CFC · California Fire Code

What are the rules for interior exit stairways, ramps and exit passageways?

Interior exit stairways and ramps must be enclosed, dedicated to egress, and either terminate at the outside or connect to the outside through an exit passageway built to specific fire‑resistance, opening, and penetration limits. Minimum fire ratings depend on the number of stories (1 hour for <4 stories; 2 hours for ≥4), exit passageways must meet minimum widths (44 in normally, 36 in for very small loads), and openings/penetrations are tightly limited; see CFC **§ 1023** and **§ 1024** for all details.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

Interior exit stairways and ramps used as part of the required means of egress must be enclosed, dedicated to egress/circulation only, and either terminate at the exterior (exit discharge) or be extended to the exterior by an exit passageway built to the code’s fire‑resistance and separation requirements. See § 1023.1 and § 1024.1 for the controlling statements. Openings, penetrations and ventilation of these enclosures are tightly restricted; when an interior stair/ramp is extended by an exit passageway a fire barrier and a fire door assembly are required unless limited exceptions apply (see § 1023.3.1 and § 1024.3).

Interior exit stairways/ramps must be enclosed and lead to the outside (or be extended to the outside by an exit passageway that meets the fire‑resistance, opening protection and penetration limits in Chapters 10–11).

Requirements in detail

1) Scope and primary rule

  • Defined terms: Interior exit stairway, interior exit ramp, and exit passageway are exit components and “shall not be used for any purpose other than as a means of egress and a circulation path.” § 1023.1 and § 1024.1.

2) Construction and fire‑resistance ratings

  • Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps must be constructed as fire barriers (or horizontal assemblies) and must have a minimum fire‑resistance rating based on the number of stories served:
    • Not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more.
    • Not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories.
    • Enclosure rating shall be at least the rating of the floor assembly penetrated but need not exceed 2 hours. See § 1023.2.
  • Exit passageway enclosures must have walls/floors/ceilings of not less than 1‑hour fire resistance, and not less than that required for any connecting interior exit stairway or ramp. See § 1024.3.

3) Termination / Extension to exit discharge

  • Interior stairways/ramps shall terminate at an exit discharge or a public way. § 1023.3.
  • Where an interior stair/ramp is extended to the exterior by an exit passageway, the stair/ramp must be separated from the passageway by a fire barrier (or horizontal assembly) with a fire door assembly in that barrier; openings other than the fire door are prohibited and penetrations of that fire barrier are prohibited except as allowed by § 1023.5. See § 1023.3.1.

4) Openings, opening protectives, and elevators

  • Opening protectives (fire doors/windows) for interior exit stairways/ramps and exit passageways must meet the opening protection requirements of Section 716 (fire door/partition standards). See § 1023.4 and § 1024.5.
  • Elevators shall not open into interior exit stairways and ramps or into exit passageways. See § 1023.4 and § 1024.5.

5) Penetrations and permitted systems

  • Penetrations into or through interior exit stairways/ramps are prohibited except for a specific, limited list (independent ventilation/pressurization equipment, fire protection systems, security/two‑way communications, certain small electrical raceways, structural elements, etc.). Such permitted penetrations must be protected in accordance with Section 714. See § 1023.5.
  • Likewise, penetrations into exit passageways are prohibited except for an analogous list; protections per Section 714 apply. See § 1024.6.
  • Membrane penetrations are permitted on the outside of the enclosure when protected as required (see exceptions in the cited sections).

6) Ventilation and pressurization

  • Ventilation equipment and ductwork that are permitted inside these enclosures must either be:
    1. Located exterior and connected via ducts constructed as required for shafts, or
    2. Take intake directly from outdoors and discharge directly outdoors (or be enclosed as shafts), or
    3. Be separated from the remainder of the building with shaft construction.
  • Ventilation systems for interior exit stairways/ramps and exit passageways must be independent of other building ventilation. See § 1023.6 and § 1024.7.
  • Separation between stair and exit passageway is not required if there are no openings into the exit passageway extension or if the enclosure is pressurized in accordance with the Building Code pressurization alternative (referenced in the exception to § 1023.3.1).

