1. A. Delete Section 1002.2 of the IBC.

2. B. Change Section 1004.9 of the IBC to read:

   1004.9 Posting of occupant load. Every room or space that is an assembly occupancy and where the occupant load of that room or space is 50 or more shall have the occupant load of the room or space posted for the intended configurations in a conspicuous place near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space. Posted signs shall be of an approved legible permanent design and shall be maintained by the owner or the owner's authorized agent.

3. C. Change Exception 1 of Section 1005.3.1 of the IBC to read:

   1. 1. For other than Groups H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in inches (mm), of means of egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairway by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.2 inch (5.1 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

4. D. Change Exception 1 of Section 1005.3.2 of the IBC to read:

   1. 1. For other than Groups H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity in inches (mm) of means of egress components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 0.15 inch (3.8 mm) per occupant in buildings equipped with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

5. E. Add Exception 4 of Section 1006.2.1 of the IBC to read:

   1. 4. In Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies, one means of egress is permitted within and from individual dwelling units with a maximum occupant load of 20 where the dwelling unit is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and the common path of egress travel does not exceed 125 feet (38,100 mm). This exception shall also apply to Group R-2 occupancies where Section 903.2.8, Exception 1 or 2 is applicable.
6. F. Change the number "49" to "50" in the "Maximum Occupant Load of Space" column in the "A^c, E, M," "B," "F," and "U" rows of Table 1006.2.1 of the IBC.
7. G. Change the number "49" to "50" in the "Maximum Occupant Load per Story" column of the "A, B^b, E, F^b, M, U" row of Table 1006.3.4.2(2).

8. H. Change Exception 2 of Section 1007.1.1 of the IBC to read:

   1. 2. Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the separation distance of the exit doors or exit access doorways shall not be less than one-fourth of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area served.

9. I. Change Section 1009.6.4 of the IBC to read:

   1. 1. Areas of refuge located within an enclosure for interior exit stairways complying with Section 1023.
   2. 2. Areas of refuge in outdoor facilities where exit access is essentially open to the outside.
   3. 3. Areas of refuge where the area of refuge and areas served by the area of refuge are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

   1009.6.4 Separation. Each area of refuge shall be separated from the remainder of the story by a smoke barrier complying with Section 709 or a horizontal exit complying with Section 1026. Each area of refuge shall be designed to minimize the intrusion of smoke.

   Exceptions:

10. J. Change Section 1010.2.8 of the IBC to read:

    1. 1. The door shall be capable of being opened from outside the room with a key, proprietary device provided by the manufacturer, or other approved means.

    2. 2. The door shall be openable from within the room in accordance with Section 1010.2.3, except emergency supplemental hardware is not required to comply with Chapter 11.

       Note: School officials and building owners should consult with their legal counsel regarding provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 USC § 12101 et seq.) and any other applicable requirements.

    3. 3. Installation of emergency supplemental hardware on fire door assemblies must comply with Section 716.2. Modifications shall not be made to listed panic hardware, fire door hardware, or door closures.
    4. 4. The emergency supplemental hardware shall not be capable of being used on other doors not intended to be used and shall have at least one component that requires modification to or is permanently affixed to the surrounding wall, floor, door, or frame assembly construction for it to properly function.
    5. 5. Employees shall engage in lockdown training procedures on how to deploy and remove the emergency supplemental hardware, and its use shall be incorporated in the approved lockdown plan complying with the SFPC.
    6. 6. The emergency supplemental hardware and its components shall be maintained in accordance with the SFPC.

    7. 7. Approved emergency supplemental hardware shall be of consistent type throughout a building.

       Exception: The building official may approve alternate types of emergency supplemental hardware in accordance with Section 110.1 when a consistent device cannot be installed.

    1010.2.8 Emergency supplemental hardware. In Group E occupancies, except Group E day care facilities, Group B educational occupancies, and public buildings, exit access doors from classrooms, offices, and other occupied rooms, except for exit doors and doors across corridors, shall be permitted to be provided with emergency supplemental hardware where all of the following conditions are met:

11. K. Change Section 1010.1.5 of the IBC to read:

    1010.1.5 Landings at doors. Landings shall have a width not less than the width of the stairway or the door, whichever is greater. Doors in the fully open position shall not reduce a required dimension by more than seven inches (178 mm). Where a landing serves an occupant load of 50 or more, other doors, gates, or turnstiles in any position shall not reduce the landing to less than one-half its required width nor prevent a door, gate, or turnstile from opening to less than one-half of the required landing width. Landings shall have a length measured in the direction of travel of not less than 44 inches (1118 mm).

    Exception: Landing length in the direction of travel in Groups R-3 and U and within individual units of Group R-2 need not exceed 36 inches (914 mm).

12. L. Add an exception to Sections 1010.2 and 1010.2.2 of the IBC to read:

    Exception: Emergency supplemental hardware provided in accordance with Section 1010.2.8.

