CBC · California Building Code

Maximum exit-access travel distance and common path limits

In plain terms: the CBC caps how far people can walk to reach an exit (Table 1017.2 / §1017); how long they can be on a single path before having a choice of two paths (Table 1006.2.1 / §1030.8 for seating); and it limits how much doors, handrails and trim may protrude into required egress widths (§1005.7). If you give me the exact occupancy, sprinkler status and a floor plan path, I’ll check the controlling table entries and show whether your layout complies.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — plain English (controlling §)

The California Building Code (CBC) limits how far occupants may have to travel from the most remote point in a room or space to an exit (exit‑access travel distance). Those maximum distances are set by occupancy and whether the building is sprinklered in Table 1017.2 (see §1017.2) and the measurement rules are in §1017.3. The length of the common path of egress travel (the single path before occupants have a choice of two separate egress paths) is limited by Table 1006.2.1 and by specific assembly‑seating limits in §1030.8; encroachments (doors, handrails, trim, etc.) into required egress widths are governed by §1005.7.

Requirements in detail

1) Maximum exit‑access travel distance (overview)

The CBC fixes maximum travel distances from the most remote point of a space to the entrance to an exit in Table 1017.2 (see §1017.2). Travel distance is measured along the natural and unobstructed egress path, and includes travel on exit‑access stairways and ramps (measurement rules in §1017.3 and §1017.3.1).
The distances differ by occupancy classification and are typically larger where a building is protected throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system or where specific conditions (e.g., exterior egress balcony, special occupancy provisions) allow an increase. See the listed exceptions and increases in §1017.2.1–§1017.2.3.

2) Common path of egress travel

The common path limit (how far occupants may be forced to travel on a single path before having a choice of two paths to two exits) is controlled by Table 1006.2.1 (see §1006.2.1) for general spaces and by §1030.8 for rooms/spaces with fixed seating (assembly). Assembly fixed seating has its own specific limits (30 ft normally; exceptions apply).

3) Encroachments and projections into egress widths

Encroachments into required egress widths are allowed only as specifically stated in §1005.7:
- Doors: when fully open a door may not reduce required egress width by more than 7 inches (178 mm); in any other position it may not reduce required width by more than one‑half. (§1005.7.1)
- Handrail projections: must comply with §1014.9. Other decorative, nonstructural projections (trim, moldings) may project up to 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) on each side into required width. (§1005.7.2)
- Protruding objects: must comply with the applicable requirements of §1003.3. (§1005.7.3)

Decision‑relevant quick reference tables

Item / occupancy (decision point)	Key allowable travel distance / encroachment	Code Reference
Typical maximum exit‑access travel distance — Group A, E, F‑1, M, R, S‑1	200 ft (nonsprinklered) / 250 ft (sprinklered)	§1017.2, Table 1017.2
Group B (business)	200 ft (no sprinkler) / 300 ft (sprinklered)	§1017.2, Table 1017.2
Group F‑2, S‑2, U	300 ft (no sprinkler) / 400 ft (sprinklered)	§1017.2, Table 1017.2
Special increase — exterior egress balcony	Up to +100 ft allowed if last portion of path is on an egress balcony built per §1021 and balcony length equals the increase	§1017.2.1
Special increase — Group F‑1 / S‑1 under conditions	Up to 400 ft when single‑story, ≥24 ft clear height, and building sprinklered per §903.3.1.1	§1017.2.2
Measurement rule — stairways & ramps	Include travel on stairways/ramps; measure on plane/tangent to nosings (center) or on walking surface (center)	§1017.3.1
Common path — assembly fixed seating	30 ft from any seat to a point where occupant has choice of two paths; Exceptions: up to 75 ft where <50 occupants; 50 ft for smoke‑protected/open‑air assembly	§1030.8
Common path — general spaces	See Table 1006.2.1 (varies by occupancy and occupant load); consult §1006.2.1 and Table 1006.2.1	§1006.2.1 / Table 1006.2.1
Door encroachment allowance	Door fully open: ≤ 7 in reduction; any position: ≤ 50% of required width	§1005.7.1
Nonstructural projection allowance	Trim/decorative ≤ 1.5 in (38 mm) projection each side	§1005.7.2