7) Exterior wall / roof adjacency (protecting nearby construction)

  • If the exterior of the interior stair/ramp is enclosed by nonrated walls or unprotected openings and portions of the building are within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally, the nearby building exterior walls and openings must meet special protections (1‑hour rated wall; openings protected to at least 3/4‑hour) extending vertically to specified heights. See § 1023.7, § 1023.7.1, § 1023.7.2.

8) Identification, signage, smokeproof enclosures, standpipes

  • Required stairway identification and floor‑level signs for stairways connecting more than three stories and tactile signs are specified in § 1023.9 and § 1023.11.
  • Where required by other code sections, interior exit stairways and ramps must be smokeproof enclosures (see § 1023.12 and the referenced smokeproof enclosure provisions).
  • Standpipes/standpipe hose connections where required are addressed in § 1023.13.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant dimensions & values

Requirement / value Value / threshold Code Reference
Minimum fire‑resistance rating for interior exit stairway/ramp enclosure 2 hours where connecting 4 stories or more; 1 hour where less than 4 § 1023.2
Exit passageway enclosure fire rating 1 hour minimum (and not less than any connecting stair/ramp) § 1024.3
Minimum clear width of exit passageway 44 in (1118 mm) min; 36 in (914 mm) if serving occupant load < 50 § 1024.2
Clear width for movement of beds/litters in Group I‑2 44 in (1118 mm) minimum § 1024.2
Maximum size of permitted raceway termination box 16 in² (0.010 m²) § 1023.5, § 1024.6
Horizontal separation/adjacency distance for exterior wall protections 10 ft (3048 mm) § 1023.7, § 1023.7.1

Exceptions & special cases

  • Some occupancies and designs are carved out: interior exit stairways and ramps in certain Group I‑3 occupancies, stairways within atria (when atrium provisions apply), and certain other specified CBC provisions are exceptions to the general rules — see the exceptions listed in § 1023.2.
  • The required separation between an interior exit stair/ramp and an exit passageway extension is not required where there are no openings into the passageway extension, or where the stairway and passageway are pressurized per the Building Code pressurization alternative (see exceptions under § 1023.3.1).
  • Membrane penetrations on the outside of interior exit stairway/ramp or exit passageway enclosures are permitted when protected per Section 714.4.2 (see exceptions in § 1023.5 and § 1024.6).

If you have a specific occupancy type or design condition (atrium, Group I‑2/I‑3, smokeproof option, or pressurization), those exceptions change the detailed requirements — the cited sections above list the exceptions and references to the Building Code alternatives.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming any internal stair qualifies as an “interior exit stairway” — the stair must be enclosed and dedicated to egress per § 1023.1.
  • Allowing elevators to open into these enclosures or exit passageways (this is prohibited — § 1023.4, § 1024.5).
  • Overlooking the required fire‑resistance rating when the stair connects multiple stories (count basements but not mezzanines) — use § 1023.2.
  • Permitting unprotected penetrations or unprotected HVAC openings into the enclosure without meeting the limited allowed list and required protection (see § 1023.5, § 1024.6).
  • Forgetting the minimum width requirements for exit passageways (44 in generally, 36 in for very small occupant loads) — see § 1024.2.

Worked example

Scenario: You are designing the primary interior exit stair for a 5‑story office building (no mezzanines) and plan to extend the interior stair via an enclosed corridor to an exterior discharge.

