[ASKNACHI]This question was posted on AskNACHI.org by Michael Hughes (from charleston, sc). [/ASKNACHI]what is the requirement for fire escapes?
related to 3 story condos or apartment complexes
location: charleston, SC
Three story apartments still falls under the IRC Code requirements.
An adequate home fire safety plan means addressing four critical components:
prevention,detection, suppression, and escape.
There shall be at least two independent exits, remote from each other, from every floor of a building, except that only one exit may be provided from floors in:
Classified Occupant loading designation that will permit it.
A building not more than three stories and forty feet in height occupied by not more than four families on each story.
Emergency escape and rescue opening:
An operable window, door or similar device that provides for a means of excape and access for rescue in the event of an emergency.
I would suggest checking with the local Jurisdiction for their interpetation of requirements for your area.
Hope this helps.
Marcel 
Not very accurate. IRC is for One and Two Family dwellings only. An Apartment building with 3+ units is no longer under the IRC. Use the IBC.
International Fire Code answers the questions.
That is where it came from.
Must have been a different version than yours.
Marcel
I was only disputing this statement, “Three story apartments still falls under the IRC Code requirements.”
Sorry bout that.