CBC · California Building Code

How are egress widths and sizing determined

The CBC requires egress components to be sized by multiplying the occupant load by a inches‑per‑occupant factor (different factors for stairways vs. other components and smaller factors in fully sprinklered buildings); doors may encroach up to 7 inches when fully open and never reduce required width by more than half (§1005, §1005.7.1) file

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Last reviewed: July 5, 2026

What the code requires — in plain English

The California Building Code (CBC) requires that every part of a means-of-egress path be sized to carry the occupant load it serves; sizing is done by multiplying the occupant load by the code’s capacity factor for that egress component, and the minimum width prescribed for each component may not be reduced along the path of egress travel. These sizing rules are found in the Means of Egress Sizing provisions of §1005 of the CBC §1005 . Door encroachments into required widths are limited by §1005.7.1: a door, when fully open, may not reduce required width by more than 7 inches, and in any position a door may not reduce required width by more than one-half §1005.7.1 .

Requirements in detail

General approach

Determine the applicable occupant load for the room/area (see Chapter 10 occupant-load rules). Then determine which egress component(s) serve that load (stairway, corridor, exit door, etc.).
Multiply the occupant load served by the component’s capacity factor (in inches per occupant) to get required capacity (in inches) for that component (§1005.3 and subsections) .
At the same time, each component must meet any minimum width specified elsewhere in the code; you cannot reduce an individual component below its minimum (§1005.2 and §1005.4) .

Capacity factors and special occupancy adjustments

Use the capacity factors from §1005.3.*. Key values used to convert occupant load to required width are summarized below.

Decision item	Value (inches per occupant)	Notes / when used	Code Reference
Stairways (standard)	0.3 in/occupant	Multiply stair-served occupant load by 0.3 to get stair capacity (§1005.3.1)	§1005.3.1
Stairways (sprinklered buildings, most occupancies except H & I‑2)	0.2 in/occupant	Exception when building is fully sprinklered per §903.3.1.1/.2 and has required alarm/voice system (§1005.3.1 Exception 1)	§1005.3.1 Exception 1
Other egress components (corridors, exits, doors credited as width)	0.2 in/occupant	Use for non-stair egress components (§1005.3.2)	§1005.3.2
Other components (sprinklered buildings)	0.15 in/occupant	Exception for buildings equipped throughout with required sprinklers and EVACS (§1005.3.2 Exception 1)	§1005.3.2 Exception 1
Group H (H‑1, H‑2, H‑3, H‑4) — stairways total width	0.7 in/occupant	Special larger factor for certain H occupancies (explicitly stated in §1005 text)	§1005.3.1 note for Group H
Group H (H‑1, H‑2, H‑3, H‑4) — other components	0.4 in/occupant	Special larger factor for other components serving H occupancies	§1005.3.2 note for Group H
Door encroachment (fully open)	≤ 7 in	A door, when fully opened, shall not reduce required width by more than 7 in (§1005.7.1)	§1005.7.1
Door encroachment (any position)	≤ 50% of required width	Doors in any position shall not reduce required width by more than one‑half (§1005.7.1)	§1005.7.1
Nonstructural trim projections	1½ in per side	Trim and similar decorative features allowed to project 1½ in on each side (§1005.7.2)	§1005.7.2

Notes:

The “other components” row covers corridors, ramps, exit access components and other non-stair elements identified as means-of-egress components in §1005.3.2 .
The CBC also clarifies that minimum widths required by component elsewhere in the code must be observed and that required capacity cannot be decreased along the egress path (§1005.2, §1005.4) file.

Continuity, distribution, and convergence rules that affect width

Continuity: required width/capacity must not be reduced along egress path until arrival at public way (§1005.4) .
Distribution: where multiple exits are required, loss of any one exit must not reduce available capacity to less than 50% of required capacity (§1005.5) .
Convergence: where egress paths from different stories converge, the capacity at the point of convergence must be at least the larger of the single-story minimum width or the sum of capacities for the stairs/ramps serving the adjacent stories (§1005.6) .

Exceptions & special cases

Sprinklered buildings: The CBC provides reduced capacity factors (smaller inches-per-occupant) for fully sprinklered buildings with required emergency voice/alarm systems — 0.2 for stairways and 0.15 for other components (in applicable occupancies) §1005.3.1 Exception 1 and §1005.3.2 Exception 1 file.
Group H (high‑hazard) occupancies have higher required capacity factors; check the Group H notes in §1005.3.1 and §1005.3.2 for the specific increased multipliers for those occupancies file.
Door latch hardware: For occupancies other than Group I‑2 the code exempts certain surface‑mounted latch release hardware from counting toward the 7‑inch maximum encroachment when hardware placement and mounting heights meet the specified conditions in the exception to §1005.7.1 .
Dwelling/ sleeping units: The door swing/encroachment restrictions of §1005.7.1 do not apply to doors within individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R‑2 or to dwelling units of Group R‑3 (see §1005.7.1 Exception 2) .

