Section BC 407: Group I-2

407.1 General.

Occupancies in Group I-2 shall comply with the provisions of Sections 407.1 through 407.10 and other applicable provisions of this code.

407.2 Corridors continuity and separation .

Corridors in occupancies in Group I-2 shall be continuous to the exits and shall be separated from other areas in accordance with Section 407.3 except spaces conforming to Sections 407.2.1 through 407.2.6.

407.2.1 Waiting and similar areas.

Waiting areas and similar spaces constructed as required for corridors shall be permitted to be open to a corridor, only where all of the following criteria are met:

   1.   The spaces are not occupied as care recipient's sleeping rooms, treatment rooms, incidental uses in accordance with Section 509, or hazardous uses.

   2.   The open space is protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.

   3.   The corridors onto which the spaces open, in the same smoke compartment, are protected by an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907, or the smoke compartment in which the spaces are located is equipped throughout with quick-response sprinklers in accordance with Section 903.3.2.

   4.   The space is arranged so as not to obstruct access to the required exits.

407.2.2 Care providers' stations.

Spaces for care providers', supervisory staff, doctors' and nurses' charting, communications and related clerical areas shall be permitted to be open to the corridor, where such spaces are constructed as required for corridors.

407.2.3 Psychiatric treatment areas.

Areas wherein psychiatric care recipients who are not capable of self-preservation are housed, or group meeting or multipurpose therapeutic spaces other than incidental uses in accordance with Section 509, under continuous supervision by facility staff, shall be permitted to be open to the corridor, where the following criteria are met:

   1.   Each area does not exceed 1,500 square feet (140 m 2 ).

   2.   The area is located to permit supervision by the facility staff.

   3.   The area is arranged so as not to obstruct any access to the required exits.

   4.   The area is equipped with an automatic fire detection system installed in accordance with Section 907.2.

   5.   Not more than one such space is permitted in any one smoke compartment.

   6.   The walls and ceilings of the space are constructed as required for corridors.

407.2.4 Gift shops.

Gift shops and associated storage that are less than 500 square feet (46 m 2 ) in area shall be permitted to be open to the corridor where such spaces are constructed as required for corridors.