Exceptions & special cases (not exhaustive — read text)

Exterior egress balcony increase (§1017.2.1): you may add up to 100 ft to Table 1017.2 distances where the final portion of the path is on an approved exterior egress balcony and the balcony length equals the increase.
Occupancy‑specific increases (§1017.2.2 and §1017.2.3): certain occupancies (e.g., limited Group F‑1/S‑1 under stated conditions; some fabrication areas in H‑5) have increased allowable travel distances when strict conditions (single story, ceiling height, sprinkler protection, ventilation rates, area/width thresholds) are met. Read the conditional language in §1017.2.2 and §1017.2.3.
Atriums (§1017.3.2.3): when egress passes through an atrium, the portion of permitted exit access travel distance that occurs within the atrium (if not at the level of exit discharge) shall not exceed 200 ft.
Assembly fixed seating (§1030.8): fixed‑seating assembly areas use special common‑path and measurement rules (measuring along aisle/aisle accessways, not over seats). §1030.7 and §1030.8 prescribe how to measure and the reduced common path limits applicable to seats.
Open parking garages and some other special spaces: measurement endpoints and rules can differ (see listed exceptions in §1017.3).

If a required value or table entry needed for your exact occupancy or occupant load is not quoted above, consult Table 1017.2 and Table 1006.2.1 directly in the CBC (see cited sections).

Common mistakes

Measuring a straight line or “as the crow flies” rather than along the natural, unobstructed path occupants will travel (CBC requires measurement along the path, including stairs and ramps per §1017.3 and §1017.3.1).
Forgetting to include stair or ramp distance (these are included and have specific measurement planes). §1017.3.1.
Assuming sprinklered building automatically allows any increase — only the distances listed in Table 1017.2 (and conditional increases) apply; read the occupancy table and referenced footnotes. §1017.2.
Allowing door swings, latch hardware or decorative projections to eat into required width beyond the specific allowances of §1005.7 (doors ≤7 in when fully open; other projections ≤1.5 in each side). §1005.7.
Applying assembly fixed‑seating common path limits to non‑assembly spaces (assembly seating has its own §1030 rules).

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: Single‑floor retail store (Group B), no automatic sprinkler system, measuring travel from a remote merchandise area to the nearest exit.

Determine the controlling occupancy line in Table 1017.2: Group B — maximum exit‑access travel distance without sprinkler is 200 feet; with sprinkler it is 300 feet. (§1017.2)
Measurement: measure from the most remote point along the natural and unobstructed path occupants would take to the entrance to the exit. If the path includes a short ramp or a flight of stairs used as part of the exit access, include that travel measured on the centerline per §1017.3.1.
Apply the rule: if the measured path is 185 feet to the exit entrance, the configuration complies because 185 ft ≤ 200 ft allowed for unsprinklered Group B. If the measurement were 215 ft, it would exceed the allowable 200 ft and you must either add an additional exit nearer the remote point, reduce the travel path, or provide building‑wide sprinklers (which would raise the allowable distance to 300 ft only if that solution is acceptable for the project and supported by the rest of the design and code). (§1017.2)

Example note on doors and width: If the required corridor width is 44 in and a door swings into it, the fully opened door may not reduce the required width by more than 7 in (i.e., the net clear when fully open cannot be less than 37 in); and in any intermediate position a door cannot reduce the required width by more than one‑half. (§1005.7.1)

Related provisions (select)

§1017 — Exit access travel distance (Table 1017.2, measurement and increases).
§1017.3 / §1017.3.1 — Measurement rules (including stair/ramp measurement).
§1017.2.1–1017.2.3 — Exterior egress balcony increase; occupancy‑specific increases (F‑1/S‑1, H‑5).
§1006.2.1 / Table 1006.2.1 — Common path thresholds and when two exits are required.
§1030.7 / §1030.8 — Assembly seating travel distance and common path rules (fixed seating limits and exceptions).
§1005.7 — Encroachments/projections into required means‑of‑egress widths (doors, trim, protruding objects).
§1014.9 — Handrail projection provisions (referenced by §1005.7.2).

