Subsection 1022.1 - Enclosures requiredInteriorexitstairways and interior exitramps shall be enclosed with fire barriers constructed in accordance with Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in accordance with Section 712, or both. Exit enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the exitenclosure shall include any basements but not any mezzanines. Exit enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than the floor assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours. Exit enclosures shall lead directly to the exterior of the building or shall be extended to the exterior of the building with an exit passageway conforming to the requirements of Section 1023, except as permitted in Section 1027.1. An exitenclosure shall not be used for any purpose other than means of egress.
Exceptions:
1. In all occupancies, other than Group H and I occupancies, a stairway is not required to be enclosed when the stairway serves an occupant load of less than 10 and the stairway complies with either Item 1.1 or 1.2. In all cases, the maximum number of connecting open stories shall not exceed two.1.1. The stairway is open to not more than one story above its level of exit discharge; or1.2. The stairway is open to not more than one story below its level of exit discharge.2.Exits in buildings of Group A-5 where all portions of the means of egress are essentially open to the outside need not be enclosed.3.Stairways serving and contained within a single residential dwelling unit or sleeping unit in Group R-1, R-2 or R-3 occupancies are not required to be enclosed.4.Stairways in open parking structures that serve only the parking structure are not required to be enclosed.5.Stairways in Group I-3 occupancies, as provided for in Section 408.3.8, are not required to be enclosed.6.Means of egressstairways as required by Sections 410.5.3 and 1015.6.1 are not required to be enclosed.7.Means of egressstairways from balconies, galleries or press boxes as provided for in Section 1028.5.1 are not required to be enclosed.