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Home My WebLink AboutBBA1996 CITY OF GRAPEVINE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS APPLICANT NAME: The Mills Corporation, c/o Grapevine Mills ADDRESS: 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, Grapevine, Texas PHONE NO: HOME 561 '483-7923 OFFICE 817/251-4000 PROPERTY OWNER(S) NAME Gra evine Mills Limited Partnership ADDRESS: 1 00 Wilson Boulevard Suite 400r Arlington, Virginia PHONE NO: HOME OFFICE 703!526-5000 ADDRESS AND LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY FOR WHICH APPEAL IS REQUESTED: 3000 Gra oevine Mills Parkway FM 2499 Grapevine, Texas Lot 1_of Grapevine Mills Addition. Cabinet A, Slide 2718, P.R.T.C.T. SPECIFIC NATURE OF APPEAL: Refer to Attachment A STATE JUSTIFICATION FOR THE APPEAL AND EXPLAIN HOW A HARDSHIP WOULD BE CREATED IF THE APPEAL IS NOT GRANTED. EXPLAIN HOW YOUR SITUATION IS PECULIAR TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES CONTEMPLATED BY THE ORDINANCE AND ATTACH DRAWINGS NECESSARY TO HELP EXPLAIN THE CASE TO THE BOARD. (YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTACH THE SAME DRAWINGS AS ATTACHED TO YOUR APPLICATION FOR A BUILDING PERMIT AS THE BUILDING OFFICIAL WILL PROVIDE THE BOARD WITH THOSE RECORDS). Refer to Attachment A The Mi11 - r oration Grapevine Mills I,td. Partnership APP I.0 N (Prin or 'Type) OWN i t or ype) r APPLICANT'S SIGNATURE OWNER' ?IG NATURE EC#41mmER EnrG1NEERuvi3 CORPo;gA T/SON 707 LAKE COOK ROAD A DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015-4997 ♦ PHONE (847) 272-8340 FAX (847) 272-2639 WRITER'S EXTENSION: 222 December 27, 1996 Mr. Scott Williams 30P% IJ City of Grapevine 307 West Dallas Avenue GRAPEVINE MILLS P.O. Box 95104 CONSTRUCTION Grapevine, TX 76099 Re: Board of Appeals Hearing Grapevine Mills Grapevine, Texas SEC Project No. 1796008-001 Dear Mr. Williams: On behalf of the Mills Corporation, we are enclosing an application and related materials for an appeal associated with the construction of the Grapevine Mills project. It is our understanding that we will be on the agenda for the next regularly-scheduled meeting of the appeals board to be held on January 13. We intend to supplement the enclosed written materials with other graphic material at the hearing. We would appreciate your acknowledgment of the receipt of these materials and confirmation of the date, time and location of the hearing. Thank you for your cooperation. Very truly yours, SCHIRMER ENGINEERING CORPORATION &i R-1Ak%#4UAAJ Carl F. Baldassarra, P.E. President Enclosure cc: N. Sharr, TMC (w/enclosure) C. Dodson, RTKL (w/enclosure) Fire Protection Engineering 4 Code Consulting Loss Control Security System Design S'CHIRMER ENGINEERING CORPORATION 707 LAKE COOK ROAD ♦ DEERFIELD, ILLINOIS 60015-4997 ♦ PHONE (847) 272-8340 FAX(847) 272-2639 D u ATTACHMENT A REQUEST FOR ALTERNATE METHOD DEC 3 0 1996 GRAPEVINE MILLS GRAPEVINE MILLS GRAPEVINE, TEXAS CONSTRUCTION SPECIFIC NATURE OF APPEAL: Subject: Exiting Through Stockrooms UBC Section: 3303(e) Exits Through Adjoining Rooms. Rooms may have one exit through an adjoining or intervening room which provides a direct, obvious and unobstructed means of travel to an exit corridor, exit enclosure or until egress is provided from the building, provided the total distance of travel does not exceed that permitted by other provisions of this code. In other than dwelling units, exits shall not pass through kitchens, store rooms, restrooms, closets or spaces used for similar purposes. Proposal: • A maximum of one-half of the required exits will be permitted to exit through a stockroom. • A maximum of one-half of the required exit capacity will be permitted to exit through a stockroom. • The above will be permitted when the following criteria are met: ► The stockroom will not be subject to locking, ► A minimum 44" aisle will be maintained through the stockroom as part of the means of egress, and ► The path of egress will be defined by painted striping on the floor. Storage and other obstructions will not be permitted in the striped area, as indicated by signage in the area. Fire Protection Engineering A Code Consulting Loss Control 4 Security System Design Justification: This proposal is based upon criteria in other nationally recognized codes which have recognized practical difficulties associated with such prescriptive, prohibitive language and the adverse effects upon typical covered mall buildings. The NFPA Life Safety Code and the BOCA National Building Code recognize the unique arrangement of exiting in retail spaces. (Applicable sections of referenced code sections are attached.) The requirements of the NFPA Life Safety Code, 1994 edition, are as follows: 24.2.5. 