IBC Chapter 10: Means of Egress
Exit requirements, occupant loads, and egress design criteria for safe evacuation
Overview
IBC Chapter 10 provides comprehensive requirements for the design, construction, and arrangement of means of egress components required to provide safe evacuation from all structures and portions thereof. Where a jurisdiction also enforces NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, its egress rules and occupant load factors can differ from the IBC's, so check both.
The means of egress system consists of three parts: the exit access (path to an exit), the exit (protected path to exit discharge), and the exit discharge (path from exit to public way). Each component has specific requirements to ensure occupants can safely evacuate during emergencies. See the occupancy table below or jump to the occupant load calculator to size egress capacity for your space.
| Function of space | Typical examples | Floor area per occupant |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly — fixed seats | Theaters, auditoriums, stadiums | Count of seats (§1004.6) |
| Assembly — concentrated, movable chairs only | Lecture halls, places of worship | 7 net |
| Assembly — tables and chairs | Restaurants, cafes, conference rooms | 15 net |
| Business areas | Offices, banks, professional services | 150 gross |
| Educational — classrooms | Schools, classrooms | 20 net |
| Day care | Day-care facilities | 35 net |
| Mercantile | Stores, showrooms (all floors) | 60 gross |
| Industrial / Factory | Manufacturing, repair garages | 100 gross |
| Institutional | Hospitals, nursing homes (varies by use) | 240 / 120 / 100 gross |
| Residential | Apartments, hotels, dormitories | 200 gross |
| Storage — warehouses and aircraft hangars | Warehouses, hangars, freight terminals | 500 gross |
“Net” excludes corridors, columns, and accessory spaces; “gross” uses total floor area. Institutional values: 240 inpatient treatment / 120 sleeping / 100 outpatient. Source: IBC 2024 Table 1004.5 (selected rows). Verify the edition your AHJ enforces.
Occupant Load Calculations
Occupant load determines the required number and capacity of exits:
| Function of Space | Floor Area per Occupant (sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Assembly Uses | |
| Concentrated (chairs only, auditoriums, churches) | 7 net |
| Standing space (concerts, bars, lobbies) | 5 net |
| Unconcentrated, tables & chairs (restaurants, cafes) | 15 net |
| Gaming floors (casinos) | 11 gross |
| Business Areas | |
| General business areas (offices, professional services) | 150 gross |
| Educational | |
| Classrooms | 20 net |
| Shops and other vocational areas | 50 net |
| Exercise Rooms | |
| Exercise rooms | 50 gross |
| Industrial | |
| General industrial areas | 100 gross |
| Institutional | |
| Sleeping areas | 120 gross |
| Inpatient treatment areas (hospitals, nursing homes) | 240 gross |
| Outpatient areas (medical offices, clinics) | 100 gross |
| Day Care | |
| Day care | 35 net |
| Mercantile | |
| Mercantile areas (all floors) | 60 gross |
| Storage, stock, shipping areas | 300 gross |
| Residential | |
| Hotels and apartments | 200 gross |
| Congregate living facilities (group homes) | 200 gross |
| Storage | |
| Warehouses | 500 gross |
| Accessory storage areas, mechanical equipment rooms | 300 gross |
| Parking | |
| Parking garages | 200 gross |
| IT & Data Facilities | |
| IT equipment facilities | 300 gross |
| Concentrated Business | |
| Call centers, trading floors (Section 1004.8) | 50 gross |
| Museum & Gallery | |
| Exhibit gallery and museum areas | 30 net |
| Courtrooms | |
| Courtrooms, other than fixed seating areas | 40 net |
| Other Uses | |
| Stages and platforms | 15 net |
| Kitchens (commercial) | 200 gross |
Note: "Gross" area includes corridors, stairs, restrooms, and mechanical rooms. "Net" area excludes these spaces. Always verify requirements with the actual code adopted by your local jurisdiction. For spaces with fixed seating, see IBC Section 1004.6.
