CFC · California Fire Code

How are ramps, guards and exterior exit stairways regulated?

If your ramp or exterior stair is part of a required exit, the CFC requires proper slip‑resistant construction, **60‑inch** landings (usually), **80‑inch** headroom, handrails when the rise is over **6 inches**, edge protection (curb or barrier), guards where drops exceed **30 inches**, and specific open‑side and fire‑separation rules for exterior exit stairs — see **§ 1012**, **§ 1015**, **§ 1027** for the exact requirements.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Fire Code requires that ramps, guards, and exterior exit stairways used as components of the means of egress meet specific construction, dimensional and location standards found in § 1012, § 1015 and § 1027. Key high‑level rules: ramps must have proper landings, headroom, slip‑resistant surfaces, handrails when the rise exceeds 6 inches, and edge protection; guards are required where open‑sided walking surfaces have a vertical drop of more than 30 inches; exterior exit stairways/ramps used as required exits must be open on at least one side, provide minimum open area and maintain minimum fire‑separation distances. See § 1012, § 1015, § 1027 for the controlling text.

The single most important practical rule: if a ramp or exterior stair is used as part of a required exit path it must meet the ramp construction and landing rules in § 1012, have required guards where the drop exceeds 30 inches per § 1015, and meet the open‑side, open‑area and separation rules in § 1027.

Requirements in detail

Ramps — what to check (controlling: § 1012)

  • Construction and surface: Ramps must be built of materials consistent with the building construction type and have a slip‑resistant surface. § 1012.7 and § 1012.7.1.
  • Headroom: Minimum 80 inches clear headroom for the full width of the ramp/landings. § 1012.5.2.
  • Landings: Landings required at top/bottom, turns, entrances/exits and doors; minimum length 60 inches (exceptions for some dwelling units). § 1012.6.3 and § 1012.6.4.
  • Handrails: Ramps with rise greater than 6 inches must have handrails on both sides; handrails must comply with Section 1014 (referenced in § 1012.8). § 1012.8.
  • Edge protection: Edge protection (curb, rail, wall or barrier) or extended floor/ground required at each side of runs and landings unless an exception applies. § 1012.10 through § 1012.10.2.

Guards — when and how (controlling: § 1015)

  • Where required: Guards are required along open‑sided walking surfaces (mezzanines, aisles, stairs, ramps, landings) that are located more than 30 inches vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge. § 1015.2.
  • Strength: Guards must be adequate in strength and attachment per structural load rules (see referenced building code provisions in § 1015.2). § 1015.2.

Exterior exit stairways and ramps — special egress rules (controlling: § 1027)

  • Use limits: Exterior exit stairways/ramps used as required egress are prohibited for Group I‑2 occupancies and are not permitted as required egress for buildings over six stories or high‑rise buildings (except where code allows otherwise). § 1027.2.
  • Open side / ventilation: Exterior exit stairs/ramps serving as required egress must be open on not less than one side (except for structural columns, beams, handrails and guards). The open side must provide at least 35 square feet of aggregate open area adjacent to each floor level and intermediate landing, with that open area located not less than 42 inches above the adjacent floor/landing. § 1027.3.
  • Location / fire separation: Minimum fire separation distance 10 feet measured at right angles from the exterior edge of the stair/ramp (landings included) to adjacent lot lines, other portions of the building, or other buildings on the lot. Exception: exterior stairs/ramps serving individual dwelling units in Group R‑3 may be 5 feet. § 1027.5.
  • Separation from interior: Exterior exit stairs/ramps must be separated from the interior of the building as required in § 1023.2; openings are limited to those necessary for egress and additional rating may be required when adjacent building parts expose a vertical plane at less than 180°. § 1027.6.

