What objects can be located within an exit passageway?

[Yikes]

IBC/CBC 1024.1 says: "An exit passageway shall not be used for any purpose other than as a means of egress and a circulation path."

I'm working on interior upgrade to an existing building that was originally permitted with 2 exit passageways leading to/from stairwells and occupied assembly spaces and the public street. They were originally constructed very utilitarian (white walls and bare concrete. The new owner would like it to have a more welcoming feel. The passageway is about 4' wider than the minimum required MOE width.

I've told the owner that they can't put anything in there that suggests a "use", so I'm not encouraging them to put in seating, tables, floors lamps, etc. like they could do in a corridor (see this old thread for objects in corridors).

But could they have any or all of the following within the exit passageway, but outside of the minimum circulation path:

1. Artwork on the walls
2. Decorative pillars or pilasters
3. A built-in planter
4. A free-standing large pot with an artificial shrub
5. Low-pile carpeting
6. Wall paper (assuming it meets flame spread req'ts)
7. An office/room directory
8. A video screen directing people to specific events in specific rooms

In other words, is it Ok to have something look good, as long as it is (a) out of the way, (b) meeting flammability restrictions, (c) does not encourage lingering or use of the exit passageway as a destination?

 

[steveray]

I believe there is a limit to artwork like trim.?...I would be very carful about putting anything on the floor or the whole "exit can't get narrower in the direction of travel"...thing....Also hesitant about the monitor unless it serves egress...Signage is allowed and/or required so a little more room there....

 

[BN4537]

I think it would be allowed by NFPA 101. Don't know if NFPA 101 applies to you, but here it is -

7.1.10.2.1 - No furnishings, decorations, or other objects shall obstruct exits or their access thereto, egress therefrom, or visibility thereof.

This section later references the AHJ, who would determine if the obstruction is occurring. The existence of this section indicates to me that they expect and allow furnishings and decorations to be present in the means of egress.

 

[north star]

~ ~ < > ~ ~

Yikes, ...IMO some of the things in your list WOULD encourage
lingering [ i.e. - artwork, ...the built in planter, ...A free-standing
large pot with an artificial shrub, ...An office/room directory and
the video screen for sure !

Once these items are allowed, ...again, IMO it would be just a
matter of time before they would want to have a disco ball installed,
...purple lights, ...calming mood music, ...a small piano bar, ...trophies,
awards & pictures and on and on and on.

~ ~ < > ~ ~

 

[fatboy]

Yup, slippery slope, once it starts.