This post is a continuation of the Proposed Code Change Series, where I highlight some of the interesting and controversial code changes that were presented at the 2024 ICC Committee Action Hearings (CAH). These proposed changes, which could become part of the 2027 ICC codes, are the first step of the updated ICC code development process that now includes two Committee Action Hearings (CAH1 and CAH2), as well as the Public Comment Hearing (PCH).
Code Change Proposal E110 - Exit Discharge Through a Lobby Using Signage
Link: Code Change Proposal Link: Hearing Recording Summary of Code Change This proposal involves a three word modification to IBC 1028.2 Exception 1. The current code language for this section allows not more than 50% of exit stairways to discharge through areas on the level of exit discharge when a number of conditions are met. The key condition at play here is that "Discharge of interior exit stairways and ramps shall be provided with a free and unobstructed path of travel to an exterior exit door and such exit is readily visible and identifiable from the point of termination of the enclosure." The code change proposal seeks to add "by exit signage" after the "readily and identifiable" clause. Summary of Testimony and Discussion The testimony for this code change proposal involved a desired alignment with NFPA 101, which already allows exit discharge through a lobby using exit signage and does not explicitly require a clear line of site from the stairway to the exterior exit door. A point about distance limitations was brought up, but this code change proposal does not include any distance limits between the exit stair and the exterior exit door (it was noted by participant testimony that the overall exit travel distance requirement would still apply on the floor). This proposed change would no longer require a clear line of site between the stair door and door to the exterior, but will now require that the door to the exterior be readily visible and identifiable by exit signage. CAH1 Result This code change proposal was approved by the committee, with a vote of 13-0. Need assistance on your specific project? Add Campbell Code Consulting to your team. They are a full-service code consulting and fire protection engineering firm that can help you navigate complex code challenges.
3 Comments
Greg Overkamp
7/9/2024 11:48:05 am
This is a welcome change and in better alignment across the codes.
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William Sullivan
7/9/2024 12:58:31 pm
I would like to disagree that this is a welcome change, to dump an exit stair into the first floor and still allow them to navigate 150-200 ft of travel in a potentially smoky environment does not seem to make sense to me. Yes, I have seen a number of architectures propose this saying the hallway is part of the lobby because there are no doors, headers.
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Greg Franzen
7/17/2024 10:53:45 am
Thanks for the blog - it is a helpful info share.
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