CBC · California Building Code

Exit discharge, egress courts and public way connections

The CBC requires exits to end at the exterior or provide a direct route to a public way; any court or corridor used for exit discharge must be at least as wide as the exits it serves (44" minimum generally; 36" for some residential/utility courts), be unobstructed to 7 feet, and meet fire‑resistance/opening protection rules when narrow. If a public way is unavailable, a permanent safe dispersal area sized and located per §1028.5 may be used, but several conditions and limits (including a 50% cap on some interior discharge allowances) must be satisfied.

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Exits must discharge to the exterior and provide a direct, unobstructed path to a public way; the exit-discharge components must have at least the capacity (width) of the exits they serve and be sufficiently open to prevent smoke accumulation (§1028.2–§1028.5) . Where an exit discharge cannot reach a public way, a permanently‑maintained safe dispersal area with specified size and location may be used instead (§1028.5) . Egress courts used as part of the exit discharge have minimum width/capacity, height clearance and construction requirements, with specific exceptions for some occupancies (§1029.1–§1029.3) .

Requirements in detail

Basic rule for exit discharge

  • Exits must discharge directly to the exterior or to a path that leads directly to grade (exit discharge must not reenter a building) (§1028.2) .
  • The exit discharge must provide direct and unobstructed access to a public way (§1028.5) .
  • Exit-discharge components must be at least as wide (or have the same required capacity) as the exits they serve (§1028.3) .
  • Exit-discharge components should be sufficiently open to the exterior to minimize accumulation of smoke and toxic gases (§1028.4) .

Egress courts (when used as part of exit discharge)

  • Minimum clear width (unobstructed to a height of 7 ft): generally 44 inches; 36 inches for egress courts serving Group R‑3 and U occupancies (§1029.2) .
  • Egress courts must meet the required capacity determined per §1005.1; the physical width cannot be less than that required capacity (§1029.2) .
  • If an egress court is less than 10 feet wide, the court walls for the first 10 feet above the court floor must have at least 1‑hour fire‑resistance and openings in those walls must be protected with not less than 3/4‑hour opening protectives (§1029.3) .
  • Exceptions apply (for small occupant loads, Group R‑3, and grade-level courts with multiple independent paths) — see §1029.3 exceptions .

Exceptions and level‑of‑discharge allowances (high‑level summary)

  • Up to 50% of the number and minimum width/capacity of interior exit stairways and ramps may terminate into interior areas (atriums, vestibules) at the level of exit discharge when a set of conditions is met (visibility/identification, fire separation, sprinkler protection, separation distance between discharge points) (§1028.2, Exceptions 1 and 2) .
  • Horizontal exits complying with §1026 are not required to discharge directly to the exterior (§1028.2, Exception 3) .
  • If access to a public way cannot be provided, a safe dispersal area is allowed when it meets size (minimum 5 sq ft per person; 7 sq ft in correctional facilities), location (on same lot and a minimum 50 ft away as specified), permanence/identification, and unobstructed path-of-travel requirements; additional accessibility provisions apply for facilities under Chapter 11B (§1028.5) .

Decision‑relevant dimensions/values (summary table)

Feature / dimension Required value or limit Applies to / notes Code reference
Exit discharge path to public way Direct & unobstructed access Otherwise use safe dispersal area per conditions §1028.5
Exit discharge location At grade or direct path to grade Must not reenter building §1028.2
Exit discharge capacity ≥ capacity (width) of exits served Exit-discharge components sized to match served exits §1028.3
Minimum egress court width (general) 44 inches (1118 mm) Unobstructed to 7 ft (2134 mm) §1029.2
Minimum egress court width (Group R‑3, U) 36 inches (914 mm) Unobstructed to 7 ft (2134 mm) §1029.2
Egress court wall fire rating (if <10 ft wide) 1‑hour for 10 ft above court floor Openings require ≥ 3/4‑hr opening protectives §1029.3
Safe dispersal area — size ≥ 5 sq ft (0.46 m2) per person (7 sq ft in correctional facilities) On same lot and ≥ 50 ft from specified buildings; permanent & identified §1028.5
Limit on interior discharge through certain areas Not more than 50% of number and minimum width/capacity of required exits Applies to specific exceptions (atriums/vestibules) with conditions §1028.2 (Exceptions)

