The provisions of IFC Chapter 11, as amended, shall apply to existing buildings constructed prior to the adoption of this code.
The intent of IFC Chapter 11, as amended, is to provide a minimum degree of fire and life safety to persons occupying existing buildings by providing minimum construction requirements.
When a building is found to be in noncompliance with IFC Chapter 11, as amended, the code official shall duly notify the owner of the building. Upon receipt of such notice, the owner shall, subject to the following time limits, take necessary actions to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
Construction documents necessary to comply with IFC Chapter 11, as amended, shall be completed and submitted within a time schedule approved by the code official.
Work necessary to comply with IFC Chapter 11, as amended, shall be completed within a time schedule approved by the code official.
The code official is authorized to grant necessary extensions of time when it can be shown that the specified time periods are not physically practical or pose an undue hardship. The granting of an extension of time for compliance shall be based on the showing of good cause and subject to the filing of an acceptable systematic plan of correction with the code official.
Existing buildings that meet the requirements of NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) or Chapter 1309 of the Minnesota Residential Code, or Chapter 1305 of the Minnesota Building Code, when applicable, shall be deemed as evidence of compliance with IFC Chapter 11, as amended.
Protection features in existing buildings that comply with previous editions of the Fire Code or Building Code shall be considered as complying with IFC Chapter 11, as amended, unless the fire code official issues a written determination listing the conditions that constitute a distinct hazard to life.
Existing buildings shall comply with the minimum provisions specified in Sections 1103.2 through 1106.3.2.1.
Deleted.
| See optional Appendix L for language you may adopt or modify for in-building Emergency Responder Radio Coverage. |
Deleted.
Interior vertical shafts, including stairways, elevator hoistways, and service and utility shafts, that connect two or more stories of a building, shall be enclosed or protected as specified in Section 1103.4.1 and Table 1103.4.
TABLE 1103.4
VERTICAL OPENING PROTECTION REQUIRED
VERTICAL OPENING PROTECTION REQUIRED
| OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION | CONDITIONS | PROTECTION REQUIRED |
| Group I | Vertical openings connecting two or more stories | 1-hour protection |
| All, other than Group I | Vertical openings connecting two stories | No protection requireda, b |
| All, other than Group I | Vertical openings connecting three to five stories | 1-hour protection or automatic sprinklers throughouta, b |
| All, other than Group I | Vertical openings connecting more than five stories | 1-hour protectiona, b |
| All | Mezzanines open to the floor below | No protection requireda, b |
| All, other than Group I | Atriums and covered mall buildings | 1-hour protection or automatic sprinklers throughout |
| All, other than Group B and M | Escalator openings connecting four or less stories in a sprinklered building. Openings must be pro- tected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprin- klers in accordance with NFPA 13. | No protection required |
| Group B and M | Escalator openings in a sprinklered building pro- tected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprin- klers in accordance with NFPA 13. | No protection required |
| a. Vertical opening protection is not required for Group R-3 occupancies. |
| b. Vertical opening protection is not required for open parking garages and ramps. |
Where one-hour fire-resistive-rated construction is required by IFC Chapter 11, as amended, it includes equivalent ratings for openings in that construction. When openings are required to be protected, opening protectives shall be maintained self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection. Existing fusible-link-type automatic door-closing devices are permitted if the fusible link rating does not exceed 135°F (57°C).
Deleted.
Deleted.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in existing buildings in accordance with Sections 1103.5.1 and 1103.5.2.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing buildings where cellulose nitrate film or pyroxylin plastics are manufactured, stored or handled in quantities exceeding 100 pounds (45 kg). Vaults located within buildings for the storage of raw pyroxylin shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system capable of discharging 1.66 gallons per minute per square foot (68 L/min/m2) over the area of the vault.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout existing Group I-2 fire areas. The sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the floor where the Group I-2 occupancy is located, and in all floors between the Group I-2 occupancy and the level of exit discharge.
An approved automatic sprinkler system shall be provided in the following occupancies located in basements when such areas exceed 2,500 square feet (232.3 m2) in size and do not have 20 square feet (1.86 m2) of opening entirely above the adjoining ground level in each 50 lineal feet (15 240 mm) or fraction thereof of exterior wall on at least one side of the building:
- Group A occupancies used as commercial drinking and dining establishments.
- Group A occupancies used as bowling alleys.
- Group E occupancies used for student occupancy.
- Group I occupancies.
- Group R-1 and R-2 occupancies having dwelling units or guest rooms.
Openings required by this section shall have a minimum dimension of 30 inches (762 mm).
If any portion of the basement is located more than 75 feet (22.86 m) from required openings, the basement shall be provided with an approved automatic sprinkler system throughout.