10* Exit access in Class B stores that have an occupant load not exceeding 200 and are protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system and exit access in all Class C stores shall be permitted to pass through storerooms provided the following conditions are met: (a) Not more than 50 percent of exit access shall be provided through the storeroom. (b) The storeroom shall not be subject to locking. (c) The main aisle through the storeroom shall be not less than 44 in. wide. (d) The path of travel, defined with fixed barriers, through the storeroom shall be direct and continuously maintained in an unobstructed condition. Class B stores are those with an area of more than 3,000 square feet but not more than 30,000 square feet. Class C stores are those with an area of not more than 3,000 square feet. The fixed barriers may consist of shelving units within the storeroom, as illustrated in the NFPA Life Safety Code Handbook. The NFPA Life Safety Code Handbook adds: In 24-2.5. 101a), the storeroom is limited to providing a maximum of 50 percent of the stores exit access, either in number of exits or exit capacity. Therefore, because two exits are required, neither of the following limits can be exceeded: 1. Only one of the two required exits can be reached by exit access travel through the storeroom, and 2. A maximum of half of the store's occupant load is permitted to egress through the storeroom. In addition to allowing exit access in all Class C stores to pass through storerooms, 24- 2.5. 10 allows exit access in some Class B stores to pass through storerooms where that store is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. This is permitted in recognition of the increased safety to life that a sprinkler system provides. SEC Project No. 1796008-001 A-2 December 20, 1996 Further, it is important to note that the NFPA Life Safety Code has recently approved a change to the above text which will permit exiting through stockrooms in all stores, regardless of size. The new text will be included in the 1997 edition of the Life Safety Code. The change was made, in part, to recognize that the codes recently required four exits in larger stores and the practical difficulty of providing these exits remotely without passing through a stockroom. The requirements of the BOCA National Building Code, 1996 edition, are as follows: 1006.2. 1 Egress through adjoining spaces: Egress from a room or space shall not pass through adjoining or intervening rooms or areas, except where such adjoining rooms or areas are accessory to the area served, are not a high-hazard occupancy, and provide a discernible path of travel to an exit. A maximum of one exit access shall be permitted to pass through a kitchen, storeroom, restroom, closet or similar space provided that passage through such space is not the only means of access to an exit. An exit access shall not pass through a room subject to locking. The 1993 edition of the BOCA National Building Code Commentary adds the following: This section allows adjoining spaces to be considered as a part of the room or space from which egress originates, provided that there are reasonable assurances that the continuous egress path will always be available. For example, such egress paths must remain unobstructed and must not pass through an extraordinary fire hazard such as an area of high-hazard use (Use Group H). Requiring occupants to egress from an area and pass through an adjoining area which can be characterized by rapid fire buildup or worse, places occupants in an unreasonable risk situation. An occupant should be provided with an equivalent or increased level of safety as the occupant approaches the exit. It should be noted that the code does not limit the number of intervening or adjoining rooms through which egress can be made provided that all other code requirements (i.e., travel distance, number of doorways, etc.) are met. An exit access route, for example, may be laid out such that an occupant leaves a room or space, passes through an adjoining space, enters an exit access corridor then passes through another room and, finally, into an exit as long as all other code requirements are satisfied. Relying on an egress path through an adjacent dwelling unit to be available at all times is not a reasonable expectation. Egress through an adjoining business tenant space can be unreasonable given the security and privacy measures the adjacent tenant may take to secure such space. However, egress through a reception area which serves a suite of offices of the same tenant is clearly accessory and is permitted. If more than one means of exit access is provided, one access path can be