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.

1003.3.3 Horizontal projections.

Objects with leading edges more than 27 inches (685 mm) and not more than 80 inches (2032 mm) above the floor shall not project horizontally more than 4 inches (101.6 mm) into the circulation path.

   Exception: Handrails are permitted to protrude 4 1/2 inches (114.3 mm) from the wall.

(Am. L.L. 2023/077, 6/11/2023, eff. 6/11/2023)

Editor's note: For related unconsolidated provisions, see Appendix A at L.L. 2023/077.

1003.3.4 Clear width.

Protruding objects shall not reduce the minimum clear width of accessible routes.

1003.4 Floor surface.

Walking surfaces of the means of egress shall have a slip-resistant surface and be securely attached.

1003.5 Elevation change.

Where changes in elevation of less than 12 inches (304.8 mm) exist in the means of egress, sloped surfaces shall be used. Where the slope is greater than one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope), ramps complying with Section 1012 shall be used. Where the difference in elevation is 6 inches (152.4 mm) or less, the ramp shall be equipped with handrails or floor finish materials that contrast with adjacent floor finish materials.

   Exceptions: At locations that are not required to be accessible by Chapter 11:

      1.   A single step with a maximum riser height of 7 inches (177.8 mm) is permitted for buildings with occupancies in Groups F, H, R-2, R-3, S and U at exterior doors.

      2.   A step with a single riser or a stair with two risers and a tread is permitted where the risers and treads comply with Section 1011.5, the minimum depth of the tread is 13 inches (330 mm) and not less than one handrail complying with Section 1014 is provided within 30 inches (762 mm) of the centerline of the normal path of egress travel on the step or stair.

      3.   A step is permitted in aisles serving seating that has a difference in elevation less than 12 inches (304.8 mm) provided that the risers and treads comply with Section 1029.13 and the aisle is provided with a handrail complying with Section 1029.15.

Throughout a story in a Group I-2 occupancy, any change in elevation in portions of the means of egress that serve nonambulatory persons shall be by means of a ramp or sloped walkway.