Existing rubbish and linen chutes that connect three or more stories shall be protected with automatic sprinklers installed and maintained in conformance with Section 903.2.11.2.
Existing structures shall be equipped with standpipes installed in accordance with Section 905 where required in Sections 1103.6.1 and 1103.6.2. The fire code official is authorized to approve the installation of manual standpipe systems to achieve compliance with this section where the responding fire department is capable of providing the required hose flow at the highest standpipe outlet.
Existing buildings with occupied floors located more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) above the lowest level of fire department access or more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) below the highest level of fire department access shall be equipped with standpipes.
Existing buildings with a rooftop helistop or heliport located more than 30 feet (9144 mm) above the lowest level of fire department access to the roof level on which the helistop or heliport is located shall be equipped with standpipes in accordance with Section 2007.5.
An approved fire alarm system shall be installed in existing buildings and structures in accordance with Sections 1103.7.1 through 1103.7.6.
In buildings containing mixed occupancies that are designed as separated uses (see Section 102.11), fire alarm and detection systems need only be installed in those occupancies where required by this section.
In areas protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, automatic fire detectors required by Section 1103.7 need not be provided. Where Section 1103.7 requires smoke detectors, such protection shall be installed.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1103.7.1 through 1103.7.1.3.1 in existing Group A occupancies having an occupant load of 300 or more.
A fire alarm system is not required in Group A occupancies having the following conditions:
Initiation of the fire alarm system shall be by automatic means. Approved automatic fire detectors shall be installed in laundry rooms, boiler and furnace rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, shops, kitchens, trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, and similar areas.
The required fire alarm system shall activate an audible and visible notification appliance at a constantly attended location within the building for the purposes of initiating emergency action. A presignal feature and positive alarm sequencing in accordance with NFPA 72 are permitted. Occupant notification shall be by means of voice announcements, either live or prerecorded, initiated by the person in the constantly attended location.
Where no constantly attended location exists, an automatic fire alarm system providing a general evacuation signal or an approved emergency voice/alarm communications system is permitted.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1103.7.2 through 1103.7.2.4 in existing Group E occupancies having an occupant load of 50 or more.
A fire alarm system is not required for a building with a maximum area of 1,000 square feet (93 m2) that contains a single classroom and is located no closer than 20 feet (15 240 mm) from another building.
Initiation of the fire alarm system shall be by manual and automatic means. Approved automatic fire detectors shall be provided in laundry rooms, boiler and furnace rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, shops, laboratories, kitchens, locker rooms, custodial closets, trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, lounges, and similar areas.
The requirements for manual fire alarm pull boxes can be modified as follows:
- In buildings equipped throughout by an approved, supervised fire sprinkler system, manual fire alarm boxes are only required in the main office and in a custodial area.
- Where all corridors are protected by an approved automatic fire alarm system having smoke detection with alarm verification, manual fire alarm boxes are only required near exits serving shops, chemistry and physics laboratories, boiler rooms, industrial technology and industrial arts rooms, kitchens, custodian's offices, and main offices.
Where the only means of egress travel from an interior room or rooms having an aggregate occupant load of more than ten occupants is through an adjoining or intervening room, automatic smoke detectors shall be installed throughout the common atmosphere through which the path of egress travel passes.
In buildings that are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, smoke detectors are not required in intervening or adjoining rooms.
Activation of the fire alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a general evacuation signal.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 907.2.6 through 907.2.6.4.2 in existing Group I occupancies.
| Existing Group I occupancy fire alarm requirements are the same as for new buildings. The occupants of these buildings are the most vulnerable. |
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1103.7.4 through 1103.7.4.4.1 in existing Group R-1 occupancies where:
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located two or more stories above the story containing the lowest level of exit discharge.
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit.
- The building contains 20 or more guest rooms or dwelling units.
- The building is used as a congregate living facility, dormitory, convent, monastery, fraternity, sorority, group home, or shelter and has an occupant load of 20 or more.
A fire alarm system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving guest rooms and where each guest room has an exit door opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to the exits.
Initiation of the fire alarm system shall be by automatic means. Approved automatic fire detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace rooms, shops, laundry rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, gift shops, locker rooms, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in all common areas and interior corridors serving as required means of egress.
System fire and smoke detectors are not required when an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system is installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and a manual fire alarm box is provided at a constantly attended location. When a constantly attended location is not provided, the manual fire alarm box shall be provided at the main exit.
Activation of the fire alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a general evacuation signal.
Connection of such alarms for annunciation is permitted.
A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Sections 1103.7.5 through 1103.7.5.3 in existing Group R-2 occupancies where:
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located two or more stories above the story containing the lowest level of exit discharge;
- Any sleeping unit or dwelling unit is located more than one story below the highest level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit;
- The building contains more than 16 sleeping units or dwelling units; or
- The building is used as a congregate living facility, dormitory, convent, monastery, fraternity, sorority, group home, or shelter and has an occupant load of 20 or more.
