Section 1019

EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

[BE] 1019.1 General. Exit access stairways and ramps serving as an exit access component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. The number of stories connected by exit access stairways and ramps shall include basements, but not mezzanines.

[BE] 1019.2 All occupancies. Exit access stairways and ramps that serve floor levels within a single story are not required to be enclosed.

[BE] 1019.3 Occupancies other than Groups I-2, I-2.1, I-3 and R-2.1 . In other than Group I-2, I-2.1, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies, floor openings containing exit access stairways or ramps shall be enclosed with a shaft enclosure constructed in accordance with Section 713 of the California Building Code .

Exceptions:

1. Exit access stairways and ramps that serve or atmospherically communicate between only two adjacent stories. Such interconnected stories shall not be open to other stories.

2. In Group R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, R-3 or R-3.1 occupancies, exit access stairways and ramps connecting four stories or less serving and contained within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit or live/work unit.

3. Exit access stairways serving and contained within a Group R-3 congregate residence or a Group R-4 facility are not required to be enclosed.

4. Exit access stairways and ramps in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, where the area of the vertical opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the stairway or ramp and the opening is protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13. In other than Group B and M occupancies, this provision is limited to openings that do not connect more than four stories.

5. Exit access stairways and ramps within an atrium complying with the provisions of Section 404 of the California Building Code .

6. Exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that serve only the parking garage.

7. Exit access stairways and ramps serving smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating complying with the exit access travel distance requirements of Section 1030.7.

8. Exit access stairways and ramps between the balcony, gallery or press box and the main assembly floor in occupancies such as theaters, places of religious worship, auditoriums and sports facilities.

9. Exterior exit access stairways or ramps between occupied roofs.

10. Fixed guideway transit stations, constructed in accordance with Section 443 of the California Building Code.

[BE] 1019.4 Group I-2, I-2.1, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies. In Group I-2, I-2.1, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies, floor openings between stories containing exit access stairways or ramps are required to be enclosed with a shaft enclosure constructed in accordance with Section 713 of the California Building Code .

Exception: In Group I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways or ramps constructed in accordance with Section 408 of the California Building Code are not required to be enclosed.