CBC · California Building Code

When are multiple exits or exit access doorways required

In plain terms: the CBC lets some small rooms have only one exit, but once the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel for that space exceeds the limits in Table 1006.2.1 you must provide two (or more) exits. Certain uses (boiler rooms, refrigeration rooms, very large occupant loads) require additional exits regardless — always check §1006.2.1, Table 1006.2.1, §1006.2.1.1 and the use-specific rules in §1006.2.2.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — plain English

The CBC requires more than one exit (or exit access doorway) from a room, area or space when the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance for that space exceeds the limits shown in Table 1006.2.1; otherwise a single exit may be permitted (§1006.2.1) . Separate, higher occupant-load thresholds require three or four required exits (§1006.2.1.1) .

Requirements in detail

Core rule

  • Two exits (or two exit access doorways) are required where the occupant load or the common path distance for a space exceeds the values in Table 1006.2.1 (§1006.2.1) .
  • If occupant load reaches 501–1,000 for a single space, three required exits are required; if the occupant load is greater than 1,000, four required exits are required (§1006.2.1.1) .
  • Specific uses (boiler rooms, refrigeration machinery rooms, refrigerated rooms, etc.) have their own minimum-exit requirements in §1006.2.2 and subsections (§1006.2.2, §1006.2.2.1, §1006.2.2.2) .

Decision-relevant dimensions

The two questions you must answer for a space are:

  1. What is the design occupant load for that space (including cumulative loads where required)? (see §1004.2 as referenced by §1006.2.1) .
  2. For that occupancy type and occupant load, does the common path of egress travel exceed the distance permitted for a single exit in Table 1006.2.1? (§1006.2.1 and Table 1006.2.1) .

Below is a compact, decision-focused excerpt (representative values) from Table 1006.2.1. This table is not the full table — consult the full Table 1006.2.1 in the CBC for all occupancies and footnotes.

Decision dimension Representative value / trigger When more than one exit is required? Code reference
Occupant load — many business/assembly/minor groups (Ac, E, M, B, F) Single-exit permitted only when occupant load ≤ 49 (varies by group) If space occupant load > listed maximum (e.g., >49 for many groups), two exits are required unless other Table limits permit single exit (§1006.2.1 / Table 1006.2.1) §1006.2.1; Table 1006.2.1
Occupant load — R-2 (sleeping units) Single-exit limit shown as OL = 20 (see table footnotes for mixed conditions) If occupant load >20, two exits required or other Table conditions apply (§1006.2.1) §1006.2.1; Table 1006.2.1
Common path of egress travel (unsprinklered) Typical values range 75–125 ft depending on occupancy and occupant load; some occupancies are NP (not permitted) for single exit If common path for that occupancy/load exceeds the table distance, two exits required (§1006.2.1 and Table 1006.2.1) §1006.2.1; Table 1006.2.1
Three/four required exits OL 501–1,000 = three exits; OL >1,000 = four exits At those occupant loads, provide three or four exits as stated (§1006.2.1.1) §1006.2.1.1
Use-based minimums Boiler rooms >500 sq ft with large fuel-fired equipment; refrigeration machinery rooms >1,000 sq ft; refrigerated rooms >1,000 sq ft These uses require at least two exit access doorways or exits even if occupant load is small (§1006.2.2 and subsections) §1006.2.2; §1006.2.2.1; §1006.2.2.2

Notes on the Table:

  • Table 1006.2.1 also splits some conditions by whether the building is sprinkled and by occupant-load subranges; consult the full table and its footnotes for NP (not permitted) entries and special cases (§1006.2.1 and Table 1006.2.1) .
  • The CBC requires cumulative occupant loads from adjacent rooms to be accounted for where noted; see §1006.2.1 referencing Section 1004.2 for cumulative load calculation (§1006.2.1) .

