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Every building shall have not less than the minimum number of exits prescribed in Section 13-160-050, with the following exceptions:
(a) In existing buildings where exits do not comply with the requirements of Chapter 13-160 and in which hazardous conditions exist because of the number or location of exits, the building commissioner may order additional exits to insure adequate life safety of the occupants.
(b) Fire escapes may be permitted where such exits now serve existing buildings and may be added to existing buildings when additional exits are necessary, if conditions do not permit the use of more adequate exit facilities.
(c) Other means of fire escape, such as ladders or other devices, may be permitted in unusual circumstances and shall comply with such requirements as the building commissioner shall prescribe.
(d) In existing multiple dwellings, one exit shall be permitted from the basement, first or second story, provided that:
(1) The enclosed area of such floor or basement space is separated from all other areas by partitions of one hour rating;
(2) The enclosed area does not exceed 800 feet;
(3) The exit serves only one family on each story or basement, except that an exit from the basement or first story to grade may be shared by more than one unit.
((Prior code § 78.1-32; Amend Coun. J. 9-13-89, p. 4604; Amend Coun. J. 3-5-03, p. 104990, § 40; Amend Coun. J. 11-13-07, p. 14999, Art. II, § 1)