A building inspector is reviewing the construction documents for a renovation project in an existing five-story Group B office building. The renovation involves changing the occupancy classification of a portion of the third floor from office to a Group A-3 assembly space with an occupant load of 75. The existing building does not have an accessible means of egress from the third floor. According to IBC Chapter 11 (Accessibility) and Chapter 34 (Existing Buildings), what is the minimum number of accessible means of egress required from the third floor?
- A3
- B0
- C2
- D1
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 1
According to IBC Section 1009.1, at least one accessible means of egress is required from each accessible story. Since the third floor will now contain a Group A-3 assembly space, it becomes an accessible story, regardless of its location. IBC Chapter 34 for existing buildings generally requires existing elements to comply with the current code to the maximum extent feasible when alterations occur. A change of occupancy to an assembly space with 75 occupants would trigger the need for an accessible means of egress from that floor. Therefore, at least one accessible means of egress is required.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Three accessible means of egress are typically for very large occupant loads or high-hazard occupancies, not a standard minimum for this scenario.
- B. 0 accessible means of egress would only be permissible if the floor were not required to be accessible, which is not the case for a new Group A-3 space.
- C. Two accessible means of egress are generally required for stories with two required exits, but only one needs to be accessible unless otherwise specified for specific uses or large occupant loads.
Accessible Means of Egress (Existing Buildings)
An accessible means of egress is a continuous, unobstructed path of travel from any accessible point in a building to a public way, required in accessible stories.
- Mandated by IBC Section 1009.1.
- Required from each accessible story.
- Alterations in existing buildings may trigger compliance.
Memory trick: Existing building, new accessible space? One accessible exit, no debate.