Section 1017.2/Exit Access Travel Distance
IBC 1017.2 and Table 1017.2 set maximum travel distances from any point in a building to the nearest exit, varying by occupancy and sprinkler protection.
The exit access travel distance from any occupied point to the nearest exit must not exceed the values in Table 1017.2. For most sprinklered business (Group B) occupancies, the maximum is 300 feet. Without sprinklers, the limit drops to 200 feet. Assembly occupancies with sprinklers allow 250 feet. High-hazard and storage occupancies have shorter limits. Travel distance is measured along the natural path of egress, not as a straight line.
Why this section exists
Travel distance limits ensure that occupants can reach an exit before being overcome by fire, smoke, or heat. The limits are based on research into occupant walking speed, fire growth rates, and the time available before conditions become untenable. Sprinklered buildings get longer travel distances because the sprinkler system controls fire growth and extends the available safe egress time.
What plan reviewers look for
Plan reviewers measure the travel distance from the most remote point in each space to the nearest exit along the path of travel (through aisles, corridors, around furniture, and through doors). They verify the correct occupancy group and sprinkler status are used to select the allowable travel distance from Table 1017.2. Dead-end corridors are measured separately under Section 1020.4.
Common violations
Related IBC requirements
Section 1006.2 determines the minimum number of exits. Section 1020.4 limits dead-end corridor length (20 feet unsprinklered, 50 feet sprinklered for most occupancies). Section 903.2 determines when sprinklers are required, which directly affects the allowable travel distance.