13. M. Change Section 1010.2.3 of the IBC to read:

    1010.2.3 Hardware height. Door handles, pulls, latches, locks, and other operating devices shall be installed 34 inches (864 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum above the finished floor. Emergency supplemental hardware provided in accordance with Section 1010.2.8, shall be installed 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum above the finished floor. Locks used only for security purposes and not used for normal operation are permitted at any height.

    Exception: Access doors or gates in barrier walls and fences protecting pools, spas, and hot tubs shall be permitted to have operable parts of the latch release on self-latching devices at 54 inches (1370 mm) maximum above the finished floor or ground, provided that the self-latching devices are not also self-locking devices operated by means of a key, electronic opener, or integral combination lock.

14. N. Change Item 3 of Section 1010.2.4 of the IBC to read:

    1. 3. In buildings in occupancy Groups B, F, M, and S, the main exterior door or doors are permitted to be equipped with key-operated locking devices from the egress side provided:

       3.1. The locking device is readily distinguishable as locked.

       3.2. A readily visible durable sign is posted on the egress side on or adjacent to the door stating: THIS DOOR TO REMAIN UNLOCKED WHEN THIS SPACE IS OCCUPIED. The sign shall be in letters one inch (25 mm) high on a contrasting background.

       3.3. The use of the key-operated locking device is revocable by the building official for due cause.

15. O. Add Items 11, 11.1, and 11.2 to Section 1010.2.4 of the IBC to read:

    1. 11. Egress doors equipped with emergency supplemental hardware complying with Section 1010.1.4.4, from the egress side provided:

       11.1. A readily visible durable sign is posted on the egress side on or adjacent to the door stating: THIS HARDWARE SHALL BE USED BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY. The sign shall be in letters one inch (25 mm) high on a contrasting background.

       11.2. The use of the emergency supplemental hardware is revocable by the building official or fire official for due cause.

16. P. Add Exception 6 to Section 1010.2.5 of the IBC to read:

    1. 6. Emergency supplemental hardware provided in accordance with Section 1010.2.8.

17. Q. Add Exception 5 to Section 1010.2.1 of the IBC to read:

    1. 5. One additional operation shall be permitted for release of emergency supplemental hardware provided in accordance with Section 1010.2.8.
18. R. Delete Section 1010.2.14 of the IBC.

19. S. Add Exceptions 1 and 2 to Section 1010.2.13 of the IBC to read:

    1. 1. Approved, listed, delayed egress locks shall be permitted to be installed on doors serving Group A-3 airport facilities, provided they are installed in accordance with this section.
    2. 2. Emergency supplemental hardware shall not be considered a delayed egress locking system.

    Exceptions:

20. T. Renumber Exceptions 3 and 4 to be Exceptions 2 and 3 of Section 1010.2.9; delete Exception 1 of Section 1010.2.9; renumber Exception 2 to be Exception 1 of Section 1010.2.9 of the IBC; and change Exception 1 to read:

    1. 1. Doors provided with panic hardware or fire exit hardware and serving a Group A or E occupancy shall be permitted to be electrically locked in accordance with Section 1010.2.11.

    Exceptions:

21. U. Add Section 1010.2.9.5 to the IBC to read:

    1010.2.9.5 Locking certain residential sliding doors. In dwelling units of Group R-2 buildings, exterior sliding doors that are one story or less above grade, shared by two dwelling units, or are otherwise accessible from the outside shall be equipped with locks. The mounting screws for the lock case shall be inaccessible from the outside. The lock bolt shall engage the strike in a manner that will prevent it from being disengaged by movement of the door.

    Exception: Exterior sliding doors which are equipped with removable metal pins or charlie bars.

22. V. Add Section 1010.2.9.6 to the IBC to read:

    1010.2.9.6 Door viewers in certain residential buildings. Entrance doors to dwelling units of Group R-2 buildings shall be equipped with door viewers with a field of vision of not less than 180 degrees.

    Exception: Entrance doors having a vision panel or side vision panels.

23. W. Change Exception 3 of Section 1011.5.2 of the IBC to read:

    1. 3. In Group R-3 occupancies, within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies, and in Group U occupancies that are accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy or accessory to individual dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies, the maximum riser height shall be 8.25 inches (210 mm); the minimum tread depth shall be nine inches (229 mm); the minimum winder tread depth at the walk line shall be 10 inches (254 mm); and the minimum winder tread depth shall be six inches (152 mm). A nosing not less than 0.75 inch (19.1 mm) but not more than 1.25 inches (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers where the tread depth is less than 11 inches (279 mm).
24. X. Delete Exception 4 from Section 1011.5.2 of the IBC.

25. Y. Add Exception 4 to Section 1011.6 of the IBC to read:

    1. 4. A floor or landing is not required at the top of an interior flight of exit access stairs within individual dwelling units and sleeping units of Group R-2 occupancies and dwelling units of Group R-3 occupancies, including stairs in an enclosed private garage serving only an individual dwelling unit, provided that a door does not swing over the stairs.