Exceptions & special cases

  • Interior discharge through an area on the level of exit discharge (e.g., atrium) or through a vestibule: permitted for not more than 50% of required stairs/ramps when conditions (visibility, separation, sprinkler protection, distance separation) are satisfied (§1028.2 Exceptions 1 and 2) .
  • Horizontal exits: not required to discharge directly to exterior when complying with §1026 (§1028.2, Exception 3) .
  • Egress court exceptions: courts serving occupant load <10, courts serving Group R‑3, or grade courts with two or more independent paths to a public way are exempt from some wall-rating requirements (§1029.3 Exceptions) .
  • Accessibility: safe dispersal areas and some dispersal-area provisions reference Chapter 11B accessibility requirements; where applicable, accessible clear ground space and routes are required (§1028.5, cross-reference to Chapter 11B) .

Common mistakes

  • Assuming any exterior door satisfies "access to a public way." The code requires the exit discharge to provide a direct and unobstructed path to a public way (or qualify for the safe dispersal area exception) — confirm the path is continuous and not blocked by gates, fences, or re‑entry into the building (§1028.5) .
  • Making the egress court narrower than either the required capacity (per §1005.1) or the code minimum (44" general; 36" for R‑3/U). Both requirements apply; the court width must be the larger of the two (§1029.2) .
  • Forgetting the 7‑ft unobstructed vertical clearance for egress courts and exit paths (§1029.2) .
  • Overlooking construction rating or opening protection when an egress court is under 10 ft wide — 1‑hour wall and 3/4‑hour openings are required unless an exception applies (§1029.3) .
  • Counting on more than 50% of required interior stairs/ramps to discharge through a vestibule or interior area without confirming all the Exception conditions of §1028.2 are met (§1028.2 Exceptions) .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: A small office building has two required interior exit stairways. Each stairway is sized so the required capacity is equivalent to a 44‑inch clear width (per the exit sizing that determined 44 inches). The designer proposes an egress court and an exit discharge corridor to the exterior.

How to apply the rules:

  1. Exit‑discharge width: The exit discharge corridor(s) and egress court used by those stairways must provide at least the same capacity/width as the stairs — in this case, at least 44 inches (§1028.3) .
  2. Minimum court width: Because the space is an egress court, check §1029.2: the general minimum is 44 inches, which matches the required capacity, so the court must remain at least 44 inches clear and unobstructed to a height of 7 ft (§1029.2) .
  3. Construction if narrow: If the designer attempted to reduce the court to 9 feet wide, the court walls for the first 10 feet above the court floor would need 1‑hour fire resistance and any openings in those walls would require 3/4‑hour protectives — unless an exception applies (§1029.3) .
  4. Public‑way access: The exit discharge must provide a direct, unobstructed path to a public way. If an on‑site public way connection is impossible, a safe dispersal area sized to accommodate at least 5 sq ft per occupant and located on the same lot at least 50 feet from the building could be used, provided it is permanent, identified and served by an unobstructed path (§1028.5) .
  5. Special limits: If the designer wanted to route more than half of the stair capacity through an interior vestibule at the level of discharge, they must verify the specific Exception conditions in §1028.2 are satisfied (sprinklers, separations, visibility, etc.) — otherwise the proposal exceeds the 50% limit (§1028.2 Exceptions) .

