Changes to Egress Staircase Requirements

By Johan Soltani

Under the previous Code, commercial or mixed use buildings with non-residential use that were greater than 420 feet high were required to have 2 egress fire stairs. This is about to change.

While intended to be part of the 2014 Code rollout, a zoning issue delayed the change.  The City Council passed a new zoning resolution in April 2015, clearing the way for the new requirements.

As per section C28-403.5.2, and starting on July 1, 2015, all commercial or mixed use buildings with non-residential use that are greater than 420 feet high will require a third set of egress fire stairs. The additional stairs will not be counted as zoning floor area, so the building will be not incur loss of usable space.

All buildings filed before July 1 2015 are clear to proceed with the current Code requirements of 2 egress fire stairs.