Commercial Building Inspector B2General Administration, Permits, and PlansEasy
A commercial building inspector is reviewing plans for a new 1-story Group M mercantile building. The building has a total floor area of 8,000 square feet and is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system. What is the minimum number of exits required from this building?
- A1
- B3
- C2
- D4
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. 2
First, calculate the occupant load. For Group M (mercantile) with a floor area of 8,000 sq ft, and assuming a gross area factor of 60 sq ft per occupant (IBC Table 1004.5), the occupant load is 8000 / 60 = 133.33, rounded up to 134 occupants. According to IBC Table 1006.2.1, for an occupant load between 51 and 500, a minimum of 2 exits are required.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 1 exit is only permitted for very small occupant loads (typically less than 50) or specific conditions.
- B. 3 exits are required for occupant loads between 501 and 1000.
- D. 4 exits are required for occupant loads exceeding 1000.
Minimum Exits Calculation
The minimum number of exits from a building or story is determined by first calculating the occupant load based on the building's use and area, and then consulting the International Building Code (IBC) tables for the corresponding number of exits required for that occupant load.
- Requires occupant load calculation first.
- Occupant load factors vary by occupancy group.
- IBC Table 1006.2.1 specifies exit count by load.
Memory trick: The 'Load & Leave' calculation ensures enough doors for everyone.