  • Because the stair connects 5 stories, the enclosure fire‑resistance rating must be not less than 2 hours (interior stair/ramp rating for four stories or more). Apply § 1023.2.
  • The exit passageway that will extend the stair to the exterior must have enclosure elements of not less than 1‑hour, but since it connects to a 2‑hour stair enclosure, the passageway must be not less than the stair’s rating (so 2 hours in this case). See § 1024.3 and § 1024.3 requirement “not less than that required for any connecting interior exit stairway.”
  • A fire barrier separating the stair from the passageway and a fire door assembly in that barrier are required at the interface; no other openings are permitted in that barrier. See § 1023.3.1.
  • If the exit passageway will serve an occupant load >50, provide a minimum clear width of 44 inches per § 1024.2. If it will serve fewer than 50 occupants, 36 inches is permitted.

This example shows how story count drives enclosure rating, and how connecting elements must be at least as protected as the most‑protected component they join.

Related provisions (CFC sections)

  • § 1022 — General requirements for exits (exits must be continuous and used only for egress).
  • § 1023.1 – § 1023.13 — Full set of rules for interior exit stairways/ramps (construction, openings, penetrations, ventilation, signage, smokeproof enclosures, standpipes).
  • § 1024.1 – § 1024.7 — Exit passageway construction, width, openings, penetrations, and ventilation.
  • § 1028 — Exit discharge requirements and limited exceptions that affect how interior stairs may discharge at grade or into protected areas.

If you want, I can extract the exact paragraph text from any of the cited subsections (for example the list of permitted penetrations in § 1023.5 and § 1024.6) or produce a compliance checklist tailored to a specific occupancy or set of drawings.

Code references

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

  • CFC § 1022.2.1 High relevance — show source text

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1022.2.1 Detailed requirements. Exterior exit doors shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1010.1.

    1022.2.2 Arrangement. Exterior exit doors shall lead directly to the exit discharge or the public way.

    1022.3 Basement exits in Group I-2 occupancies. For additional requirements for occupancies in Group I-2, see Section 407.4.1.2.

    SECTION 1023—INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

    1023.1 General. Interior exit stairways and ramps serving as an exit component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall be enclosed and lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway conforming to the requirements of Section 1024, except as permitted in Section 1028.2. An interior exit stairway or ramp shall not be used for any purpose other than as a means of egress and a circulation path.

    1023.2 Construction. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps shall be constructed as fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the interior exit stairways or ramps shall include any basements, but not any mezzanines. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours.

    Exceptions:

    1. Interior exit stairways and ramps in Group I-3 occupancies in accordance with the provisions of Section 408.3.8 of the California Building Code.
    2. Interior exit stairways within an atrium enclosed in accordance with Section 404.6 of the California Building Code .
    3. Interior exit stairways in accordance with Section 510.2. 4. Fixed guideway transit stations, constructed in accordance with Section 443.

    1023.3 Termination. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall terminate at an exit discharge or a public way.

    Exception: A combination of interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps and exit passageways, constructed in accordance with Sections 1023.2, 1023.3.1 and 1024, respectively, and forming a continuous protected enclosure, shall be permitted to extend an interior exit stairway or ramp to the exit discharge or a public way.

    1023.3.1 Extension. Where interior exit stairways and ramps are extended to an exit discharge or a public way by an exit passageway, the interior exit stairway and ramp shall be separated from the exit passageway by a fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or a horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall be not less than that required for the interior exit stairway and ramp. A fire door assembly complying with Section 716 shall be installed in the fire barrier to provide a means of egress from the interior exit stairway and ramp to the exit passageway. Openings in the fire barrier other than the fire door assembly are prohibited. Penetrations of the fire barrier are prohibited.

    Exceptions:

  • CFC § 1022.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1022.2 Exterior exit doors. Buildings or structures used for human occupancy shall have not less than one exterior door that meets the requirements of Section 1010.1.1.

    [BE] 1022.2.1 Detailed requirements. Exterior exit doors shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1010.1.

    [BE] 1022.2.2 Arrangement. Exterior exit doors shall lead directly to the exit discharge or the public way.

