Building Inspection Division Hand Outs
Residential Stairway
Stair Dimensions
- Width 36" minimum
- Rise: 7-7/8" max.
- Run: 10" min.
- 3/8" max. deviation between riser heights and between tread lengths
Handrails
- One required (two if stair is open on both sides) if there are two or more risers.
- Height: 34" to 38" above nosing of treads.
- Projection: 1 1/2" between handrail and wall.
- Handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs. Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals.
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Exception: When an off set occurs, the handrail may terminate at a wall;
the offset of the continuing handrail shall not exceed a distance of 6'' from center of handrail to center of handrail.
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| Exception: Single family residential stairway handrails shall provide an area for sufficient graspability with a minimum graspable finger recess area of 5/16 inches on each side of the profile. The graspable finger recesses shall be located within a minimum distance of 3/4 inches and a maximum distance of 2 inches measured vertically from the tallest portion of the profile. The width of the rail above the recess shall be a minimum of 1-1/4 inches and a maximum of 2-3/4 inches. Guardrails Required if 30" or more above grade Height: 36" at landings - handrail height at steps. Openings: small enough that a 4" diameter sphere can not pass through. |
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ACCEPTABLE HANDRAIL SHAPES & INSTALLATIONS
Section ALTERNATIVE STAIRWAYS
PLAN VIEW WINDING STAIRWAY Section R 314 |
PLAN VIEW ALTERNATE USE OF WINDERS Section R 314 |
LIMITATION: APPLIES TO R-3 OCCUPANCY AND PRIVATE STAIRWAYS IN R-1 OCCUPANCY |
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PLAN VIEW CIRCULAR STAIRWAY Section R 314 |
PLAN VIEW SPIRAL STAIRWAY Section R 314 |
| LIMITATIONS: ONLY APPLIES TO R-3 OCCUPANCY AND PRIVATE STAIRWAYS IN R-1 OCCUPANCIES LIMITED TO SERVING AS EXIT FOR 400 SQUARE FEET MAXIMUM | |