Configuration and separation requirements

When multiple exits are required, exit and exit-access doorways must be arranged with separation so that loss of one exit does not block others. For two required exits, they must be spaced not less than one-half of the maximum overall diagonal length of the area to be served (exceptions apply for 1-hour corridors or fully sprinklered buildings) (§1007.1.1) . When three or more exits are required, at least two must meet the two-exit separation rule and the rest must be reasonably separated (§1007.1.2) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Foyers, lobbies, vestibules: the required number of exits need not be based on cumulative occupant loads of spaces that discharge through them, though exit capacity must still serve the cumulative load (§1006.2.1, Exception 1) .
  • Group I-2 care suites and some I-2 rooms are governed by separate rules (see §407.4) and are excepted from the Table’s common-path measurement (§1006.2.1, Exception 2) .
  • Unoccupied mechanical rooms and penthouses: not required to comply with common-path measurement (§1006.2.1, Exception 3) .
  • Sprinklers often increase allowable common-path or allow different separation distances (see Table footnotes and §1007 exceptions for sprinklered buildings) (§1006.2.1; §1007.1.1 Exception 2) .
  • Certain hazardous occupancies and detention/correctional cells have specific, more restrictive rules or separate sections (see Table 1006.2.1 footnotes and CBC §408.3.11 reference in §1006.2.1) .

If you need to apply a specific footnote (for example, the “NP” entries for some H or I occupancies or the special allowances for buildings equipped with automatic sprinklers), consult the full Table 1006.2.1 and the associated footnotes in the CBC because those footnotes materially affect whether a single exit is permitted (§1006.2.1; Table 1006.2.1) .

Common mistakes

  • Relying only on the room’s occupant load without checking cumulative occupant load from adjacent spaces where required (the CBC directs cumulative loads to be determined per §1004.2; §1006.2.1 references that requirement) .
  • Assuming a single exit is acceptable simply because the room is small in area — the CBC uses occupant load and common path distance (not just area) as the determinants (§1006.2.1; Table 1006.2.1) .
  • Forgetting use-based mandates (boiler/refrigeration/refrigerated rooms have their own minimums independent of occupant load) (§1006.2.2.1, §1006.2.2.2) .
  • Not applying the required exit separation distances (measured per §1007.1.1) when multiple exits are provided; spacing matters as much as number (§1007.1.1) .

Worked example

Scenario: A business (Group B) showroom has an occupant load of 120 people. The building is not sprinklered. Table 1006.2.1 lists the maximum occupant load for a single exit in Group B as 49 (representative excerpt) and gives maximum common path distances that depend on occupancy and load. Because 120 > 49, the showroom cannot use a single exit — at least two exits are required (§1006.2.1 and Table 1006.2.1). If the same showroom had an occupant load of 40 and the common path of egress travel measured from the most remote point to the point where exit choices begin was 90 feet, you would also have to compare that 90 feet to the Table’s permitted common-path distance for Group B and that occupant-load category; if 90 feet exceeds the Table distance for that condition, two exits are required notwithstanding the occupant load (§1006.2.1; Table 1006.2.1) .

Related provisions (quick list)

  • §1006.2.1 — Egress based on occupant load and common path of egress travel distance (primary controlling text) .
  • §1006.2.1.1 — Three or more exits (occupant-load thresholds for three and four exits) .
  • §1006.2.2 and subsections — Egress based on specific uses (boiler rooms, refrigeration machinery rooms, refrigerated rooms, etc.) .
  • Table 1006.2.1 — Spaces permitted to have a single exit and the distance/occupant-load limits (and footnotes) — consult for occupancy-specific values (§1006.2.1) .
  • §1004.2 — Cumulative occupant loads (referenced in §1006.2.1) .
  • §1007.1.1 & §1007.1.2 — Required separation/remoteness of multiple exits and arrangement rules (§1007) .

Code references

Grounded in the retrieved California Building Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:

  • CBC § 1006.2.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    1006.2.1.1 Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Three exits or exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant load of 501 to 1,000. Four exits or exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant load greater than 1,000.

    1006.2.2 Egress based on use. The numbers, configuration and types of components of exits or access to exits shall be provided in the uses described in Sections 1006.2.2.1 through 1006.2.2.7 .

    1006.2.2.1 Boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms. Two exit access doorways are required in boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms where the area is over 500 square feet (46 m [2] ) and any fuel-fired equipment exceeds 400,000 British thermal units (Btu) (422 000 KJ) input capacity. Where two exit access doorways are required, one is permitted to be a fixed ladder or an alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the room. 1006.2.2.2 Refrigeration machinery rooms. Machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) shall have not less than two exits or exit access doorways. Where two exit access doorways are required, one such doorway is permitted to be served by a fixed ladder or an alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the maximum horizontal dimension of the room.