If you need an exact citation or copy of the Table entries for a specific occupancy/occupant load not listed here (for example uncommon occupancies or specific footnote exceptions), tell me the occupancy and whether the building is sprinklered and I will pull the exact Table 1017.2 / Table 1006.2.1 entries and the controlling footnotes for that case.

Code references

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

CBC § 1030.6.3.2 High relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
1. The floor area used for contests, performances or entertainment, provided that the roof construction is more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) above the floor level and the use is restricted to low fire hazard uses.
2. Press boxes and storage facilities less than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) in area.
3. Open-air assembly seating facilities where seating and the means of egress in the seating area are essentially open to the outside.
1030.6.3.2 Public address system. See Section 907.2.1.1.

1030.7 Travel distance. The exit access travel distance shall comply with Section 1017. Where aisles are provided for seating, the distance shall be measured along the aisles and aisle accessways without travel over or on the seats.

Exceptions:
1. In facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating, the total exit access travel distance shall be not greater than 400 feet (122 m). That portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance from each seat to the nearest entrance to a vomitory or concourse shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). The portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance from the entrance to the vomitory or concourse to one of the following shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm): 1.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 1.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.
1.3. An exit.

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MEANS OF EGRESS
1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type III, IV or V construction, the total exit access travel distance to one of the following shall not exceed 400 feet (122 m): 2.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 2.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.
2.3. An exit.
1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type I or II construction, the total exit access travel distance shall not be limited.
1030.8 Common path of egress travel. The common path of egress travel for a room or space used for assembly purposes having fixed seating shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) from any seat to a point where an occupant has a choice of two paths of egress travel to two exits.

Exceptions:
1. For areas serving less than 50 occupants, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm).
2. For smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).
1030.8.1 Path through adjacent row. Where one of the two paths of travel is across the aisle through a row of seats to another aisle, there shall be not more than 24 seats between the two aisles, and the minimum clear width between rows for the row between the two aisles shall be 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.6 inch (15.2 mm) for each additional seat above seven in the row between aisles.

Exception: For smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating there shall be not more than 40 seats between the two aisles and the minimum clear width shall be 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) for each additional seat.
CBC § 1030.6.3.2 High relevance — show source text
1030.6.3.2 Public address system. See Section 907.2.1.1.

[BE] 1030.7 Travel distance. The exit access travel distance shall comply with Section 1017. Where aisles are provided for seating, the distance shall be measured along the aisles and aisle accessways without travel over or on the seats.

Exceptions:
1. In facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating the total exit access travel distance shall be not greater than 400 feet (122 m). That portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance from each seat to the nearest entrance to a vomitory or concourse shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). The portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance from the entrance to the vomitory or concourse to one of the following shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). 1.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 1.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.
1.3. An exit.
1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type III, IV or V construction, the total exit access travel distance to one of the following shall not exceed 400 feet (122 m). 2.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 2.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.
2.3. An exit.
1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type I or II construction, the exit access travel distance shall not be limited.
[BE] 1030.8 Common path of egress travel. The common path of egress travel for a room or space used for assembly purposes having fixed seating shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm) from any seat to a point where an occupant has a choice of two paths of egress travel to two exits.

Exceptions:
1. For areas serving less than 50 occupants, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 75 feet (22 860 mm).
2. For smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating, the common path of egress travel shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).
[BE] 1030.8.1 Path through adjacent row. Where one of the two paths of travel is across the aisle through a row of seats to another aisle, there shall be not more than 24 seats between the two aisles, and the minimum clear width between rows for the row between the two aisles shall be 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.6 inch (15.2 mm) for each additional seat above seven in the row between aisles.

Exception: For smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating there shall be not more than 40 seats between the two aisles and the minimum clear width shall be 12 inches (305 mm) plus 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) for each additional seat.

