Section 1018

AISLES

[DSA-AC] In addition to the requirements of this section, means of egress, which provide access to, or egress from, buildings or facilities where accessibility is required for appli- cations listed in Section 1.9.1 regulated by the Division of the State Architect-Access Compliance, shall also comply with Chapter 11A or Chapter 11B, Section 403, as applicable.

[BE] 1018.1 General. Aisles and aisle accessways serving as a portion of the exit access in the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Aisles or aisle accessways shall be provided from all occupied portions of the exit access that contain seats, tables, furnishings, displays and similar fixtures or equipment. The minimum width or required capacity of aisles shall be unobstructed.

Exception: Encroachments complying with Section 1005.7.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.06(a)] Bonding of Chairs and Spacing of Tables.

(a) Bonding of chairs. In every Group A and Group E occupancy, all loose seats, folding chairs or similar seat- ing facilities that are not fixed to the floor shall be bonded together in groups of not less than three.

Exceptions:

(1) When not more than 200 such seats, chairs or facil- ities are provided, bonding thereof may be deleted.

(2) The bonding of chairs shall not be required when tables are provided, as when the occupancy is used for dining or similar purposes.

(3) Upon approval of the enforcing agency, the bonding of chairs shall not be required when the placement and location of such chairs does not obstruct any required exit or any line of egress toward required exits and does not constitute a fire hazard as defined in California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Section 3.14.

[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.06(b)] Bonding of Chairs and Spacing of Tables.

(b) Spacing of Tables. In occupancies having rectangular conference or banquet-type tables, such tables shall be placed not less than 54 inches apart and not less than 36 inches from walls.

[BE] 1018.2 Aisles in assembly spaces. Aisles and aisle accessways serving a room or space used for assembly purposes shall comply with Section 1030.

[BE] 1018.3 Aisles in Groups B and M. In Group B and M occupancies, the minimum clear aisle width shall be determined by Section 1005.1 for the occupant load served, but shall be not less than that required for corridors by Section 1020.3. Exception: Nonpublic aisles serving less than 50 people and not required to be accessible by Chapter 11A or 11B of the California Building Code need not exceed 28 inches (711 mm) in width.

[BE] 1018.4 Aisle accessways in Group M. An aisle accessway shall be provided on not less than one side of each element within the merchandise pad. The minimum clear width

10-40 2022 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

Copyright © 2022 by, or licensed to, International Code Council, Inc. (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED); licensed to California Building Standards Commission pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions is authorized. Any unauthorized reproduction or distribution is a violation of the federal copyright act and the license agreement, and subject to civil and criminal penalties thereunder.

for an aisle accessway not required to be accessible shall be 30 inches (762 mm). The required clear width of the aisle accessway shall be measured perpendicular to the elements and merchandise within the merchandise pad. The 30-inch (762 mm) minimum clear width shall be maintained to provide a path to an adjacent aisle or aisle accessway. The common path of egress travel shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) from any point in the merchandise pad.

Exception: For areas serving not more than 50 occupants, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm).

[BE] 1018.5 Aisles in other than assembly spaces and Groups B and M. In other than rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes and Group B and M occupancies, the minimum clear aisle capacity shall be determined by Section 1005.1 for the occupant load served, but the width shall be not less than that required for corridors by Section 1020.3.

Exception: Nonpublic aisles serving less than 50 people and not required to be accessible by Chapter 11 of the Cal- ifornia Building Code need not exceed 28 inches (711 mm) in width.