Calculation Method
- Divide floor area by occupant load factor from Table 1004.5
- For mixed occupancies, calculate each area separately
- Include all occupiable spaces in calculations
- A higher occupant load is allowed only if the whole egress design is based on it, up to one person per 7 sq ft (Section 1004.5.1)
- Every assembly room or space must post its occupant load near the main exit (Section 1004.9)
Educational Tool: This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Occupant load calculations must be verified by a licensed design professional and approved by your local building official. Always consult with qualified professionals and local authorities having jurisdiction for official determinations.
Occupant Load Calculator
Quick Reference
Fast answers to the most common egress questions:
How many exits do I need?
1-49
1 exit in some occupancies (Table 1006.2.1)
50-500
2 exits required
501-1,000
3 exits required
Over 1,000
4 exits required
Exit width requirements
Doors & corridors:
0.2" per person (0.15" with sprinklers and a voice alarm system, except H and I-2)
Stairways:
0.3" per person (0.2" with sprinklers and a voice alarm system, except H and I-2)
Minimum door:
32" clear
Minimum corridor:
44" (36" with exceptions)
Common examples
100-person restaurant:
2 exits, each door at least 32" clear
Small office (25 people):
May use 1 exit if the common path of travel is 100 ft or less
Apartment corridor:
44" wide (36" if < 50 occupants)
50+ assembly space:
Panic hardware required, doors swing out
Occupant Load by Occupancy Type
Quick Answer
Occupant load = floor area ÷ load factor. Common factors: mercantile 60 sf/person, business offices 150 sf/person, restaurant with tables 15 sf/person, exercise rooms 50 sf/person. A 5,000 sf retail store → 84 occupants → 2 exits required. See IBC Table 1004.5 for all occupancy types.
The following worked examples show how to apply Table 1004.5 occupant load factors for the most commonly searched occupancy types:
Mercantile (Retail)
All floors: 60 gross sf/person. Storage, stock and shipping areas within retail: 300 gross sf/person.
Worked Example
5,000 sf retail floor: 5,000 ÷ 60 = 84 occupants → 2 exits required, doors swing in direction of egress
Business (Office)
General offices: 150 gross sf/person. Concentrated business use such as call centers: 50 sf/person per Section 1004.8 (2018+).
Worked Example
10,000 sf office floor: 10,000 ÷ 150 = 67 occupants → 2 exits required
Exercise Rooms
50 gross sf/person. Table 1004.5 has one row for exercise rooms. It does not set a separate factor for rooms without equipment.
Worked Example
2,000 sf gym: 2,000 ÷ 50 = 40 occupants
Assembly
Standing: 5 net sf/person. Chairs only: 7 net. Tables and chairs: 15 net. Fixed seating: count actual seats per Section 1004.6.
Worked Example
3,000 sf restaurant with tables: 3,000 ÷ 15 = 200 occupants → 2 exits, panic hardware required, doors swing out
Residential
Hotels and apartments: 200 gross sf/person. Congregate living facilities: 200 gross sf/person.
Quick Reference
1,000 sf apartment unit: 1,000 ÷ 200 = 5 occupants → single exit exceptions typically apply
Number of Exits Required
| Occupant Load | Minimum Exits Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-49 | 1 (with restrictions) | Only up to the Table 1006.2.1 limit (49 for A, B, E, F, M and U, fewer for other occupancies) and within the common path limit |
| 50-500 | 2 | Standard requirement |
| 501-1,000 | 3 | Section 1006.2.1.1 |
| Over 1,000 | 4 | Section 1006.2.1.1 |
Stories With One Exit (Section 1006.3.4)
- First story: A, B, E, F, M and U up to 49 occupants, with exit access travel up to 75 ft (100 ft for B and F in a sprinklered building)
- First story: S up to 29 occupants, 75 ft (100 ft in a sprinklered building)
- First story: H-4, H-5, I and R-1 up to 10 occupants, 75 ft. H-2 and H-3 up to 3 occupants, 25 ft
- Second story: B, F, M and S up to 29 occupants, 75 ft (100 ft for B, F and S in a sprinklered building)
- Third story and higher: one exit is not permitted, except R-2 dwelling units through the third story (below)
