Question

Is a single means of egress permitted from a mezzanine within a business occupancy? If so, under what conditions, and what is/are the source(s) of your answer?

Answer 1

Defined as “an intermediate level or levels between the floor and ceiling of any story,” a mezzanine must also comply with the special conditions established in Section 505. By virtue of the conditions placed on such elevated floor levels, a mezzanine is not considered to create additional building area or an additional story for the purpose of limiting building size. In addition, a relaxation of the means of egress requirements has previously been granted in regard to the minimum required number of independent egress paths from the mezzanine. This special allowance for mezzanine means of egress has been deleted and the provisions have been replaced with a general reference to Chapter 10. As a result, the means of egress requirements for a mezzanine are consistent with those for other portions of the building regulated as the exit access. The consideration of an elevated floor level as a mezzanine no longer provides any special allowances for means of egress purposes. The inclusion of specific mezzanine means of egress provisions caused inconsistent application in two ways. One, the incomplete statement of certain means of egress design requirements erroneously alluded to the notion that any provisions that were not stated did not apply. The new reference to Chapter 10 clarifies that mezzanines must comply with the general means of egress provisions as applicable. Secondly, the provision addressing required access to at least two means of egress did not indicate required compliance with the occupant load limitations of Table 1015.1. It was often assumed that a single means of egress was permitted as long as the common path of egress travel was compliant, regardless of the mezzanine’s occupant load. This confusion has also been addressed through the blanket reference to Chapter 10.

Mezzanines – (NYSBC section 505)

Section 505.1: A mezzanine(s) in compliance with this section shall be considered a part of the floor below. Such mezzanines shall not contribute to the building area or number of stories regulated by Section 503.1. The area of the mezzanine shall be included in determining the fire area defined in Section 702. The clear height above and below the mezzanine floor shall be 7’-0” clear minimum. Section 505.2 Area Limitations: The aggregate area of a mezzanine or mezzanines with in a room shall not exceed one–third of the area of the room in which it is located.

Section 505.3 Egress: There shall be two independent means of egress where the common path of travel does not exceed the limitations of 100 feet set forth in section 1004.2.5. exception 1. There will be exits from the mezzanines based on exiting distance, there should be on exit every 600 feet minimum. The actual distance on the Tunnel Mezzanine will average 85 feet maximum.

Section 505.4 Openness: A mezzanine shall be open and unobstructed to the room within which it is located, except for walls not more than 42” high, columns and posts.

Source- NYSBC website