Stairs, Elevated Areas, & Deck Requirements

SPS 321.04  - Stairways and elevated areas

Every interior and exterior stairs, including tub access steps but excluding non-required basement stairs which lead directly to the building exterior and stairs leading to attics or crawl spaces, shall conform to the requirements of this section.

SPS 321.045 Ramps

Every exterior or interior ramp which leads to or from a required exit shall comply with the requirements of this section.

1. SLOPE - Ramps shall not have a gradient greater than 1 in 8 or one foot of rise in 8 feet of run. Walkways with gradients less than 1 in 20 or one foot of rise in 20 feet of run are not considered to be ramps.

2. SURFACE AND WIDTH - Ramps shall have a slip resistant surface and shall have a minimum width of 36 inches measured between handrails.

3. HANDRAILS - Handrails shall be provided on all open sides of ramps. Every ramp that overcomes a change in elevation of more than 8 inches shall be provided with at least one handrail.

  • Ramps which have a gradient greater than 8.33% or 1:12 or one foot rise in 12 feet of run and which overcome a change in elevation of more than 24 inches shall be provided with handrails on both sides.

 

Stair Details
(a) Width -

Stairs shall measure at least 36 inches in width. Handrails and associated trim may project no more than 4 ½" into the required width at each side of the stairs.

(b) Headroom -

Stairs shall be provided with a minimum headroom clearance of 76 inches. The clearance shall be measured vertically from a line parallel to the nosing of the treads to the ceiling or soffit directly above that line.

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Handrails and Guardrails

Handrails or guardrails shall be provided on all open sides of stairs consisting of more than 3 risers and on all open sides of areas that are elevated more than 24 inches above the floor or exterior grade. Handrails and guardrails shall be constructed to prevent the through passage of a sphere with a diameter of 4 inches or larger. Handrails and guardrails shall be designed and constructed to withstand a 200 pound load applied in any direction. Exterior handrails and guardrails shall be constructed of metal, decay resistant, or pressure treated wood, or shall be protected from the weather.

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Landings
(a) Intermediate landings.

A level intermediate landing shall be provided for any stairs with a height of 12 feet of more.

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