26. Z. Change Section 1015.8 (Items 1 through 4 remain) of the IBC to read:

    1. 3. A maximum of one exit access is permitted to pass through kitchens, store rooms, closets, or spaces used for similar purposes provided such a space is not the only means of exit access.

       BB. Change the following rows and delete footnote "b" in Table 1020.2, and delete Section 1020.2.1 of the IBC.

       Table 1020.2 Corridor Fire-Resistance Rating
       Occupancy	Occupant Load Served By Corridor	Required Fire-Resistance Rating (hours)
       Without sprinkler system	With sprinkler system
       R	Greater than 10	1	0.5
       I-1	All	Not Permitted	1
       I-3	All	Not Permitted	0

       CC. Add an additional row to Table 1020.3 of the IBC to read:

       	Occupancy	Width (minimum)
       	In corridors of Group I-2 assisted living facilities licensed by the Virginia Department of Social Services serving areas with wheelchair, walker, and gurney traffic where residents are capable of self-preservation or where resident rooms have a means of egress door leading directly to the outside.	44 inches

       DD. Add Exception 2 to Section 1023.5 of the IBC to read:

    2. 2. For buildings in other than Group H, with no more than two stories above grade plane and are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, structural members, other than columns, that are part of the primary structural frame supporting the roof sheathing, roof slab, or roof deck only and structural members that are secondary members supporting the roof sheathing, roof slab, or roof deck only shall be permitted to penetrate an interior exit stairway enclosure or a ramp enclosure. Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714.

       EE. Change Section 1023.9 of the IBC to read:

       1023.9 Floor identification signs. A sign shall be provided at each floor landing in exit enclosures connecting more than three stories designating the floor level, the terminus of the top and bottom of the exit enclosure, and the identification of the stair or ramp by designation with a letter of the alphabet. The signage shall also state the story of and the direction to the exit discharge and the availability of roof access from the enclosure for the fire department. The sign shall be located five feet (1524 mm) above the floor landing in a position that is readily visible when the doors are in the open and closed positions. Floor level identification signs in tactile characters complying with ICC A117.1 shall be located at each floor level landing adjacent to the door leading from the enclosure into the corridor to identify the floor level.

       FF. Add Exception 2 to Section 1024.6 of the IBC to read:

    3. 2. For buildings in other than Group H, with no more than two stories above grade plane and are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, structural members, other than columns, which are part of the primary structural frame supporting the roof sheathing, roof slab, or roof deck only and structural members that are secondary members supporting the roof sheathing, roof slab, or roof deck only shall be permitted to penetrate an interior exit stairway enclosure or a ramp enclosure. Such penetrations shall be protected in accordance with Section 714.

       GG. Change Section 1025.1 of the IBC to read:

       1025.1 General. Approved luminous egress path markings delineating the exit path shall be provided in buildings of Groups A, B, E, I, M, and R-1 having occupied floors located more than 420 feet (128,016 mm) above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access in accordance with this section.

       Exception: Luminous egress path markings shall not be required on the level of exit discharge in lobbies that serve as part of the exit path in accordance with Section 1028.1, Exception 1.

       HH. Change Section 1026.2 of the IBC to read (Exception remains):

       1026.2 Separation. The separation between buildings or refuge areas connected by a horizontal exit shall be provided by a fire wall complying with Section 706, by a fire barrier complying with Section 707, or a horizontal assembly complying with Section 711. The minimum fire-resistance rating of the separation shall be two hours. Opening protectives in horizontal exits shall also comply with Section 716. Duct and air transfer openings in a fire wall or fire barrier that serves as a horizontal exit shall also comply with Section 717. The horizontal exit separation shall extend vertically through all levels of the building unless floor assemblies have a fire-resistance rating of not less than two hours. Openings in horizontal assemblies on the story served by horizontal exits shall be protected in accordance with Sections 712.1.1, 712.1.3, and 712.1.13.

    1015.8 Window openings. Windows in Groups R-2 and R-3 buildings including dwelling units where the top of the sill of an operable window opening is located less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the finished floor and more than 72 inches (1829 mm) above the finished grade or other surface below on the exterior of the building shall comply with one of the following:

    AA. Add Exception 3 to Item 5 of Section 1016.2 of the IBC to read:

Statutory Authority

§ 36-98 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 3, eff. November 16, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 14, eff. May 1, 2008; Volume 27, Issue 2, eff. March 1, 2011; Change in Effective Date, 27:5 VA.R. 534 November 8, 2010; amended, Virginia Register Volume 27, Issue 12, eff. March 1, 2011; Volume 30, Issue 16, eff. July 14, 2014; Volume 34, Issue 18, eff. September 4, 2018; Volume 35, Issue 3, eff. November 1, 2018; Volume 37, Issue 14, eff. July 1, 2021; Volume 40, Issue 9, eff. January 18, 2024.