1020.1.2 Public corridors.

Public corridors shall be fire-resistance rated in accordance with Table 1020.1.2.

Table 1020.1.2
Public Corridor Fire-Resistance Rating

Occupancy	Required Fire Resistance Rating (hours)
H-1, H-2, H-3	2
H-4, H-5	1
A, E, F, M, S, U	1
B	1 a
R (Noncombustible)	1 c
R (Combustible)	2 b
I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4	1

 

a.   Public corridors need not be fire-rated in high-rise buildings in occupancy Group B equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, where such building is provided with smokeproof enclosures in stairways in accordance with Section 403.5.4.

b.   Public corridors in buildings not exceeding two stories in height, or that are three stories in height and occupied by not more than one family on each story, may be constructed with one hour fire-resistance rating.

c.   Corridors serving accessory rooms or spaces in Group R-2 occupancies pursuant to Section 1004.1.1.2.3 shall be constructed with fire barriers with 1-hour fire-resistance rating, and 2-hour fire-resistance rating where the dead-end distance exceeds 40 feet (12 192 mm) in length.

1020.2 Width and capacity .

The required capacity of corridors shall be determined as specified in Section 1005, but the minimum width shall be not less than that specified in Table 1020.2.

   Exception: In Group I-2 occupancies, corridors are not required to have a clear width of 96 inches (2438.4 mm) in areas where there will not be stretcher or bed movement for access to care or as part of the defend-in-place strategy.

Table 1020.2
Minimum Corridor Width

Occupancy	Minimum Width (inches)
Any facilities not listed below	44
Access to and utilization of mechanical, plumbing or electrical systems or equipment	24
With an occupant load of 50 or less, except as otherwise required by Chapter 11	36
Within a dwelling unit, in Occupancy Groups I-1 and R-1, except as otherwise required by Section 1107	36
Within a dwelling unit, in Occupancy Groups R-2 and R-3, except as otherwise required by Section 1107	30
In Group E serving classrooms	66
In corridors and areas serving stretcher traffic in occupancies where patients receive outpatient medical care that causes the patients to be incapable of self-preservation	72
Group I-2 in areas where required for bed movement	96

 

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

1020.3 O bstruction.

The minimum width or required capacity of corridors shall be unobstructed.

   Exception: Encroachments complying with Section 1005.7.

1020.4 Dead ends.

Where more than one exit or exit access doorway is required, the exit access shall be arranged such that there are no dead ends in corridors more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length.

   Exceptions:

      1.   In occupancies in Group I-3 of Condition 2, 3 or 4, the dead end in a corridor shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

      2.   In occupancies in Groups B, E, F, I-1, M, R-1, S and U, where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the length of the dead-end corridors shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

      3.   Dead-end length not exceeding 2.5 times the least width of the dead-end corridor.

      4.   In occupancies in Group R-2, the dead end in a corridor shall not exceed 40 feet (12 192 mm). However, where the corridors are completely enclosed in construction having a 2-hour fire-resistance rating with all doors opening into the corridor being self-closing and having a fire-resistance rating of 1 1/2 hours, the length of dead-end corridor shall not exceed 80 feet (24 384 mm).

1020.5 Air movement in corridors.

Use of corridors as part of direct supply, return, or exhaust air system shall be subject to the limitations of the New York City Mechanical Code.

1020.5.1 Corridor ceiling.

Use of the space between the corridor ceiling and the floor or roof structure above as a return air plenum shall be in accordance with the New York City Mechanical Code.

1020.6 Corridor continuity.

Fire-resistance-rated corridors shall be continuous from the point of entry to an exit, and shall not be interrupted by intervening rooms.Where the path of egress travel within a fire-resistance-rated corridor to the exit includes travel along unenclosed exit access stairways or ramps, the fire-resistance rating shall be continuous for the length of the stairway or ramp and for the length of the connecting corridor on the adjacent floor leading to the exit.

   Exceptions:

      1.   Foyers, lobbies or reception rooms constructed as required for corridors shall not be construed as intervening rooms.

      2.   Enclosed elevator lobbies as permitted by Item 1 of Section 1016.2 shall not be construed as intervening rooms.