A fire alarm system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors serving guest rooms and where each dwelling unit has an exit door opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to the exits.
Initiation of the fire alarm system shall be by automatic means. Approved automatic fire detectors shall be provided in boiler and furnace rooms, shops, laundry rooms, mechanical and electrical rooms, trash-collection rooms, storage rooms, and similar areas. Automatic smoke detectors shall be provided in all common areas and interior corridors serving as required means of egress.
System fire and smoke detectors are not required when an approved automatic fire-extinguishing system is installed throughout the building.
Activation of the fire alarm system or automatic sprinkler system shall initiate a general evacuation signal.
Dwelling unit smoke alarms required by Section 1103.8 shall not be connected to the building fire alarm system.
Connection of such alarms for annunciation is permitted.
Audible alarm notification appliances shall be provided and sound a distinctive sound that is not to be used for any purpose other than that of a fire alarm. The audible alarm notification appliances shall provide a sound pressure level of 15 decibels (dBA) above the average ambient sound level or 5 dBA above the maximum sound level having a duration of at least 60 seconds, whichever is greater, in every occupied space within the building. The maximum sound pressure level for audible alarm notification appliances shall be 110 dBA at the minimum hearing distance from the audible appliance. Where the average ambient noise is greater than 105 dBA, visible alarm notification appliances shall be provided in accordance with NFPA 72 and audible alarm notification appliances shall not be required.
Deleted.
Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in existing Group I-1 and R occupancies in accordance with Table 1103.8.
| CONDITION | LOCATION | POWER SUPPLY | INTERCONNECTION REQUIRED |
| Existing buildings that do not have any smoke alarms (same as new). | In hallways outside sleeping rooms. In sleeping rooms. On each level of the building and in basements. On ceiling or wall (less than 12 inches below ceiling). On center of ceiling above stairways. | If constructed on or after 8/1/1989, smoke alarms are required to be hard-wired (120 volt). If constructed before 8/1/1989, smoke alarms can be battery-powered. | No interconnection is required for battery-powered alarms. |
| Existing buildings (constructed on or after 8/1/1989). | In hallways outside sleeping rooms. On each level and in basements. On ceiling or wall (less than 12 inches below ceiling). | Smoke alarms are required to be hard-wired (120 volt). | No interconnection is required. |
| Existing buildings (constructed before 8/1/1989). | In hallways outside sleeping rooms. On each level and in basements. On ceiling or wall (less than 12 inches below ceiling). | Smoke alarms can be battery-powered. | No interconnection is required. |
| Replacement of smoke alarms in existing buildings. | Smoke alarms must be installed in same locations as originally installed. | Power supply must be the same as the smoke alarms being replaced. | Interconnection must be provided if the smoke alarms being replaced were interconnected. |
Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be replaced when:
- They fail to respond to operability tests.
- They exceed 10 years from the date of manufacture.
Smoke alarms shall be replaced with smoke alarms having the same type of power supply.
Approved automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be provided for the protection of existing commercial-type cooking equipment that produces grease-laden vapors per Section 904.
Means of egress in existing buildings shall comply with the minimum egress requirements when specified in Sections 1104.1 through 1104.23.
The number of occupants shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.
The minimum required egress width shall be determined in accordance with Section 1005.1.
The ceiling height in corridors shall be not less than 78 inches (1981 mm).
Rooms in Group E occupancies used by preschool, kindergarten, first- or second-grade pupils, latchkey, child care, early childhood family education, teen parent, or similar programs shall be located as required by the Building Code.
| Younger children are required to be located as close to ground level (i.e., first story) as possible to minimize the number of steps that need to be traveled to exit the building. Rooms used by these younger children are allowed to be above or below the first story if other egress and/ or fire protection features are provided. (See Minnesota Statutes, Section 123B.51, subdivision 7.) |
Elevators, escalators, and moving walks can only be used as a component of a required means of egress where previously approved.
Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel.
Exit signs shall be internally illuminated, externally illuminated, or self-luminous. The face of an exit sign illuminated from an external source shall have an intensity of not less than 5 foot-candles (54 lux). Internally illuminated signs shall provide equivalent luminance and be listed for the purpose. Approved self-luminous signs that provide evenly illuminated letters shall have a minimum luminance of 0.06 foot-lamberts (0.21 cd/m2).
Upcodes Diagrams
Where emergency illumination is required in Section 1104.5, exit signs shall be visible under emergency illumination conditions.
Upcodes Diagrams
Normal and emergency illumination of the means of egress shall comply with Sections 1104.5.1 through 1104.5.3.
