues that require rating...