    Exit access travel distance shall be determined as specified in Section 1017.1, but all portions of a refrigeration machinery room shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of an exit or exit access doorway where such rooms are not protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Egress is allowed through adjoining refrigeration machinery rooms or adjoining refrigerated rooms or spaces.

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    Exit and exit access doorways shall swing in the direction of egress travel and shall be equipped with panic hardware, regardless of the occupant load served. Exit and exit access doorways shall be tight fitting and self-closing. 1006.2.2.3 Refrigerated rooms or spaces. Rooms or spaces having a floor area larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ), containing a refrigerant evaporator and maintained at a temperature below 68°F (20°C), shall have access to not less than two exits or exit access doorways.

    Exit access travel distance shall be determined as specified in Section 1017.1. All portions of a refrigerated room or space shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of an exit or exit access doorway leading to a nonrefrigerated area where such rooms are not protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Egress is allowed through adjoining refrigerated rooms or spaces.

    Exception: Where using refrigerants in quantities limited to the amounts based on the volume set forth in the California Mechanical Code. Egress is allowed through adjoining refrigerated rooms or spaces.

  • CBC § 359.1 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Guards are not required where personal fall arrest anchorage connector devices that comply with ANSI/ASSE Z 359.1 are installed.

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    1015.8 Window openings. Windows in Group R-1, R-2 and R-3 buildings including dwelling units, where the bottom of the clear opening of an operable window is located less than 36 inches (914 mm) above the finished floor and more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, shall comply with one of the following:

    1. Where the bottom of the clear opening of the window is located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) and less than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, the window shall comply with one of the following: 1.1. Operable windows where the openings will not allow a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere to pass through the opening when the window is in its largest opened position, provided that the opening is not required for emer gency escape or rescue. 1.2. Operable windows where the openings are provided with window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2090.

    1.3. Operable windows where the openings are provided with window opening control devices that comply with ASTM F2090. The window opening control device, after operation to release the control device allowing the window to fully open, shall not reduce the minimum net clear opening area of the window unit to less than the area required by Section 1031.3.1 for emergency escape and rescue openings. 2. Where the bottom of the clear opening of the window is located 75 feet (22,860 mm) or more above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building, the window shall comply with one of the following: 2.1. Operable windows where the openings are provided with window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2090.

    2.2. Operable windows where the openings will not allow a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere to pass through the opening when the window is in its largest opened position. 2.3. Window fall prevention devices that comply with ASTM F2006.

    SECTION 1016—EXIT ACCESS

    1016.1 General. The exit access shall comply with the applicable provisions of Sections 1003 through 1015. Exit access arrangement shall comply with Sections 1016 through 1021.

    1016.2 Egress through intervening spaces. Egress through intervening spaces shall comply with this section.

    1. Exit access through an enclosed elevator lobby is permitted in other than a Group I-2 . Where access to two or more exits or exit access doorways is required in Section 1006.2.1, access to not less than one of the required exits shall be provided without travel through the enclosed elevator lobbies required by Section 3006. Where the path of exit access travel passes through an enclosed elevator lobby, the level of protection required for the enclosed elevator lobby is not required to be extended to the exit unless direct access to an exit is required by other sections of this code.
  • CBC § 903.3.1.1 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Where interior exit stairways or ramps are interconnected by a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated corridor conforming to the requirements of Section 1020, the required exit separation shall be measured along the shortest direct line of travel within the corridor.

    2. Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the separation distance shall be not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served.

    1007.1.1.1 Measurement point. The separation distance required in Section 1007.1.1 shall be measured in accordance with the following:

    1. The separation distance to exit or exit access doorways shall be measured to any point along the width of the doorway.
    2. The separation distance to exit access stairways shall be measured to the closest riser.
    3. The separation distance to exit access ramps shall be measured to the start of the ramp run.

    1007.1.2 Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Where access to three or more exits is required, not less than two exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged in accordance with the provisions of Section 1007.1.1. Additional required exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes blocked, the others will be available.

    1007.1.3 Remoteness of exit access stairways or ramps. Where two exit access stairways or ramps provide the required means of egress to exits at another story, the required separation distance shall be maintained for all portions of such exit access stair ways or ramps.

    1007.1.3.1 Three or more exit access stairways or ramps. Where more than two exit access stairways or ramps provide the required means of egress, not less than two shall be arranged in accordance with Section 1007.1.3.