Related provisions

  • §1003–§1015 — general means of egress requirements that apply to exit discharge design .
  • §1005.1 — required egress capacity calculation (used to determine egress court required capacity) .
  • §1005.7 — encroachments that may be allowed in egress width calculations (exceptions) .
  • §1026 — horizontal exits (related alternative to exterior discharge) .
  • §1023.7 — exterior walls and openings requirements that affect exterior exit stairs/ramps and adjacent elements (cross referenced in exit discharge context) .
  • §903.3.1.1 / §903.3.1.2 — automatic sprinkler requirements referenced where sprinkler protection is a condition to allow interior discharge through some areas (§1028.2 Exceptions) .
  • Chapter 11B (e.g., §11B‑305.3) — accessibility requirements that apply when safe dispersal areas or accessible elements are required (§1028.5 cross‑reference) .

Code references

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

  • CBC § 1028.3 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 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.

    [BE] 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.

    2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 10-53

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    [BE] 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 t he 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.

    SECTION 1029—EGRESS COURTS

    [BE] 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.

    [BE] 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.

    [BE] 1029.3 Construction and openings. Where an egress court serving a building or portion thereof is less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width, the egress court walls shall have not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction for a distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor of the egress court. Openings within such walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour.

    Exceptions:

    1. Egress courts serving an occupant load of less than 10.
    2. Egress courts serving Group R-3.
    3. Egress courts, located at grade, that provide direct and unobstructed access to a public way through two or more independent paths. The minimum width provided along each path shall be based on the required width or the required capacity, whichever is greater, and shall be maintained along each path.

    SECTION 1030—ASSEMBLY

    [BE] 1030.1 General. A room or space used for assembly purposes that contains seats, tables, displays, equipment or other material shall comply with this section.

  • CBC § 1028.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 1028—EXIT DISCHARGE

    1028.1 General. The exit discharge shall comply with Sections 1028 and 1029 and the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through 1015.

    1028.2 Exit discharge. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall provide a direct path of egress travel to grade. The exit discharge shall not reenter a building. The combined use of Exceptions 1 and 2 shall not exceed 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the required exits.

    Exceptions:

    1. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through areas, including atriums, on the level of discharge provided that all of the following conditions are met:

    1.1. Discharge of interior exit stairways and ramps shall be provided with a free and unobstructed path of travel to an exterior exit door and such exit is readily visible and identifiable from the point of termination of the enclosure.

    1.2. The entire area of the level of exit discharge is separated from areas below by construction conforming to the fire-resistance rating for the enclosure. 1.3. The egress path from the interior exit stairway and ramp on the level of exit discharge is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Portions of the level of exit discharge with access to the egress path shall be either equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, or separated from the egress path in accordance with the requirements for the enclosure of interior exit stairways or ramps. 1.4. Where a required interior exit stairway or ramp and an exit access stairway or ramp serve the same floor level and terminate at the same level of exit discharge, the termination of the exit access stairway or ramp and the exit discharge door of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall be separated by a distance of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building, whichever is less. The distance shall be measured in a straight line between the exit discharge door from the interior exit stairway or ramp and the last tread of the exit access stairway or termination of slope of the exit

    access ramp. 2. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through a vestibule provided that all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. The entire area of the vestibule is separated from areas below by construction conforming to the fire-resistance rating of the interior exit stairway or ramp enclosure. 2.2. The depth from the exterior of the building is not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) and the length is not greater than 30 feet (9144 mm).

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 10-51

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    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.

  • CBC § 1028.1 High relevance — show source text

    SECTION 1028—EXIT DISCHARGE

    [BE] 1028.1 General. The exit discharge shall comply with Sections 1028 and 1029 and the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through 1015.

    [BE] 1028.2 Exit discharge. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall provide a direct path of egress travel to grade. The exit discharge shall not reenter a building. The combined use of Exceptions 1 and 2 shall not exceed 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the required exits.

    Exceptions:

    1. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through areas, including atriums, on the level of discharge provided that all of the following conditions are met:

    1.1. Discharge of interior exit stairways and ramps shall be provided with a free and unobstructed path of travel to an exterior exit door and such exit is readily visible and identifiable from the point of termination of the enclosure.