    1022.3 Basement exits in Group I-2 occupancies. For additional requirements for occupancies in Group I-2, see Section 407.4.1.2 of the California Building Code.

    SECTION 1023—INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

    [BE] 1023.1 General. Interior exit stairways and ramps serving as an exit component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall be enclosed and lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway conforming to the requirements of Section 1024, except as permitted in Section 1028.2. An interior exit stairway or ramp shall not be used for any purpose other than as a means of egress and a circulation path.

    [BE] 1023.2 Construction. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps shall be constructed as fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both. Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the interior exit stairways or ramps shall include any basements, but not any mezzanines. Enclosure for interior exit stairways and ramps shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours.

    Exceptions:

    1. Interior exit stairways and ramps in Group I-3 occupancies in accordance with the provisions of Section 408.3.8 of the California Building Code .
    2. Interior exit stairways within an atrium enclosed in accordance with Section 404.6 of the California Building Code .
    3. Interior exit stairways in accordance with Section 510.2 of the California Building Code . 4. Fixed guideway transit stations, constructed in accordance with Section 443 of the California Building Code.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    [BE] 1023.3 Termination. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall terminate at an exit discharge or a public way.

    Exception: A combination of interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps and exit passageways, constructed in accordance with Sections 1023.2, 1023.3.1 and 1024, respectively, and forming a continuous protected enclosure, shall be permitted to extend an interior exit stairway or ramp to the exit discharge or a public way.

    **[BE] 1023.3.1 Extension.

  • CFC § 1023.5 High relevance — show source text

    The fire-resistance rating shall be not less than that required for the interior exit stairway and ramp. A fire door assembly complying with Section 716 of the California Building Code shall be installed in the fire barrier to provide a means of egress from the interior exit stairway and ramp to the exit passageway. Openings in the fire barrier other than the fire door assembly are prohibited. Penetrations of the fire barrier are prohibited.

    Exceptions:

    1. Penetrations of the fire barrier in accordance with Section 1023.5 shall be permitted.
    2. Separation between an interior exit stairway or ramp and the exit passageway extension shall not be required where there are no openings into the exit passageway extension.
    3. Separation between an interior exit stairway or ramp and the exit passageway extension shall not be required where the interior exit stairway and the exit passageway extension are pressurized in accordance with Section 909.20.4 of the California Building Code .

    [BE] 1023.4 Openings. Interior exit stairway and ramp opening protectives shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 716 of the California Building Code .

    Openings in interior exit stairways and ramps other than unprotected exterior openings shall be limited to those required for exit access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for egress from the enclosure.

    Elevators shall not open into interior exit stairways and ramps.

    [BE] 1023.5 Penetrations. Penetrations into or through interior exit stairways and ramps are prohibited except for the following:

    1. Equipment and ductwork necessary for independent ventilation or pressurization.

    2. Fire protection systems.

    3. Security systems.

    4. Two-way communication systems.

    5. Electrical raceway for fire department communication systems.

    6. Electrical raceway serving the interior exit stairway and ramp and terminating at a steel box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.010 m [2] ).

    7. Structural elements, such as beams or joists, supporting the interior exit stairway or ramp or enclosure.

    8. Structural elements, such as beams or joists, supporting a roof at the top of the interior exit stairway or ramp.

    Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714 of the California Building Code . There shall not be penetrations or communication openings, whether protected or not, between adjacent interior exit stairways and ramps.

    Exception: Membrane penetrations shall be permitted on the outside of the interior exit stairway and ramp. Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714.4.2 of the California Building Code .