- R-2 dwelling units: up to 4 units per story through the third story, 125 ft, in a sprinklered building with emergency escape and rescue openings
- Section 1006.3.4 also allows one exit in some other cases, such as Groups R-3 and R-4, mechanical-parking garages and spaces that exit directly outside at grade level
Exit Separation & Width
Exit Separation Requirements
- Two Exit Rule: Separated by 1/2 the maximum diagonal dimension of the area served
- Three or More Exits: At least two meet the separation rule. The rest are placed a reasonable distance apart so one blocked exit leaves the others usable
- Sprinklered Buildings: Separation reduced to 1/3 the diagonal
- Measurement: In a straight line, to any point along each doorway width (to the closest riser for an exit access stair, to the start of the run for a ramp)
- Interlocking or Scissor Stairways: Count as one exit stairway
Exit Width Calculations
- Stairways: 0.3 inches per occupant (0.2" with sprinklers and a voice alarm system, except in Groups H and I-2)
- Other Egress: 0.2 inches per occupant (0.15" with sprinklers and a voice alarm system, except in Groups H and I-2)
- Minimum Door Width: 32 inches clear, measured with the door open 90 degrees (Section 1010.1.1)
- Minimum Corridor Width: 44 inches (36 inches with exceptions)
- Minimum Stair Width: 44 inches (36 inches for occupant load < 50)
Travel Distance Limits
Quick Answer
Maximum exit access travel distance: 250 ft in most sprinklered buildings, 200 ft without sprinklers (Table 1017.2). Business allows 300 ft sprinklered. Group H needs sprinklers and is limited to 75 to 200 ft. F-1 and S-1 reach 400 ft only in a one-story sprinklered building at least 24 ft to the ceiling. Measured along the actual walking path, not a straight line. Common path of travel: 75 ft for A, E and M, 100 ft for B, F and S in a sprinklered building.
IBC Section 1017.2 and Table 1017.2 limit the maximum distance an occupant must travel to reach the nearest exit. Distances depend on occupancy group and sprinkler protection:
| Occupancy | Sprinklered (ft) | Non-Sprinklered (ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Assembly (A) | 250 | 200 |
| Business (B) | 300 | 200 |
| Educational (E) | 250 | 200 |
| Factory F-1 | 250 | 200 |
| H-1 | 75 | Not permitted |
| H-2 | 100 | Not permitted |
| H-3 | 150 | Not permitted |
| H-4 | 175 | Not permitted |
| H-5 | 200 | Not permitted |
| Institutional I-2 | 200 | Not permitted |
| Mercantile (M) | 250 | 200 |
| Residential (R) | 250 | 200 |
| Storage S-1 | 250 | 200 |
| F-2, S-2, U | 400 | 300 |
Assembly (A)
Sprinklered: 250 ft
Non-sprinklered: 200 ft
Business (B)
Sprinklered: 300 ft
Non-sprinklered: 200 ft
Educational (E)
Sprinklered: 250 ft
Non-sprinklered: 200 ft
Factory F-1
Sprinklered: 250 ft
Non-sprinklered: 200 ft
H-1
Sprinklered: 75 ft
Non-sprinklered: Not permitted
H-2
Sprinklered: 100 ft
Non-sprinklered: Not permitted
H-3
Sprinklered: 150 ft
Non-sprinklered: Not permitted
H-4
Sprinklered: 175 ft
Non-sprinklered: Not permitted
H-5
Sprinklered: 200 ft
Non-sprinklered: Not permitted
Institutional I-2
Sprinklered: 200 ft
Non-sprinklered: Not permitted
Mercantile (M)
Sprinklered: 250 ft
Non-sprinklered: 200 ft
Residential (R)
Sprinklered: 250 ft
Non-sprinklered: 200 ft
Storage S-1
Sprinklered: 250 ft
Non-sprinklered: 200 ft
F-2, S-2, U
Sprinklered: 400 ft
Non-sprinklered: 300 ft
Key Measurement Rules
- Measured along the path of egress travel, not as a straight line
- Begins at the most remote occupiable point in the space
- Ends at the entrance to the nearest exit (stairway, exterior door, or exit passageway)
- Common path of egress travel: 75 ft for A, E and M, 100 ft for B, F and S in a sprinklered building (Table 1006.2.1)
- F-1 and S-1 reach 400 ft only in a one-story building at least 24 ft to the ceiling and sprinklered throughout (Section 1017.2.2)
- Dead-end corridors: 20 ft maximum, 50 ft in sprinklered B, E, F, I-1, M, R-1, R-2, S and U buildings (Section 1020.5)
Measurement Method: Travel distance is measured along the actual walking path, including turns and corridors — not as a straight line between two points. Begin at the most remote point in the occupied space and end at the nearest exit entrance.