If your project involves assembly seating with smoke control, open‑air seating, turnstiles, or other specialized egress conditions the CBC has separate provisions and allowed capacity factors in Chapter 10 (for example Section 1030 and turnstile rules in 1010.5) that interact with §1005.3 exceptions — review those sections when applicable file.

Common mistakes

Applying the wrong capacity factor (e.g., using 0.2 for stairways in a non‑sprinklered building) — always check the sprinkler exception text in §1005.3.1 and §1005.3.2 file.
Forgetting that minimum component widths elsewhere in the code may govern even if calculated capacity is smaller (§1005.2) .
Allowing door swings or hardware to reduce required width beyond the limits in §1005.7.1 — remember the 7‑inch fully‑open cap and the 1/2‑width limit for any position (§1005.7.1) .
Failing to ensure distribution: if multiple exits are required, losing one exit must not reduce the remaining width below 50% of required capacity (§1005.5) .
Not checking convergence: when egress flows join, required widths may have to be the sum of the serving components (§1005.6) .

Worked example — concrete numeric scenario

Scenario: A sprinklered office floor with an occupant load of 240 persons is served by a stairway and by exit corridors (stair is the primary egress stair; the corridors lead to that stair). Determine required widths for the stairway and for the corridors (other egress components), per §1005.

Identify capacity factors:
- Stairways in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system (and required EVACS) use 0.2 in per occupant (exception to §1005.3.1) .
- Other egress components (corridors/exit access) in the same sprinklered building use 0.15 in per occupant (exception to §1005.3.2) .
Compute required capacity in inches:
- Stairway required capacity = 240 occupants × 0.2 in/occupant = 48 inches.
- Corridor/other component required capacity = 240 occupants × 0.15 in/occupant = 36 inches.
Check door encroachment allowance at the corridor-to-stair door:
- If the required corridor width is 36 in, the code limits any door in any position from reducing that required width by more than one‑half. That means a door cannot leave less than 18 in of required width in the corridor when it is in any position (§1005.7.1) .
- Also, when that door is fully open it may not reduce required width by more than 7 in; i.e., the maximum allowed encroachment when fully open is 7 in (§1005.7.1) . For a 36‑in required width, a 7‑in encroachment when fully open would leave 29 in available (36 − 7 = 29 in), which meets the “not less than 50%” test in this case. Both limits must be satisfied.
Confirm minimum component widths and continuity:
- Even though calculated required capacities are 48 in and 36 in, you must confirm no other CBC section imposes a larger minimum width for stair or corridor components (§1005.2) and ensure widths are not reduced along the egress path (§1005.4) file.

This example shows how to go from occupant load to required capacity and then check door encroachment limits; always confirm applicable minimum widths elsewhere in the code and any additional local amendments.

Related provisions (quick reference)

§1005.1 — General sizing requirement for all egress elements
§1005.2 — Minimum width based on component; component minimums may be located elsewhere in the code
§1005.3 — Required capacity based on occupant load (general)
§1005.3.1 — Stairway capacity factors and exceptions (incl. sprinkler exceptions)
§1005.3.2 — Other egress components capacity factors and exceptions
§1005.4 — Continuity; required width must not be reduced along egress path
§1005.5 — Distribution; loss of one exit must not reduce remaining capacity below 50% of required
§1005.6 — Egress convergence at intermediate levels (sum or largest minimum)
§1005.7.1 — Door encroachment limits (7 in fully open; no more than one‑half in any position)

Code references

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

CBC § 0.7 High relevance — show source text
4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.7 inches (7.62 mm) per occupant.

1005.3.2 Other egress components. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant.

Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.15 inch (3.8 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 10-9

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

MEANS OF EGRESS
1. Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors. 4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.4 inches (5.08 mm) per occupant.
1005.4 Continuity. The minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress required from any story of a building shall not be reduced along the path of egress travel until arrival at the public way.

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.

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.

1005.7 Encroachment. Encroachments into the required means of egress width shall be in accordance with the provisions of this section.
CBC § 1004.9 High relevance — show source text
[BE] 1004.9 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space which is used for assembly, classroom, dining, drinking or similar purposes having an occupant load of 50 or more that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space, for the intended configurations. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.

SECTION 1005—MEANS OF EGRESS SIZING

[BE] 1005.1 General. All portions of the means of egress system shall be sized in accordance with this section.

