CFC · California Fire Code

What are exit-access travel distance limits and dead-end rules?

Exit‑access travel distance is the measured path from the most remote point to an approved exit and must not exceed the values in Table 1017.2 (longer distances are allowed in some occupancies if sprinklers are provided). Dead‑end corridors and common path lengths have their own limits (commonly 20 ft dead‑end unless exceptions apply or sprinklers allow longer), and vertical routing is limited by CBC §1006.3.2; check the cited sections and tables for occupancy‑specific numeric limits.

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Last reviewed: July 6, 2026

What the code requires — 2-4 sentences

The California Fire Code sets maximum exit‑access travel distances for each occupancy group in §1017. Exit‑access travel distance is measured from the most remote point along the natural, unobstructed path to an approved exit and must not exceed the values in Table 1017.2 ; measurement rules (including stairways, ramps and atria) are in §1017.3 and subsections . Separately, dead‑end corridor limits and common path limits are specified (see §1104.18 and §1020.5) and vary by occupancy and sprinkler protection . The CBC's provision that the egress path shall not pass through more than one adjacent story (§1006.3.2) also affects acceptable egress routing where vertical travel is involved .

The single most important rule: Measure exit‑access travel from the most remote point along the natural, unobstructed path to an approved exit and do not exceed the limits in §1017 (Table 1017.2).

Requirements in detail

Key defined terms (first mentions bolded)

  • Exit‑access travel distance — distance from the most remote point to an approved exit along the natural/unobstructed path (see §1017.3) .
  • Dead‑end corridor — an exit access that terminates without a second path of egress (limits in §1104.18 and §1020.5) .
  • Common path of egress travel — the portion of egress where occupants are committed to a single path before having a choice of two routes (limits in Table 1104.18/§1104.18) .

How to measure exit‑access travel distance

  • Measurement is from the most remote point of a room, area or space, along the natural and unobstructed horizontal and vertical path to the entrance to an exit; where more than one exit is required, measure to the nearest exit (see §1017.3) .
  • Include travel on exit‑access stairways and ramps in the measurement; stair measurements are taken on a plane parallel/tangent to tread nosings at centerline; ramp measurements along the center of walking surface (see §1017.3.1) .
  • Special rules apply where egress goes through atria — portions within an atrium are limited (see §1017.3.2 and subsections) .
  • Routing that passes through more than one adjacent story is not permitted per §1006.3.2, with listed exceptions (important where stair/ramp routing between stories is used) .

Exit‑access travel distance limits (select occupancy groups)

Occupancy group Without sprinkler (ft) With approved sprinkler (ft) Code Reference
Assembly (A), Educational (E), Mercantile (M), Residential (R), Storage S‑1 200 250 §1017.2
Business (B) 200 300 §1017.2
Factory F‑2, Storage S‑2, Utility U 300 400 §1017.2
High‑hazard fabrication (H‑5, selective) Not permitted without sprinklers / 200–300 with conditions See §1017.2.3 §1017.2 / §1017.2.3 file
Notes: Table 1017.2 contains many occupancy‑specific values and footnotes; always check the full table for the occupancy or special footnote that applies (see §1017.2) .

Dead‑end and common path limits (summary)

Topic Typical limit (unsprinklered) Typical limit (sprinklered) Code Reference
Dead‑end corridor (many occupancies) 20 ft (some occupancies) or 50 ft (B, E, F, M, R, S, U with sprinklers per exceptions) Often increased to 50 ft where building is fully sprinklered; see occupancy table §1104.18 / §1020.5 file
Common path of egress travel Typically 75 ft unsprinklered (varies by occupancy) Often 75–100 ft sprinklered depending on occupancy — see Table 1104.18 §1104.18 / Table 1104.18
  • Table 1104.18 cross‑references occupancy‑specific dead‑end and common‑path limits and the corresponding egress access travel distances — consult that table for your occupancy because values differ across groups (see §1104.18 and Table 1104.18) .
  • The CFC also states a dead‑end corridor is not limited in length where its length is less than 2.5 times the least width of the corridor (an exception in §1104.18) .

Exceptions & special cases

  • Sprinklered buildings: many distances increase where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system (see footnotes to Table 1017.2 and Table 1104.18) file.
  • Certain high‑hazard and institutional occupancies are not permitted unsprinklered travel distances — some require sprinklers before any exit‑access travel is allowed (see §1017.2 notes) .
  • Atriums: where egress occurs through an atrium the portion of travel within the atrium has its own limits (see §1017.3.2.3) .
  • Path through stories: per §1006.3.2, the path of egress shall not pass through more than one adjacent story, except for the listed exceptions (e.g., some Group R and assembly conditions) — this can limit routing that would otherwise seem to comply horizontally .
  • Existing buildings: different (often more lenient) existing‑building provisions may apply (see CFC and Existing Building Code references in the table footnotes) .