    SECTION 1008 —MEANS OF EGRESS ILLUMINATION

    1008.1 Means of egress illumination. Illumination shall be provided in the means of egress in accordance with Section 1008.2. In the event of power supply failure, means of egress illumination shall comply with Section 1008.2.4.

    1008.2 Illumination required. The means of egress serving a room or space shall be illuminated at all times that the room or space is occupied.

    Exceptions:

    1. Occupancies in Group U.
    2. Self-service storage units 400 square feet (37.2 m [2] ) or less in area and accessed directly from the exterior of the building.
    3. Aisle accessways in Group A.
    4. Dwelling units and sleeping units in Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3.
    5. Sleeping units of Group I, R-2.1 and R-4 occupancies.

    1008.2.1 Illumination level under normal power. The means of egress illumination level shall be not less than 1 footcandle (11 lux) at the walking surface. Along exit access stairways, exit stairways and at their required landings, the illumination level shall not be less than 10 footcandles (108 lux) at the walking surface when the stairway is in use.

  • CBC § 1030.8. High relevance — show source text

    For a room or space used for assembly purposes having fixed seating, see Section 1030.8.
    d. For the travel distance limitations_ and number of exit and exit access requirements for rooms and spaces in Group I-2, see Section 407.4 of the California Building Code._
    e. The common path of egress travel distance shall apply only in a Group R-3 occupancy located in a mixed occupancy building or within a Group R-3 or R-4 congregate living facility.
    f. The length of common path of egress travel distance in a Group S-2 open parking garage shall be not more than 100 feet.
    g. For the travel distance limitations in Groups R-3 and R-4 equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3, see Section 1006.2.2.6.
    h. For holding cells, see Section 408.3.11 of the California Building Code.
    i.
    In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13113(d), there is no requirement for automatic sprinkler protection in an existing Group I-2 located in Type IA construction.|

    [BE] 1006.2.1.1 Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Three exits or exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant load of 501 to 1,000. Four exits or exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant load greater than 1,000.

    [BE] 1006.2.2 Egress based on use. The numbers, configuration and types of components of exits or access to exits shall be provided in the uses described in Sections 1006.2.2.1 through 1006.2.2.7 .

    [BE] 1006.2.2.1 Boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms. Two exit access doorways are required in boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms where the area is over 500 square feet (46 m [2] ) and any fuel-fired equipment exceeds 400,000 British thermal units (Btu) (422 000 KJ) input capacity. Where two exit access doorways are required, one is permitted to be a fixed ladder or an

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    alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the room.

    [BE] 1006.2.2.2 Refrigeration machinery rooms. Machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) shall have not less than two exits or exit access doorways. Where two exit access doorways are required, one such doorway is permitted to be served by a fixed ladder or an alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the maximum horizontal dimension of the room.

    Exit access travel distance shall be determined as specified in Section 1017.1, but all portions of a refrigeration machinery room shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of an exit or exit access doorway where such rooms are not protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Egress is allowed through adjoining refrigeration machinery rooms or adjoining refrigerated rooms or spaces.

  • CBC § 1005.7.1 High relevance — show source text

    1005.7.1 Doors. Doors, when fully opened, shall not reduce the required width by more than 7 inches (178 mm). Doors in any position shall not reduce the required width by more than one-half.

    Exceptions:

    1. In other than Group I-2 occupancies, surface-mounted latch release hardware shall be exempt from inclusion in the 7inch maximum (178 mm) encroachment where both of the following conditions exist: 1.1. The hardware is mounted to the side of the door facing away from the adjacent wall where the door is in the open position. 1.2. The hardware is mounted not less than 34 inches (865 mm) nor more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor.

    2. The restrictions on door swing shall not apply to doors within individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R-2 occupancies and dwelling units of Group R-3 occupancies.

    1005.7.2 Other projections. Handrail projections shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 1014.9. Other nonstructural projections such as trim and similar decorative features shall be permitted to project into the required width not more than 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm) on each side.

    1005.7.3 Protruding objects. Protruding objects shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1003.3.

    SECTION 1006—NUMBER OF EXITS AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAYS

    1006.1 General. The number of exits or exit access doorways required within the means of egress system shall comply with the provisions of Section 1006.2 for spaces, including mezzanines, and Section 1006.3 for stories or occupiable roofs.

