IBC Frontage

[NightME]

Trying to understand frontage requirements using the 2015 IBC.

The building I'm looking into has clear space on three sides with a public street on the fourth side. The IBC handbooks discuss public way and yards and I get that mostly, but something the handbooks don't really discuss (or maybe I'm just missing it) is accessibility. Meaning, I have open yard between my building and everything around it on three sides but it isn't necessarily accessible for emergency response or additional structures.

As I read the handbook it appears that as long as I have clear yard (grade level to sky) around my building I can get credit for that part of the building perimeter as available frontage in my calculation provided it is 20-ft or wider. So the fact that I have a retaining wall on one side and a creek on another doesn't have a negative effect on my frontage calculation.

Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.

 

[DBronson]

NME:

Access is an issue. The clear area needs to be accessible to the fire department, though this does not necessarily mean a fire lane. Take a look at the commentary to the Code. There are diagrams and examples there that show the limitations. Also, check the IFC (Fire Code). It may have an impact on this issue.

Regards,

DB

NB: I only have the 2012 IBC - I'm assuming 2015 is more or less the same.

 

[stookeyfpe]

It appears your asking two questions. I'll try my best to answer both of them.


ANSWER: In the case of a retaining wall or a water body, those spatial distances provide separation from potential exposure buildings now or in the future.


ANSWER: Access for emergency response onto a property is not addressed in the IBC. It's addressed in Chapter 5 of the IBC. The IFC wants fire hose access on all sides of a building and travel distances are limited to 150 feet. These distances can be increased to 200 feet in building protected using an automatic sprinkler system. Exceptions exist for sides of a building that are not accessible, i.e., cliff, water body, etc. If the building is a warehouse, additional requirements exist in Chapter 32 for fire department access doors.