    [BE] 1023.6 Ventilation. Equipment and ductwork for interior exit stairway and ramp ventilation as permitted by Section 1023.5 shall comply with one of the following items:

    1. Such equipment and ductwork shall be located exterior to the building and shall be directly connected to the interior exit stairway and ramp by ductwork enclosed in construction as required for shafts.
    2. Where such equipment and ductwork is located within the interior exit stairway and ramp, the intake air shall be taken directly from the outdoors and the exhaust air shall be discharged directly to the outdoors, or such air shall be conveyed through ducts enclosed in construction as required for shafts.
    3. Where located within the building, such equipment and ductwork shall be separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, with construction as required for shafts.
  • CFC § 707.6 High relevance — show source text

    707.6 Openings. Openings in a fire barrier shall be protected in accordance with Section 716. Openings shall be limited to a maximum aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall, and the maximum area of any single opening shall not exceed 156 square feet (15 m [2] ). Openings in enclosures for shafts, interior exit stairways and ramps and exit passageways shall also comply with Sections 713.7, 1023.4 and 1024.5, respectively.

    Exceptions:

    1. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15 m [2] ) where adjoining floor areas are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
    2. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15 m [2] ) or an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall where the opening protective is a fire door serving enclosures for exit access stairways and ramps, and interior exit stairways and ramps.

    2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 7-15

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

    �

    FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES

    1. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15 m [2] ) or an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall where the opening protective has been tested in accordance with ASTM E119 or UL 263 and has a minimum fire-resistance rating not less than the fire-resistance rating of the wall.

    2. Fire window assemblies permitted in atrium separation walls shall not be limited to a maximum aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall.

    3. Openings shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15 m [2] ) or an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall where the opening protective is a fire door assembly in a fire barrier separating an enclosure for exit access stairways and ramps, and interior exit stairways and ramps from an exit passageway in accordance with Section 1023.3.1.

    4. Openings providing entrance to an elevator car shall not be limited to 156 square feet (15 m [2] ) or an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall where the opening protective is a fire door assembly in a fire barrier that is an elevator hoistway enclosure.

    5. Openings shall not be limited to an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall where opening serves a shaft enclosure in accordance with Section 713.

    6. Openings shall not be limited to an aggregate width of 25 percent of the length of the wall where opening serves a chute access room in accordance with Section 713.13.3 or a chute discharge room in accordance with Section 713.13.4.

    707.7 Penetrations. Penetrations of fire barriers shall comply with Section 714.

    707.7.1 Prohibited penetrations. Penetrations into enclosures for shafts, interior exit stairways and ramps, and exit passageways shall be allowed only where permitted by Sections 713.8.1, 1023.5 and 1024.6, respectively.

    707.8 Joints. Joints made in or between fire barriers, and joints made at the intersection of fire barriers with the underside of a fireresistance-rated floor or roof sheathing, slab or deck above, and with other fire-resistance-rated wall assemblies shall comply with Section 715.

  • CFC § 408.3.8 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Interior exit stairways and ramps in Group I-3 occupancies in accordance with the provisions of Section 408.3.8 of the California Building Code.
    2. Interior exit stairways within an atrium enclosed in accordance with Section 404.6 of the California Building Code .
    3. Interior exit stairways in accordance with Section 510.2. 4. Fixed guideway transit stations, constructed in accordance with Section 443.

    1023.3 Termination. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall terminate at an exit discharge or a public way.

    Exception: A combination of interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps and exit passageways, constructed in accordance with Sections 1023.2, 1023.3.1 and 1024, respectively, and forming a continuous protected enclosure, shall be permitted to extend an interior exit stairway or ramp to the exit discharge or a public way.

    1023.3.1 Extension. Where interior exit stairways and ramps are extended to an exit discharge or a public way by an exit passageway, the interior exit stairway and ramp shall be separated from the exit passageway by a fire barrier constructed in accordance with Section 707 or a horizontal assembly constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. The fire-resistance rating shall be not less than that required for the interior exit stairway and ramp. A fire door assembly complying with Section 716 shall be installed in the fire barrier to provide a means of egress from the interior exit stairway and ramp to the exit passageway. Openings in the fire barrier other than the fire door assembly are prohibited. Penetrations of the fire barrier are prohibited.