Door & Hardware Requirements
Egress doors must meet specific requirements for swing direction, door hardware, and locking mechanisms to ensure safe evacuation during emergencies.
Door Swing Direction
- In Direction of Egress: Required for rooms or areas with 50 or more occupants (Section 1010.1.2.1)
- High Hazard: Always swing in direction of egress
- Under 50 Occupants: No swing direction is required unless the space is Group H
- Encroachment: A fully open door may reduce the required width by no more than 7 inches, and a door in any position by no more than half (Section 1005.7.1)
Door Hardware & Locks
- Panic Hardware: Required on doors serving Group H and on doors serving Group A or E rooms with 50 or more occupants (Section 1010.2.8)
- Single Motion: One operation to release latch
- Operating Force: Panic hardware unlatches with no more than 15 pounds of force
- Height: 34-48 inches above floor
- Delayed Egress: releases in not more than 15 seconds (30 where approved), in a sprinklered or detection-equipped building
- Controlled Egress: Groups I-1 and I-2 only, where the clinical needs of people receiving care require containment (Section 1010.2.13)
Special Locking Arrangements
- Door hardware release of electrically locked egress doors (2021: Section 1010.2.11; 2024: 1010.2.10)
- Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors (2021: Section 1010.2.12; 2024: 1010.2.11)
- Delayed egress (2021: Section 1010.2.13; 2024: 1010.2.12)
- Stairway doors may be locked from the stairway side, subject to the re-entry provisions
Which exit device does your opening take?
IBC 2021 §1010.2.9 (renumbered §1010.2.8 in the 2024 IBC) requires panic or fire exit hardware on egress doors serving Group A and E occupancies with an occupant load of 50 or more. Which device you can use is set by the opening: a rim device latches into the frame stop, so a pair of doors with no mullion needs a vertical rod device instead.
| Photos | Unit | Which opening it serves | Device type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Detex V50 36 in Surface Vertical Rod Exit Device | A pair of doors with no mullion between them. Rods run the door face and latch top and bottom, so each leaf holds on its own. | Surface vertical rod | from $791 View → |
  | Detex FV50 36 in Fire Rated Surface Vertical Rod Exit Device | A pair of doors with no mullion between them. Rods run the door face and latch top and bottom, so each leaf holds on its own. | Surface vertical rod | from $923 View → |
 | Von Duprin 9947EO Concealed Vertical Rod Exit Device in Satin Chrome | Same pair-without-a-mullion job as surface rods, with the rods inside the door for a clean face. More door prep. | Concealed vertical rod | from $2,301 View → |
 | Von Duprin 3547AEO3133 3' Concealed Vertical Rod Narrow Exit Device Smooth Case, 710 Dark Bronze Finish | Same pair-without-a-mullion job as surface rods, with the rods inside the door for a clean face. More door prep. | Concealed vertical rod | $3,145 View → |
   | Von Duprin 9875EO Mortise Exit Device Smooth Case Exit Only | A single door where the lock body sits inside the door edge. Common on heavier or higher-security openings. | Mortise | from $2,128 View → |
   | Von Duprin 9975EO Mortise Exit Device Exit Only | A single door where the lock body sits inside the door edge. Common on heavier or higher-security openings. | Mortise | from $2,128 View → |
 | Detex ECL-230X-TDB Three Point Alarmed Deadbolt Exit Control Lock Gray Finish | A secured door that must alarm when used, latching at the deadbolt plus top and bottom. The extra points are what let it serve a leaf of a pair. | Exit control lock, three point | $1,465 View → |
 | Detex ECL-230X-W-TDB Weatherized Three Point Alarmed Deadbolt Exit Control Lock Gray Finish | A secured door that must alarm when used, latching at the deadbolt plus top and bottom. The extra points are what let it serve a leaf of a pair. | Exit control lock, three point | $1,681 View → |