Common mistakes

  • Measuring the wrong path: measuring “as the crow flies” instead of the natural, unobstructed path or forgetting to include travel on stairways/ramps (measurement rules are in §1017.3) .
  • Ignoring sprinklers: assuming unsprinklered limits apply when the building is sprinklered (or vice versa) — sprinkler status often changes allowable distances (see §1017.2 and Table 1017.2) .
  • Overlooking dead‑end exceptions: applying the generic 20 ft dead‑end rule without checking occupancy exceptions, corridor width ratio exception (2.5:1), or higher limits where sprinklers apply (see §1020.5 and §1104.18) file.
  • Routing through multiple stories: routing egress through more than one adjacent story in violation of §1006.3.2 (CBC) when no exception applies .

Worked example — concrete scenario

Scenario: a two‑story office floor (Group B) with no automatic sprinklers. A tenant's most remote workstation is 175 ft horizontally from Exit A following the corridor and 25 ft along an exit‑access stair to the exit entrance (total measured path 200 ft). Question: is that compliant?

  • For Group B unsprinklered the limit from Table 1017.2 is 200 ft (without sprinklers) .
  • Measure along the natural path: corridor (175 ft) + stair portion (25 ft) = 200 ft. Stair distance must be included per §1017.3.1 .
  • Result: exactly at the maximum 200 ft — compliant only if the measurement is correct and the path is unobstructed. If sprinklers were present the allowed distance would be 300 ft for Group B (Table 1017.2) .
  • Also confirm dead‑end and common path limits apply: ensure the corridor sections on the route meet any dead‑end limits in §1104.18/§1020.5 (e.g., dead‑end corridor lengths and exceptions) file.
  • Check vertical routing: ensure the egress path does not improperly pass through more than one adjacent story contrary to §1006.3.2 unless an exception applies .

Related provisions

  • §1017.2 (Table 1017.2 — exit‑access travel distances)
  • §1017.3 (measurement rules; stairs/ramps; atria)
  • §1104.18 (dead‑ends, common path and travel distance limits by occupancy; Table 1104.18)
  • §1020.5 (dead‑end corridor rule and exceptions)
  • §1006.3.2 (CBC: path of egress travel — limit on passing through adjacent stories; exceptions)
  • §1030.7 (assembly seating travel distance references back to §1017)

Code references

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

  • CFC § 0.0929 High relevance — show source text

    8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a. See Section 1030.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies.
    b. This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room, and from the
    room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy chapter.
    c. See Section 412 of the_California Building Code_ for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangars.
    d. Separation of exit access doors within a care recipient sleeping room, or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms, shall comply with Section 1105.5.6.
    e. In smoke compartments containing care recipient sleeping rooms and treatment rooms, dead-end_corridors_ shall comply with Section 1105.6.5.
    f. In Group I-2, Condition 2, care recipient sleeping rooms or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms shall comply with Section 1105.7.
    g. Where a tenant space in Group B, S and U occupancies has an occupant load of not more than 30, the length of a common path of egress travel shall be not more than 100
    feet.
    h. Where the building, or portion of the building, is limited to one story and the height from the finished floor to the bottom of the ceiling or roof slab or deck is 24 feet or more,
    the exit access travel distance is increased to 400 feet.
    i.
    For covered and open malls, the exit access travel distance is increased to 400 feet.
    j.
    Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
    k. Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
    l.
    Group H occupancies equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.|NR = No Requirements.
    For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a. See Section 1030.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies.
    b. This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room, and from the
    room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy chapter.
    c. See Section 412 of the_California Building Code_ for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangars.
    d. Separation of exit access doors within a care recipient sleeping room, or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms, shall comply with Section 1105.5.6.
    e. In smoke compartments containing care recipient sleeping rooms and treatment rooms, dead-end_corridors_ shall comply with Section 1105.6.5.
    f. In Group I-2, Condition 2, care recipient sleeping rooms or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms shall comply with Section 1105.7.
    g. Where a tenant space in Group B, S and U occupancies has an occupant load of not more than 30, the length of a common path of egress travel shall be not more than 100
    feet.
    h.

