310. EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS

R310 EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENINGS Strike Section R310.1 of the International Residential Code in its entirety and insert new Section R310.1 to the Residential Code in its place to read as follows: R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue opening required. Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have not less than one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, an emergency escape and rescue opening shall be required in each sleeping room. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public way. Exceptions: Storm shelters and basements used only to house mechanical equipment not exceeding a total floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 m2). Where access to a public way cannot be provided, a safe dispersal area shall be provided where all of the following are met: The area shall be of a size to accommodate at least 5 square feet (0.46 m2) for each person. The area shall be located on the same lot at least 25 feet (7620 mm) away from the building requiring egress. The area shall be permanently maintained and identified as a safe dispersal area. The area shall be provided with a safe and unobstructed path of travel from the building. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 6033 (May 29, 2020 – Part 2). The District of Columbia Residential Code (2017), referred to as the “Residential Code,” consists of the 2015 edition of the International Residential Code (International Residential Code), published by the International Code Council (ICC), as amended by the Residential Code Supplement of 2017 (12-B DCMR). The International Residential Code is copyrighted by the ICC and therefore is not republished here. However, a copy of the text may be obtained at https://codes.iccsafe.org/public/document/IRC2015. District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Residential Code Supplement of 2017 12-B DCMR § R310