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Measuring Exit Access Travel Distances

October 10, 2022 by Nick Ostrowski

The exit access configuration within a building is impacted by multiple code requirements to ensure that occupants can safely reach an exit and continue to the exit discharge. One of the major limitations that is required to be evaluated when configuring the exit access arrangement is Exit Access Travel Distance. Exit Access Travel Distances are limitations that identify the maximum distance from any point of a story to an exit. These are measured along the exit path from the most remote point of a story along the natural and unobstructed path of horizontal and vertical egress travel to the entrance to an exit (2015 IBC 1017.3). An exit can include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways and ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairs and ramps and horizontal exits.

Although IBC Section 1017.3 and NFPA 101 Section 7.6 outline how this measurement is taken, there are some common questions raised specific to this process given the different components exit access configurations consist of. The following include a few clarifications to address some these misconceptions while measuring Exit Access Travel Distances:

• Travel Distances are measured to the nearest exit , not all exits. The most remote point on the floor is required to be within the exit access travel distance limitations to any one exit on the floor.
• Often, travel distances change throughout the design of a project. Introducing new furniture or wall partitions for a tenant fitout or alternate furniture layout on a floor may obstruct an existing exit access path. As a result, the new exit access path could exceed the maximum travel distance beyond what is permitted. As design changes take place, it should be confirmed that compliant exit access travel distances are maintained.
• If an exit access stairway or ramp is provided along the path of travel, the Exit Access Travel Distance includes the travel down the exit access stairway/ ramp. The measurement along exit access stairways is required to be made on a plane parallel and tangent to the stair tread nosing’s in the center of the stair and landings. The measurement along ramps is required to be made on the walking surface in the center of the ramp and landings.

It is important to understand how to measure exit access travel distances. If you have any questions on or concerns about this information, please contact our office at [email protected] .

Application of any information provided, for any use, is at the reader’s risk and without liability to Code Red Consultants. Code Red Consultants does not warrant the accuracy of any information contained in this blog as applicable codes and standards change over time. The application, enforcement and interpretation of codes and standards may vary between Authorities Having Jurisdiction and for this reason, registered design professionals should be consulted to determine the appropriate application of codes and standards to a specific scope of work.

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• Codes and Standards

The IBC’s modification to exit access travel distance

Understanding the international building code’s increase for group f-1 and s-1 occupancy..

The 2015 International Building Code includes a key modification, increasing the length of exit access travel distance from 250 ft to 400 ft (if it meets specific criteria) for buildings containing Group F-1 and/or S-1 occupancy.

This change is significant to the design industry, building owners and occupants of large distribution and manufacturing facilities. Understanding the code’s implications for your existing and future facilities will ensure you’re properly prepared. A brief timeline of exit access travel distance

• 1994: In the 1994 Uniform Building Code, the exit access travel distance in a building protected with a fire sprinkler system was typically 200 ft. The exit access travel distance could be increased to 400 ft when facilities storing or manufacturing noncombustible products were provided with smoke/heat vents in addition to the fire sprinkler system.
• 1997: In the 1997 Uniform Building Code, this section was revised to allow this increase to apply to all warehouses and factories if they were protected with a fire sprinkler system and smoke/heat vents. This exit access travel distance increase resulted in larger buildings with open, undivided areas. A typical warehouse ranged from 600 to 700 ft wide. As buildings continued to grow, 600 ft became the narrow dimension for a warehouse, with many buildings exceeding 1000 ft in length.
• 2009/2012: The 2009/2012 editions of the International Building Code were revised to eliminate the 400 ft exit travel distance for large Group S-1 warehouses and large Group F-1 manufacturing facilities equipped with smoke and heat vents. This change was made because thermally activated vents were judged not to warrant such an increase.

The effects of eliminating the 400 ft exit travel distance

Due to the 400 ft loss, designers had to modify new warehouse and manufacturing facilities’ proportions or incur the cost of providing additional exits. And while it was clear to many in the industry that the original rationale for 400 ft was faulty, eliminating the requirement in its entirety was not an option.

The industry focused on ways to increase the travel distance for large buildings containing Group F-1 and/or S-1 occupancy.

Task group 400

An industry group in California came together as "Task Group 400" and conducted a fire modeling study, which demonstrated that the vast volume of large buildings could be used to contain smoke.

The group’s report was reviewed by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office and presented to the California Building Standard Commission, requesting a reinstatement of the 400 ft travel distance without any special protection, provided all of the following are met:

1. The portion of the building classified as Group F-1 or S-1 is limited to one story in height.

2. The minimum height from the finished floor to the bottom of the ceiling or roof slab or deck is 24 ft.

3. The building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with section 903.3.1.1.

The exit access travel distance reversal was successfully passed, and California adopted an amended version of the 2009 International Building Code as the 2010 California Building Code.

