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What is NYC BC § 1020.4?

Quick Answer

This section mandates that exit access corridors must not contain dead ends longer than 20 feet, with specific exceptions for certain occupancy groups and conditions. The statute outlines various criteria for dead-end lengths based on occupancy type and fire safety measures. Applies to building owners and operators regarding exit access design.

General informational summary. Not legal advice for your situation. Consult an attorney before acting on any specific matter.

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1020.4 Dead ends.

BC § 1020.4

Where more than one exit or exit access doorway is required, the exit access shall be arranged such that there are no dead ends in corridors more than 20 feet (6096 mm) in length. Exceptions: 1. In occupancies in Group I-3 of Condition 2, 3 or 4, the dead end in a corridor shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

2.In occupancies in Groups B, E, F, I-1, M, R-1, S and U, where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the length of the dead-end corridors shall not exceed 50 feet (15 240 mm).

3.Dead-end length not exceeding 2.5 times the least width of the dead-end corridor.

4.In occupancies in Group R-2, the dead end in a corridor shall not exceed 40 feet (12 192 mm). However, where the corridors are completely enclosed in construction having a 2-hour fire-resistance rating with all doors opening into the corridor being self-closing and having a fire-resistance rating of 1 1/2 hours, the length of dead-end corridor shall not exceed 80 feet (24 384 mm).

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