Kitchen island / building code question (cabinet, living, cabin)

[gurtz]

I'm in the process of some kitchen renovations. I recently re-positioned my kitchen island (which is fixed to the floor). After doing so, though, I heard from someone that the building code requires at least 36" between an island and surrounding counters. I'm trying to find out if this is correct. And if it is, if I will need to move my island (again).

I'd post a diagram (if I could work out how to do so on this site), but for now here's a description of my situation:

Between the island and the main length of kitchen cabinet work-space is 48".
Between the island and a shorter cabinet on the left is 42". (This is the main path to get into the kitchen from the living room.)
Between the island and a shorter cabinet on the right is 27". This cabinet has the dishwasher. Even though it's relatively narrow, the dishwasher door is still able to open fully, and there would be no problem replacing the dishwasher at some point in the future if I needed to do so. It's just that the distance between the island and cabinet is somewhat narrow.

I'm a little concerned about this 27" space on the right. Does this violate the NC building code? Fire code? Does it need to be at least 36", or is it sufficient that I have one entrance/exit from the kitchen space that is at least 36" (i.e. the one on the left)?

Can somebody help me get some clarity on the rules here? (I wouldn't know where to begin to find it in the actual code.)

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Greg

[BC1960]

Call your local building code enforcement office.

[twingles]

36" on each side? I don't think so. I actually think that's a kitchen designer recommendation, not code.