The means of egress shall be illuminated at all times that the building space served by the means of egress is occupied. Natural lighting in the interior rooms or spaces can be used to satisfy this requirement during periods of daylight.
Illumination is not required in Group U occupancies.
Illumination is not required for aisle accessways.
Floors and other walking surfaces within the means of egress shall be illuminated according to Sections 1104.5.2.1 and 1104.5.2.2.
The means of egress illumination level shall not be less than one foot-candle (11 lux) at the floor level.
In assembly occupancies, the illumination of the floors of exit access shall be at least 0.2 foot-candle (2.2 lux) during periods of performances or projections involving directed light.
The power supply for means of egress illumination shall normally be provided by the premises' electrical supply. In the event of power supply failure, illumination shall be automatically provided from an emergency system for the following occupancies where such occupancies require two or more means of egress:
- Group A having 50 or more occupants. Assembly occupancies used exclusively as a place of worship and having an occupant load of less than 300 are not required to have emergency illumination.
- Group B buildings three or more stories in height, buildings with 100 or more occupants above or below the level of exit discharge, or buildings with 1,000 or more total occupants.
- Group E in interior stairs, corridors, windowless areas with student occupancy, shops, and laboratories.
- Group F having more than 100 occupants. Buildings used only during daylight hours that are provided with windows for natural light are not required to have emergency illumination.
- Group I.
- Group M buildings greater than 3,000 square feet (2879 m2) in gross sales area or exceeding one story in height.
- Group R-1. Where each guest room has direct access to the outside of the building at grade, emergency illumination is not required.
- Group R-2. Where each living unit has direct access to the outside of the building at grade, emergency illumination is not required.
- Group R-4. Where each sleeping room has direct access to the outside of the building at ground level, emergency illumination is not required.
The emergency power system shall provide power for not less than 30 minutes and consist of storage batteries, unit equipment, or an on-site generator. The installation of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Section 604.
Guards complying with this section shall be provided at the open sides of means of egress that are more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below.
Guards shall form a protective barrier not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) high except for the following existing guards:
- Existing guards on the open side of stairs, which are permitted to be not less than 30 inches (760 mm) high.
- Existing guards within dwelling units, which are permitted to be not less than 36 inches (910 mm) high.
- Existing guards in assembly areas.
- Existing guards on stairs and balconies of buildings designated as historic structures, which are permitted to be not less than 24 inches (610 mm) high.
Open guards shall have balusters or ornamental patterns such that a 6-inch (152 mm) diameter sphere cannot pass through any opening up to a height of 34 inches (864 mm) except when one of the following conditions exists:
- At elevated walking surfaces for access to and use of electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems or equipment, guards shall have balusters or be of solid materials such that a sphere with a diameter of 21 inches (533 mm) cannot pass through any opening.
- In occupancies in Group I-3, F, H, or S, the clear distance between intermediate rails measured at right angles to the rails shall not exceed 21 inches (533 mm).
Except where modified by Section 1008.1.2, doors shall be of the side-hinged swing type. Doors shall swing in the direction of egress travel when serving an occupant load of 50 or more persons. The minimum width of each door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof. Locks and latches shall comply with Sections 1008.1.9 through 1008.1.11.4.
Except where modified by this section, each required means of egress door shall comply with the minimum dimensions specified herein. Doors shall provide a clear width of not less than 28 inches (711 mm). Where this section requires a minimum clear width of 28 inches (711 mm) and a door opening includes two door leafs without a mullion, one leaf shall provide a clear opening width of 28 inches (711 mm). The maximum width of a swinging door leaf shall be 48 inches (1219 mm) nominal. The height of doors shall not be less than 80 inches (2032 mm).
Door openings to storage closets less than 10 square feet (0.93 m2) in area shall not be limited by the minimum width.
Width of door leafs in revolving doors shall not be limited.
Door openings within a dwelling unit are permitted to be 78 inches (1981 mm) in height.
The minimum clear width for doors in the means of egress from hospitals; nursing homes; limited-care facilities; psychiatric hospital sleeping rooms; and diagnostic and treatment areas, such as x-ray, surgery, or physical therapy, shall be not less than 32 inches (810 mm) wide. Existing 34-inch (865 mm) doors shall be permitted. Existing 28-inch (710 mm) corridor doors in facilities where the fire plans do not require evacuation by bed, gurney, or wheelchair shall be permitted.
The opening force for interior side-swinging doors without closers shall not exceed a 5-pound (22 N) force. For other side-swinging, sliding and folding doors, the door latch shall release when subjected to a force of not more than 15 pounds (66 N). The door shall be set in motion when subjected to a force not exceeding 30 pounds (133 N). The door shall swing to a full-open position when subjected to a force of not more than 50 pounds (222 N). Forces shall be applied to the latch side.
