Section BC 1003: General Means of Egress

1003.1 Applicability.

The general requirements specified in Sections 1003 through 1015 shall apply to all three elements of the means of egress system, in addition to those specific requirements for the exit access, the exit and the exit discharge detailed elsewhere in this chapter.

1003.2 Ceiling height.

The means of egress shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet, 6 inches (2286 mm).

Exceptions:

   1.   Ceilings that are permitted to be less than 7 feet, 6 inches (2286 mm) in accordance with Section 1208.2.

   2.   Ceilings of dwelling units and sleeping units within residential occupancies in accordance with Section 1208.2.

   3.   Allowable projections in accordance with Section 1003.3.

   4.   Stair headroom in accordance with Section 1011.3.

   5.   Door height in accordance with Section 1010.1.1.3.

   6.   Ramp headroom in accordance with Section 1012.5.2.

   7.   The clear height of floor levels in vehicular and pedestrian traffic areas in of public and private parking garages in accordance with Section 406.4.1.

   8.   Areas above and below mezzanine floors in accordance with Section 505.2.

1003.3 Protruding objects.

Protruding objects on circulation paths shall comply with the requirements of Sections 1003.3.1 through 1003.3.4.

1003.3.1 Headroom.

Protruding objects are permitted to extend below the minimum ceiling height required by Section 1003.2 where a minimum headroom of 84 inches (2133.6 mm) is provided over any walking surface, including walks, corridors, aisles and passageways. Not more than 50 percent of the ceiling area of a means of egress shall be reduced in height by protruding objects.

   Exception: Door closers and stops shall not reduce headroom to less than 78 inches (1981.2 mm).

A barrier shall be provided where the vertical clearance is less than 80 inches (2032 mm) high. The leading edge of such a barrier shall be located 27 inches (685 mm) maximum above the floor.

1003.3.2 Post-mounted objects.

A free-standing object mounted on a post or pylon shall not overhang that post or pylon more than 4 inches (101.6 mm) where the lowest point of the leading edge is more than 27 inches (685 mm) and less than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the walking surface. Where a sign or other obstruction is mounted between posts or pylons and the clear distance between the posts or pylons is greater than 12 inches (304.8 mm), the lowest edge of such sign or obstruction shall be 27 inches (685 mm) maximum or 80 inches (2032 mm) minimum above the finished floor or ground.

   Exception: These requirements shall not apply to sloping portions of handrails between the top and bottom riser of stairs and above the ramp run.