According to the International Building Code (IBC) Section 1007.3 Stairways, Areas of Refuge are required if the building does not meet the exceptions, one of which is being equipped with automatic sprinkler system. See the list below.
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) SECTION 1007 ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
1007.3 Stairways.
In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, a stairway between stories shall have a clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum between handrails and shall either incorporate an Area of Refuge within an enlarged floor-level landing or shall be accessed from either an Area of Refuge complying with Section 1007.6 or a horizontal exit. Exit access stairways that connect levels in the same story are not permitted as part an accessible means of egress.
Exceptions:
1. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
2. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways in buildings equipped throughout by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.
3. The clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) between handrails is not required for stairways accessed from a horizontal exit.
4. Areas of refuge are not required at stairways serving open parking garages.
5. Areas of refuge are not required for smoke protected seating areas complying with Section 1028.6.2.
6. The areas of refuge are not required in Group R-2 occupancies.