    1006.2 Egress from spaces. Rooms, areas or spaces, including mezzanines, within a story or basement shall be provided with the number of exits or access to exits in accordance with this section.

    1006.2.1 Egress based on occupant load and common path of egress travel distance. Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the values listed in Table 1006.2.1. The cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms, areas or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. The number of exits from foyers, lobbies, vestibules or similar spaces need not be based on cumulative occupant loads for areas discharging through such spaces, but the capacity of the exits from such spaces shall be based on applicable cumulative occupant loads.
    2. Rooms and care suites in Group I-2 occupancies complying with Section 407.4.
    3. Unoccupied mechanical rooms and penthouses are not required to comply with the common path of egress travel distance measurement.

    4. In detention and correctional facilities and holding cells, such as are found in courthouse buildings, when the occupant load is more than 20 see Section 408.3.11.

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    |TABLE 1006.2.

  • CBC § 10-5 High relevance — show source text

    1002 Maintenance and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

    1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-7

    1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9

    1006 Number of Exits and Exit Access Doorways . . . . . 10-10

    1007 Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration . . . . 10-14

    1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-14

    1009 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15

    1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-19

    1011 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29

    1012 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-33

    1013 Exit Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34

    1014 Handrails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36

    1015 Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

    1016 Exit Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-39

    1017 Exit Access Travel Distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40

    1018 Aisles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41

    1019 Exit Access Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

    1020 Corridors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

    1021 Egress Balconies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44

    1022 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44

  • CBC § 1005.5 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1005.5 Distribution of minimum width and required capacity. Where more than one exit, or access to more than one exit, is required, the means of egress shall be configured such that the loss of any one exit, or access to one exit, shall not reduce the available capacity or width to less than 50 percent of the required capacity or width.

    [BE] 1005.6 Egress convergence. Where the means of egress from stories above and below converge at an intermediate level, the capacity of the means of egress from the point of convergence shall be not less than the largest minimum width or the sum of the required capacities for the stairways or ramps serving the two adjacent stories, whichever is larger.

    [BE] 1005.7 Encroachment. Encroachments into the required means of egress width shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.

    [BE] 1005.7.1 Doors. Doors, when fully opened, shall not reduce the required width by more than 7 inches (178 mm). Doors in any position shall not reduce the required width by more than one-half.

    Exceptions:

    1. In other than Group I-2 occupancies, surface-mounted latch release hardware shall be exempt from inclusion in the 7inch maximum (178 mm) encroachment where both of the following conditions exists:

    1.1. The hardware is mounted to the side of the door facing away from the adjacent wall where the door is in the open position.

    1.2. The hardware is mounted not less than 34 inches (865 mm) nor more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor.

    1. The restrictions on door swing shall not apply to doors within individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R2 occupancies and dwelling units of Group R-3 occupancies.

    [BE] 1005.7.2 Other projections. Handrail projections shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 1014.9. Other nonstructural projections such as trim and similar decorative features shall be permitted to project into the required width not more than 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm) on each side.

    [BE] 1005.7.3 Protruding objects. Protruding objects shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1003.3.

    SECTION 1006—NUMBERS OF EXITS AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAYS

    [BE] 1006.1 General. The number of exits or exit access doorways required within the means of egress system shall comply with the provisions of Section 1006.2 for spaces, including mezzanines, and Section 1006.3 for stories or occupiable roofs.

    [BE] 1006.2 Egress from spaces. Rooms, areas or spaces, including mezzanines, within a story or basement shall be provided with the number of exits or access to exits in accordance with this section.

    [BE] 1006.2.1 Egress based on occupant load and common path of egress travel distance. Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the

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    values listed in Table 1006.2.1. The cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms, areas or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.2.

  • CBC § 1006.2 High relevance — show source text

    1006.2 Egress from spaces. Rooms, areas or spaces, including mezzanines, within a story or basement shall be provided with the number of exits or access to exits in accordance with this section.

    1006.2.1 Egress based on occupant load and common path of egress travel distance. Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the values listed in Table 1006.2.1. The cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms, areas or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. The number of exits from foyers, lobbies, vestibules or similar spaces need not be based on cumulative occupant loads for areas discharging through such spaces, but the capacity of the exits from such spaces shall be based on applicable cumulative occupant loads.
    2. Rooms and care suites in Group I-2 occupancies complying with Section 407.4.
    3. Unoccupied mechanical rooms and penthouses are not required to comply with the common path of egress travel distance measurement.