through a kitchen, storeroom, restroom, closet or similar space. Since these spaces have the potential for the path of egress travel to be obstructed with trays, carts, loose storage cartons, etc., placing sole reliance on this means to reach safety is inappropriate. SEC Project No. 1796008-001 A-3 December 20, 1996 A common code enforcement problem is the locked door in the egress path. As long as the egress door is readily openable in the direction of egress travel without the use of tools, keys, special knowledge or unusual effort, the occupants can move unimpeded away from a fire emergency. Ordinarily, it is reasonable to expect that occupants in the retail area of the store will egress the store via the exit access routes in the sales area. The intent of the UBC is to provide reasonable assurance that, should the use of an alternate egress route be necessary, the exit access to other exits will not be obstructed by merchandise or other materials. Providing an aisle, identified by painted floor striping, adjacent to the stockroom area offers a level of safety to exiting occupants equivalent to, or greater than, that of corridor partitions. Storage will not be permitted in the striped area. If partitions are provided, the resulting corridor may serve as a staging area for merchandise due to obstructed access to the stockroom. This may create a more hazardous situation within the corridor. Additionally, the doors which exit through the stock area and associated means of egress are less susceptible to blockage than a typical "dead" exit door. A "dead" exit door is a door which is intended for use as an exit only and serves no other purpose. This type of door, because of infrequent use, may have storage, merchandise, etc. blocking the door or egress path to such door. The doors which will serve the stock area as well as provide a means of egress are used frequently for movement of merchandise, trash, etc. Because of the usage, tenants will find it necessary to keep these doors and associated paths free of blockage and obstructions. Providing partitions or corridors within the stockroom is not consistent with the merchandising concept of The Mills Corporation. This concept limits the amount of partitions within a tenant space permitting ease of movement of merchandise. The concept also allows for expansion and "turnover" of existing tenant spaces with minimal construction efforts. This concept has been successfully implemented in other Mills Corporation projects throughout the country, including California and Florida. With the proposed alternate method, the intent of the code is met; that is, to provide a clear and unobstructed path of egress for occupants exiting the building. SEC Project No. 1.796008-001 A-4 December 20, 1996 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE TM I 1991 Edition 1991 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE 3303 The maximum number of exits required for any story shall be maintained until egress is provided from the structure. (See Section 3311.) (b)Width.The total width of exits in inches shall not be less than the total occu- pant load served by an exit multiplied by 0.3 for stairways and 0.2 forotherexits nor less than specified elsewhere in this code. Such widths of exits shall be divided ap- proximately equally among the separate exits. The maximum exit width required from any story of a building shall be main- tained. (c)Arrangement of Exits. If only two exits are required,they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or area to be served measured in a straight line between exits. EXCEPTION: Exit separations may be measured along a direct line of travel within the exit corridor when exit enclosures are provided as a portion of the required exit and are interconnected by a one-hour fire-resistive corridor conforming to the re- quirements of Section 3305.Enclosure walls shall not be less than 30 feet apart at any point in a direct line of measurement. Where three or more exits are required, at least two exits shall be placed a dis- tance apart equal to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall di- agonal dimension of the building or area to be served measured in a straight line between the exits, and the additional exits shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes blocked the others will be available. (d)Distance to Exits.The maximum distance of travel from any point to an ex- teriorexit door,horizontal exit,exit passageway or an enclosed stairway in a build- ing not equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout shall not exceed 150 feet, or 200 feet in a building equipped with an automatic sprinkler system throughout. These distances