California’s code change was later adopted into the 2015 edition of the International Building Code – the model code for most states.It should be noted that, although code no longer requires smoke and heat vents for this travel distance increase, vents or mechanical smoke removal system, are still required by Section 910.3 and 910.4  for Group S-1 and F-1 buildings of more than 50,000 sq ft. There are exceptions, however, for frozen food warehouses and areas with specific types of sprinkler systems.

Sonja Antunovic-Curcic has over 15 years of experience in architectural design. She has a strong technical background and ability to effectively transform challenges into opportunities. Her experience involves design of new buildings, expansions or alterations to existing buildings. This article originally appeared on Stellar Food for Thoughts . Stellar is a CFE Media content partner. Edited by Joy Chang, digital project manager, CFE Media, [email protected]

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our CFE Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.

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Travel distance with an exterior stair

• Thread starter Amber
• Start date Apr 12, 2017

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• Apr 12, 2017

I am working on a 3 story multi-family project. There are 4 units on each floor that exit into an open to air stair that is nestled between the 4 units. I have a plan, but I don't see the option for uploading images on this forum. I am wondering when calculating travel distance, do I need to calc the distance from the far corner of the 3rd story unit and include the distance down the open stair? My understanding is that you can stop your travel distance when you reach a rated enclosure. I don't believe an exterior stair would count as that. When I've done open stairs that are interior to the building I've understood that you need to calc your travel distance to include the travel down the open stair to the exterior door.  

Sawhorse 123

Welcome!!!! So thoughts on living around Salida???  

Paying to be sawhorse level lets you upload stuff,,,,plus helps support this site Some take a picture and can link it  

Great article along with others will post answers RGLA http://www.specsandcodes.com/articles/code_corner/The Code Corner No. 29 - Travel Distance.pdf  

New construction or existing? What codes do you use? You should be able to do 125' from the furthest point in the 3rd floor unit to the bottom of the stairs if that works for you...  

Thanks. My stairs look like they qualify as an exterior exit stair per IBC 2012 1026, so looks like I can stop measuring my travel distance when I get to an "exit" which includes an exterior exit stair. For the guy that asked about Salida, it's a nice little town. Can't go wrong with rural Colorado in my opinion! Although it is a little far from any kind of real civilization.  

Amber said: Thanks. My stairs look like they qualify as an exterior exit stair per IBC 2012 1026, so looks like I can stop measuring my travel distance when I get to an "exit" which includes an exterior exit stair. For the guy that asked about Salida, it's a nice little town. Can't go wrong with rural Colorado in my opinion! Although it is a little far from any kind of real civilization. Click to expand...

You can stop your travel distance at the top if you can meet the following section's exceptions Exception 1 does not apply you are over 2 stories Exception 4 may work if you meet all 5 items Simple solution rate the walls and doors next to the stairs and no windows with 10 feet of the stairs 1026.6 Exterior stairway and ramp protection. Exterior exit stairways and ramps shall be separated from the interior of the building as required in Section 1022.2. Openings shall be limited to those necessary for egress from normally occupied spaces. Exceptions: 1. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for occupancies, other than those in Group R-1 or R-2, in buildings that are no more than two stories above grade plane where a level of exit discharge serving such occupancies is the first story above grade plane. 2. Separation from the interior of the building is not required where the exterior stairway or ramp is served by an exterior ramp or balcony that connects two remote exterior stairways or other approved exits with a perimeter that is not less than 50 percent open. To be considered open, the opening shall be a minimum of 50 percent of the height of the enclosing wall, with the top of the openings no less than 7 feet (2134 mm) above the top of the balcony. 3. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for an exterior stairway or ramp located in a building or structure that is permitted to have unenclosed exit access stairways in accordance with Section 1009.3. 4. Separation from the interior of the building is not required for exterior stairways or ramps connected to open-ended corridors, provided that Items 4.1 through 4.5 are met: 4.1. The building, including corridors, stairways or ramps, shall be equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. 4.2. The open-ended corridors comply with Section 1018. 4.3. The open-ended corridors are connected on each end to an exterior exit stairway or ramp complying with Section 1026. 4.4. The exterior walls and openings adjacent to the exterior exit stairway or ramp comply with Section 1022.7. 4.5. At any location in an open-ended corridor where a change of direction exceeding 45 degrees (0.79 rad) occurs, a clear opening of not less than 35 square feet (3.3 m2) or an exterior stairway or ramp shall be provided. Where clear openings are provided, they shall be located so as to minimize the accumulation of smoke or toxic gases.  