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MEANS OF EGRESS

[BE] 1030.9 Assembly aisles are required. Every occupied portion of any building, room or space used for assembly purposes that contains seats, tables, displays, similar fixtures or equipment shall be provided with aisles leading to exits or exit access doorways in accordance with this section.
CBC § 1017.2.2 High relevance — show source text
[BE] 1017.2.2 Groups F-1 and S-1 increase. The maximum exit access travel distance shall be 400 feet (122 m) in Group F-1 or S-1 occupancies where all of the following conditions are met:
1. The portion of the building classified as Group F-1 or S-1 is limited to one story in height.
2. The minimum height from the finished floor to the bottom of the ceiling or roof slab or deck is 24 feet (7315 mm).
3. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
[BE] 1017.2.3 Group H-5 increase. The maximum exit access travel distance shall be 300 feet (91 m) in the fabrication areas of Group H-5 occupancies where all of the following conditions are met:
1. The width of the fabrication area is 300 feet (91 m) or greater.
2. The area of the fabrication area is 220,000 square feet (18 600 m [2] ) or greater.
3. The height of the fabrication area, measured between the raised metal floor and the clean filter ceiling, is 16 feet (48 768 mm) or greater.
4. The supply ventilation rate is 20 cubic feet per minute per square foot (0.556 m [3] /min/m [2] ) or greater and shall remain operational.
[BE] 1017.3 Measurement. Exit access travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point of each room, area or space along the natural and unobstructed path of horizontal and vertical egress travel to the entrance to an exit. Where more than one exit is required, exit access travel distance shall be measured to the nearest exit.

Exceptions:
1. In open parking garages, exit access travel distance is permitted to be measured to the closest riser of an exit access stairway or the closest slope of an exit access ramp.
2. In smoke-protected seating and open-air assembly seating, exit access travel distance shall be measured in accordance with Section 1030.7.
[BE] 1017.3.1 Exit access stairways and ramps. Travel distance on exit access stairways or ramps shall be included in the exit access travel distance measurement. The measurement along stairways shall be made on a plane parallel and tangent to the stair tread nosings in the center of the stair and landings. The measurement along ramps shall be made on the walking surface in the center of the ramp and landings.

1017.3.2 Atriums. Exit access travel distance for areas open to an atrium shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1017.3.2.1 through 1017.3.2.3.

1017.3.2.1 Egress not through the atrium. Where required access to the exits is not through the atrium, exit access travel distance shall comply with Section 1017.2.

1017.3.2.2 Exit access travel distance at the level of exit discharge. Where the path of egress travel is through an atrium space, exit access travel distance at the level of exit discharge shall be determined in accordance with Section 1017.2.

1017.3.2.3 Exit access travel distance at other than the level of exit discharge. Where the path of egress travel is not at the level of exit discharge from the atrium, that portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance that occurs within the atrium shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).
CBC § 903.3.1.2. High relevance — show source text
Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
l.
Group H occupancies equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.|NR = No Requirements.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
a. See Section 1030.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies.
b. 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.
c. See Section 412 of the_California Building Code_ for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangars.
d. Separation of exit access doors within a care recipient sleeping room, or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms, shall comply with Section 1105.5.6.
e. In smoke compartments containing care recipient sleeping rooms and treatment rooms, dead-end_corridors_ shall comply with Section 1105.6.5.
f. In Group I-2, Condition 2, care recipient sleeping rooms or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms shall comply with Section 1105.7.
g. Where a tenant space in Group B, S and U occupancies has an occupant load of not more than 30, the length of a common path of egress travel shall be not more than 100
feet.
h. Where the building, or portion of the building, is limited to one story and the height from the finished floor to the bottom of the ceiling or roof slab or deck is 24 feet or more,
the exit access travel distance is increased to 400 feet.
i.
For covered and open malls, the exit access travel distance is increased to 400 feet.
j.
Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
k. Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
l.
Group H occupancies equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.|

1104.19 Exit access travel distance. Exits shall be located so that the maximum length of exit access travel, measured from the most remote point to an approved exit along the natural and unobstructed path of egress travel, does not exceed the distances given in Table 1104.18.

1104.20 Common path of egress travel. The common path of egress travel shall not exceed the distances given in Table 1104.18.

1104.21 Stairway discharge identification. An interior exit stairway or ramp that continues below its level of exit discharge shall be arranged and marked to make the direction of egress to a public way readily identifiable.

Exception: Stairways that continue one-half story beyond their levels of exit discharge need not be provided with barriers where the exit discharge is obvious.

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 11-17

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CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
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.
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.|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.|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.
CBC § 903.3.1.3 High relevance — show source text
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.|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.|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.
CBC § 903.3.1.3 High relevance — show source text
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.|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.|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.