Quick reference table — decision‑relevant dimensions & values

Feature Required value (typical) Code Reference
Ramp headroom 80 in minimum § 1012.5.2
Landing length 60 in minimum (36 in exception for some R‑2/R‑3 units) § 1012.6.3
When handrails required on ramps Rise > 6 in → handrails both sides § 1012.8
Edge protection (curb) Curb ≥ 4 in high or barrier preventing 4‑in sphere § 1012.10.1
Extended floor beyond handrail 12 in minimum extension § 1012.10.2
Guard trigger threshold Vertical drop > 30 in within 36 in horizontally → guard required § 1015.2
Exterior open side area Aggregate 35 ft² adjacent to each floor/landing; openings located ≥ 42 in above floor § 1027.3
Exterior fire separation 10 ft minimum (or 5 ft for R‑3 individual dwelling unit stairs/ramps) § 1027.5
Use limits for required egress Not permitted for Group I‑2; not for buildings > 6 stories or high‑rise § 1027.2

Exceptions & special cases

  • Edge protection is not required on ramps that are not required to have handrails if they have flared sides that comply with ICC A117.1 curb ramp provisions. § 1012.10 (Exceptions).
  • Landings may be reduced to 36 inches in some Group R‑2 and R‑3 individual dwelling/sleeping units that are not required to be accessible; otherwise 60 inches applies. § 1012.6.3, § 1012.6.4 (exceptions).
  • Exterior exit stairways/ramps serving individual dwelling units of Group R‑3 have a reduced minimum fire separation distance of 5 feet instead of 10. § 1027.5 (Exception).
  • Exterior exit stairways/ramps may not be used as a required means of egress for Group I‑2 occupancies; other occupancies cannot use them for required egress where the building exceeds six stories or is high‑rise. § 1027.2.
  • Separation from the building interior is required (see § 1023.2) but there are several exception pathways (sprinklered open‑ended corridors, R‑3 discharge to grade, etc.). § 1027.6 and its exceptions.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming a ramp under 12 in rise doesn’t need handrails — actually handrails are required when the ramp rise is greater than 6 inches (§ 1012.8).
  • Forgetting the 60 in landing requirement (or the exceptions for some dwelling units). Measure and apply the correct exception per occupancy. § 1012.6.3.
  • Treating a curb ramp (accessible street curb ramp) the same as exit ramp edge protection — flared curb ramps are allowed exceptions, but only when the ramp is not required to have handrails (see § 1012.10 exceptions).
  • Overlooking the 35 ft² open‑area requirement for exterior stair open sides or misplacing the required opening height (42 in above landing). § 1027.3.
  • Using an exterior stair as a required exit in a high‑rise or >6‑story building (not allowed per § 1027.2).

Worked example

Scenario: You are designing an exterior ramp used as a required exit for a small commercial building (non‑I‑2) that rises 8 inches from sidewalk to main entrance. Ramp width = 48 inches.

Apply the rules:

  • Rise is 8 in > 6 in, so provide handrails on both sides per § 1012.8.
  • Provide a landing at the top and bottom; landing length 60 in minimum in the direction of travel per § 1012.6.3 (unless this were a qualifying R‑2/R‑3 dwelling exception).
  • Ensure headroom 80 in minimum for full width (check for canopies/overhangs) per § 1012.5.2.
  • Install edge protection: either a curb ≥ 4 in high or a barrier that prevents passage of a 4‑inch‑diameter sphere near the walking surface per § 1012.10.1.
  • If any part of the ramp/landing is more than 30 in above adjacent grade within 36 in horizontally, add guards per § 1015.2 (not required here if max vertical drop is <30 in).
  • If this ramp is part of an exterior exit stair/ramp assembly, confirm the exterior open‑side 35 ft² aggregate requirement and 10 ft fire‑separation to adjacent building elements per § 1027.3 and § 1027.5.

Related provisions

  • § 1014 — Handrail specifics and clearances (referenced by § 1012).
  • § 1011 — Stair headroom and clearance rules (relevant for exterior stair transitions).
  • § 1023 — Interior exit stairway/ramp separation and construction (referenced for separation requirements in § 1027.6).
  • § 1022 — Exterior exit doors and arrangement (exit discharge relationships).

Code references

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

  • CFC § 1026.4.1 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1026.4.1 Capacity. The capacity of the refuge area shall be computed based on a net floor area allowance of 3 square feet (0.2787 m [2] ) for each occupant to be accommodated therein. Where the horizontal exit also forms a smoke compartment, the capacity of the refuge area for Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies and Group B ambulatory care facilities shall comply with Sections 407.5.3, 408.6.2, 420.6.1, 420.6.2 and 422.3.2 of the California Building Code as applicable.