Revolving doors shall comply with the following:
- A revolving door shall not be located within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the foot or top of stairs or escalators. A dispersal area shall be provided between the stairs or escalators and the revolving doors.
- The revolutions per minute for a revolving door shall not exceed those shown in Table 1104.9.
- Each revolving door shall have a conforming side-hinged swinging door in the same wall as the revolving door and within 10 feet (3048 mm).
Exceptions:
- A revolving door is permitted to be used without an adjacent swinging door for street-floor elevator lobbies provided a stairway, escalator or door from other parts of the building does not discharge through the lobby and the lobby does not have any occupancy or use other than as a means of travel between elevators and a street.
- Existing revolving doors where the number of revolving doors does not exceed the number of swinging doors within 20 feet (6096 mm).
TABLE 1104.9
REVOLVING DOOR SPEEDS
REVOLVING DOOR SPEEDS
| INSIDE DIAMETER (feet-inches) | POWER-DRIVEN-TYPE SPEED CONTROL (rpm) | MANUAL-TYPE SPEED CONTROL (rpm) |
| 6-6 | 11 | 12 |
| 7-0 | 10 | 11 |
| 7-6 | 9 | 11 |
| 8-0 | 9 | 10 |
| 8-6 | 8 | 9 |
| 9-0 | 8 | 9 |
| 9-6 | 7 | 8 |
| 10-0 | 7 | 8 |
| For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm. |
Upcodes Diagrams
A revolving door used as a component of a means of egress shall comply with Section 1104.9 and all of the following conditions:
- Revolving doors shall not be given credit for more than 50 percent of the required egress capacity.
- Each revolving door shall be credited with not more than a 50-person capacity.
- Revolving doors shall be capable of being collapsed when a force of not more than 130 pounds (578 N) is applied within 3 inches (76 mm) of the outer edge of a wing.
Existing stairs in buildings shall be permitted to remain if the rise does not exceed 8.25 inches (210 mm) and the run is not less than 9 inches (229 mm). Existing stairs are permitted to have a minimum width of 36 inches (914 mm) but not less than the width required for the number of occupants served as determined by Section 1005.1. Existing stairs can be rebuilt.
The replacement of an existing stairway in a structure shall not be required to comply with the new stairway requirements of Section 1009 where the existing space and construction will not allow a reduction in pitch or slope.
Upcodes Diagrams
Upcodes Diagrams
Ramp runs utilized as part of a means of egress shall have a running slope not steeper than one unit vertical in 10 units horizontal (10-percent slope). The slope of other ramps shall not be steeper than one unit vertical in eight units horizontal (12.5-percent slope).
Upcodes Diagrams
Existing ramps are permitted to have a minimum width of 30 inches (762 mm) but not less than the width required for the number of occupants served as determined by Section 1005.1.
Openings within 10 feet (3048 mm) of fire escape stairs shall be protected by fire assemblies having a minimum 3/4-hour fire-resistance rating. In buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, opening protection is not required.
Fire escape stairs shall meet the minimum width, capacity, riser height, and tread depth as specified in Table 1104.16.
Access to a fire escape from a corridor shall not be through an intervening room. Access to a fire escape stair shall be from a door or window meeting the criteria of Section 1005.3.2. Access to a fire escape stair shall be directly to a balcony, landing, or platform. These shall be no higher than the floor or windowsill level and no lower than 8 inches (203 mm) below the floor level or 18 inches (457 mm) below the windowsill.
Components of fire escape stairs shall be constructed of noncombustible materials. Fire escape stairs and balconies shall support the dead load plus a live load of not less than 100 pounds per square foot (4.78 kN/m2). Fire escape stairs and balconies shall be provided with a top and intermediate handrail on each side. The fire code official is authorized to require testing or other satisfactory evidence that an existing fire escape stair meets the requirements of this section.
The lowest balcony shall not be more than 18 feet (5486 mm) from the ground. Fire escape stairs shall extend to the ground or be provided with counterbalanced stairs reaching the ground. For fire escape stairs serving ten or fewer occupants, an approved fire escape ladder is allowed to serve as the termination for fire escape stairs.
Fire escapes shall be kept clear and unobstructed at all times and shall be maintained in good working order.
Corridors and the openings therein shall provide an effective barrier to resist the movement of smoke. Corridors, common path of travel, and travel distance shall comply with Sections 1104.17.1 through 1104.17.4.1. Corridors complying with Section 1018.1 need not be fire-resistance rated.
Corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with this section and Table 1104.17.1. Existing walls surfaced with wood lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard are acceptable for corridor walls and ceilings. Where Table 1104.17.1 allows a sprinkler system in lieu of fire-resistance-rated construction, the building shall be protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
| OCCUPANCY | OCCUPANT LOAD SERVED BY CORRIDOR | REQUIRED FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING (HOURS) | |
| Without sprinkler system | With sprinkler system | ||
| A, B, E, F, H, M, S, U | Greater than 30 | 1 | 0 |
| I | Greater than 10 | 1 (see Section 1104.17.2.3) | 0 |
| R | Greater than 10 | 1 | 0 |
In Group A occupancies used as places of religious worship, existing corridor walls, ceilings, and opening protection not in compliance with Section 1104.17.1 may be continued when such buildings are protected with an approved automatic fire alarm system. The fire alarm system shall include automatic smoke detection throughout the exit system and approved detection in all boiler rooms, furnace rooms, mechanical rooms, and storage rooms.
In office areas of Group B occupancies not exceeding 10,000 square feet (929 m2) in size, existing corridor walls, ceilings, and opening protection not in compliance with Section 1104.17.1 may be continued when such buildings are protected with an approved automatic fire alarm system. The fire alarm system shall include automatic smoke detection throughout the exit system and approved detection in all boiler rooms, furnace rooms, mechanical rooms, and storage rooms.
In Group E occupancies, existing corridor walls, ceilings, and opening protection not in compliance with Section 1104.17.1 may be continued when such buildings are protected with an approved automatic fire alarm system that is monitored by a central, proprietary, or remote station service. The fire alarm system shall include automatic smoke detection throughout the exit system and approved detection in all rooms and areas other than classrooms and offices.
Doors opening into corridors required by Table 1104.17.1 to be fire-resistance rated shall be protected by 20-minute fire assemblies or solid wood doors not less than 13/4 inches (45 mm) thick. Where the existing frame will not accommodate the 13/4 inches (45 mm) thick door, a 13/8 inches (35 mm) thick solid bonded wood core door or equivalent insulated steel door shall be permitted. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection.
Openings with fixed wired glass set in steel frames are permitted for corridor walls and ceilings. Transoms, louvers, and openings other than doors from corridors to rooms shall be automatic-closing by smoke detection or shall be covered with a minimum of 3/4-inch (19 mm) gypsum wallboard or equivalent material on the room side.
Patient room doors in corridors in Group I-2 occupancies and Group I-3 corridor doors need not be fire-resistance rated or self-closing where smoke barriers are provided in accordance with the Building Code or NFPA 101.
The minimum corridor width shall be as determined by the occupant load calculations in Section 1005.3 but not less than 36 inches.
Where more than one exit or exit access doorway is required, the exit access shall be arranged such that dead ends do not exceed the limits specified in Section 1104.17.4.1 and Table 1104.17.4.
TABLE 1104.17.4
COMMON PATH, DEAD-END AND TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMITS (by occupancy)
COMMON PATH, DEAD-END AND TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMITS (by occupancy)
| OCCUPANCY | COMMON PATH LIMIT | DEAD-END LIMIT | TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMIT | |||
| Unspr (feet) | Spr (feet) | Unspr (feet) | Spr (feet) | Unspr (feet) | Spr (feet) | |
| Group A | 20/75a | 20/75a | 20b | 20b | 200 | 250 |
| Group B | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 300 |
| Group E | 75 | 75 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Group F-1, S-1d | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Group F-2, S-2d | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 300 | 400 |
| Group H-1 | 25 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 75 |
| Group H-2 | 50 | 100 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 100 |
| Group H-3 | 50 | 100 | 20 | 20 | 100 | 150 |
| Group H-4 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 20 | 150 | 175 |
| Group H-5 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 50 | 150 | 200 |
| Group I-1 | 75 | 75 | 20 | 20 | 200 | 250 |
| Group I-2 (Health care) | NR | NR | NR | NR | 150 | 200c |
| Group I-3 | 100 | 100 | NR | NR | 150c | 200c |
| Group I-4 (Day care) | NR | NR | 20 | 20 | 200 | 250 |
| Group M (Covered mall) | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 400 |
| Group M (Mercantile) | 75 | 100 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Group R-1 (Hotels) | 75 | 75 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Group R-2 (Apartments) | 75 | 75 | 50 | 50 | 200 | 250 |
| Group R-3, R-4 | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR | NR |
| Group U | 75 | 100 | 20 | 50 | 300 | 400 |
| "Unspr" means unsprinklered and "Spr" means sprinklered. |
| For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. |
| a. 20 feet for common path serving more than 50 persons; 75 feet for common path serving 50 or fewer persons. |
| b. See Section 1028.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies. |
| c. This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room, and from the room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy chapter. |
| d. See the International Building Code for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangars. |
| NR = No requirements. |
Exits shall be located so that the maximum length of exit access travel, measured from the most remote point to an approved exterior exit, vertical exit enclosure, horizontal exit, or exit passageway along the natural and unobstructed path of egress travel, does not exceed the distances given in Table 1104.17.4.
