International Building Code 3404.1
Where permitted. Fire escapes shall be permitted only
as provided for in Sections 3404.1.1 through 3404.1.4.
New buildings. Fire escapes shall not constitute
any part of the required means of egress in new buildings.
Existing fire escapes. Existing fire escapes shall
be continued to be accepted as a component in the means of
egress in existing buildings only.
New fire escapes. New fire escapes for existing
buildings shall be permitted only where exterior stairs cannot
be utilized due to lot lines limiting stair size or due to the
sidewalks, alleys or roads at grade level. New fire escapes
shall not incorporate ladders or access by windows.
Limitations. Fire escapes shall comply with this
section and shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the
required number of exits nor more than 50 percent of the
required exit capacity.
International Building Code 3404.1.1
New buildings. Fire escapes shall not constitute
any part of the required means of egress in new buildings.
International Building Code 3404.1.2
Existing fire escapes. Existing fire escapes shall
be continued to be accepted as a component in the means of
egress in existing buildings only.
International Building Code 3404.1.3
New fire escapes. New fire escapes for existing
buildings shall be permitted only where exterior stairs cannot
be utilized due to lot lines limiting stair size or due to the
sidewalks, alleys or roads at grade level. New fire escapes
shall not incorporate ladders or access by windows.
International Building Code 3404.1.4
Limitations. Fire escapes shall comply with this
section and shall not constitute more than 50 percent of the
required number of exits nor more than 50 percent of the
required exit capacity.
International Building Code 3404.2
Location. Where located on the front of the building
and where projecting beyond the building line, the lowest landing
shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) or more than 12 feet
(3658 mm) above grade, and shall be equipped with a counterbalanced
stairway to the street. In alleyways and thoroughfares
less than 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, the clearance under the lowest
landing shall not be less than 12 feet (3658 mm).
International Building Code 3404.3
Construction. The fire escape shall be designed to support
a live load of 100 pounds per square foot (4788 Pa) and
shall be constructed of steel or other approved noncombustible
materials. Fire escapes constructed ofwood not less than nominal
2 inches (51 mm) thick are permitted on buildings of Type 5
construction.Walkways and railings located over or supported
by combustible roofs in buildings of Type 3 and 4 construction
are permitted to be of wood not less than nominal 2 inches (51
mm) thick.
International Building Code 3404.4
Dimensions. Stairs shall be at least 22 inches (559 mm)
wide with risers not more than, and treads not less than, 8
inches (203 mm) and landings at the foot of stairs not less than
2006 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE.
EXISTING STRUCTURES
40 inches (1016 mm) wide by 36 inches (914 mm) long,
located not more than 8 inches (203 mm) below the door.
International Building Code 3404.5
Opening protectives. Doors and windows along the
fire escape shall be protected with 3/4-hour opening protectives.