(a) Where there is only one separate dwelling unit on the second story of a residential building, a single interior stairway may be accepted as the approved means of egress, provided that it exits into an approved front or side yard or other approved area and passage to an exit door is not through a bathroom or sleeping room of another dwelling or rooming unit. Where there is more than one dwelling unit on a second story, or where there are more than two stories, a minimum of two approved exitways shall be provided to serve those dwelling units located above or below the first story. One of the required exitways shall be enclosed and exit into an approved front or side yard area. Passage to the required exitways shall not be through a habitable room of another dwelling unit, rooming unit or bathroom. However, two or more dwelling units on a second story may be served by a single stairway, if such stairway is enclosed by one-hour, fire-resistant materials, provided that the second story does not exceed 2,400 square feet in floor area and the distance from the dwelling units to the stairway does not exceed 50 feet.
(b) Where a structure contains mixed occupancy composed of a dwelling unit and a nonresidential use, then the nonresidential use shall be separate from other portions of the building by construction affording a three-quarter hour fire rating and every dwelling unit above or below the first floor shall be provided with exitways as set forth in the State Building Code.
(Ord. 11-1977, passed 5-16-1977)