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IBC Chapter 10 — Means of Egress (Complete)

Updated Mar 25, 2026
Comprehensive requirements for exit design including occupant load, number of exits, exit widths, travel distances, exit signs, emergency lighting, and accessible means of egress.

Section 1004: Occupant load — calculated by floor area / occupant load factor (Table 1004.5). Assembly standing: 5 sf/person. Business: 150 sf/person. Educational: 20 sf/person. Section 1005: Means of egress sizing — 0.3 in/person for stairways, 0.2 in/person for other components. Section 1006: Number of exits — 1-500 occupants = 2 exits, 501-1000 = 3, >1000 = 4. Single exit permitted for OL ≤49 with limited travel distance. Section 1007: Exit and exit access doorway configuration — separation of exits by 1/2 diagonal in sprinklered, 1/3 in non-sprinklered. Section 1017: Exit access travel distance — max 200 ft non-sprinklered, 250 ft sprinklered for most occupancies. Group H: 75-100 ft. Section 1020: Corridors — min 44 in wide (36 in for OL<50). 1-hr rated or 0.5-hr in sprinklered. Section 1023: Interior exit stairways — 2-hr in 4+ stories, 1-hr in less. Min 44 in wide (36 in for OL<50). Section 1013: Exit signs — illuminated, visible from 100 ft, at required exits and along exit access path. Section 1008: Accessible means of egress — at least 2 per story, areas of refuge per Section 1009.

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IBCegressexittravel-distanceoccupant-loadexit-signemergency-lightingstairway
DETAILS
tables
["1004.5","1006.3.1"]
code year
2024
code system
IBC
code section
Chapter 10
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