  • CFC § 304.8 High relevance — show source text

    l| |Group H-2|50|100l|0|0|75|100j, l| |Group H-3|50|100l|20|20|100|150j, l| |Group H-4|75|75l|20|20|150|175j, l| |Group H-5|75|75l|20|50|150|200j, l| |Group I-1|75|75j|20|50|200|250j| |Group I-2|Notes d, e, f|Notes d, e, f, j|Note e|Note e|150|200b, j| |Group I-3|100|100j|NR|NR|150b|200b, j| |Group I-4|NR|NR|20|20|200|250j| |Group M|75|100j|50|50|200|250i, j| |Group R-1|75|75j, k|50|50|200|250j, k| |Group R-2|75|125j, k|50|50|200|250j, k| |Group R-3|NR|NR|NR|NR|NR|NR| |Group R-4|NR|NR|NR|NR|NR|NR| |Group U|75g|100j|20|50|300|400j| |NR = No Requirements.
    For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a. See Section 1030.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies.
    b. This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room, and from the
    room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy chapter.
    c. See Section 412 of the_California Building Code_ for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangars.
    d. Separation of exit access doors within a care recipient sleeping room, or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms, shall comply with Section 1105.5.6.
    e. In smoke compartments containing care recipient sleeping rooms and treatment rooms, dead-end_corridors_ shall comply with Section 1105.6.5.
    f. In Group I-2, Condition 2, care recipient sleeping rooms or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms shall comply with Section 1105.7.
    g. Where a tenant space in Group B, S and U occupancies has an occupant load of not more than 30, the length of a common path of egress travel shall be not more than 100
    feet.
    h. Where the building, or portion of the building, is limited to one story and the height from the finished floor to the bottom of the ceiling or roof slab or deck is 24 feet or more,
    the exit access travel distance is increased to 400 feet.
    i.
    For covered and open malls, the exit access travel distance is increased to 400 feet.
    j.
    Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
    k.

  • CFC § 903.3.1.2. High relevance — show source text

    Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
    l.
    Group H occupancies equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.|NR = No Requirements.
    For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a. See Section 1030.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies.
    b. This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room, and from the
    room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy chapter.
    c. See Section 412 of the_California Building Code_ for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangars.
    d. Separation of exit access doors within a care recipient sleeping room, or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms, shall comply with Section 1105.5.6.
    e. In smoke compartments containing care recipient sleeping rooms and treatment rooms, dead-end_corridors_ shall comply with Section 1105.6.5.
    f. In Group I-2, Condition 2, care recipient sleeping rooms or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms shall comply with Section 1105.7.
    g. Where a tenant space in Group B, S and U occupancies has an occupant load of not more than 30, the length of a common path of egress travel shall be not more than 100
    feet.
    h. Where the building, or portion of the building, is limited to one story and the height from the finished floor to the bottom of the ceiling or roof slab or deck is 24 feet or more,
    the exit access travel distance is increased to 400 feet.
    i.
    For covered and open malls, the exit access travel distance is increased to 400 feet.
    j.
    Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
    k. Buildings equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
    l.
    Group H occupancies equipped with an_approved_ automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.2.5.|NR = No Requirements.
    For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a. See Section 1030.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies.
    b. This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums. For travel distance within the room, and from the
    room exit access door to the exit, see the appropriate occupancy chapter.
    c. See Section 412 of the_California Building Code_ for special requirements on spacing of doors in aircraft hangars.
    d. Separation of exit access doors within a care recipient sleeping room, or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms, shall comply with Section 1105.5.6.
    e. In smoke compartments containing care recipient sleeping rooms and treatment rooms, dead-end_corridors_ shall comply with Section 1105.6.5.
    f. In Group I-2, Condition 2, care recipient sleeping rooms or any suite that includes care recipient sleeping rooms shall comply with Section 1105.7.
    g.

  • CFC § 2.3. High relevance — show source text

    MEANS OF EGRESS

    2.3. The stockroom is not subject to locking from the egress side. 2.4. There is a demarcated, minimum 44-inch-wide (1118 mm) aisle defined by full- or partial-height fixed walls or similar construction that will maintain the required width and lead directly from the retail area to the exit without obstructions.

