For gift shops in Group I-2 occupancies, what is the maximum area permitted to be open to the corridor?

For gift shops located in Group I-2 occupancies, the maximum area permitted to be open to the corridor is indeed 500 square feet. This regulation is in place primarily for safety and fire code compliance, as it helps to maintain clear and unobstructed egress paths in case of emergencies. Group I-2 occupancies can often involve facilities such as hospitals or care facilities where certain safety measures are crucial.

Having a limitation on the area that can be open to the corridor ensures that potentially hazardous situations are minimized and that there is enough space for people to move safely without the risk of overcrowding or blockage during an emergency evacuation. The specified limit of 500 square feet is based on extensive research into human behavior under stress and the operational dynamics of these building types, which prioritize occupant safety above all else.