may be increased a maximum of 100 feet when the increased travel distance is the last portion of the travel distance and is entirely within a one-hour fire-resistive corridor complying with Section 3305.See Section 3318 forGroup E Occupancy and Section 3319 forGroup H Occupancy travel dis- tances. In a one-story Group B, Division 4 Occupancy classified as a factory or ware- house and in one-story airplane hangars, the exit travel distance may be increased to 400 feet if the building is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system through- out and provided with smoke and heat ventilation as specified in Section 3206. In an open parking garage as defined in Section 709,the exit travel distance may be increased to 250 feet which may be measured to open stairways which are per- mitted in accordance with Section 3309 (a). (e)Exits through Adjoining Rooms.Rooms may have one exit through an ad- joining or intervening room which provides a direct, obvious and unobstructed means of travel to an exit corridor, exit enclosure or until egress is provided from the building,provided the total distance of travel does not exceed that permitted by other provisions of this code. In other than dwelling units, exits shall not pass through kitchens, store rooms, restrooms, closets or spaces used for similar pur- poses. 631 3303-3304 1991 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE EXCEPTIONS: 1. Rooms within dwelling units may exit through more than one intervening room. 2. Rooms with a cumulative occupant load of 10 or less may exit through more than one intervening room. Foyers, lobbies and reception rooms constructed as required for corridors shall not be construed as intervening rooms. Doors Sec. 3304. (a) General. This section shall apply to every exit door serving an area having an occupant load of 10 or more,or serving hazardous rooms or areas. except that Subsections (c), (i), 0) and (k) shall apply to all exit doors regardless of occupant load. Buildings or structures used for human occupancy shall have at least one exterior exit door that meets the requirements of Subsection (t). Doors and landings at doors which are located within an accessible route of travel shall also comply with Chapter 31. (b)Swing and Opening Force.Exit doors shall be of the pivoted or side-hinged swinging type. Exit doors shall swing in the direction of exit travel when serving any hazardous area or when serving an occupant load of 50 or more.The door latch shall release when subjected to a 15-pound force,and the door shat l be set in motion when subjected to a 30-pound force. The door shall swing to full-open position when subjected to a 15-pound force. Forces shall be applied to the latch side. See Section 4507 for doors swinging over public property. EXCEPTIONS: 1. Group 1,Division 3 Occupancy used as a place of detention. 2. Doors within or serving an individual dwelling unit. 3. Special door conforming with Subsection (h). Double-acting doors shall not be used as exits when any of the following condi- tions exist: 1. The occupant load served by the door is 100 or more. 2. The door is part of a fire assembly. 3. The door is part of a smoke- and draft-control assembly. 4. Panic hardware is required or provided on the door. A double-acting door shall be provided with a view panel of not less than 200 square inches. (c)Type of Lock or Latch.Exit doors shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort. EXCEPTIONS: 1. In Group B Occupancies,key-locking hardware may be used on the main exit when the main exit consists of a single door or pair of doors if there is a readily visible,durable sign on or adjacent to the door stating THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED DURING BUSINESS HOURS.The sign shall be in letters not less than l inch high on a contrasting background.When unlocked,the single door or both leaves of a pair of doors must be free to swing without operation of any latch- ing device.The use of this exception may be revoked by the building official for due cause. 2.Exit doors from individual dwelling units.Group R.Division 3 congregate rest- dences: and guest rooms of Group R Occupancies having an occupant load of 10 or 632 Life Safety Code Handbook Orth Edition With the complete text of the 1994 edition of the Life Safety Code End try Ran Cott, P.E. National Fire Protection Association, Inc. 1�1Try Quincy, Massachusetts NFPA 24-2 Means of Egress Requirements Aisle width (a) Not more than 50 percent of exit access shall be provided I in at least equal to through the storeroom. oor width of exit to a+b?c which it leads (b) The storeroom shall not be subject to locking. — (c) The main aisle through the storeroom shall be not less than -- ' 44 in. (112 cm) wide. in. c b Exit -- ` (d) The path of travel,defined with fixed barners,through the Exit 71 — (not entrance) storeroom shall be direct and continuously maintained in an IS (not entrance) I unobstructed condition. n a� � S ft � _ 36 in.