    [BE] 1026.4.2 Number of exits. The refuge area into which a horizontal exit leads shall be provided with exits adequate to meet the occupant requirements of this chapter, but not including the added occupant load imposed by persons entering the refuge area through horizontal exits from other areas. In other than I-3 occupancies, not less than one refuge area exit shall lead directly to the exterior or to an interior exit stairway or ramp.

    Exception: The adjoining compartment shall not be required to have a stairway or door leading directly outside, provided that the refuge area into which a horizontal exit leads has stairways or doors leading directly outside and are so arranged that egress shall not require the occupants to return through the compartment from which egress originates.

    [BE] 1026.5 Standpipes. Standpipes and standpipe hose connections shall be provided where required by Sections 905.3 and 905.4.

    1026.6 Two-way communication. Where a refuge area does not contain a two-way communication system at an elevator landing or within an area of refuge, a two-way communications system shall be installed in an approved location in a public area and shall comply with Sections 1009.8.1, 1009.8.2 and 1009.11.

    Exception: Two-way communication systems are not required in Group I-2 and I-3 facilities.

    SECTION 1027—EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

    [BE] 1027.1 General. Exterior exit stairways and ramps serving as an exit component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section.

    [BE] 1027.2 Use in a means of egress. Exterior exit stairways shall not be used as an element of a required means of egress for Group I-2 occupancies. For occupancies in other than Group I-2, exterior exit stairways and ramps shall not be used as an element of a required means of egress for buildings exceeding six stories above grade plane or that are high-rise buildings.

    [BE] 1027.3 Open side. Exterior exit stairways and ramps serving as an element of a required means of egress shall be open on not less than one side, except for required structural columns, beams, handrails and guards. An open side shall have not less than 35 square feet (3.3 m [2] ) of aggregate open area adjacent to each floor level and the level of each intermediate landing. The required open area shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent floor or landing level.

    [BE] 1027.4 Side yards. The open areas adjoining exterior exit stairways or ramps shall be either yards, courts or public ways; the remaining sides are permitted to be enclosed by the exterior walls of the building.

  • CFC § 1026.4.1 High relevance — show source text

    1026.4.1 Capacity. The capacity of the refuge area shall be computed based on a net floor area allowance of 3 square feet (0.2787 m [2] ) for each occupant to be accommodated therein. Where the horizontal exit also forms a smoke compartment, the capacity of the refuge area for Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies and ambulatory care facilities shall comply with Sections 407.5.3, 408.6.2, 420.6.2 and 422.3.2 as applicable.

    1026.4.2 Number of exits. The refuge area into which a horizontal exit leads shall be provided with exits adequate to meet the occupant requirements of this chapter, but not including the added occupant load imposed by persons entering the refuge area through horizontal exits from other areas. In other than I-3 occupancies, not less than one refuge area exit shall lead directly to the exterior or to an interior exit stairway or ramp.

    Exception: The adjoining compartment shall not be required to have a stairway or door leading directly outside, provided that the refuge area into which a horizontal exit leads has stairways or doors leading directly outside and are so arranged that egress shall not require the occupants to return through the compartment from which egress originates.

    1026.5 Standpipes. Standpipes and standpipe hose connections shall be provided where required by Sections 905.3 and 905.4.

    1026.6 Two-way communication. Where a refuge area does not contain a two-way communication system at an elevator landing or within an area of refuge, a two-way communication system shall be installed in an approved location in a public area and shall comply with Sections 1009.8.1, 1009.8.2 and 1009.11.

    Exception: Two-way communication systems are not required in Group I-2 and I-3 facilities.

    SECTION 1027—EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

    1027.1 General. Exterior exit stairways and ramps serving as an exit component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section.

    1027.2 Use in a means of egress. Exterior exit stairways shall not be used as an element of a required means of egress for Group I-2 occupancies. For occupancies in other than Group I-2, exterior exit stairways and ramps shall not be used as an element of a required means of egress for buildings exceeding six stories above grade plane or that are high-rise buildings.

    1027.3 Open side. Exterior exit stairways and ramps serving as an element of a required means of egress shall be open on not less than one side, except for required structural columns, beams, handrails and guards. An open side shall have not less than 35 square feet (3.3 m [2] ) of aggregate open area adjacent to each floor level and the level of each intermediate landing. The required open area shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent floor or landing level.

