Section 135.5. IFC Chapter 10. Means of Egress

A. Add Section 1001.3 to read:

1001.3. Overcrowding. Overcrowding, admittance of any person beyond the approved occupant load established by the USBC or other building code under which the building was constructed, or obstructing aisles, passageways, or any part of the means of egress shall not be allowed. The fire code official, upon finding any condition that constitutes a life safety hazard, shall be authorized to cause the event to be stopped until such condition or obstruction is corrected.

B. Change Section 1029.4 to read:

1029.4. Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates, or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided (i) the minimum net clear opening size complies with Section 1029.2, (ii) such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool, or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening, and (iii) where smoke alarms are installed in accordance with Section 907.2.11 and approved by the building official regardless of the valuation of the alteration.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 22, Issue 03, eff. November 16, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. July 14, 2014.

Statutory Authority

§ 27-97 of the Code of Virginia.