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:

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.
Rooms and care suites in Group I-2 occupancies complying with Section 407.4.
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 § 10-39 Medium relevance — show source text

7. The means of egress shall not pass through any room subject to locking except in Group I-3 occupancies classified as detention facilities and psychiatric treatment areas in Group I-2 occupancies.

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1016.2.1 Multiple tenants. Where more than one tenant occupies any one floor of a building or structure, each tenant space, dwelling unit and sleeping unit shall be provided with access to the required exits without passing through adjacent tenant spaces, dwelling units and sleeping units.

Exception: The means of egress from a smaller tenant space shall not be prohibited from passing through a larger adjoining tenant space where such rooms or spaces of the smaller tenant occupy less than 10 percent of the area of the larger tenant space through which they pass; are the same or similar occupancy group; a discernible path of egress travel to an exit is provided; and the means of egress into the adjoining space is not subject to locking from the egress side. A required means of egress serving the larger tenant space shall not pass through the smaller tenant space or spaces.

1016.2.2 Basement exits in Group I-2 occupancies. For additional requirements for occupancies in Group I-2, see Section 407.

SECTION 1017—EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCE

1017.1 General. Travel distance within the exit access portion of the means of egress system shall be in accordance with this section.

1017.2 Limitations. Exit access travel distance shall not exceed the values given in Table 1017.2.

TABLE 1017.2—EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCEa	Col2	Col3
OCCUPANCY	WITHOUT AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM (feet)	WITH AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM (feet)
A, E, F-1, M, R, S-1	200e	250b
R-2.1	Not Permitted	250b
B	200	300c
F-2, S-2, U	300	400c
H-1	Not Permitted	75d
H-2	Not Permitted	100d
H-3	Not Permitted	150d
H-4	Not Permitted	175d
H-5	Not Permitted	200c
I-2, I-3_f_	Not Permitted	200c
I-4	150	200c
L	Not Permitted	200c
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm. a. See the following sections for modifications to exit access travel distance requirements: Section 402.8: For the distance limitation in malls. Section 407.4: For the distance limitation in Group I-2. Section 408.3.10: For increased limitation in Group I-3. Sections 408.6.1 and 408.8.1: For the distance limitations in Group I-3. Section 411.2: For the distance limitation in special amusement areas. Section 412.6: For the distance limitations in aircraft manufacturing facilities. Section 422.3.4: For the distance limitation in ambulatory care facilities. Section 1006.2.2.

CBC § 1030.6.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text
accessway.

[BE] 1030.6.2.3 Automatic sprinklers. Enclosed areas with walls and ceilings in buildings or structures containing smokeprotected assembly seating shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

Exceptions:
1. The floor area used for contests, performances or entertainment provided that the roof construction is more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) above the floor level and the use is restricted to low fire hazard uses.
2. Press boxes and storage facilities less than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) in area.
[BE] 1030.6.3 Open-air assembly seating. In open-air assembly seating, the required capacity in inches (mm) of aisles shall be not less than the total occupant load served by the egress element multiplied by 0.08 (2.0 mm) where egress is by stepped aisle and multiplied by 0.06 (1.52 mm) where egress is by level aisles and ramped aisles.

Exception: The required capacity in inches (mm) of aisles shall be permitted to comply with Section 1030.6.2 for the number of seats in the open-air assembly seating where Section 1030.6.2 permits less capacity.

[BE] 1030.6.3.1 Automatic sprinklers. Enclosed areas with walls and ceilings in buildings or structures containing open-air assembly seating shall be protected with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

Exceptions:
1. The floor area used for contests, performances or entertainment, provided that the roof construction is more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) above the floor level and the use is restricted to low-fire hazard uses.
2. Press boxes and storage facilities less than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) in area.
3. Open-air assembly seating facilities where seating and the means of egress in the seating area are essentially open to the outside.
1030.6.3.2 Public address system. See Section 907.2.1.1.

[BE] 1030.7 Travel distance. The exit access travel distance shall comply with Section 1017. Where aisles are provided for seating, the distance shall be measured along the aisles and aisle accessways without travel over or on the seats.