    1.2. The entire area of the level of exit discharge is separated from areas below by construction conforming to the fire-resistance rating for the enclosure. 1.3. The egress path from the interior exit stairway and ramp on the level of exit discharge is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Portions of the level of exit discharge with access to the egress path shall either be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, or separated from the egress path in accordance with the requirements for the enclosure of interior exit stairways or ramps. 1.4. Where a required interior exit stairway or ramp and an exit access stairway or ramp serve the same floor level and terminate at the same level of exit discharge, the termination of the exit access stairway or ramp and the exit discharge door of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall be separated by a distance of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building, whichever is less. The distance shall be measured in a straight line between the exit discharge door from the interior exit stairway or ramp and the last tread of the exit access stairway or termination of slope of the exit

    access ramp. 2. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through a vestibule provided that all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. The entire area of the vestibule is separated from areas below by construction conforming to the fire-resistance rating of the interior exit stairway or ramp enclosure. 2.2. The depth from the exterior of the building is not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) and the length is not greater than 30 feet (9144 mm). 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 of the California Building Code .

    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.

  • CBC § 2.3. High 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.

  • CBC § 3.1 High relevance — show source text
    1. Separation from the open-ended corridor of the building is not required for exterior exit stairways or ramps, provided that Items 3.1 through 3.5 are met: 3.1. The building, including open-ended corridors, and stairways and ramps, shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. 3.2. The open-ended corridors comply with Section 1020. 3.3. The open-ended corridors are connected on each end to an exterior exit stairway or ramp complying with Section 1027.

    3.4. The exterior walls and openings adjacent to the exterior exit stairway or ramp comply with Section 1023.7. 3.5. At any location in an open-ended corridor where a change of direction exceeding 45 degrees (0.79 rad) occurs, a clear opening of not less than 35 square feet (3.3 m [2] ) or an exterior stairway or ramp shall be provided. Where clear openings are provided, they shall be located so as to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases. 4. In Group R-3 occupancies not more than four stories in height, exterior exit stairways and ramps serving individual dwelling units are not required to be separated from the interior of the building where the exterior exit stairway or ramp discharges directly to grade.

    SECTION 1028—EXIT DISCHARGE

    1028.1 General. The exit discharge shall comply with Sections 1028 and 1029 and the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through 1015.

    1028.2 Exit discharge. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall provide a direct path of egress travel to grade. The exit discharge shall not reenter a building. The combined use of Exceptions 1 and 2 shall not exceed 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the required exits.

    Exceptions:

    1. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through areas, including atriums, on the level of discharge provided that all of the following conditions are met:

    1.1. Discharge of interior exit stairways and ramps shall be provided with a free and unobstructed path of travel to an exterior exit door and such exit is readily visible and identifiable from the point of termination of the enclosure.

    1.2. The entire area of the level of exit discharge is separated from areas below by construction conforming to the fire-resistance rating for the enclosure. 1.3. The egress path from the interior exit stairway and ramp on the level of exit discharge is protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system. Portions of the level of exit discharge with access to the egress path shall be either equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, or separated from the egress path in accordance with the requirements for the enclosure of interior exit stairways or ramps. 1.4.

  • CBC § 0.6503 High relevance — show source text
    1. 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.

    1029.3 Construction and openings. Where an egress court serving a building or portion thereof is less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in width, the egress court walls shall have not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction for a distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor of the egress court. Openings within such walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour.

    Exceptions:

    1. Egress courts serving an occupant load of less than 10.
    2. Egress courts serving Group R-3.
    3. Egress courts, located at grade, that provide direct and unobstructed access to a public way through two or more independent paths. The minimum width provided along each path shall be based on the required width or the required capacity, whichever is greater, and shall be maintained along each path.

    SECTION 1030—ASSEMBLY

    1030.1 General. A room or space used for assembly purposes that contains seats, tables, displays, equipment or other material shall comply with this section.

    Exception: Group A occupancies within Group I-3 facilities are exempt from egress requirements of Section 1030.

    1030.1.1 Bleachers. Bleachers, grandstands and folding and telescopic seating, that are not building elements, shall comply with ICC 300.