(91 cm)mm �f (1.5 ) [28 in.(71 cm)existing] In 24-2.5.10 (a), the storeroom is limited to providing a minimum I I maximum of 50 percent of the store's exit access, either in leading directly to exit number of exits or exit capacity. Therefore, because two 11 exits are required, neither of the following; limits can be exceeded: Check out a ck ut l 1. Only one of the two required exits can be reached by it ( exit access travel through the storeroom, and 'f ? A maximum of half of the store's occupant load is per- t' }�'• ;L ; mitred to egress through the storeroom, e �- f t Max 1/2 total egress capacity In addition to allowing exit access in all Class C stores 1 Min 213 total egress capacity to pass through storerooms, 24-2.5.10 allows exit access t Figurle24-11. Means of egress arra►rgentent in a mercantile occu- in some Class B stores to pass through storerooms where pmrey.The conditions described in the ctuttmcntary associated tuith that store is protected throughout by an approved automaric V the mquirements of 24-2.S.4 through 24-2..5.8 are illustrated here. sprinkler system. This is permitted in recognition of the * increased safety to life that a sprinkler system provides. Y4.2.5.9 Where wheeled carts or buggies are used by cus Figures 24-12 and 24-13 illustrate the application of the OOmers,adequate provision shall be made for the transit and park- provisions of 24-2.5.1 U. .� of such carts to minimize the possibility that they might obstruct means of egress. # � A-242.5.10 It is not the intent to allow exit access through new &242.5.9 In order to eliminate the obstruction to the means Class A mercantile occupancy storerooms. d egress of the interior exit access and the exterior exit discharge, R is the intent to provide adequate area for transit and parking 242.6 Travel Distance to Exits. Travel distance to exits,mea- pf wheeled carts or buggies used by customers. This includes sued in accordance with Section 5-6, shall not exceed 100 ft MW areas adjacent to exits that are constructed to restrict the (30 m). movement of wheeled carts or buggies therefrom. Exception: Travel distance shall not exceed 200 R(60 m)in build- In states where returnable beverage bottle legislation has ings protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler been enacted, stores and markets have had to create space system in accordance with Section 7-7. for collecting empty bottles and refunding deposit charges. The area most commonly used is located near the entrance/ [n accordance with Section 5 t;, travel distance require exit where wheeled shopping;carts were formerly stored to ments apply to only the first (or nearest) exit from a given be clear of the path of egress travel. The displaced carts are point in the building. In other words, the 100-ft (30-m) now often stored so that they obstruct the means of egress. travel distance limit requires that at least one exit must be This illustrates a situation where a properly designed, located within 100 ft (30 n1) of a point in the building; it installed, and complying means of egress can be compro- does not require that all exits must be within 100 ft (30 m) rinsed abruptly by unexpected changes. of that same point in the building. In sprinklered buildings this distance may he increased to ZUO ft (60 m). 242.5.10* Exit access in Class B stores that have an occu- pant load not exceeding 200 and are protected throughout by 242.7 Discharge from Exits. an approved, automatic sprinkler system and exit access in all Class C stores shall be permitted to pass through storerooms, 242.7.1 Exit discharge shall comply with Section 5-7 and Provided the following conditions are met: 24-2.7.2. 1994 LIFE SAFETY CODE HANDBOOK 649 a?c, Chapter 24: New Mercantile Occupancies — 30 ft(9.1 m) - --,• 30 ft(9.1 m) 242 oc Receiving Receiving i 103 44 in. Shelves= 44 in. 20 ft(6.1 m) ing -�ti .—.. 