453.5.5 Courtyard

A court or enclosure adjacent to, or surrounded by, a building(s) and/or walls.

is a courtyard not roofed by more than 50 percent of the courtyard area and that is substantially surrounded by a building(s) on two sides or more, has a minimum width of 40 feet (1219 mm) and each opening to the exterior is less than 40 feet (1219 mm) in width. The courtyard area shall be calculated for maximum occupancy as an assembly space and the number and size of remotely located exits shall be calculated for the maximum possible load. The maximum possible load is the greater of the calculated capacity of the courtyard or the load imposed by the surrounding spaces. An enclosed courtyard may be used as a component of exit access provided that the walls and wall openings meet the requirements of Florida Building Code, Building, Tables 601 and 602 and the maximum travel to the exit discharge does not exceed 150 feet (45 720 mm) from any point within the enclosed courtyard. If the minimum courtyard width exceeds 60 feet (18 288 mm), the travel distance to a courtyard opening/exit may exceed 150 feet (45 720 mm). An enclosed courtyard cannot serve as the exterior for exiting or for emergency rescue openings.

is a courtyard roofed by more than 50 percent of the courtyard area in any manner. Roofed courtyards may be used for assembly spaces and shall not be used as a component of exiting from adjacent spaces.