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

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

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

    SECTION 1017—EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCE

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

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

    [BE] TABLE 1017.2—EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL DISTANCEa Col2 Col3
    OCCUPANCY WITHOUT AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM
    (feet)    		 WITH AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM
    (feet)
    A, E, F-1, M, R, S-1 200 250b, e
    R-2.1 Not Permitted 250b
    B 200 300c
    F-2, S-2, U 300 400c
    H-1 Not Permitted 75d
    H-2 Not Permitted 100d
    H-3 Not Permitted 150d
    H-4 Not Permitted 175d
    H-5 Not Permitted 200c
    I-2, I-3_f_ Not Permitted 200c
    I-4 150 200c
    L Not Permitted 200c
    For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
    a. See the following sections for modifications to exit access travel distance requirements:
    Section 402.8 of the_California Building Code_: For the distance limitation in malls.
    Section 407.4 of the_California Building Code_: For the distance limitation in Group I-2.
    Section 408.3.10 of the California Building Code: For increased limitation in Group I-3.
    Sections 408.6.1 and 408.8.1 of the_California Building Code_: For the distance limitations in Group I-3.
    Section 411.2 of the_California Building Code_: For the distance limitation in special amusement areas.
  • CFC § 1104.17.1 High relevance — show source text

    Exceptions:

    1. Corridors in occupancies other than in Group H, that are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.
    2. Corridors in occupancies in Group E where each room utilized for instruction or assembly has not less than one-half of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior of the building at ground level.
    3. Corridors that are in accordance with the California Building Code .

    1104.17.1 Corridor openings. Openings in corridor walls shall comply with the requirements of the California Building Code .

    Exceptions:

    1. Where 20-minute fire door assemblies are required, solid wood doors not less than 1.75 inches (44 mm) thick or insulated steel doors are allowed.

    2. Openings protected with fixed wire glass set in steel frames.

    3. Openings covered with 0.5-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum wallboard or 0.75-inch (19.1 mm) plywood on the room side.

    4. Opening protection is not required where the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system.

    1104.18 Dead ends. Where more than one exit or exit access doorway is required, the exit access shall be arranged such that dead ends do not exceed the limits specified in Table 1104.18.

    Exceptions:

    1. A dead-end corridor shall not be limited in length where the length of the dead-end corridor is less than 2.5 times the least width of the dead-end corridor.

    11-16 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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

    CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

    1. In existing buildings, existing dead-end corridors shall be permitted to comply with lengths established in Section 804.8 of the California Existing Building Code . Any newly constructed dead-end corridors within an existing building shall be limited to the lengths allowed by the California Building Code .
    TABLE 1104.18—COMMON PATH, DEAD-END AND TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMITS (by occupancy) Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7
    OCCUPANCY COMMON PATH OF
    ** EGRESS TRAVEL LIMIT**    		 COMMON PATH OF
    ** EGRESS TRAVEL LIMIT**    		 DEAD-END LIMIT DEAD-END LIMIT EGRESS ACCESS
    TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMIT    		 EGRESS ACCESS
    TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMIT
    OCCUPANCY Unsprinklered
    (feet)    		 Sprinklered
    (feet)    		 Unsprinklered
    (feet)    		 Sprinklered
    (feet)j    		 Unsprinklered
    (feet)    		 Sprinklered
    (feet)
    Group A 75 20/75j 20a 20a 200 250j
    Group Bh 75g 100j 50 50 200 300j
    Group E 75 75j 20 50 200 250j
    Group F-1, S-1 75g 100j 50 50 200c 250c, h, j
    Group F-2,
  • CFC § 1017.2.2 High relevance — show source text

    [BE] 1017.2.2 Groups F-1 and S-1 increase. The maximum exit access travel distance shall be 400 feet (122 m) in Group F-1 or S-1 occupancies where all of the following conditions are met:

    1. The portion of the building classified as Group F-1 or S-1 is limited to one story in height.
    2. The minimum height from the finished floor to the bottom of the ceiling or roof slab or deck is 24 feet (7315 mm).
    3. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

    [BE] 1017.2.3 Group H-5 increase. The maximum exit access travel distance shall be 300 feet (91 m) in the fabrication areas of Group H-5 occupancies where all of the following conditions are met:

    1. The width of the fabrication area is 300 feet (91 m) or greater.
    2. The area of the fabrication area is 220,000 square feet (18 600 m [2] ) or greater.
    3. The height of the fabrication area, measured between the raised metal floor and the clean filter ceiling, is 16 feet (48 768 mm) or greater.
    4. The supply ventilation rate is 20 cubic feet per minute per square foot (0.556 m [3] /min/m [2] ) or greater and shall remain operational.

    [BE] 1017.3 Measurement. Exit access travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point of each room, area or space along the natural and unobstructed path of horizontal and vertical egress travel to the entrance to an exit. Where more than one exit is required, exit access travel distance shall be measured to the nearest exit.

