A high-rise building is defined as having an occupied floor located more than how many feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access?

A high-rise building is defined as one that has an occupied floor located more than 75 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. This definition is rooted in the challenges that firefighters encounter when responding to fires in taller structures. When a building exceeds this height, it often necessitates specialized equipment and techniques for firefighting and rescue operations, including aerial ladders and other firefighting apparatus capable of reaching elevated floors.

The significance of this height threshold relates directly to safety regulations and building codes, which are designed to ensure that high-rise buildings are equipped with the necessary fire protection systems, such as sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and proper egress routes, to protect occupants and facilitate efficient emergency responses. Understanding this definition is crucial for inspectors, as it helps them assess compliance with safety standards and ensure the preparedness of high-rise structures in emergency situations.