    1030.1.1.1 Spaces under grandstands and bleachers. Spaces under grandstands or bleachers shall be separated by fire barriers complying with Section 707 and horizontal assemblies complying with Section 711 with not less than 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.

    Exceptions:

    1. Ticket booths less than 100 square feet (9.29 m [2] ) in area.
  • CBC § 1023.9.1 High relevance — show source text

    9
    (2nd paragraph only)|||||||X|||||||||||||||||| |1023.9.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1023.11||||||X||||||||||||||||||| |1024.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.4.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.4.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1026.6|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1028.5|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1029.3.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1029.9.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.3|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.6.3.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1030.9|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.1|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.2|||X|||||||||||||||||||||| |1031.2.3|||X||||||||||||||||||||||

    The state agency does not adopt sections identified with the following symbol: The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s adoption of this chapter or individual sections is applicable to structures regulated by other state agencies pursuant to Section 1.11.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 10-3

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    10-4 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE

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    10 MEANS OF EGRESS

    User notes:

    About this chapter: Chapter 10 provides the general criteria for designing the means of egress established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all portions of the egress system (exit access, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulating individual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection of means of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics that will permit the safe use of components without special knowledge or effort are specified.

    The means of egress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as protection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression and detection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter 10 is subdivided into four main sections: general (Sections 1003–1015), exit access (Sections 1016–1021), exit (Sections 1022–1027) and exit discharge (Sections 1028–1029). Special allowances for the unique requirements for assembly spaces (Section 1030) and emergency escape and rescue openings (Section 1031) complete the chapter. Chapter 10 of this code is duplicated in Chapter 10 the California Fire Code; however, the California Fire Code contains one additional section on maintenance of the means of egress system in existing buildings.

    SECTION 1001—ADMINISTRATION

  • CBC § 1.4. Medium relevance — show source text

    1.4. Where a required interior exit stairway or ramp and an exit access stairway or ramp serve the same floor level and terminate at the same level of exit discharge, the termination of the exit access stairway or ramp and the exit discharge door of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall be separated by a distance of not less than 30 feet (9144 mm) or not less than one-fourth the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building, whichever is less. The distance shall be measured in a straight line between the exit discharge door from the interior exit stairway or ramp and the last tread of the exit access stairway or termination of slope of the exit

    access ramp. 2. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through a vestibule provided that all of the following conditions are met: 2.1. The entire area of the vestibule is separated from areas below by construction conforming to the fire-resistance rating of the interior exit stairway or ramp enclosure. 2.2. The depth from the exterior of the building is not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) and the length is not greater than 30 feet (9144 mm). 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 of the California Building Code .

    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.

    [BE] 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.

    [BE] 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.

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    [BE] 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 t he 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.

    SECTION 1029—EGRESS COURTS

    [BE] 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.

  • CBC § 1004.2.3 Medium relevance — show source text

    Stairways, exterior 1027 Stairways, interior 1023 Stories 1004.2.3, 1006.3, 1017.3.1 Travel distance 404.9, 407.5.2, 410.5.3.2, 412.6 Underground buildings 405.7 Exit Access (see Means of Egress) 1016, 1017, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1021 Aircraft related 412.2.2, 412.4.2,

    412.7.3

    Aisles 1018 Ambulatory care facilities 422.3 Atrium 404.10, 404.11, 404.9, 1006.3.2, 1017.3.2, 1019.3 Balconies 1017.2.1, 1021 Common path 1006.2.1 Corridors 1020

    Doors 1005.7, 1006.2, 1007, 1010,

    1022.2

    Group H 415.11.3.3 Group I-2 407.4, 407.5.4 Group I-3 408.2, 408.3, 408.6.3 High rise 403.5 Higher education laboratories 428.3.5 Intervening space 1016.2 Malls 402.8

    Motor-vehicle-related occupancies 406.5.7 Path of egress travel, common 1006.2.1 Play structures 424.4 Ramps 1019 Seating at tables 1030.13.1 Single exit 1006.2, 1006.3.3 Stages, Platforms and Technical Production Areas 410.5