    Exceptions:

    1. Penetrations of the fire barrier in accordance with Section 1023.5 shall be permitted.
    2. Separation between an interior exit stairway or ramp and the exit passageway extension shall not be required where there are no openings into the exit passageway extension.
    3. Separation between an interior exit stairway or ramp and the exit passageway extension shall not be required where the interior exit stairway and the exit passageway extension are pressurized in accordance with Section 909.20.4.

    1023.4 Openings. Interior exit stairway and ramp opening protectives shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 716.

    Openings in interior exit stairways and ramps other than unprotected exterior openings shall be limited to those required for exit access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for egress from the enclosure.

    Elevators shall not open into interior exit stairways and ramps.

    1023.5 Penetrations. Penetrations into or through interior exit stairways and ramps are prohibited except for the following:

    1. Equipment and ductwork necessary for independent ventilation or pressurization.

    2. Fire protection systems.

    3. Security systems.

    4. Two-way communication systems.

    5. Electrical raceway for fire department communication systems.

    6. Electrical raceway serving the interior exit stairway and ramp and terminating at a steel box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.010 m [2] ).

    7. Structural elements, such as beams or joists, supporting the interior exit stairway or ramp or enclosure.

    8. Structural elements, such as beams or joists, supporting a roof at the top of the interior exit stairway or ramp.

    Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714. There shall not be penetrations or communication openings, whether protected or not, between adjacent interior exit stairways and ramps.

  • CFC § 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.

  • CFC § 1021.4 High relevance — show source text

    1021.4 Location. Exterior egress balconies shall have a minimum fire separation distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) measured at right angles from the exterior edge of the egress balcony to the following:

    1. Adjacent lot lines.
    2. Other portions of the building.
    3. Other buildings on the same lot unless the adjacent building exterior walls and openings are protected in accordance with Section 705 based on fire separation distance.

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

    SECTION 1022—EXITS

    1022.1 General. Exits shall comply with Sections 1022 through 1027 and the applicable requirements of Sections 1003 through 1015. An exit shall not be used for any purpose that interferes with its function as a means of egress. Once a given level of exit protection is achieved, such level of protection shall not be reduced until arrival at the exit discharge. Exits shall be continuous from the point of entry into the exit to the exit discharge.

    1022.2 Exterior exit doors. Buildings or structures used for human occupancy shall have not less than one exterior door that meets the requirements of Section 1010.1.1.

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    MEANS OF EGRESS

    1022.2.1 Detailed requirements. Exterior exit doors shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1010.1.

    1022.2.2 Arrangement. Exterior exit doors shall lead directly to the exit discharge or the public way.

    1022.3 Basement exits in Group I-2 occupancies. For additional requirements for occupancies in Group I-2, see Section 407.4.1.2.

    SECTION 1023—INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

    1023.1 General. Interior exit stairways and ramps serving as an exit component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section. Interior exit stairways and ramps shall be enclosed and lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway conforming to the requirements of Section 1024, except as permitted in Section 1028.2. An interior exit stairway or ramp shall not be used for any purpose other than as a means of egress and a circulation path.

    1023.2 Construction. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps shall be constructed as fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711, or both. Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the interior exit stairways or ramps shall include any basements, but not any mezzanines. Enclosures for interior exit stairways and ramps shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours.

  • CFC § 1023.5 High relevance — show source text
    1. Penetrations of the fire barrier in accordance with Section 1023.5 shall be permitted.
    2. Separation between an interior exit stairway or ramp and the exit passageway extension shall not be required where there are no openings into the exit passageway extension.
    3. Separation between an interior exit stairway or ramp and the exit passageway extension shall not be required where the interior exit stairway and the exit passageway extension are pressurized in accordance with Section 909.20.4.

    1023.4 Openings. Interior exit stairway and ramp opening protectives shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 716.

    Openings in interior exit stairways and ramps other than unprotected exterior openings shall be limited to those required for exit access to the enclosure from normally occupied spaces and for egress from the enclosure.