Exceptions:
1. In facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating the total exit access travel distance shall be not greater than 400 feet (122 m). That portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance from each seat to the nearest entrance to a vomitory or concourse shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). The portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance from the entrance to the vomitory or concourse to one of the following shall not exceed 200 feet (60 960 mm). 1.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 1.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.
1.3. An exit.
1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type III, IV or V construction, the total exit access travel distance to one of the following shall not exceed 400 feet (122 m). 2.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 2.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.
2.3. An exit.
1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type I or II construction, the exit access travel distance shall not be limited.

CBC § 1305.2.12 Medium relevance — show source text

Category d—The number of exits provided exceeds the number of exits required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code . Exits shall be located a distance apart from each other equal to not less than that specified in Section 1007 of the International Building Code .
Category e—The area being evaluated meets both Categories c and d.

1305.2.12 Dead ends. In spaces required to be served by more than one means of egress, evaluate the length of the exit access travel path in which the building occupants are confined to a single path of travel. Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1305.2.12, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.12, Dead Ends, for means of egress and general safety.

TABLE 1305.2.12—DEAD-END VALUES	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIESa	CATEGORIESa	CATEGORIESa	CATEGORIESa
OCCUPANCY	a	b	c	d
A-1, A-3, A-4, B, F, M, R, S	-2	0	2	-4
A-2, E	-2	0	2	-4
I-2	-2	0	2	-6
a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.	a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.	a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.	a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.	a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.

1305.2.12.1 Categories. The categories for dead ends are:

Category a—Dead end of 35 feet (10 670 mm) in nonsprinklered buildings or 70 feet (21 340 mm) in sprinklered buildings.
Category b—Dead end of 20 feet (6096 mm); or 50 feet (15 240 mm) in Group B in accordance with Section 1020.5, Exception 2, of the International Building Code .
Category c—No dead ends; or ratio of length to width (l/w) is less than 2.5:1.
Category d—Dead ends exceeding Category a.

1305.2.13 Maximum exit access travel distance to an exit. Evaluate the length of exit access travel to an approved exit. Determine the appropriate points in accordance with the following equation and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.13, Maximum Exit Access Travel Distance, for means of egress and general safety. The maximum allowable exit access travel distance shall be determined in accordance with Section 1017 of the International Building Code .

Equation 13-7

Points = 20

Maximum allowable – Maximum actual

× -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------travel distance travel distance - Maximum allowable travel distance

CBC § 1018.5 Medium relevance — show source text
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 California Building Code need not exceed 28 inches (711 mm) in width.

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-3 and R-2.1 . In other than Group I-2, 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 within a two-story opening complying with Section 712.1.9 of the California Building Code.
2. In Group R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, or 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 occupiable roofs. 10. Fixed guideway transit stations, constructed in accordance with Section 443 of the California Building Code.
CBC § 10-5 Medium 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 § 408.3.11. Medium 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 § 1006.3.2 Medium relevance — show source text

1006.3.2 Path of egress travel. The path of egress travel to an exit shall not pass through more than one adjacent story.

Exception: The path of egress travel to an exit shall be permitted to pass through more than one adjacent story in any of the following:

In Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies, exit access stairways and ramps connecting four stories or less serving and contained within an individual dwelling unit, sleeping unit or live/work unit.
Exit access stairways serving and contained within a Group R-3 congregate residence or a Group R-4 facility.
Exit access stairways and ramps within an atrium complying with Section 404.
Exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that serve only the parking garage.
Exit access stairways and ramps serving smoke-protected assembly seating and open-air assembly seating complying with the exit access travel distance requirements of Section 1030.7.
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.
Exterior exit access stairways and ramps between occupiable roofs.

1006.3.3 Egress based on occupant load. Each story and occupiable roof shall have the minimum number of separate and distinct exits, or access to exits, as specified in Table 1006.3.3. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted in accor

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dance with Section 1006.3.4. The required number of exits, or exit access stairways or ramps providing access to exits, from any story or occupiable roof shall be maintained until arrival at the exit discharge or a public way.