 | Detex ECL-230X-TB Two Point Alarmed Deadbolt Exit Control Lock Gray Finish | A secured door that must alarm when used, latching at the deadbolt plus one more point. Detex documents this one in double-door configurations too. | Exit control lock, two point | $1,317 View → |
 | Detex ECL-230X-W-TB Weatherized Two Point Alarmed Deadbolt Exit Control Lock Gray Finish | A secured door that must alarm when used, latching at the deadbolt plus one more point. Detex documents this one in double-door configurations too. | Exit control lock, two point | $1,533 View → |
  | Detex ECL230DPH UL Listed Panic Hardware Exit Control Lock with Long Bar Gray Finish | A door that must stay secured and sound an alarm when it is used. Single latching point at the deadbolt. Delivery and back-of-house doors. | Exit control lock | $428 View → |
 | Detex ECL-230X Alarmed Deadbolt Exit Control Lock Gray Finish | A door that must stay secured and sound an alarm when it is used. Single latching point at the deadbolt. Delivery and back-of-house doors. | Exit control lock | $781 View → |
 | Detex V4071136 36" Rim Exit Only Exit Device Black Finish | A single door, or a pair WITH a mullion. The latch throws into the frame stop, so a mullion-less pair needs a vertical rod device instead. | Rim | $408 View → |
  | Detex FV40 36 in Fire Rated Rim Exit Device | A single door, or a pair WITH a mullion. The latch throws into the frame stop, so a mullion-less pair needs a vertical rod device instead. | Rim | from $513 View → |
 | Von Duprin 267028 Guard-X Exit Alarm Lock, 628 Anodized Aluminum Finish | — | — | $678 View → |
 | Von Duprin 2670313 Guard-X Exit Alarm Lock, 710 Dark Bronze Finish | — | — | $678 View → |
from $791
View →Which opening it serves: A pair of doors with no mullion between them. Rods run the door face and latch top and bottom, so each leaf holds on its own.
Device type: Surface vertical rod
from $923
View →Which opening it serves: A pair of doors with no mullion between them. Rods run the door face and latch top and bottom, so each leaf holds on its own.
Device type: Surface vertical rod
from $2,301
View →Which opening it serves: Same pair-without-a-mullion job as surface rods, with the rods inside the door for a clean face. More door prep.
Device type: Concealed vertical rod
$3,145
View →Which opening it serves: Same pair-without-a-mullion job as surface rods, with the rods inside the door for a clean face. More door prep.
Device type: Concealed vertical rod
from $2,128
View →Which opening it serves: A single door where the lock body sits inside the door edge. Common on heavier or higher-security openings.
Device type: Mortise
from $2,128
View →Which opening it serves: A single door where the lock body sits inside the door edge. Common on heavier or higher-security openings.
Device type: Mortise
$1,465
View →Which opening it serves: A secured door that must alarm when used, latching at the deadbolt plus top and bottom. The extra points are what let it serve a leaf of a pair.
Device type: Exit control lock, three point
$1,681
View →Which opening it serves: A secured door that must alarm when used, latching at the deadbolt plus top and bottom. The extra points are what let it serve a leaf of a pair.
Device type: Exit control lock, three point
$1,317
View →Which opening it serves: A secured door that must alarm when used, latching at the deadbolt plus one more point. Detex documents this one in double-door configurations too.
Device type: Exit control lock, two point
$1,533
View →Which opening it serves: A secured door that must alarm when used, latching at the deadbolt plus one more point. Detex documents this one in double-door configurations too.
Device type: Exit control lock, two point
$428
View →Which opening it serves: A door that must stay secured and sound an alarm when it is used. Single latching point at the deadbolt. Delivery and back-of-house doors.
Device type: Exit control lock
$781
View →Which opening it serves: A door that must stay secured and sound an alarm when it is used. Single latching point at the deadbolt. Delivery and back-of-house doors.