    Exceptions:

    1. In open parking garages, exit access travel distance is permitted to be measured to the closest riser of an exit access stairway or the closest slope of an exit access ramp.
    2. In smoke-protected seating and open-air assembly seating, exit access travel distance shall be measured in accordance with Section 1030.7.

    [BE] 1017.3.1 Exit access stairways and ramps. Travel distance on exit access stairways or ramps shall be included in the exit access travel distance measurement. The measurement along stairways shall be made on a plane parallel and tangent to the stair tread nosings in the center of the stair and landings. The measurement along ramps shall be made on the walking surface in the center of the ramp and landings.

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

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

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

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

  • CFC § 1305.2.12 High relevance — show source text
    1. Category d—The number of exits provided exceeds the number of exits required by Section 1006 of the International Building Code . Exits shall be located a distance apart from each other equal to not less than that specified in Section 1007 of the International Building Code .
    2. Category e—The area being evaluated meets both Categories c and d.

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

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

    1305.2.12.1 Categories. The categories for dead ends are:

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

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

    Equation 13-7

    Points = 20

    Maximum allowable – Maximum actual

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

  • CFC § 1104.18 High relevance — show source text
    TABLE 1104.18—COMMON PATH, DEAD-END AND TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMITS (by occupancy) Col2 Col3 Col4 Col5 Col6 Col7
    OCCUPANCY COMMON PATH OF
    ** EGRESS TRAVEL LIMIT**    		 COMMON PATH OF
    ** EGRESS TRAVEL LIMIT**    		 DEAD-END LIMIT DEAD-END LIMIT EGRESS ACCESS
    TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMIT    		 EGRESS ACCESS
    TRAVEL DISTANCE LIMIT
    OCCUPANCY Unsprinklered
    (feet)    		 Sprinklered
    (feet)    		 Unsprinklered
    (feet)    		 Sprinklered
    (feet)j    		 Unsprinklered
    (feet)    		 Sprinklered
    (feet)
    Group A 75 20/75j 20a 20a 200 250j
    Group Bh 75g 100j 50 50 200 300j
    Group E 75 75j 20 50 200 250j
    Group F-1, S-1 75g 100j 50 50 200c 250c, h, j
    Group F-2, S-2 75g 100j 50 50 300 400j
    Group H-1 25 25l 0 0 75 75j, l
    Group H-2 50 100l 0 0 75 100j, l
    Group H-3 50 100l 20 20 100 150j, l
    Group H-4 75 75l 20 20 150 175j, l
    Group H-5 75 75l 20 50 150 200j, l
    Group I-1 75 75j 20 50 200 250j
    Group I-2 Notes d, e, f Notes d, e, f, j Note e Note e 150 200b, j
    Group I-3 100 100j NR NR 150b 200b, j
    Group I-4 NR NR 20 20 200 250j
    Group M 75 100j 50 50 200 250i, j
    Group R-1 75 75j, k 50 50 200 250j, k
    Group R-2 75 125j, k 50 50 200 250j, k
    Group R-3 NR NR NR NR NR NR
    Group R-4 NR NR NR NR NR NR
    Group U 75g 100j 20 50 300 400j
    NR = No Requirements.
    For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
    a. See Section 1030.9.5 for dead-end aisles in Group A occupancies.
    b. This dimension is for the total travel distance, assuming incremental portions have fully utilized their allowable maximums.
  • CFC § 1030.6.2.3 High relevance — show source text

    accessway.

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

    Exceptions:

    1. The floor area used for contests, performances or entertainment provided that the roof construction is more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) above the floor level and the use is restricted to low fire hazard uses.
    2. Press boxes and storage facilities less than 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) in area.

    [BE] 1030.6.3 Open-air assembly seating. In open-air assembly seating, the required capacity in inches (mm) of aisles shall be not less than the total occupant load served by the egress element multiplied by 0.08 (2.0 mm) where egress is by stepped aisle and multiplied by 0.06 (1.52 mm) where egress is by level aisles and ramped aisles.

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

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

    Exceptions:

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

    1030.6.3.2 Public address system. See Section 907.2.1.1.

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

    Exceptions:

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

    1.3. An exit.

    1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type III, IV or V construction, the total exit access travel distance to one of the following shall not exceed 400 feet (122 m). 2.1. The closest riser of an exit access stairway. 2.2. The closest slope of an exit access ramp.

