What is the maximum travel distance to a single means of egress from a shoe store, if the store is not sprinklered and is less than 2.800 ft2 (260…

The scenario describes a Class C mercantile occupancy, which is defined by NFPA 101 as having a gross area of 3,000 ft² (280 m²) or less and being located on a single story. For a new or existing Class C mercantile occupancy, a single means of egress is permitted. When the building is not protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system, the Life Safety Code restricts the travel distance from any point within the space to the single exit to a maximum of 75 ft (23 m). This limitation ensures occupants can evacuate safely and quickly given the absence of an alternate escape route.

A. 25 ft (8 m): This distance is incorrect and does not correspond to the travel distance limitations for single-exit mercantile occupancies in NFPA 101.

B. 50 ft (15 m): This is a common limit for the common path of travel in some occupancies, not the total travel distance for a single-exit mercantile space.

D. 100 ft (30 m): This travel distance is only permitted for a single-exit Class C mercantile occupancy if the building is protected by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system.

1. NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, 2021 Edition.

Section 36.1.4.1.1(3) & 37.1.4.1.1(3): Defines a Class C mercantile occupancy as one with a gross area not exceeding 3,000 ft² (280 m²) and used for sales, located on a single story. The shoe store fits this classification.

Section 36.2.4.2(1) & 37.2.4.2(1): "A single means of egress shall be permitted in a Class C mercantile occupancy, provided that the travel distance to the exit or to a mall does not exceed 75 ft (23 m)." This directly supports the correct answer for a non-sprinklered building.

Section 36.2.4.2(2) & 37.2.4.2(2): Specifies that the travel distance can be increased to 100 ft (30 m) if the occupancy is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system, which explains why option D is incorrect for this scenario.

2. SFPE, Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, 5th Edition.

Chapter 54, "Means of Egress," Section 54.6.2, "Travel Distance." This chapter discusses the principles of egress design, including travel distance limitations as specified in model codes like NFPA 101. Table 54.10, "Summary of Travel Distance Limits from NFPA 101," confirms the 75 ft (23 m) travel distance limit for a non-sprinklered mercantile occupancy with a single exit. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2562-454)