Amherst, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 151 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 151-84

A. General. A safe, continuous and unobstructed path of travel shall be provided from any point in a building or structure to the public way. B. Exit capacity. The capacity of the exits serving a floor shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof as determined by the Building Code. C. Number of exits. In nonresidential buildings, every occupied story more than six stories above grade shall be provided with not less than two independent exits. In residential buildings, every story exceeding two stories above grade shall be provided with not less than two independent exits. In stories where more than one exit is required, all occupants shall have access to at least two exits. Exception: a single exit is acceptable under any one of the following conditions: (1) Where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system and an automatic fire detection system with smoke detectors located in all corridors, lobbies and common areas. (2) Where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire detection system and the exit is an approved smoke-proof enclosure or pressurized stairway. (3) Where an existing fire escape conforming to the Building Code is provided in addition to the single exit. (4) Where permitted by the Building Code. D. Arrangement. Exits from dwelling units, rooming units, guest rooms and dormitory units shall not lead through other such units or through toilet rooms or bathrooms. E. Exit signs. All means of egress shall be indicated with approved "exit" signs where required by the Building Code. All "exit" signs shall be maintained visible, and all illuminated "exit" signs shall be illuminated at all times that the building is occupied. F. Corridor enclosure. All corridors serving an occupant load greater than 30 persons and the openings therein shall provide an effective barrier to resist the movement of smoke. All transoms, louvers, doors and other openings shall be closed or shall be self-closing. Exceptions: (1) Corridors in occupancies, other than high-hazard occupancies, which are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. (2) Patient room doors in corridors in health-care occupancies where smoke barriers are provided in accordance with the Fire Prevention Code are not required to be self-closing. (3) Corridors in educational occupancies where each room that is occupied for instruction or assembly purposes has at least 1/2 of the required means of egress doors opening directly to the exterior of the building at ground level. (4) Corridors that are in compliance with the Building Code. G. Dead-end travel distance. All corridors that serve more than one exit shall provide direct connection to such exits. The length of a dead-end corridor shall not exceed 35 feet (10,668 mm) where the building is not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. The dead-end travel distance limitation shall be increased to 70 feet (21,336 mm) where the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system. Exception: dead ends that are in compliance with the Building Code. H. Aisles. Arrangements of chairs or tables and chairs shall provide for ready access by aisle accessways and aisles to each egress door. The minimum clear width of each aisle in assembly, educational and health care occupancies shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Building Code. In all other occupancies, aisles shall have a minimum required clear width of 44 inches (1,118 mm) where serving an occupant load greater than 50, and 36 inches (914 mm) where serving an occupant load of 50 or less. The clear width of aisles shall not be obstructed by chairs, tables or other objects. I. Stairways, handrails and guards. Every exterior and interior flight of means of egress stairs serving any building or portion thereof and having more than four risers shall have a handrail on at least one side of the stair. Every open portion of a stair, landing, balcony, porch, deck, ramp or other walking surface which is more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards. Handrails shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) nor more than 42 inches (1,067 mm) high, measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above the finished floor of the landing or walking surface. Guards shall not be less than 30 inches (762 mm) high above the floor of the landing, balcony, porch, deck, ramp or other walking surface. Exceptions: (1) Guards are not required at any location where guards are exempted by the Building Code. (2) Stairways, handrails and guards that are in compliance with the Building Code. J. Stairway identification. A sign shall be provided at each floor landing in all interior stairways more than three stories above grade, designating the floor level above the floor of exit discharge. All elevator lobby call stations on all floor levels shall be identified by approved signs in accordance with the requirements for new buildings in the Building Code. Exception: The emergency sign shall not be required for elevators that are part of an accessible means of egress complying with the building code. K. (Reserved) L. Emergency escape. Every sleeping room located below the third story in residential and group home occupancies shall have at least one openable window or exterior door approved for emergency egress or rescue or shall have access to not less than two approved independent exits. (1) Security. Bars, grilles or screens placed over emergency escape windows shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the window.