Device type: Exit control lock
$408
View →Which opening it serves: A single door, or a pair WITH a mullion. The latch throws into the frame stop, so a mullion-less pair needs a vertical rod device instead.
Device type: Rim
from $513
View →Which opening it serves: A single door, or a pair WITH a mullion. The latch throws into the frame stop, so a mullion-less pair needs a vertical rod device instead.
Device type: Rim
$678
View →Which opening it serves: —
Device type: —
$678
View →Which opening it serves: —
Device type: —
Corridors & Stairways
Exit Access Corridors
- Fire-Resistance Rating: For A, B, E, F, M, S and U corridors serving more than 30 occupants, 1 hour without sprinklers and none with them. Other occupancies differ (Table 1020.2)
- Width: 44 inches minimum (36 inches for occupant load < 50)
- Height: 7 feet 6 inches minimum
- Dead Ends: 20 feet maximum, 50 feet in sprinklered B, E, F, I-1, M, R-1, R-2, S and U buildings (Section 1020.5)
- Projections: Maximum 1.5 inches decorative trim, 4.5 inches handrails
- Protruding Objects (Section 1003.3.3): anything with a leading edge between 27 and 80 inches above the floor may project no more than 4 inches into the circulation path. This is why fire extinguisher cabinets along a corridor are specified recessed or semi-recessed rather than surface mounted
Interior Exit Stairways
- Enclosure: 2-hour for 4+ stories, 1-hour for less
- Width: 44 inches minimum (36 inches for occupant load < 50)
- Riser Height: 7 inches maximum, 4 inches minimum
- Tread Depth: 11 inches minimum
- Handrails: Both sides, 34-38 inches high
- Landings: Required every 12 feet vertical rise
Marking the Egress Path (Section 1013)
Sizing the exits is only half of Chapter 10. Section 1013 requires exits and exit access doors to be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. Section 1013.3 requires those signs to be illuminated, and Section 1013.5 requires internally illuminated signs to stay illuminated at all times. Photoluminescent signs listed to UL 924 need no wiring, batteries or tritium. They do need a light source to charge them, as the manufacturer's instructions specify (Section 1013.5.1). That is why they show up in stairwells and retrofits where running power to a sign is impractical.
Which photoluminescent exit sign do you need?
Listed to UL 924 and made in the USA by Jessup Manufacturing. Choose by the farthest point the sign must be legible from, then by whether the location is wet or exterior.
| Photos | Unit | Best for | Listed for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
   | Photoluminescent Exit Sign with Plastic Frame 50FT | Wall-mount interiors, back-of-house and movable construction areas. 4 variants: 4 frame options | Indoor | from $112 View → |
   | Photoluminescent Exit Sign 50FT | Corridors, offices, classrooms and stair landings. Covers most interior sight lines. 10 variants: 5 frame options, single or double sided | Indoor | from $131 View → |
   | Photoluminescent Exit Sign with Aluminum Frame 50FT | Higher-traffic interiors that need a more durable frame than plastic. 4 variants: 2 frame options, single or double sided | Indoor | from $134 View → |
   | Photoluminescent Exit Sign with Acrylic Frame 50FT | Front offices, hotels and lobbies. A contemporary frame for finished interiors. 4 variants: 2 frame options, single or double sided | Indoor | from $147 View → |
  | Frameless Photoluminescent Exit Sign with 8 Inch Letters 50FT | Larger 8 inch letters with no frame, where the sign must read from further down a corridor. | Indoor | $153 View → |
   | Photoluminescent Exit Sign 100FT | Long corridors, warehouses, open floor plates and atria, where sight lines run past 50 ft. 6 variants: 3 frame options, single or double sided | Indoor | from $147 View → |
   | Photoluminescent Exit Sign for Outdoor and Wet Locations 100FT | Exterior corridors, parking structures, pool and washdown areas, loading docks. 6 variants: 3 frame options, single or double sided | Indoor, outdoor, wet | from $325 View → |
from $112
View →Wall-mount interiors, back-of-house and movable construction areas.
4 variants: 4 frame options
Listed for: Indoor
from $131
View →Corridors, offices, classrooms and stair landings. Covers most interior sight lines.