Exception: Aisles and aisle accessways in rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes complying with Section 1030.

[BE] 1005.2 Minimum width based on component. The minimum width, in inches (mm), of any means of egress components shall be not less than that specified for such component, elsewhere in this code.

[BE] 1005.3 Required capacity based on occupant load. The required capacity, in inches (mm), of the means of egress for any room, area, space or story shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Sections 1005.3.1 and 1005.3.2.

[BE] 1005.3.1 Stairways. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) per occupant. Where stairways serve more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in calculating the required capacity of the stairways serving that story. Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
10-10 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

MEANS OF EGRESS
1. Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors.
4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies, the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.7 inches (7.62 mm) per occupant.
CBC § 1004.8 High relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
1. Outdoor areas used exclusively for service of the building need only have one means of egress.
2. Both outdoor areas associated with Group R-3 and individual dwelling units of Group R-2.
1004.8 Concentrated business use areas. The occupant load factor for concentrated business use shall be applied to telephone call centers, trading floors, electronic data entry and similar business use areas with a higher density of occupants than would normally be expected in a typical business occupancy environment. Where approved by the building official, the occupant load for concentrated business use areas shall be the actual occupant load, but not less than one occupant per 50 square feet (4.65 m [2] ) of gross occupiable floor space.

1004.9 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space which is used for assembly, classroom, dining, drinking or similar purposes having an occupant load of 50 or more shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space, for the intended configurations. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.

SECTION 1005—MEANS OF EGRESS SIZING

1005.1 General. All portions of the means of egress system shall be sized in accordance with this section.

Exception: Aisles and aisle accessways in rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes complying with Section 1030.

1005.2 Minimum width based on component. The minimum width, in inches (mm), of any means of egress components shall be not less than that specified for such component, elsewhere in this code.

1005.3 Required capacity based on occupant load. The required capacity, in inches (mm), of the means of egress for any room, area, space or story shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Sections 1005.3.1 and 1005.3.2.

1005.3.1 Stairways. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) per occupant. Where stairways serve more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in calculating the required capacity of the stairways serving that story.

Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
CBC § 0.2 High relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
10-10 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

MEANS OF EGRESS
1. Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors.
4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies, the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.7 inches (7.62 mm) per occupant.

[BE] 1005.3.2 Other egress components. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant.

Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.15 inch (3.8 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
3. Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors.
4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies, the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.4 inches (5.08 mm) per occupant.
CBC § 10-5 High relevance — show source text
1002 Maintenance and Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1022 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44
CBC § 1030.6.3 High relevance — show source text
MEANS OF EGRESS
1. Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors. 4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.4 inches (5.08 mm) per occupant.
1005.4 Continuity. The minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress required from any story of a building shall not be reduced along the path of egress travel until arrival at the public way.

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.

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.

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

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

Exceptions:
1. In other than Group I-2 occupancies, surface-mounted latch release hardware shall be exempt from inclusion in the 7inch maximum (178 mm) encroachment where both of the following conditions exist: 1.1. The hardware is mounted to the side of the door facing away from the adjacent wall where the door is in the open position. 1.2. The hardware is mounted not less than 34 inches (865 mm) nor more than 48 inches (1219 mm) above the finished floor.
2. The restrictions on door swing shall not apply to doors within individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R-2 occupancies and dwelling units of Group R-3 occupancies.
1005.7.2 Other projections. Handrail projections shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 1014.9. Other nonstructural projections such as trim and similar decorative features shall be permitted to project into the required width not more than 1 [1] / 2 inches (38 mm) on each side.

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

SECTION 1006—NUMBER OF EXITS AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAYS

1006.1 General. The number of exits or exit access doorways required within the means of egress system shall comply with the provisions of Section 1006.2 for spaces, including mezzanines, and Section 1006.3 for stories or occupiable roofs.
CBC § 9-53 High relevance — show source text
911 Fire Command Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-53

912 Fire Department Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-54

913 Fire Pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-55

914 Emergency Responder Safety Features . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

915 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-56

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916 Gas Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-58

917 Mass Notification Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

918 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-59

CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

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

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
CBC § 0.15 High relevance — show source text
Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.15 inch (3.8 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
3. Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors.
4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies, the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.4 inches (5.08 mm) per occupant.

[BE] 1005.4 Continuity. The minimum width or required capacity of the means of egress required from any story of a building shall not be reduced along the path of egress travel until arrival at the public way.

[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.
CBC § 1004.7 Medium relevance — show source text
For areas having fixed seating without dividing arms, the occupant load shall be not less than the number of seats based on one person for each 18 inches (457 mm) of seating length.