    Elevators shall not open into interior exit stairways and ramps.

    1023.5 Penetrations. Penetrations into or through interior exit stairways and ramps are prohibited except for the following:

    1. Equipment and ductwork necessary for independent ventilation or pressurization.

    2. Fire protection systems.

    3. Security systems.

    4. Two-way communication systems.

    5. Electrical raceway for fire department communication systems.

    6. Electrical raceway serving the interior exit stairway and ramp and terminating at a steel box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.010 m [2] ).

    7. Structural elements, such as beams or joists, supporting the interior exit stairway or ramp or enclosure.

    8. Structural elements, such as beams or joists, supporting a roof at the top of the interior exit stairway or ramp.

    Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714. There shall not be penetrations or communication openings, whether protected or not, between adjacent interior exit stairways and ramps.

    Exception: Membrane penetrations shall be permitted on the outside of the interior exit stairway and ramp. Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714.4.2.

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    1023.6 Ventilation. Equipment and ductwork for interior exit stairway and ramp ventilation as permitted by Section 1023.5 shall comply with one of the following items:

    1. Such equipment and ductwork shall be located exterior to the building and shall be directly connected to the interior exit stairway and ramp by ductwork enclosed in construction as required for shafts.
    2. Where such equipment and ductwork is located within the interior exit stairway and ramp, the intake air shall be taken directly from the outdoors and the exhaust air shall be discharged directly to the outdoors, or such air shall be conveyed through ducts enclosed in construction as required for shafts.
    3. Where located within the building, such equipment and ductwork shall be separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, with construction as required for shafts.

    In each case, openings into the fire-resistance-rated construction shall be limited to those needed for maintenance and operation and shall be protected by opening protectives in accordance with Section 716 for shaft enclosures.

    The interior exit stairway and ramp ventilation systems shall be independent of other building ventilation systems.

  • CFC § 10-52 High 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.

  • CFC § 714.4.2. High relevance — show source text

    Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714. There shall not be penetrations or communication openings, whether protected or not, between adjacent interior exit stairways and ramps.

    Exception: Membrane penetrations shall be permitted on the outside of the interior exit stairway and ramp. Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714.4.2.

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    1023.6 Ventilation. Equipment and ductwork for interior exit stairway and ramp ventilation as permitted by Section 1023.5 shall comply with one of the following items:

    1. Such equipment and ductwork shall be located exterior to the building and shall be directly connected to the interior exit stairway and ramp by ductwork enclosed in construction as required for shafts.
    2. Where such equipment and ductwork is located within the interior exit stairway and ramp, the intake air shall be taken directly from the outdoors and the exhaust air shall be discharged directly to the outdoors, or such air shall be conveyed through ducts enclosed in construction as required for shafts.
    3. Where located within the building, such equipment and ductwork shall be separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, with construction as required for shafts.

    In each case, openings into the fire-resistance-rated construction shall be limited to those needed for maintenance and operation and shall be protected by opening protectives in accordance with Section 716 for shaft enclosures.

    The interior exit stairway and ramp ventilation systems shall be independent of other building ventilation systems.

    1023.7 Interior exit stairway and ramp exterior walls. Exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with the requirements of Section 705 for exterior walls. Where nonrated walls or unprotected openings enclose the exterior of the stairway or ramps and the walls or openings are exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of less than 180 degrees (3.14 rad), building construction within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or ramp shall comply with Sections 1023.7.1 and 1023.7.2.

    1023.7.1 Building exterior walls. Building exterior walls within 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally of a nonrated wall or unprotected opening in an interior exit stairway or ramp shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Openings within such exterior walls shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour. This construction shall extend vertically from the ground to a point 10 feet (3048 mm) above the topmost landing of the stairway or ramp, or to the roof line, whichever is lower.