    Stairways, exit access 1019 Underground buildings 405.7 Exit Discharge (see Means Of Egress) 1023.12.1, 1023.3, 1024.4, 1028, 1029 Atrium 404.11

    Barriers 1023.8

    Courts 1029

    Exit passageway 1024.4 Horizontal exit 1028.2

    Lobbies 1028.2

    Marquees 3106.4 Public way 1028.5 Termination 1023.3

    Vestibules 1028.2 Exit Signs 1013 Accessibility 1013.4 Floor level exit signs 1013.2 Group R-1 1013.2 Illumination 1013.3, 1013.5, 1013.6 Required 1013.1 Special amusement buildings 411.4 Explosive Table 414.5.1, Table 415.6.5 Detached building 415.6.5, 415.8 Explosion control 414.5.1 Exposure Category (See Wind Load) 1609.4 Exterior Areas for Assisted Rescue

    Requirements 1009.7 Signage 1009.9, 1009.10, 1009.11 Where required 1009.2 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) 1407 Special inspection 1705.17

    INDEX

  • CBC § 10-47 Medium relevance — show source text

    1024 Exit Passageways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-47

    1025 Luminous Egress Path Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48

    1026 Horizontal Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-49

    1027 Exterior Exit Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-50

    1028 Exit Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-51

    1029 Egress Courts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52

    1030 Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-52

    1031 Emergency Escape and Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-59

    CHAPTER 11 RESERVED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

    CHAPTER 11A HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11A-1

    DIVISION I – APPLICATION, GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11A-3

    1101A Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-3

    1102A Building Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-3

    1103A Design and Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-4

    1104A Covered Multifamily Dwellings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-5

    1105A Garages, Carports and Parking Facilities . . . . . . . . . 11A-5

    1106A Site and Building Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-5

    1107A Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-5

    CONTENTS

    DIVISION II – EXTERIOR FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11A-6

  • CBC § 10-52 Medium relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for occupancies, other than those in Group R-1 or R-2, in buildings that are not more than two stories above grade plane where a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies is the first story above grade plane.
    2. Separation from the interior of the building is not required where the exterior exit stairway or ramp is served by an exterior exit ramp or balcony that connects two remote exterior exit stairways or other approved exits, with a perimeter that is not less than 50 percent open. To be considered open, the opening shall be not less than 50 percent of the height of the enclosing wall, with the top of the openings not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the top of the balcony.

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    1. Separation from the open-ended corridor of the building is not required for exterior exit stairways or ramps, provided that Items 3.1 through 3.5 are met: 3.1. The building, including open-ended corridors, and stairways and ramps, shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. 3.2. The open-ended corridors comply with Section 1020. 3.3. The open-ended corridors are connected on each end to an exterior exit stairway or ramp complying with Section 1027.

    3.4. The exterior walls and openings adjacent to the exterior exit stairway or ramp comply with Section 1023.7. 3.5. At any location in an open-ended corridor where a change of direction exceeding 45 degrees (0.79 rad) occurs, a clear opening of not less than 35 square feet (3.3 m [2] ) or an exterior stairway or ramp shall be provided. Where clear openings are provided, they shall be located so as to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases. 4. In Group R-3 occupancies not more than four stories in height, exterior exit stairways and ramps serving individual dwelling units are not required to be separated from the interior of the building where the exterior exit stairway or ramp discharges directly to grade.

    SECTION 1028—EXIT DISCHARGE

    [BE] 1028.1 General. The exit discharge shall comply with Sections 1028 and 1029 and the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through 1015.

    [BE] 1028.2 Exit discharge. Exits shall discharge directly to the exterior of the building. The exit discharge shall be at grade or shall provide a direct path of egress travel to grade. The exit discharge shall not reenter a building. The combined use of Exceptions 1 and 2 shall not exceed 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of the required exits.