10 variants: 5 frame options, single or double sided
Listed for: Indoor
from $134
View →Higher-traffic interiors that need a more durable frame than plastic.
4 variants: 2 frame options, single or double sided
Listed for: Indoor
from $147
View →Front offices, hotels and lobbies. A contemporary frame for finished interiors.
4 variants: 2 frame options, single or double sided
Listed for: Indoor
$153
View →Larger 8 inch letters with no frame, where the sign must read from further down a corridor.
Listed for: Indoor
from $147
View →Long corridors, warehouses, open floor plates and atria, where sight lines run past 50 ft.
6 variants: 3 frame options, single or double sided
Listed for: Indoor
from $325
View →Exterior corridors, parking structures, pool and washdown areas, loading docks.
6 variants: 3 frame options, single or double sided
Listed for: Indoor, outdoor, wet
Accessible Means of Egress
Accessible spaces need at least one accessible means of egress, with narrow exceptions for some mezzanines and assembly seating. Where a space needs more than one exit, each accessible part of it needs at least two accessible means of egress (Section 1009.1):
Components of Accessible Routes
- Accessible Routes: Connect accessible spaces to exits
- Areas of Refuge: Required at stairways and elevators that serve as accessible means of egress, unless the building is sprinklered throughout or another exception in Sections 1009.3.3 or 1009.4.2 applies
- Exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue: Required on the exterior landing where an exit at the level of exit discharge has no accessible route to a public way (Section 1009.7)
- Elevators: Required where an accessible floor is four or more stories above or below the level of exit discharge (Section 1009.2.1)
- Platform Lifts: Permitted with restrictions
Area of Refuge Requirements
- Size: One 30" x 52" wheelchair space for each 200 occupants or portion thereof
- Separation: A smoke barrier (Section 709) or a horizontal exit (Section 1026)
- Communication: Two-way communication to the fire command center or a central control point approved by the fire department
- Identification: Signs at doors to areas of refuge
- Instructions: Posted instructions for use
Code Edition Comparison
Key differences between IBC Chapter 10 editions (2015-2024):
| IBC Edition | Key Changes to Chapter 10 |
|---|---|
| 2015 IBC | Table 1004.1.2 for occupant load factors. Business areas at 100 gross sf/person. Mercantile changed to one factor of 60 gross sf/person on all floors, replacing the earlier 30/60 split by floor. |
| 2018 IBC | Renumbered Table 1004.1.2 to Table 1004.5. Increased business areas to 150 sf/person. Added concentrated business use (Section 1004.8) for call centers at 50 sf/person. |
| 2021 IBC | Reorganized Section 1010 (door requirements) into general provisions, door operations, special doors, gates and turnstiles. No changes to Table 1004.5 from 2018. |
| 2024 IBC | Added information technology equipment facilities (300 gross sf/person) to Table 1004.5. Added definitions for automatic flush bolt, constant latching bolt, dead bolt and manual bolt. Panic hardware renumbered to Section 1010.2.8. |
Which edition applies to your project? Check with your local building department. Adoption timing varies by jurisdiction, and your project uses the code edition adopted by your jurisdiction at the time of permit application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate occupant load for my building?
Divide the floor area by the occupant load factor from Table 1004.5. For example, a 3,000 sq ft restaurant with tables and chairs: 3,000 ÷ 15 = 200 occupants. For mixed uses, calculate each area separately and add them together.
How many exits do I need for my space?
A space may have one exit only up to the Table 1006.2.1 limit (49 occupants for A, B, E, F, M and U, fewer for other occupancies) and within the common path limit. Above that it needs two exits, 501 to 1,000 occupants need three and more than 1,000 need four. Each story needs at least two exits unless Section 1006.3.4 allows a single exit.
What is the minimum corridor width for apartment buildings?
44 inches minimum for corridors serving an occupant load of 50 or more. 36 inches is permitted for corridors serving fewer than 50 occupants. Check if your corridor requires a fire-resistance rating based on the building's occupancy and sprinkler status.
Do I need panic hardware on my doors?