    1027.4 Side yards. The open areas adjoining exterior exit stairways or ramps shall be either yards, courts or public ways; the remaining sides are permitted to be enclosed by the exterior walls of the building.

  • CFC § 1027.1 High relevance — show source text

    Exception: Two-way communication systems are not required in Group I-2 and I-3 facilities.

    SECTION 1027—EXTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS

    1027.1 General. Exterior exit stairways and ramps serving as an exit component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of this section.

    1027.2 Use in a means of egress. Exterior exit stairways shall not be used as an element of a required means of egress for Group I-2 occupancies. For occupancies in other than Group I-2, exterior exit stairways and ramps shall not be used as an element of a required means of egress for buildings exceeding six stories above grade plane or that are high-rise buildings.

    1027.3 Open side. Exterior exit stairways and ramps serving as an element of a required means of egress shall be open on not less than one side, except for required structural columns, beams, handrails and guards. An open side shall have not less than 35 square feet (3.3 m [2] ) of aggregate open area adjacent to each floor level and the level of each intermediate landing. The required open area shall be located not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) above the adjacent floor or landing level.

    1027.4 Side yards. The open areas adjoining exterior exit stairways or ramps shall be either yards, courts or public ways; the remaining sides are permitted to be enclosed by the exterior walls of the building.

    1027.5 Location. Exterior exit stairways and ramps shall have a minimum fire separation distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) measured at right angles from the exterior edge of the stairway or ramps, including landings, to:

    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.

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

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

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

    Exceptions:

    1. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for occupancies, other than those in Group R-1 or R-2, in buildings that are not more than two stories above grade plane where a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies is the first story above grade plane.
    2. Separation from the interior of the building is not required where the exterior exit stairway or ramp is served by an exterior exit ramp or balcony that connects two remote exterior exit stairways or other approved exits with a perimeter that is not less than 50 percent open.
  • CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text

    1. In Group R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, or R-3 or R-3.1 occupancies, exit access stairways and ramps connecting four stories or less serving and contained within an individual dwelling unit or sleeping unit or live/work unit.

    2. Exit access stairways serving and contained within a Group R-3 congregate residence or a Group R-4 facility are not required to be enclosed.

    3. Exit access stairways and ramps in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, where the area of the vertical opening between stories does not exceed twice the horizontal projected area of the stairway or ramp and the opening is protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance with NFPA 13. In other than Group B and M occupancies, this provision is limited to openings that do not connect more than four stories.

    4. Exit access stairways and ramps within an atrium complying with the provisions of Section 404 of the California Building Code .

    5. Exit access stairways and ramps in open parking garages that serve only the parking garage.

    6. Exit access stairways and ramps serving smoke-protected or open-air assembly seating complying with the exit access travel distance requirements of Section 1030.7.

    7. Exit access stairways and ramps between the balcony, gallery or press box and the main assembly floor in occupancies such as theaters, places of religious worship, auditoriums and sports facilities.

    8. Exterior exit access stairways or ramps between occupiable roofs. 10. Fixed guideway transit stations, constructed in accordance with Section 443 of the California Building Code.

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    [BE] 1019.4 Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies. In Group I-2, I-3 and R-2.1 occupancies, floor openings between stories containing exit access stairways or ramps are required to be enclosed with a shaft enclosure constructed in accordance with Section 713 of the California Building Code .

    Exception: In Group I-3 occupancies, exit access stairways or ramps constructed in accordance with Section 408 of the California Building Code are not required to be enclosed.

    SECTION 1020—CORRIDORS

    [BE] 1020.1 General. Corridors serving as an exit access component in a means of egress system shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1020.2 and 1020.7.

    [BE] 1020.2 Construction. Corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Table 1020.2. The corridor walls required to be fire-resistance rated shall comply with Section 708 of the California Building Code for fire partitions.