20 ft(6.1 m) (112 cm) (112 cm) 24L. 1 4 hay r - Exi 1-hour separation lock On No lock 1-hour separation with fire door with fire door unless unless 1 sprmklered spnnklered ing SM.: Sales floor pie. Sales floor 1650 sq if If 55 sq m) 1650 sq ft(155 sci m) vice 1650/30(155/2.8) 1650130(15512.8) foo, occupant load=55 occupant load=55 arro I Exc ll 242.: I Figure 14-12 example of exit access through a storenx»n as per- Figure 24-1.3. Example of exit access through a storeroom that SECS mitted by 24-2.5.10. The aisle within the storeroom must be will he problematic because it passes through the receiving area 243.1 defined by fixed bamers,such as those formed by the ends of shelf ing. The aisle newt be kept unobstructed. the srreet Flour. Furthermore, it is permitted only where the vato * building is sprinklercd throughout. Note that the path of end 24-2.7.2 Fifty percent of the exits shall be permitted to dis- travel on the first floor from the stair enclosure to the out- charge through the level of exit discharge in accordance with Excl g side door cannot exceed 50 ft (15 m). The remaining SO 5-7.2 only where the building is protected throughout by an percent of the exits must discharge directly to the exterior. p/or approved, automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Sec kler The requirements of 24-�.7.� are more stringent than cai tion 7-7, and the distance of travel from the termination of the those of 5-7.2 because they mandate automatic sprinkler exit enclosure to an outside street door shall not exceed 50 ft protection throughout the building,set a 50-ft (15-m) inte- W (15 m). rior exit discharge travel limit on the street flour,and require (b that the street floor have an exit capacity that accommo- and A-24-2.7.2 The basis for the exception to the general rule on dates the street fluor and the stairs discharging through the (c complete enclosure of exits up to their point of discharge to the street flexor.These requirements are not mandated by 5-7.2. Exce outside of the building is that,with the specified safeguards,rea- The added requirements are imposed in recognition of the open sonable safety is maintained. high combustible load of merchandise that might be on dis- zanrr A stairway is not considered to discharge through the street pia}, which is characteristic of mercantile occupancies. floor area if it leads to the street through a fire resistance rated Exce. enclosure (exit passageway) separating it from the main area, 24-2.$ Illumination of Means of Egress. Means of egress shall perry; even though there are doors between the first floor stairway land- be illuminated in accordance with Section 5-8. ing and the main area. Foi The provisions of 24-2.7.2 should not be confused with open Note that illumination for the means of egress is not the occul, stairways as permitted by 24-3.1 Exception No. 1. same as emergency lighting. Failure of the building power a stor supply may cause failure of the means of egress illumina- floor. This arrangement is restricted to prevent more than 50 Lion system, which is not required to have a back-up,aux- which. percent of the exits from any floor from discharong through ilian•, or secondan• power supply unless required by 24-2.9. and C 650 LIFE SAFETY CODE HANDBOOK 1994 The BQCA® National raw Building Code/ 199 r Model building regulations for the protection of public health, safety and welfare. THIRTEENTH EDITION As recommended and maintained by the voting membership of BUILDING OFFICIALS & CODE ADMINISTRATORS INTERNATIONAL, INC. M Serving Government& 4051 W. Flossmoor Rd. Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795 Industry Since 1915 Telephone 7081799-2300 Facsimile 708/799-4981 REGIONAL OFFICES Mideast Regional Office Eastern Regional Office Southwest Regional Office Northeast Regional Office 1245 S. Sunbury Rd., Ste. 100 One Neshaminy Interplex Towne Centre Complex 6 Omega Terrace Westerville, Ohio 43081-9308 Suite 201 10830 E. 45th Street, Ste.200 Latham, NY 12110-1939 Telephone 614/890-1064 Trevose. PA 19053-6338 Tulsa, OK 74146-3809 Telephone 518/782-1708 Facsimile 614/890-9712 Telephone 215/638-0554 Telephone 918/664-4434 Facsimile 5181783-0889 Facsimile 215/638-4438 Facsimile 918/664-4435 MEANS OF EGRESS ( it 1005.5.1 Screen porches: Porches and decks which are en- smoke detectors required by the mechanical code closed with insect screening shall be provided with guards in listed in Chapter 35: accordance with Section 1021.0 where the walking surface is 2.5. The air handling system serving the corridor is located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or shut down upon detection of sprinkler waterflow ,rade below. where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system:or Exception:Guards are not required where a rotective bar 2 P .6. The space between the corridor ceiling and the is installed 34 inches to 38 inches (864 mm to 965 mm) floor or roof structure above the corridor is utilized above the porch or deck on the side of the screening having as a component of an approved engineered smoke access thereto. The bar shall be capable of resisting a control system. horizontal load of 50 pounds per linear foot (730 N/m) 3. Where located within a dwelling unit,the utilization of without contacting the screen and be a minimum of 11/�, egress corridors as return air plenums shall not be inches(38 mm)in height. prohibited. 