Interpretation #: CEB-2021-43-2014 IFC-1027.5

Building or Fire Safety Law Interpreted

675 IAC 22-2.5 2014 Indiana Fire Code (IFC), Section 1027.5 Access to a public way. The exit discharge shall provide a direct and unobstructed access to a public way. [Exception to 1027.5 omitted for lack of relevance to request.]

Issue

Does Section 1027.5 of the 2014 IFC require a permanent hard-surfaced path from the exit to the public way?

Interpretation of the State Building Commissioner

No. Section 1027.5 of the 2014 IFC does not require a permanent hard-surfaced path from the exit to the public way.

Rationale

Section 1027.5 does not address the finish materials used in the direct and unobstructed access to the public way, it only requires that the access be provided as indicated. However, it would be an error to believe that because Section 1027.5 does not address the subject of finish material that the code is silent on this matter. Section 1003 provides several requirements that are applicable to all components of means of egress systems, including exit discharge. Among these requirements are regulations governing walking surface finish materials.