The occupant load of seating booths shall be based on one person for each 24 inches (610 mm) of booth seat length measured at the backrest of the seating booth.

[BE] 1004.7 Outdoor areas. Yards, patios, occupiable roofs, courts and similar outdoor areas accessible to and usable by the building occupants shall be provided with means of egress as required by this chapter. The occupant load of such outdoor areas shall be assigned by the fire code official in accordance with the anticipated use. Where outdoor areas are to be used by persons in addition to the occupants of the building, and the path of egress travel from the outdoor areas passes through the building, means of egress requirements for the building shall be based on the sum of the occupant loads of the building plus the outdoor areas.

Exceptions:
1. Outdoor areas used exclusively for service of the building need only have one means of egress.
2. Both outdoor areas associated with Group R-3 and individual dwelling units of Group R-2.
[BE] 1004.8 Concentrated business use areas. The occupant load factor for concentrated business use shall be applied to telephone call centers, trading floors, electronic data entry centers and similar business use areas with a higher density of occupants than would normally be expected in a typical business occupancy environment. Where approved by the code official, the occupant load for concentrated business use areas shall be the actual occupant load, but not less than one occupant per 50 square feet (4.65 m [2] ) of gross occupiable floor space.

[BE] 1004.9 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space which is used for assembly, classroom, dining, drinking or similar purposes having an occupant load of 50 or more that is an assembly occupancy shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space, for the intended configurations. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or the owner’s authorized agent.

SECTION 1005—MEANS OF EGRESS SIZING

[BE] 1005.1 General. All portions of the means of egress system shall be sized in accordance with this section.

Exception: Aisles and aisle accessways in rooms or spaces used for assembly purposes complying with Section 1030.

[BE] 1005.2 Minimum width based on component. The minimum width, in inches (mm), of any means of egress components shall be not less than that specified for such component, elsewhere in this code.

[BE] 1005.3 Required capacity based on occupant load. The required capacity, in inches (mm), of the means of egress for any room, area, space or story shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Sections 1005.3.1 and 1005.3.2.

[BE] 1005.3.1 Stairways. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) per occupant.
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

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.
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 § 1005.3 Medium relevance — show source text
1005.3 Required capacity based on occupant load. The required capacity, in inches (mm), of the means of egress for any room, area, space or story shall be not less than that determined in accordance with Sections 1005.3.1 and 1005.3.2.

1005.3.1 Stairways. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.3 inch (7.6 mm) per occupant. Where stairways serve more than one story, only the occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in calculating the required capacity of the stairways serving that story.

Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
3. Facilities with open-air assembly seating shall be permitted to the capacity factors in Section 1030.6.3 indicated for stepped aisles for exit access or exit stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is open to the outdoors. 4. For Group H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4 occupancies the total width of means of egress in inches (mm) shall not be less than the total occupant load served by the means of egress multiplied by 0.7 inches (7.62 mm) per occupant.
1005.3.2 Other egress components. The capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant.

Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches, of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.15 inch (3.8 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and an emergency voice/alarm communication system in accordance with Section 907.5.2.2.
2. Facilities with smoke-protected assembly seating shall be permitted to use the capacity factors in Table 1030.6.2 indicated for level or ramped aisles for means of egress components other than stairways where the entire path for means of egress from the seating to the exit discharge is provided with a smoke control system complying with Section 909.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 10-9

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert the CBC’s “inches per occupant” number into required door widths?

Multiply the occupant load served by the component by the appropriate capacity factor (for example, 0.2 in/occupant for stairways in a sprinklered building) to get required capacity in inches; then compare that to the physical width available and to the minimum component width in other applicable CBC sections (§1005.3 and §1005.2) file.

If a door swings into a corridor, how much of the corridor width can it block?

When fully open a door may not reduce the required width by more than 7 inches, and in any position a door may not reduce the required width by more than one‑half — both limits must be respected (§1005.7.1) .

My building is fully sprinklered — do I still need as much egress width?

The CBC provides reduced capacity factors for buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system (and required emergency voice/alarm system) — see the exceptions to §1005.3.1 and §1005.3.2, which allow smaller inches‑per‑occupant multipliers in that case file.

Do handrail or trim details count against the required width?

Handrail projections are controlled by Section 1014.9; decorative trim and similar nonstructural projections may project up to 1½ inches on each side into the required width (§1005.7.2) .

What if egress paths from two floors meet at an intermediate landing?

At the point of convergence the required capacity must be at least the larger of (a) the largest single‑story minimum width or (b) the sum of the required capacities for the stairways/ramps serving the two adjacent stories (§1005.6) .

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California Building Code