4. Where located within tenant spaces of 1,000 square feet 1005.6 Elevation change: Where changes in elevation exist in (92 m=)or less in area, utilization of exit access corri- the means of egress,ramps complying with Section 1016.0 shall dors as return air plenums shall not be prohibited. be used where the difference in elevation is less than 12 inches (305 ntrn). The ramp shall be equipped either with handrails or SECTION 1006.0 TYPES AND LOCATION OF MEANS OF EGRESS with floorlinis•It materials that contrast with adjacent floorfinish materials. 1006.1 General:All approved means of egress,including door- ways,passageways,corridors,interior stairways,exterior stair- Exceptions ways, smokeproof enclosures, ramps, horizontal exits, bridges, I. A maximum step height of 8 inches(203 mm)shall be balconies, fire escapes and combinations thereof, shall be ar- permitted for buildings with occupancies in Use Groups ranged and constructed as provided for in this code. F. H, R. S and U at exterior doors not required to be 1006.2 Arrangement:All required exits shall be so located as to accessible by Chapter 11. be discernable with unobstructed access thereto. 2. Fewer than three risers shall be permitted,provided that the risers and treads comply with Section 1014.0, the 1006.2.1 Egress through adjoining spaces: Egress from a minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches(330 mm),and room or space shall not pass through adjoining or intervening at least one handrail complying with Section 1022.0 is rooms or areas,except where such adjoining rooms or areas provided within 30 inches(762 mm)of the normal path are accessory to the area served;are not a high-hazard occu- of travel on the stairway,or the floor finish material of pancy; and provide a discernible path of travel to an exit.A treads shall contrast with the adjacent floor finish ma- maximum of one exitaccess shall be permitted to pass through terial. a kitchen, storeroom, restroom, closet or similar space pro- vided that passage through such space is not the only means 1005.7 Air movement in egress elements:Exits and exit access of access to an exit. An exit access shall not pass through a corridors shall not serve as supply, return, exhaust, relief or room subject to locking.Means of egress from dwelling units. ventilation air ducts or plenums. or sleeping areas shall not lead through other dwelling units Exceptions or sleeping areas and shall not lead through toilet rooms or bathrooms. I. Utilization of an exit access corridor as a source of makeup air for exhaust systems in rooms that open 1006.2.2 Assembly buildings: All buildings occupied for directly onto such corridors, including toilet rooms, assembly purposes shall have a main entrance and exit dis- bathroorns,dressing rooms,smoking lounges and jani- charge that fronts on at least one street or an unoccupied space for closets, shall not be prohibited, provided that each of not less than 10 feet(3048 mm)in width that adjoins a street such corridor is directly supplied with outdoor air at a or public way. Where there is a single main entrance, the rate not less than the rate of makeup air taken from the entrance shall be capable of serving as the main exit and shall corridor. provide an egress capacity for at least one-half of the total 2. The utilization of the space between the corridorceil ing occupant load.In addition to having access to a main exit,each and the floor or roof structure above as a return air level of an occupancy in Use Group A shall be provided with plenum shall not be prohibited for one or more of the additional exits which shall provide a means of egress capac- following conditions: ity for at least one-half of the total occupant load served by 2.1. The corridor is not required to be of fireresistance that level. " rated construction; 1006.2.3 Skating rinks:Places of assembly used for skating _. . The corridor is separated from the plenum by the underside membrane of a fireresistance rated rinks shall not be located below the floor nearest grade. b E floor/ceiling or root/ceiling assembly; 1006.2.4 Foyers and waiting spaces:The term"foyer"shall 2.3. The corridor is separated from the plenum by mean an enclosed space surrounding, or in the rear of, the fireresistance rated construction; auditorium of a theater or other place of assembly which is 2.4. The air handling system serving the corridor is completely separated from the auditorium and is used as an t shut down upon activation of the air handling unit assembly or waiting space for the occupants. In Use Group 109