The common path of egress travel shall not exceed the distances given in Table 1104.17.4.
| In existing buildings, Common Path distances cannot be exceeded on a story allowed to have only one means of egress. |
A stairway in an exit enclosure that continues below the level of exit discharge shall be arranged and marked to make the direction of egress to a public way readily identifiable. Stairs that continue one-half story beyond the level of exit discharge need not be provided with barriers where the exit discharge is obvious.
Exterior exit stairs shall be separated from the interior of the building as required in Section 1026.6.
The minimum clear width of aisles and aisle accessways shall be in accordance with this section and Table 1104.22.
| CONDITION | MINIMUM WIDTH (in inches) |
| Aisle accessways serving seating areas having 50 or fewer seats, tables, or desks | 24 inches (610 mm) |
| Aisle accessways serving seating areas more than 50 seats, tables, or desks | 30 inches (760 mm) |
| Aisle accessways serving employee areas only | 24 inches (610 mm) |
| Level or ramped aisles having seating on each side and serving 50 or fewer seats | 36 inches (914 mm) |
| Level or ramped aisles having seating on each side and serving more than 50 seats | 42 inches (1067 mm) |
| Level or ramped aisles having seating on one side and serving 60 or fewer seats | 30 inches (760 mm) |
| Level or ramped aisles having seating on one side and serving more than 60 seats | 36 inches (914 mm) |
| Aisle stairs having seating on each side and serving 50 or fewer seats | 36 inches (914 mm) |
| Aisle stairs having seating on each side and serving more than 50 seats | 42 inches (1067 mm) |
| Aisle stairs having seating on one side and serving 60 or fewer seats | 30 inches (760 mm) |
| Aisle stairs having seating on one side and serving more than 60 seats | 36 inches (914 mm) |
| Aisle stair—distance between seating and aisle handrail or guard when the aisle is subdivided | 20 inches (508 mm) |
Aisles and aisle accessway widths shall be as determined by the occupant load calculations in Section 1005.3, but not less than the widths shown in Table 1104.22.
Upcodes Diagrams
The number of means of egress doors or exits from a room, area, story, or building shall be in accordance with Sections 1104.24.1 through 1104.24.4 and Table 1104.24.
Where two or more means of egress doors or exits are required from a room or area, such doors shall be separated from each other by a distance not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served.
| OCCUPANCY | NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS |
| A, B, E, F, M, S, U | 50 occupants |
| H, I, R | 10 occupants |
| R (dormitories) | 16 occupants (see 1104.24.1.1) |
Two means of egress doors or exits are required from rooms, areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants exceeds the values shown in Table 1104.24.
Dormitory sleeping rooms having an exit doorway direct to the exterior are not required to have a second exit or exit access doorway provided that:
- The room has 16 or fewer occupants;
- The travel distance from any point in the room to the exit doorway does not exceed 30 feet;
- The room is not located more than two stories above grade;
- The room is not located on a level below grade; and
- The room is provided with an emergency escape window in accordance with Sections 1029.2 through 1029.5 and the escape window is separated from the exit doorway in accordance with Section 1015.2.1.
Three means of egress doors or exits are required from rooms, areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants exceeds 501 persons.
Four means of egress doors or exits are required from rooms, areas, stories, or buildings when the number of occupants is 1,001 or more persons.
Group E science laboratories containing hazardous materials shall have two exits when exceeding 1,000 square feet (93 m2).
In Group R and Group I-1 occupancies, escape windows shall be provided, installed, and maintained in rooms used for sleeping below the fourth story. A readily accessible escape window shall be provided from basement levels occupied as a licensed family or group family child care home. Escape windows shall be in accordance with this section.
Emergency escape windows are not required for the following conditions:
- If the room has a door that leads directly to the exterior of the building.
- In dwellings and structures constructed prior to July 1, 1972, provided they are not licensed by Minnesota or used for transient lodging.
- If the building is protected throughout by an approved, automatic sprinkler system.
- From rooms of existing buildings having two separate means of escape, provided that the means of escape are independent of each other and they pass through only one adjacent nonlockable room or area.
- In Group R hotels or motels constructed prior to April 11, 1983.
Escape window openings shall have a minimum net clear opening area of 4.5 square feet (648 square inches). Opening height and width dimensions shall not be less than 20 inches.