    Exceptions:

    1. Not more than 50 percent of the number and minimum width or required capacity of interior exit stairways and ramps is permitted to egress through areas, including atriums, on the level of discharge provided that all of the following conditions are met:

    1.1. Discharge of interior exit stairways and ramps shall be provided with a free and unobstructed path of travel to an exterior exit door and such exit is readily visible and identifiable from the point of termination of the enclosure.

    1.2.

  • CBC § 1027.6 Medium relevance — show source text

    For the purposes of this section, other portions of the building shall be treated as separate buildings.

    Exception: Exterior exit stairways and ramps serving individual dwelling units of Group R-3 shall have a minimum fire separation distance of 5 feet (1525 mm).

    1027.6 Exterior exit stairway and ramp protection. Exterior exit stairways and ramps shall be separated from the interior of the building as required in Section 1023.2. Openings shall be limited to those necessary for egress from normally occupied spaces. Where

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    a vertical plane projecting from the edge of an exterior exit stairway or ramp and landings is exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees (3.14 rad), the exterior wall shall be rated in accordance with Section 1023.7.

    Exceptions:

    1. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for occupancies, other than those in Group R-1 or R-2, in buildings that are not more than two stories above grade plane where a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies is the first story above grade plane.
    2. Separation from the interior of the building is not required where the exterior exit stairway or ramp is served by an exterior exit ramp or balcony that connects two remote exterior exit stairways or other approved exits with a perimeter that is not less than 50 percent open. To be considered open, the opening shall be not less than 50 percent of the height of the enclosing wall, with the top of the openings not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the top of the balcony.
    3. Separation from the open-ended corridor of the building is not required for exterior exit stairways or ramps, provided that Items 3.1 through 3.5 are met: 3.1. The building, including open-ended corridors, and stairways and ramps, shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. 3.2. The open-ended corridors comply with Section 1020. 3.3. The open-ended corridors are connected on each end to an exterior exit stairway or ramp complying with Section 1027.

    3.4. The exterior walls and openings adjacent to the exterior exit stairway or ramp comply with Section 1023.7. 3.5. At any location in an open-ended corridor where a change of direction exceeding 45 degrees (0.79 rad) occurs, a clear opening of not less than 35 square feet (3.3 m [2] ) or an exterior stairway or ramp shall be provided. Where clear openings are provided, they shall be located so as to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases. 4. In Group R-3 occupancies not more than four stories in height, exterior exit stairways and ramps serving individual dwelling units are not required to be separated from the interior of the building where the exterior exit stairway or ramp discharges directly to grade.

    SECTION 1028—EXIT DISCHARGE

    1028.1 General. The exit discharge shall comply with Sections 1028 and 1029 and the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through 1015.

Frequently asked questions

Can an exit discharge pass through another building to reach the street?

No. The Code requires the exit discharge to provide a direct path to the exterior and not reenter a building; if a public‑way connection cannot be made, the safe dispersal area provisions of §1028.5 must be met .

What is the minimum clear width for an egress court?

Generally 44 inches, except egress courts serving Group R‑3 and U occupancies may be as narrow as 36 inches; the court must also meet the required capacity determined under §1005.1 and be unobstructed to a height of 7 ft (§1029.2) .

If an egress court is 8 feet wide, do the walls need fire‑rating?

Yes — when an egress court is less than 10 feet wide, the court walls must have at least 1‑hour fire‑resistance for 10 feet above the court floor and openings require 3/4‑hour opening protectives unless an exception applies (§1029.3) .

Can more than half of required interior stairs discharge through an atrium or vestibule?

Not unless all of the Exception conditions in §1028.2 are met. Absent those conditions, the combined use of those Exceptions cannot exceed 50% of the number and minimum width or required capacity of required exits (§1028.2) .

Does the Code allow an on‑site safe dispersal area instead of a public way?

Yes — when access to a public way cannot be provided, a safe dispersal area sized and located per §1028.5 (minimum 5 sq ft per person, location and path requirements, permanency and identification) is allowed, with additional requirements for certain occupancies and accessibility cross‑references (§1028.5) .

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