    4. In detention and correctional facilities and holding cells, such as are found in courthouse buildings, when the occupant load is more than 20 see Section 408.3.11.

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    TABLE 1006.2.1—SPACES WITH ONE EXIT OR EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5
    OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM OCCUPANT
    LOAD OF SPACE    		 MAXIMUM COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL DISTANCE
    (feet)    		 MAXIMUM COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL DISTANCE
    (feet)    		 MAXIMUM COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL DISTANCE
    (feet)
    OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM OCCUPANT
    LOAD OF SPACE    		 Without Automatic Sprinkler System
    (feet)    		 Without Automatic Sprinkler System
    (feet)    		 With Automatic Sprinkler System
    (feet)
    OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM OCCUPANT
    LOAD OF SPACE    		 Occupant Load Occupant Load Occupant Load
    OCCUPANCY MAXIMUM OCCUPANT
    LOAD OF SPACE    		 OL ≤ 30 OL > 30 OL > 30
    Ac, E, M 49 75 75 75a
    B 49 100 75 100a
    F 49 75 75 100a
    H-1, H-2, H-3 3 NP NP 25b
    H-4, H-5 10 NP NP 75b
    I-2d, I-4 10 NP_i_ NP_i_ 75a
    I-3_h_ 10 NP NP 100a
    R-1 10 NP NP 75a
    R-2 20 NP NP 125a
    _R-2.
  • CBC § 408.3.11. High relevance — show source text

    For holding cells, see Section 408.3.11.
    i. In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13113(d), there is no requirement for automatic sprinkler protection in an existing Group I-2 located in Type IA construction.|For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
    NP = Not Permitted.
    a. Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. See Section 903 for occupancies where automatic sprin-
    kler systems are permitted in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
    b. Group H occupancies equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.
    c. For a room or space used for assembly purposes having fixed seating, see Section 1030.8.
    d. For the travel distance limitations     and number of exit and exit access requirements for rooms and spaces_in Group I-2, see Section 407.4.
    e. The common path of egress travel distance shall only apply in a Group R-3 occupancy located in a mixed occupancy_building_.
    f. The length of common path of egress travel distance in a Group S-2 open parking garage shall be not more than 100 feet.
    g. For the travel distance limitations in Groups R-3 and R-4 equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.3, see Section
    1006.2.2.6.
    h. For holding cells, see Section 408.3.11.
    i. In accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 13113(d), there is no requirement for automatic sprinkler protection in an existing Group I-2 located in Type IA construction.|

    1006.2.1.1 Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Three exits or exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant load of 501 to 1,000. Four exits or exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant load greater than 1,000.

    1006.2.2 Egress based on use. The numbers, configuration and types of components of exits or access to exits shall be provided in the uses described in Sections 1006.2.2.1 through 1006.2.2.7 .

    1006.2.2.1 Boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms. Two exit access doorways are required in boiler, incinerator and furnace rooms where the area is over 500 square feet (46 m [2] ) and any fuel-fired equipment exceeds 400,000 British thermal units (Btu) (422 000 KJ) input capacity. Where two exit access doorways are required, one is permitted to be a fixed ladder or an alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the room. 1006.2.2.2 Refrigeration machinery rooms. Machinery rooms larger than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) shall have not less than two exits or exit access doorways. Where two exit access doorways are required, one such doorway is permitted to be served by a fixed ladder or an alternating tread device. Exit access doorways shall be separated by a horizontal distance equal to one-half the maximum horizontal dimension of the room.

  • CBC § 1005.7.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1005.7.2 Other projections. Handrail projections shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 1014.9. Other nonstructural projections such as trim and similar decorative features shall be permitted to project into the required width not more than 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm) on each side.

    [BE] 1005.7.3 Protruding objects. Protruding objects shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1003.3.

    SECTION 1006—NUMBERS OF EXITS AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAYS

    [BE] 1006.1 General. The number of exits or exit access doorways required within the means of egress system shall comply with the provisions of Section 1006.2 for spaces, including mezzanines, and Section 1006.3 for stories or occupiable roofs.

    [BE] 1006.2 Egress from spaces. Rooms, areas or spaces, including mezzanines, within a story or basement shall be provided with the number of exits or access to exits in accordance with this section.