TABLE 1006.3.3—MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOFS	Col2
OCCUPANT LOAD PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF	MINIMUM NUMBER OF EXITS OR ACCESS TO EXITS PER STORY OR OCCUPIABLE ROOF
1-500	2
501-1,000	3
More than 1,000	4

1006.3.4 Single exits. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from any story or occupiable roof where one of the following conditions exists:

The occupant load, number of dwelling units and exit access travel distance do not exceed the values in Table 1006.3.4(1) or 1006.3.4(2).
Rooms, areas and spaces complying with Section 1006.2.1 with exits that discharge directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge, are permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Parking garages where vehicles are mechanically parked shall be permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies shall be permitted to have one exit or access to a single exit.
Individual single-story or multistory dwelling units shall be permitted to have a single exit or access to a single exit from the dwelling unit provided that both of the following criteria are met: 5.1.

CBC § 1017.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
1017.3.1 Exit access stairways and ramps. Travel distance on exit access stairways or ramps shall be included in the exit access travel distance measurement. The measurement along stairways shall be made on a plane parallel and tangent to the stair tread nosings in the center of the stair and landings. The measurement along ramps shall be made on the walking surface in the center of the ramp and landings.

1017.3.2 Atriums. Exit access travel distance for areas open to an atrium shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1017.3.2.1 through 1017.3.2.3.

1017.3.2.1 Egress not through the atrium. Where required access to the exits is not through the atrium, exit access travel distance shall comply with Section 1017.2.

1017.3.2.2 Exit access travel distance at the level of exit discharge. Where the path of egress travel is through an atrium space, exit access travel distance at the level of exit discharge shall be determined in accordance with Section 1017.2.

1017.3.2.3 Exit access travel distance at other than the level of exit discharge. Where the path of egress travel is not at the level of exit discharge from the atrium, that portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance that occurs within the atrium shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).

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 applications 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 11B-403, as applicable.

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.

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

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 11B, (see Section 11B-403) need not exceed 28 inches (711 mm) in width.
CBC § 1017.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
[BE] 1017.3.1 Exit access stairways and ramps. Travel distance on exit access stairways or ramps shall be included in the exit access travel distance measurement. The measurement along stairways shall be made on a plane parallel and tangent to the stair tread nosings in the center of the stair and landings. The measurement along ramps shall be made on the walking surface in the center of the ramp and landings.

1017.3.2 Atriums. Exit access travel distance for areas open to an atrium shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1017.3.2.1 through 1017.3.2.3.

1017.3.2.1 Egress not through the atrium. Where required access to the exits is not through the atrium, exit access travel distance shall comply with Section 1017.2.

1017.3.2.2 Exit access travel distance at the level of exit discharge. Where the path of egress travel is through an atrium space, exit access travel distance at the level of exit discharge shall be determined in accordance with Section 1017.2.

1017.3.2.3 Exit access travel distance at other than the level of exit discharge. Where the path of egress travel is not at the level of exit discharge from the atrium, that portion of the total permitted exit access travel distance that occurs within the atrium shall be not greater than 200 feet (60 960 mm).

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 applications 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 seating 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 facilities 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.

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CBC § 1005.5 Medium 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 § 1005.7.2 Medium 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

2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 10-11

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

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 § 13-9 Medium relevance — show source text

The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|a. The values indicated are for buildings six stories or less in height. For buildings over six stories above grade plane, add an additional -10 points.|

2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE 13-9

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

PERFORMANCE COMPLIANCE METHODS

1305.2.11.1 Categories. The categories for means-of-egress capacity and number of exits are:

Category a—Compliance with the minimum required means-of-egress capacity or number of exits is achieved through the use of a fire escape in accordance with Section 504.
Category b—Capacity of the means of egress complies with Section 1005 of the International Building Code, and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code .
Category c—Capacity of the means of egress is equal to or exceeds 125 percent of the required means-of-egress capacity, the means of egress complies with the minimum required width dimensions specified in the International Building Code, and the number of exits complies with the minimum number required by Section 1006 of the Interna- tional Building Code .
Category d—The number of exits provided exceeds the number of exits required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code . Exits shall be located a distance apart from each other equal to not less than that specified in Section 1007 of the International Building Code .
Category e—The area being evaluated meets both Categories c and d.