    Exceptions:

    1. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors in an occupancy in Group E where each room that is used for instruction has not less than one door opening directly to the exterior and rooms for assembly purposes have not less than onehalf of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior. Exterior doors specified in this exception are required to be at ground level.
    2. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors contained within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit in an occupancy in Groups I-1 and R.
  • CFC § 10-17 High relevance — show source text

    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37

    1015 Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-38

    1016 Exit Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40

    1017 Exit Access Travel Distance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-41

    1018 Aisles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42

    1019 Exit Access Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-43 1020 Corridors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-44

    1021 Egress Balconies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46 1022 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-46

  • 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 § 12.7 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. A decrease in the clearance due to the curvature or angle of handrail returns shall be allowed.
    2. Mounting flanges not more than [1] / 2 -inch (12.7 mm) in thickness at the returned ends of handrails shall be allowed.

    [BE] 1014.9 Projections. On ramps and on ramped aisles that are part of an accessible route, the clear width between handrails shall be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum. Projections into the required width of aisles, stairways and ramps at each side shall not exceed 4 [1] / 2 inches (114 mm) at or below the handrail height. Projections into the required width shall not be limited above the minimum headroom height required in Section 1011.3. Projections due to intermediate handrails shall not constitute a reduction in the egress width. Where a pair of intermediate handrails are provided within the stairway width without a walking surface between the pair of intermediate handrails and the distance between the pair of intermediate handrails is greater than 6 inches (152 mm), the available egress width shall be reduced by the distance between the closest edges of each such intermediate pair of handrails that is greater than 6 inches (152 mm).

    In Group I-2 occupancies, ramps required for exit access shall not be less than 8 feet in width and handrails are permitted to protrude 3 [1] / 2 inches from the wall on both sides. For ramps used as exits and stairways used for the movement of bed and litter patients, the clear width between handrails shall be 44 inches (1118 mm) minimum.

    [BE] 1014.10 Intermediate handrails. Stairways shall have intermediate handrails located in such a manner that all portions of the stairway minimum width or required capacity are within 30 inches (762 mm) of a handrail. On monumental stairs, handrails shall be located along the most direct path of egress travel.

    SECTION 1015—GUARDS

    [BE] 1015.1 General. Guards shall comply with the provisions of Sections 1015.2 through 1015.7. Operable windows with sills located more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above finished grade or other surface below shall comply with Section 1015.8.

    [BE] 1015.2 Where required. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, such as mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches (762 mm) measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally to the edge of the open side and at the perimeter of occupiable roofs. Guards shall be adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.9 of the California Building Code .

    Exception: Guards are not required for the following locations:

    1. On the loading side of loading docks or piers.
    2. On the audience side of stages and raised platforms, including stairs leading up to the stage and raised platforms.
    3. On raised stage and platform floor areas, such as runways, ramps and side stages used for entertainment or presentations.
    4. At vertical openings in the performance area of stages and platforms.
    5. At elevated walking surfaces appurtenant to stages and platforms for access to and utilization of special lighting or equipment.
    6. Along vehicle service pits not accessible to the public.

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  • CFC § 1027.6 High relevance — show source text

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

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

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

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

    Exceptions:

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

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

    SECTION 1028—EXIT DISCHARGE

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

  • CFC § 104.3.1 High relevance — show source text

    Alteration D103.1 Change of occupancy D103.2 Flood-resistant 104.3.1, Appendix G Historic 101.4.7

    Relocated structures D103.3

    Repairs 101.4.7, 116.5 Rodentproofing Appendix F Exit (see Means of Egress) 1022, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 1027 Atrium 404.10, 1023.2 Boiler room 1006.2.1.1 Configuration 1007 Construction 713.2, 1019, 1023.2 Doorways 1007 Dwellings 1006.2.2.6, 1006.3.4.1 Electrical rooms 1006.2.2.4

    Enclosure 707.3.2, 1023.2 Fire resistance 707.3, 1019, 1023.2

    Furnace rooms 1006.2.2.1

    Group H-5 415.11.6.6 High rise 403.5, 403.6, 1025 Horizontal 707.3.5, 1026 Incinerator rooms 1006.2.2.1

    Interior finish Table 803.13, 804 Luminous 403.5.5, 411.4.1, 1008.2.1, 1013.5, 1025 Mall buildings 402.8 Number, minimum 402.8.3, 403.5,

    1006

    Occupant load 402.8.2, 1004.2, 1006.3.2

    Passageway 707.3.4, 1024 Ramps, exterior 1027 Ramps, interior 1023 Refrigerated room 1006.2.2.2, 1006.2.2.3 Refuge area 407.5.3, 408.6.2, 420.6.1, 422.3.2

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

    412.7.3

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

    Doors 1005.7, 1006.2, 1007, 1010,

    1022.2

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

  • CFC § 1012.7 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1012.7 Ramp construction. Ramps shall be built of materials consistent with the types permitted for the type of construction of the building, except that wood handrails shall be permitted for all types of construction.