    2.3. An exit.

    1. In facilities with open-air assembly seating of Type I or II construction, the exit access travel distance shall not be limited.
  • CFC § 1305.2.12.1 High relevance — show source text

    For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.|a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.|a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.|a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.|a. For dead-end distances between categories, the dead-end value shall be obtained by linear interpolation.|

    1305.2.12.1 Categories. The categories for dead ends are:

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

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

    Equation 13-7

    Points = 20

    Maximum allowable – Maximum actual

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

    1305.2.14 Elevator control. Evaluate the passenger elevator equipment and controls that are available to the fire department to reach all occupied floors. Emergency recall and in-car operation of elevators shall be provided in accordance with the Interna- tional Fire Code . Under the categories and occupancies in Table 1305.2.14, determine the appropriate value and enter that value into Table 1306.1 under Safety Parameter 1305.2.14, Elevator Control, for fire safety, means of egress and general safety. The values shall be zero for a single-story building.

  • CFC § 1224.4.7.1 Medium relevance — show source text

    See California Building Code Section 1224.4.7.1 for Group I-2._|For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
    a. See California Building Code Section 1224.4.7.1 for Group I-2.|

    [BE] 1020.4 Obstruction. The minimum width or required capacity of corridors shall be unobstructed.

    Exception: Encroachments complying with Section 1005.7.

    [BE] 1020.5 Dead ends. Where more than one exit or exit access doorway is required, the exit access shall be arranged such that dead-end corridors do not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) in length.

    Exceptions:

    1. In Group I-3, Condition 2, 3 or 4 occupancies, the dead end in a corridor shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

    2. In occupancies in Groups B, E, F, I-1, M, R-1, R-2, R-2.1, R-2.2, S and U, where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the length of the dead-end corridors shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

    3. A dead-end corridor shall not be limited in length where the length of the dead-end corridor is less than 2.5 times the least width of the dead-end corridor.

    4. In Group I-2 occupancies, where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the length of dead-end corridors that do not serve patient rooms or patient treatment spaces shall not exceed 30 feet (9144 mm).

    [BE] 1020.6 Air movement in corridors. Corridors shall not serve as supply, return, exhaust, relief or ventilation air ducts.

    Exceptions:

    1. Use of a corridor as a source of makeup air for exhaust systems in small rooms of 30 square feet or less that open directly onto such corridors, including toilet rooms, bathrooms, dressing rooms, smoking lounges and janitor closets, shall be permitted, provided that each such corridor is directly supplied with outdoor air at a rate greater than the rate of makeup air taken from the corridor.
    2. Where located within a dwelling unit, the use of corridors for conveying return air shall not be prohibited.
    3. Where located within tenant spaces of 1,000 square feet (93 m [2] ) or less in area, utilization of corridors for conveying return air is permitted.
    4. Transfer air movement required to maintain the pressurization difference within health care facilities and Group L occu- pancies, in accordance with ASHRAE 170. 5. For health care facilities under the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), see the California Mechanical Code.

    [BE] 1020.6.1 Corridor ceiling. Use of the space between the corridor ceiling and the floor or roof structure above as a return air plenum is permitted for one or more of the following conditions:

    1. The corridor is not required to be of fire-resistance-rated construction.
    2. The corridor is separated from the plenum by fire-resistance-rated construction.
    3. The air-handling system serving the corridor is shut down upon activation of the air-handling unit smoke detectors required by the California Mechanical Code .

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which distance in Table 1017.2 applies to my space?

Identify your occupancy group, whether the building is equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system, and any occupancy footnotes — then use Table 1017.2 in §1017.2 to find the limit .

Does travel on an interior stair count toward the travel distance?

Yes. Travel on exit‑access stairways and ramps is included; measure along a plane tangent to tread nosings at centerline for stairs and along the center of ramps per §1017.3.1 .

What is the typical dead‑end limit for corridors?

The basic dead‑end limit in many occupancies is 20 ft, but for many occupancies (and where the building is sprinklered) longer dead ends (commonly 50 ft) are allowed — check §1104.18 and §1020.5 for occupancy‑specific values and exceptions file.

Can I route egress through more than one story?

Not generally — §1006.3.2 (CBC) prohibits the path of egress passing through more than one adjacent story except for specific exceptions (e.g., certain Group R, atrium, open parking garage, smoke‑protected assembly seating conditions) .

If I add sprinklers, do my distances automatically increase?

Adding approved automatic sprinklers can increase allowable travel distances where the Tables/footnotes say so — verify the specific occupancy’s allowances and any applicable conditions in §1017.2 and Table 1104.18 file.

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