IBC Section 3006: Elevator Smoke Protection Requirements Explained (2025 Guide)

When I reviewed the plans, the assumption was that a three-story elevator shaft didn't need protection. That's true in some occupancies, but in this case it was a residential building with fire-rated corridors, which meant IBC Section 3006.2.1 was triggered.

I see these kinds of missteps all the time in my work with design teams. The truth is, IBC Section 3006 isn't overly complicated, but the details matter. Get them wrong, and you're looking at costly redesigns, change orders, and frustrated owners.

What is IBC Section 3006?

IBC Section 3006 addresses a very real life-safety issue: elevator shafts act like chimneys during fires.

When smoke enters an elevator shaft, stack effect pulls it upward through the building, rapidly spreading it from floor to floor. That's why the International Building Code requires elevator smoke protection for elevator openings in buildings where the risk is greatest, based on height, occupancy type, and sprinkler protection.

Think of stack effect like a shower curtain during a hot shower. Air gets pulled in at the bottom while warm air escapes at the top, making the curtain cling to your legs. Now scale that up to a 100-foot elevator shaft during a fire, and you see the danger.

3006.2: Elevator Hoistway Door Protection Required (The "When")

This is the IBC section that determines when elevator smoke protection is required. I've created a [decision tree tool](/section-3006) that walks people through it step by step, but here are the big triggers:

Building Height

• Four stories or more: usually requires elevator smoke protection
• Height measurement varies: by occupancy type

Occupancy Type

IBC Section 3006 requirements target:

• Residential occupancies: (hotels, apartments, condos)
• Institutional occupancies: (hospitals, prisons)
• High-rise buildings: (any occupancy)

Sprinkler Systems

• Sprinklers can modify requirements: but rarely eliminate them
• Fully sprinklered buildings: get some allowances but still need protection

Corridor Configuration

• Elevators opening directly onto fire-rated corridors: often trigger the section
• Residential buildings with fire-rated corridors: invoke Section 3006.2.1

Common misunderstanding: Architects sometimes assume that three-story, fully sprinklered elevator shafts never require smoke protection. That's not the case, especially with residential occupancies.

3006.3: Elevator Hoistway Door Protection (The "How")

Here's where the International Building Code lists the four acceptable methods for elevator smoke protection:

Method 1: Fire-Rated Elevator Lobbies

Traditional enclosed lobbies with fire-rated construction. Costly in terms of materials, coordination, and lost leasable space.

Method 2: Smoke-Rated Elevator Lobbies

Similar to fire-rated, but only allowed in fully sprinklered buildings.

Method 3: Additional Doors

This is the flexible option for elevator smoke protection, which can include:

• Swing doors with panic hardware:
• Elevator smoke curtains:
• Accordion doors:

Key requirement: Must pass UL 1784 testing without artificial bottom seals. That's tougher than normal door testing because of pressure conditions in elevator shafts.

Method 4: Elevator Shaft Pressurization

Mechanical pressurization systems for elevator smoke protection. These often look simple on paper but involve complex design requirements under IBC Section 909. Commissioning issues are common if not coordinated early.

Common Mistakes with IBC Section 3006

The Three-Story Assumption

Thinking smaller elevator shafts don't need smoke protection in residential or institutional projects.

"All Requirements" Misread

Assuming you need to meet every trigger in IBC 3006, when in reality only one trigger is enough.

Oversimplifying Pressurization

Treating elevator shaft pressurization as "just a fan" instead of a highly engineered mechanical system.

Local Authority Interpretations of IBC 3006

Even when you read the International Building Code correctly, local AHJs may see it differently. I often see differences between:

• Plans examiners and fire marshals:
• Building inspectors and elevator inspectors:

Best practice: Bring your product rep into the conversation early and include all relevant AHJs. For elevator shaft pressurization, make sure the mechanical reviewer is involved too.

When to Get Professional Help with IBC Section 3006

Red Flags That Mean You Need Guidance

• Mixed occupancies: in the same building
• High-rise projects: with complex requirements
• Local amendments: or unique interpretations
• Considering elevator shaft pressurization:
• Renovation or retrofit projects:

Key Questions to Ask About Elevator Smoke Protection

• Is the building sprinklered?
• How tall is it?
• Do elevators open onto fire-rated corridors?
• Is it residential, institutional, or high-rise?

Staying Current with IBC Section 3006 Requirements

My advice for understanding elevator smoke protection requirements:

• Talk with multiple product reps: (don't rely on one voice)
• Engage your AHJ early: in the design process
• Lean on your firm's code experts: and spec writers
• Use IBC commentary: and code handbooks for deeper interpretation

Resources for Navigating IBC Section 3006

• [IBC decision tree tool](/section-3006): for step-by-step guidance
• [Budget calculator](/budget): to estimate project costs
• IBC Commentary: for detailed explanations
• Local jurisdiction interpretations: and amendments
• Experienced code consultants: and fire protection engineers for complex projects

The Bottom Line on IBC Section 3006

Elevator smoke protection requirements aren't complicated, but the details matter. The cost of emergency fixes, change orders, and delays always exceeds the cost of planning correctly at the start.

Whether you're designing a three-story residential building or a 30-story high-rise, the question is the same: what triggers apply, and which elevator smoke protection solution fits best for this project?

Next Steps for IBC Section 3006 Compliance

Not sure if your building needs elevator smoke protection? Use the [decision tree tool](/section-3006) on TheSmokeCurtainGuy.com.

Need project-specific advice? [Reach out directly](/contact). I've spent over two decades helping design teams navigate these International Building Code requirements.

Working on a complex project? Don't go it alone. Involve reps, code consultants, and your AHJ early.

The goal isn't just checking a box for compliance. It's delivering a building that's safe, code-compliant, and built right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IBC Section 3006?

IBC Section 3006 is the International Building Code section that addresses elevator smoke protection requirements. It specifies when elevator hoistway door protection is required and what methods are code-approved.

When is elevator smoke protection required?

Elevator smoke protection is typically required for buildings that are four stories or more, have residential or institutional occupancies, are high-rise buildings, or have elevators opening onto fire-rated corridors.

What are the four code-approved methods for elevator smoke protection?

The four methods are: 1) Fire-rated elevator lobbies, 2) Smoke-rated elevator lobbies, 3) Additional doors (including elevator smoke curtains), and 4) Elevator shaft pressurization.

Do three-story buildings need elevator smoke protection?

It depends on the occupancy type and corridor configuration. Residential buildings with fire-rated corridors often require protection even at three stories.

What is the most cost-effective elevator smoke protection method?

Elevator smoke curtains are often the most cost-effective solution as they don't require permanent space allocation and can be more flexible than traditional lobbies.

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*Questions about IBC Section 3006 or elevator smoke protection requirements? [Contact me](/contact) at hello@thesmokecurtainguy.com or start with the [decision tree tool](/section-3006) on my site.*