If this is the only stairway (meaning you are complying with the requirements for stories with one exit) then, no, it must be measured to the level of exit discharge, since the entire path is a common path of exit travel. If you have two exit stairs, and they fully comply with all of the requirements as previously listed, then yes, travel distance stops at the first riser.  

• Apr 13, 2017

RLGA Just went through a class that covered this topic and the ICC instructor explained that if you had a separation between the interior and the exterior stairs as required by 1022 then when you exit the building at any level onto the stairs you are now in the exit discharge and the common path and exit access distance requirements end. What do you think?  

mtlogcabin said: RLGA Just went through a class that covered this topic and the ICC instructor explained that if you had a separation between the interior and the exterior stairs as required by 1022 then when you exit the building at any level onto the stairs you are now in the exit discharge and the common path and exit access distance requirements end. What do you think? Click to expand...

Either he was mistaken (probably unlikely if he was an ICC instructor), or you misinterpreted what he presented (no offense; as an instructor and professor myself, I've had my difficulties trying to explain concepts to students and other professionals). Yes, the travel distance stops at an exit; however, the common path stops when two separate and distinct paths to two separate exits is reached. In a building with one exit, that is only achieved when an occupant reaches the exit discharge at grade. An exterior exit stairway is an exit for the entire run of stairs, like an enclosed exit stairway, and the exit discharge is the point where the exit ends.  

RLGA is exactly right IMO. Common Path extends down the stair if there is only one stair.  

1021 never mentions CPOT it only talks about exit access distance. I know the numbers are the same as CPOT however the language does not refer to it. He explained the exit access travel distance ends at an exterior stair that was protected as required by 1022. You are now at an exit as defined by code. He is a good instructor who has been around a long time. The class was on exterior wall protection not exiting specifically although he teaches classes on that also. I just wonder if I misunderstood his logic or maybe he stumbled across another inconsistency with in the codes that should be ignored because it is contrary to the intent of 1021.2 1016.3 Measurement. Exit access travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point within a story along the natural and unobstructed path of horizontal and vertical egress travel to the entrance to an exit. EXIT. That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps and horizontal exits.  

Common path of travel ends at an 'exit', not an 'exit discharge'. The exterior stair is an 'exit' component, partly because you have the exterior wall between you and the danger. 'Exit discharge' begins when you are at grade.  

mtlogcabin said: 1021 never mentions CPOT it only talks about exit access distance. I know the numbers are the same as CPOT however the language does not refer to it. He explained the exit access travel distance ends at an exterior stair that was protected as required by 1022. You are now at an exit as defined by code. He is a good instructor who has been around a long time. The class was on exterior wall protection not exiting specifically although he teaches classes on that also. I just wonder if I misunderstood his logic or maybe he stumbled across another inconsistency with in the codes that should be ignored because it is contrary to the intent of 1021.2 1016.3 Measurement. Exit access travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point within a story along the natural and unobstructed path of horizontal and vertical egress travel to the entrance to an exit. EXIT. That portion of a means of egress system between the exit access and the exit discharge or public way. Exit components include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge, interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps, exit passageways, exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps and horizontal exits. Click to expand...

The mention of "Maximum Exit Access Travel Distance" in Tables 1021.2(1) and (2) has proven to be problematic. The 2015 IBC has changed the wording to read "Maximum Common Path of Egress Travel Distance," which is more specific and clearly explains the intent. IMHO, even if the table states "Exit Access" as indicated in the 2012 IBC, the CPET trumps.  

Thanks We are still on the 2012 Good change in the 2015  

RLGA said: The mention of "Maximum Exit Access Travel Distance" in Tables 1021.2(1) and (2) has proven to be problematic. The 2015 IBC has changed the wording to read "Maximum Common Path of Egress Travel Distance," which is more specific and clearly explains the intent. IMHO, even if the table states "Exit Access" as indicated in the 2012 IBC, the CPET trumps. Click to expand...

JBI, that seems to be logical and I think you guys have convinced me; but if that is the intent, then I think the code still requires further modification to make that intent clearer.  

Check the handbook  

Ron, That's one reason defined terms are in parentheses, so we remember to apply them as intended/defined. (Not parentheses... italics! D'OH! . Thanks Ron)  

I assume you mean italics, but you're correct. I guess the limitation in number of stories is meant to limit the required travel down the stairs; thus, it is all starting to make more sense now. However, if the exterior stairs do not comply with with the requirements for exterior exit stairways, then they would be considered part of the exit access and CPET would apply. I guess it was my years of experience seeing apartments with exterior stairs without the "exit" protection clouding my viewpoint.  

mtlogcabin said: Simple solution rate the walls and doors next to the stairs and no windows with 10 feet of the stairs Click to expand...