Panic hardware is required for assembly and educational occupancies with 50 or more occupants. High-hazard occupancies require panic hardware regardless of occupant load. The hardware must unlatch with no more than 15 pounds of force, and its actuating portion must span at least half the door leaf width (Section 1010.2.8.3).
What changed between 2021 and 2024 IBC Chapter 10?
The 2024 edition added information technology equipment facilities (300 gross sf/person) to Table 1004.5 and new definitions for automatic flush bolt, constant latching bolt, dead bolt and manual bolt. It renumbered several door sections (panic hardware is now Section 1010.2.8), let sensor release devices be listed to UL 1034 as well as UL 294 and added a 36-inch guard exception inside R-2 and R-3 dwelling units. No other Table 1004.5 factor changed.
What's the difference between gross and net area for occupant load?
Gross area includes corridors, stairs, restrooms, and mechanical rooms. Net area excludes these non-occupiable spaces. Table 1004.5 specifies which to use for each occupancy type. For example, business offices use 150 gross sf/person, while classrooms use 20 net sf/person.
What is the occupant load factor for a retail store?
Per IBC Table 1004.5, mercantile (retail) areas use 60 gross sf/person on every floor. A 5,000 sf retail store has an occupant load of 84 (5,000 ÷ 60), requiring 2 exits. Storage, stock and shipping areas within the store use 300 gross sf/person. Editions before 2015 used 30 gross sf/person for basement and grade floor areas.
What is the maximum travel distance to an exit?
Maximum travel distance depends on occupancy group and sprinkler status. Most sprinklered buildings allow 250 ft (business allows 300 ft). Non-sprinklered buildings are generally limited to 200 ft. Group H occupancies are not permitted without sprinklers. With them the limit is 75 ft for H-1, 100 ft for H-2, 150 ft for H-3, 175 ft for H-4 and 200 ft for H-5. Distance is measured along the actual walking path, not as a straight line.
What is common path of egress travel?
Common path of egress travel is the portion of an exit access path that occupants must traverse before two separate and distinct paths to different exits become available. The limit depends on occupancy and sprinklers (Table 1006.2.1). A, E and M spaces are limited to 75 ft. B, F and S spaces reach 100 ft in a sprinklered building, and B and S spaces with 30 or fewer occupants also get 100 ft without sprinklers. Sprinklered R-2 is 125 ft.
How do you become a fire inspector?
Requirements vary by employer, state and jurisdiction. The International Code Council (ICC) offers Fire Inspector I and Fire Inspector II certifications, each earned by passing a proctored exam. Check what your employer and your state fire marshal's office require. For a detailed walkthrough of certification paths and career progression, see the fire inspector certification guide on FireProtectionPro.com.
Do you need a license to do fire inspections?
It depends on the state and the jurisdiction. Your state fire marshal's office can tell you whether a state license, an ICC certification (Fire Inspector I or II) or local training is required before you perform code enforcement inspections.
2024 IBC Updates
Key changes in the 2024 edition of Chapter 10:
- Occupant Load: Table 1004.5 adds information technology equipment facilities at 300 gross sf/person
- Definitions: Automatic flush bolt, constant latching bolt, dead bolt and manual bolt are now defined in Chapter 2
- Door Operations: Sensor release of electrically locked egress doors may be listed to UL 294 or UL 1034 (Section 1010.2.11)
- Panic Hardware: Now Section 1010.2.8 (Section 1010.2.9 in the 2021 edition)
- Guards: A new exception allows 36-inch guards inside R-2 and R-3 dwelling units where the drop is 25 feet or less (Section 1015.3)
- Emergency Escape: Openings may now open onto an egress balcony that leads to a public way (Section 1031)
Official Resources
Always consult the actual code adopted by your jurisdiction. These resources provide access to official IBC requirements:
ICC Digital Codes
Official online access to the complete International Building Code (free to read online)
UpCodes
Free online tool for searching and referencing IBC and other building codes
I Dig Hardware
Building code insights from Lori Greene, code consultant and door hardware expert
Jurisdiction Verification: Building codes are adopted at the state or local level. Your project must comply with the specific edition and amendments adopted by your local building department. Contact your authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to confirm which code edition applies.
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