Statutes, codes, and regulations
District Of Columbia Administrative Code
Title 12 - CONSTRUCTION CODES SUPPLEMENT OF 2017Subtitle 12-A - BUILDING CODE SUPPLEMENT OF 2017
Chapter 12-A10 - MEANS OF EGRESS
Rule 12-A1030 - EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-A1030

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Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024
Rule 12-A1030 - EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE

Strike Section 1030.1 of the International Building Code in its entirety and insert new Section 1030.1 to the Building Code in its place to read as follows:

1030.1

General. In addition to the means of egress required by this chapter, provisions shall be made for emergency escape and rescue openings in Group R- 2 occupancies in accordance with Tables 1006.3.2(1) and 1006.3.2(2) and Group R- 3 occupancies. Basements and sleeping rooms below the fourth story above grade plane shall have at least one exterior emergency escape and rescue opening in accordance with this section. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency escape and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall not be required in adjoining areas of the basement. Such openings shall open directly into a public way or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.

Exceptions:

1.Basements with a ceiling height of less than 80 inches (2032 mm) shall not be required to have emergency escape and rescue openings.
2.Emergency escape and rescue openings are not required from basements or sleeping rooms that have an exit door or exit access door that opens directly into a public way or to a yard, court or exterior exit balcony that opens to a public way.
3.Basements without habitable spaces and having not more than 200 square feet (18.6 m2) in floor area shall not be required to have emergency and rescue openings.
4. Where access to a public way cannot be provided, a safe dispersal area shall be provided where all of the following are met:
1. The area shall be of a size to accommodate at least 5 square feet (0.46 m2) for each person.
2. The area shall be located on the same lot at least 25 feet (7620 mm) away from the building requiring egress.
3. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area.
4. The area shall be provided with a safe and unobstructed path of travel from the building.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-A1030

Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 5679 (5/29/2020)