    1023.7.2 Roof assemblies. Where the interior exit stairway or ramp extends above an adjacent roof of the same building, the adjacent roof assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour and openings shall be protected by opening protectives having a fire protection rating of not less than [3] / 4 hour. The fire-resistance rating and opening protection shall extend horizontally not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the exterior wall of the stairway or ramp, or to the perimeter of the adjacent roof, whichever is less.

  • CFC § 1024.3 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1024.3 Construction. Exit passageway enclosures shall have walls, floors and ceilings of not less than a 1-hour fire-resistance rating, and not less than that required for any connecting interior exit stairway or ramp. Exit passageways shall be constructed as fire barriers in accordance with Section 707 of the California Building Code or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 711 of the California Building Code, or both.

    [BE] 1024.4 Termination. Exit passageways on the level of exit discharge shall terminate at an exit discharge. Exit passageways on other levels shall terminate at an exit.

    [BE] 1024.5 Openings. Exit passageway opening protectives shall be in accordance with the requirements of Section 716 of the Cali- fornia Building Code .

    Except as permitted in Section 402.8.7 of the California Building Code, openings in exit passageways other than unprotected exterior openings shall be limited to those necessary for exit access to the exit passageway from normally occupied spaces and for egress from the exit passageway.

    Where an interior exit stairway or ramp is extended to an exit discharge or a public way by an exit passageway, the exit passageway shall comply with Section 1023.3.1.

    Elevators shall not open into an exit passageway.

    [BE] 1024.6 Penetrations. Penetrations into or through an exit passageway are prohibited except for the following:

    1. Equipment and ductwork necessary for independent ventilation or pressurization.

    2. Fire protection systems.

    3. Security systems.

    4. Two-way communication systems.

    5. Electrical raceway for fire department communication.

    6. Electrical raceway serving the exit passageway and terminating at a steel box not exceeding 16 square inches (0.010 m [2] ).

    7. Structural elements, such as beams or joists, supporting a floor or roof at the top of the exit passageway.

    Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714 of the California Building Code . There shall not be penetrations or communicating openings, whether protected or not, between adjacent exit passageways.

    Exception: Membrane penetrations shall be permitted on the outside of the exit passageway. Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714.4.2 of the California Building Code .

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    [BE] 1024.7 Ventilation. Equipment and ductwork for exit passageway ventilation as permitted by Section 1024.6 shall comply with one of the following:

    1. The equipment and ductwork shall be located exterior to the building and shall be directly connected to the exit passageway by ductwork enclosed in construction as required for shafts.
    2. Where the equipment and ductwork is located within the exit passageway, the intake air shall be taken directly from the outdoors and the exhaust air shall be discharged directly to the outdoors, or the air shall be conveyed through ducts enclosed in construction as required for shafts.
    3. Where located within the building, the equipment and ductwork shall be separated from the remainder of the building, including other mechanical equipment, with construction as required for shafts.

Frequently asked questions

Do interior exit stairways always have to be enclosed?

Yes. Interior exit stairways and ramps used as exit components must be enclosed and dedicated to egress/circulation per § 1023.1; there are narrowly defined exceptions listed in that section.

What minimum fire rating is required for an interior stair that connects three stories?

For a stair connecting less than four stories, the enclosure fire‑resistance rating is not less than 1 hour per § 1023.2.

Can an elevator door open directly into an interior exit stair or an exit passageway?

No. Elevators shall not open into interior exit stairways/ramps or into exit passageways per § 1023.4 and § 1024.5.

What is the minimum width for an exit passageway?

The minimum clear width is 44 inches (1118 mm), except where the exit passageway serves an occupant load less than 50, in which case 36 inches (914 mm) is allowed. See § 1024.2.

Are penetrations for HVAC allowed in stair enclosures?

Penetrations are generally prohibited except for limited, listed uses (including equipment and ductwork necessary for independent ventilation or pressurization), and any permitted penetration must be protected per Section 714. See § 1023.5 and § 1024.6.

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California Fire Code