    [BE] 1012.7.1 Ramp surface. The surface of ramps shall be of slip-resistant materials that are securely attached.

    [BE] 1012.7.2 Outdoor conditions. Outdoor ramps and outdoor approaches to ramps shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on walking surfaces.

    [BE] 1012.8 Handrails. Ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches (152 mm) shall have handrails on both sides. Handrails shall comply with Section 1014.

    [BE] 1012.9 Guards. Guards shall be provided where required by Section 1015 and shall be constructed in accordance with Section 1015.

    [BE] 1012.10 Edge protection. Edge protection complying with Section 1012.10.1 or 1012.10.2 shall be provided on each side of ramp runs and at each side of ramp landings.

    Exceptions:

    1. Edge protection is not required on ramps that are not required to have handrails, provided that they have flared sides that comply with the ICC A117.1 curb ramp provisions.

    2. Edge protection is not required on the sides of ramp landings serving an adjoining ramp run or stairway.

    3. Edge protection is not required on the sides of ramp landings having a vertical dropoff of not more than [1] / 2 inch (12.7 mm) within 10 inches (254 mm) horizontally of the required landing area.

    [BE] 1012.10.1 Curb, rail, wall or barrier. A curb, rail, wall or barrier shall be provided to serve as edge protection. A curb shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height. Barriers shall be constructed so that the barrier prevents the passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere, where any portion of the sphere is within 4 inches (102 mm) of the floor or ground surface.

    [BE] 1012.10.2 Extended floor or ground surface. The floor or ground surface of the ramp run or landing shall extend 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the inside face of a handrail complying with Section 1014.

    SECTION 1013—EXIT SIGNS

    [BE] 1013.1 Where required. Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign readily visible from any direction of egress travel. The path of egress travel to exits and within exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs to clearly indicate the direction of egress travel in cases where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the occupants. Intervening means of egress doors within exits shall be marked by exit signs. Exit sign placement shall be such that any point in an exit access corridor or exit passageway is within 100 feet (30 480 mm) or the listed viewing distance of the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible exit sign.

    Exceptions:

    1. Exit signs are not required in rooms or areas that require only one exit or exit access.

    2. Main exterior exit doors or gates that are obviously and clearly identifiable as exits need not have exit signs where approved by the fire code official.

  • CFC § 10-36 High relevance — show source text

    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

    1023 Interior Exit Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently asked questions

When exactly must a ramp have handrails?

Ramps with a vertical rise greater than 6 inches must have handrails on both sides; that requirement is in § 1012.8.

When is edge protection (a curb) required on a ramp?

Edge protection is required on each side of ramp runs and landings; one option is a curb at least 4 inches high or a barrier that prevents the passage of a 4‑inch sphere. Exceptions exist for ramps without required handrails that have compliant flared sides. See § 1012.10 and § 1012.10.1.

How much open area must an exterior exit stair have on its open side?

An exterior exit stair or ramp used for required egress must have at least 35 square feet of aggregate open area adjacent to each floor level and intermediate landing, with the opening located not less than 42 inches above the floor/landing. See § 1027.3.

Can an exterior stair be used as a required exit for a high‑rise?

No. For occupancies other than Group I‑2, exterior exit stairways and ramps shall not be used as required means of egress for buildings exceeding six stories above grade plane or for high‑rise buildings. See § 1027.2.

Are guards required on every ramp landing?

No. Guards are required where an open‑sided walking surface (including ramp landings) has a vertical drop of more than 30 inches measured to the floor or grade below within 36 inches horizontally of the edge. Otherwise, guards are not required by that rule. See § 1015.2.

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Components: doors, stairs, ramps, and guards

California Fire Code