TABLE 1305.2.12—DEAD-END VALUES	Col2	Col3	Col4	Col5
OCCUPANCY	CATEGORIESa	CATEGORIESa	CATEGORIESa	CATEGORIESa
OCCUPANCY	a	b	c	d
A-1, A-3, A-4, B, F, M, R, S	-2	0	2	-4
A-2, E	-2	0	2	-4
I-2	-2	0	2	-6
a.

CBC § 10-5 Medium relevance — show source text
CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

1001 Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

1002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6 1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8 1005 Means of Egress Sizing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-10 1006 Numbers of Exits and Exit Access Doorways. . . . . 10-11 1007 Exit and Exit Access Doorway Configuration . . . . 10-15 1008 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-16 1009 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17 1010 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-20 1011 Stairways. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30 101 2 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34 1013 Exit Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-35 1014 Handrails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CBC § 2.3. Medium relevance — show source text
MEANS OF EGRESS

2.3. The area is separated from the remainder of the level of exit discharge by a fire partition constructed in accordance with Section 708.

Exception: The maximum transmitted temperature rise is not required. 2.4. The area is used only for means of egress and exits directly to the outside. 3. Horizontal exits complying with Section 1026 shall not be required to discharge directly to the exterior of the building.

1028.3 Exit discharge width or capacity. The minimum width or required capacity of the exit discharge shall be not less than the minimum width or required capacity of the exits being served.

1028.4 Exit discharge components. Exit discharge components shall be sufficiently open to the exterior so as to minimize the accumulation of smoke and toxic gases.

1028.5 Access to a public way. The exit discharge shall provide a direct and unobstructed access to a public way.

Exception: Where access to a public way cannot be provided, a safe dispersal area shall be provided where all of the following are met:
1. The area shall be of a size to accommodate not less than 5 square feet (0.46 m [2] ) for each person.
2. For other than Group E buildings, the area shall be located on the same lot not less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) away from the building requiring egress. For Group E buildings, the area shall be located on the same lot at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) away from any building.
3. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area.
4. The area shall be provided with a safe and unobstructed path of travel from the building. 5. In correctional facilities, the area shall be of a size to accommodate not less than 7 square feet (0.6503 m [2] ) for each person. Accessible path of egress travel to the safe dispersal area and clear ground space for 5 percent of the occupants meeting Section 11B-305.3 shall be provided. 6. At facilities regulated by Chapter 11B, an accessible area within the space required by Exception Item 1 shall be provided for a minimum of 2 percent of the facility occupants served by the safe dispersal area. For each occupant, the accessible area shall provide clear ground space complying with Section 11B-305. Accessible routes complying with Chapter 11B, Division 4 shall connect the accessible area with all accessible exits served by the safe dispersal area.
SECTION 1029—EGRESS COURTS

1029.1 General. Egress courts serving as an exit discharge component in the means of egress system shall comply with the requirements in this section.

1029.2 Width or capacity. The required capacity of egress courts shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but the minimum width shall be not less than 44 inches (1118 mm), except as specified herein. Egress courts serving Group R-3 and U occupancies shall be not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width. The required capacity and width of egress courts shall be unobstructed to a height of 7 feet (2134 mm). The width of the egress court shall be not less than the required capacity.

Exception: Encroachments complying with Section 1005.7.

Frequently asked questions

What section sets the maximum distance an occupant can travel to reach an exit?

The maximum exit‑access travel distances are set in §1017.2 (Table 1017.2); measurement rules are in §1017.3.

Where do I find the common path limit for a movie theater with fixed seating?

Assembly fixed seating common‑path limits are in §1030.8: normally 30 ft from any seat to the point where occupants have two choices; limited exceptions apply (see §1030.8).

Can doors or trim reduce required corridor width?

Only to the extents allowed by §1005.7: a fully open door may not reduce required width more than 7 in and any door position may not reduce the required width more than half; decorative trim ≤1.5 in per side.

Does a sprinkler system always allow a longer travel distance?

No — the allowable increases when a building is sprinklered are explicitly listed in Table 1017.2 and in the related footnotes and special paragraphs (e.g., §1017.2.2). You must confirm the occupancy line and referenced footnotes.

How do I measure travel distance through an atrium?

If egress passes through an atrium and the path is not at the level of exit discharge, the portion inside the atrium is limited to 200 ft (see §1017.3.2.3).

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