The maximum height from the floor to the window sill opening shall not exceed 48 inches.
| Per SFMD Policy. Escape windows with openings up to 52 inches off of the floor may meet the height requirement for existing buildings by securing a step, platform or bed to the wall directly underneath the window. This step, platform or bed shall be no more than 44 inches below the opening and must be strong enough to support the weight of the person. The minimum acceptable width shall be the same as the window opening. The minimum acceptable depth away from the wall shall be 18 inches. Use this link to locate this policy: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/fire-code/Pages/Fire-Code-Homepage.aspx. |
An escape window opening with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground level shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Sections 1104.25.5 through 1104.25.5.2.
The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet with a minimum dimension of 36 inches. The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.
Window wells with a vertical depth of more than 44 inches shall be equipped with an approved permanently affixed ladder or steps. Ladders or rungs shall have an inside width of at least 12 inches, shall project at least 3 inches from the wall and shall be spaced not more than 18 inches on center vertically for the full height of the window well. The ladder or steps shall not encroach into the required dimensions of the window well by more than 6 inches. The ladder or steps shall not be obstructed by the emergency escape and rescue opening. Ladders or steps required by this section are exempt from the stairway requirements of Section 1009.
Existing tire storage yards shall be provided with fire apparatus access roads in accordance with Sections 1105.1.1 and 1105.1.2.
Access roadways shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of any point in the storage yard where storage piles are located, at least 20 feet (6096 mm) from any storage pile.
Fire apparatus access roads shall be located within all pile clearances identified in Section 3405.4 and within all fire breaks required in Section 3405.5.
Mixed occupancies within the same building and hazardous areas shall be separated in accordance with Sections 1106.2 through 1106.3.2.1.
Occupancy separations shall be provided in buildings containing Group I and R occupancies as specified in Sections 1106.2.1 through 1106.2.3. These separations shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with the Building Code. Existing wood lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard is acceptable where one-hour occupancy separations are required.
Where one-hour fire-resistant construction is required, openings shall be protected by listed fire doors, insulated steel doors, 13/8-inch thick (35 mm) or 13/4-inch thick (45 mm) solid wood doors, or fixed wired glass set in steel frames. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection.
Group I-1 and Group I-2 occupancies shall be separated from other occupancies as specified in the Building Code.
Group I-3 occupancies shall be separated from other occupancies as specified in the Building Code.
Occupancy separations need not be provided for Group I-3 occupancies in the following conditions:
- In buildings that are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system, one-hour fire-resistance-rated construction is permitted.
- In buildings that are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system, openings for the passage of materials between the Group I-3 and adjacent occupancies are not required to be fire-resistance rated when such openings are not more than 4 feet (1219 mm) above the floor and are provided with a metal cover or door.
Group R occupancies and the exits therefrom shall be separated from Group A, B, M, S, and U occupancies by at least one-hour fire-resistance-rated construction. Group R occupancies shall be separated from all other occupancies as specified in the Building Code.
Occupancy separations need not be provided for Group R occupancies in the following conditions:
- In buildings that are protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system, one-hour occupancy separations need not be provided.
- An occupancy separation need not be provided between Group A and Group R occupancies if the building is provided with a fire alarm system having automatic smoke detection throughout the Group A occupancy.
- Fire-resistance-rated opening protection need not be provided between Group A and Group R occupancies when such openings are designed to resist the passage of smoke and the openings are protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
- An occupancy separation need not be provided where two or more occupancies occur in the same building or structure and are so intermingled that separations are impracticable provided that the exit provisions and protection requirements for the more restrictive occupancy are provided.
- An occupancy separation need not be provided between a Group R-3 occupancy with sleeping accommodations for ten or fewer persons and Group B or Group M occupancies which are accessory if interconnected smoke alarms are provided. At least one smoke alarm shall be located in the Group B or Group M occupancy and additional alarms may be needed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Smoke alarms in the sleeping areas shall be located as specified in Section 1103.8 and shall be audible in all sleeping areas.
Incidental use areas shall be separated from the rest of the building in accordance with this section. Incidental use areas are defined as shops, laboratories containing hazardous materials, storage rooms exceeding 100 square feet in size, laundry rooms exceeding 100 square feet in size, and rooms containing boilers or central heating plants where the largest piece of fuel equipment exceeds 400,000 BTU per hour input.
Incidental use areas in Groups A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R-1, R-2, and S occupancies shall be separated from the rest of the building by not less than a one-hour fire barrier. Existing wood lath and plaster in good condition or 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard is acceptable where one-hour fire barriers are required. Storage rooms need not be separated in Groups F, M, or S occupancies.
Incidental use areas in Groups I and R occupancies need not be separated when the incidental use area is protected with automatic sprinklers and the construction of such areas is capable of resisting the passage of smoke. Doors to such areas shall be a minimum of one-hour fire-rated, solid-core wood doors or insulated steel doors. Doors shall be self-closing or automatic-closing by smoke detection.