    [BE] 1006.2.1 Egress based on occupant load and common path of egress travel distance. Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    values listed in Table 1006.2.1. The cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms, areas or spaces shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004.2.

    Exceptions:

    1. The number of exits from foyers, lobbies, vestibules or similar spaces need not be based on cumulative occupant loads for areas discharging through such spaces, but the capacity of the exits from such spaces shall be based on applicable cumulative occupant loads.
    2. Rooms and care suites in Group I-2 occupancies complying with Section 407.4 of the California Building Code .
    3. Unoccupied mechanical rooms and penthouses are not required to comply with the common path of egress travel distance measurement.

    4. In detention and correctional facilities and holding cells, such as are found in courthouse buildings, when the occupant load is more than 20 see Section 408.3.11 of the California Building Code.

    |[BE] TABLE 1006.2.

  • CBC § 1006.3.4 High relevance — show source text

    In each story of a mixed occupancy building, the maximum number of occupants served by a single exit shall be such that the sum of the ratios of the calculated number of occupants of the space divided by the allowable number of occupants indicated in Table 1006.3.4(2) for each occupancy does not exceed one. Where dwelling units are located on a story with other occupancies, the actual number of dwelling units divided by four plus the ratio from the other occupancy does not exceed one.

    SECTION 1007—EXIT AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY CONFIGURATION

    [BE] 1007.1 General. Exits, exit access doorways, and exit access stairways and ramps serving spaces, including individual building stories, shall be separated in accordance with the provisions of this section.

    [BE] 1007.1.1 Two exits or exit access doorways. Where two exits, exit access doorways, exit access stairways or ramps, or any combination thereof, are required from any portion of the exit access, 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 them. Interlocking or scissor stairways shall be counted as one exit stairway.

    Exceptions:

    1. Where interior exit stairways or ramps are interconnected by a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated corridor conforming to the requirements of Section 1020, the required exit separation shall be measured along the shortest direct line of travel within the corridor.

    2. Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the separation distance shall be not less than one-third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served.

    [BE] 1007.1.1.1 Measurement point. The separation distance required in Section 1007.1.1 shall be measured in accordance with the following:

    1. The separation distance to exit or exit access doorways shall be measured to any point along the width of the doorway.
    2. The separation distance to exit access stairways shall be measured to the closest riser.
    3. The separation distance to exit access ramps shall be measured to the start of the ramp run.

    [BE] 1007.1.2 Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Where access to three or more exits is required, not less than two exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged in accordance with the provisions of Section 1007.1.1. Additional required exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged a reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes blocked, the others will be available.

    [BE] 1007.1.3 Remoteness of exit access stairways or ramps. Where two exit access stairways or ramps provide the required means of egress to exits at another story, the required separation distance shall be maintained for all portions of such exit access stairways or ramps.

    [BE] 1007.1.3.1 Three or more exit access stairways or ramps. Where more than two exit access stairways or ramps provide the required means of egress, not less than two shall be arranged in accordance with Section 1007.1.3.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    SECTION 1008—MEANS OF EGRESS ILLUMINATION

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need two exits for public rooms?

Not always. Some small rooms/occupant loads and allowable common-path distances in Table 1006.2.1 permit a single exit. If the occupant load or common path distance exceeds the table values, two exits are required (§1006.2.1; Table 1006.2.1) .

How do I handle loads from adjacent rooms?

When the Table requires it, the cumulative occupant load from adjacent rooms must be determined per §1004.2 and used when checking Table 1006.2.1 limits; §1006.2.1 refers you to §1004.2 for that calculation .

If a building is fully sprinklered, can I reduce exit requirements?

Some distances and separation requirements in Table 1006.2.1 and §1007 are relaxed for buildings equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems (see table footnotes and §1007.1.1 Exception 2) — always check the footnotes and the referenced sprinkler sections (§903) for applicability .

Are there spaces that always require two exits regardless of occupant load?

Yes. Certain use-based spaces (for example, boiler rooms over 500 sq ft with large fuel-fired equipment, refrigeration machinery rooms >1,000 sq ft, and some refrigerated rooms) have specific two-exit or two-exit-access-doorway mandates in §1006.2.2 and its subsections (§1006.2.2.1, §1006.2.2.2) .

What about three or four exits?

Provide three exits where a single space has an occupant load of 501–1,000 and four exits when occupant load is greater than 1,000 (§1006.2.1.1) .

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