Context: I am working on a 12 unit (less than 50 occupants) apartment building in NY State and am trying to size the stairwells. I am required to have one accessible unit according to 1107.6.1.1, which I have placed on my second story (first level of living). Due to this, I believe I am required 2 means of accessible egress. Section 109.3.2 of the IBC states that the minimum width of such a staircase is 48"; however, using Exception 1 (automatic sprinkler) it says I do not need to meet that requirement but it does not specify a width I do need to meet.
What is my required stair width?! Please help!
joseffischer
May 12, 23 5:12 pm
ask ChatGPT
betonbrut
May 12, 23 5:59 pm
Here's what the AI bot came back with....
Based on the information provided, it seems that the IBC allows for an exception to the minimum stair width requirement of 48" when automatic sprinklers are installed. However, the code does not specify an alternative width requirement for stairs that meet this exception.
Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed design professional or code official in your area to determine the appropriate stair width for your project. They can provide guidance based on the specific requirements of your local building codes and any other relevant regulations that may apply.
Non Sequitur
May 12, 23 5:45 pm
consultation starts at $300/hr. 2k retainer required. Double that if you’re a cheapskate looking for free advice.
b3tadine[sutures]
May 13, 23 12:16 pm
I'll do it for a bucket of chips and vegan poutine.
Sorry you feel that way about my question to the forum. I thought this could be a good discussion about code ambiguity and an opportunity to see how people navigate it rather than you trying to shill services. I am a young professional trying to get my bearings and the matter of fact is this is not a clear section in the code. Also, why so angry? We're all just trying to learn here...
Non Sequitur
May 15, 23 10:53 am
If that is the case, I recommend you tell your client to seek a more qualified professional. Perhaps one who does not crowd-source critical life-safety requirements in online forums? Just a thought... also, what sorta of sleazy client are you representing who wants to provide bare-bones single-exit from a 12-unit multi-story residential property?
parkerwhitmore
May 15, 23 2:12 pm
Thanks for the help
Josh Mings
May 14, 23 9:50 pm
cheese is the one thing I wouldn’t be able to give up
parkerwhitmore
May 15, 23 2:12 pm
ANSWER: I was able to find my answer in section 1009.2 which suggests that I do not need an accessible staircase if my building has an elevator that complies with 1009.4 (which I do).
In case anyone needs this thread in the future.
Non Sequitur
May 15, 23 4:39 pm
Your question originally asked for egress. the presence of an elevator should not remove the need for dual egress options.
parkerwhitmore
May 15, 23 6:10 pm
you misunderstood my question - it wasn't about eliminating a means of egress but about the width of the staircases
Non Sequitur
May 15, 23 6:25 pm
is the minimum width not controlled by population count and occupancy type? ie. Xmm per person if greater than Y? Still, not a good move to be nickel & diming basic creature comforts.
parkerwhitmore
May 15, 23 7:10 pm
Since my occupancy is so low, no. If I sized on occupancy my staircase would be sized well below minimum width requirements; therefore, following min requirements is more than sufficient for this application. Try running a calc. for yourself based on less than 50 occupants and you'll see why.
parkerwhitmore
May 15, 23 7:11 pm
if you did what you're suggesting you would get the following. 50 occupants x load factor (.3) = 15 in (381 mm)
Non Sequitur
May 16, 23 7:45 am
There is a minimum. That calcs are to determine how much, if any, you need to increase beyond this minimum.
vi_d
May 16, 23 3:22 pm
I highly recommend that you buy a subscription to ICC consulting service. You can call them with any code-related question and, that way, you can 100% rely on the answer you get. Good luck!
lacalr
May 15, 23 6:46 pm
You could also try posting on The Building Code Forum site. Which is made (I think...) for these specific types of questions. Or at least try searching on that site for an already existing post on minimum stair widths.
parkerwhitmore
May 15, 23 7:02 pm
that's a great resource, thanks - didn't know about that!
Jovan Millet
May 16, 23 7:29 am
Skimming through NYS building code here... How many stories is your building? Depending on your occupant load and # of apartments PER STORY, and total travel distance, you will still need 2 exit access points. Both of those will be required to be accessible means of egress. One of them may be an elevator as long as it meets 1009.4. There are a whole host of other considerations that will affect your life-safety which I'm not familiar enough with BCNYS to answer.
Question: Can my Staircase be 36" clear?
Context: I am working on a 12 unit (less than 50 occupants) apartment building in NY State and am trying to size the stairwells. I am required to have one accessible unit according to 1107.6.1.1, which I have placed on my second story (first level of living). Due to this, I believe I am required 2 means of accessible egress. Section 109.3.2 of the IBC states that the minimum width of such a staircase is 48"; however, using Exception 1 (automatic sprinkler) it says I do not need to meet that requirement but it does not specify a width I do need to meet.
What is my required stair width?! Please help!
ask ChatGPT
Here's what the AI bot came back with....
Based on the information provided, it seems that the IBC allows for an exception to the minimum stair width requirement of 48" when automatic sprinklers are installed. However, the code does not specify an alternative width requirement for stairs that meet this exception.
Therefore, it is recommended that you consult with a licensed design professional or code official in your area to determine the appropriate stair width for your project. They can provide guidance based on the specific requirements of your local building codes and any other relevant regulations that may apply.
consultation starts at $300/hr. 2k retainer required. Double that if you’re a cheapskate looking for free advice.
I'll do it for a bucket of chips and vegan poutine.
How do you get vegan cheese curds?
I don’t even want to know.
Easy.
https://thatveganbabe.com/vegan-poutine/
oh dear god no
Sorry you feel that way about my question to the forum. I thought this could be a good discussion about code ambiguity and an opportunity to see how people navigate it rather than you trying to shill services. I am a young professional trying to get my bearings and the matter of fact is this is not a clear section in the code. Also, why so angry? We're all just trying to learn here...
If that is the case, I recommend you tell your client to seek a more qualified professional. Perhaps one who does not crowd-source critical life-safety requirements in online forums? Just a thought... also, what sorta of sleazy client are you representing who wants to provide bare-bones single-exit from a 12-unit multi-story residential property?
Thanks for the help
cheese is the one thing I wouldn’t be able to give up
ANSWER: I was able to find my answer in section 1009.2 which suggests that I do not need an accessible staircase if my building has an elevator that complies with 1009.4 (which I do).
In case anyone needs this thread in the future.
Your question originally asked for egress. the presence of an elevator should not remove the need for dual egress options.
you misunderstood my question - it wasn't about eliminating a means of egress but about the width of the staircases
is the minimum width not controlled by population count and occupancy type? ie. Xmm per person if greater than Y? Still, not a good move to be nickel & diming basic creature comforts.
Since my occupancy is so low, no. If I sized on occupancy my staircase would be sized well below minimum width requirements; therefore, following min requirements is more than sufficient for this application. Try running a calc. for yourself based on less than 50 occupants and you'll see why.
if you did what you're suggesting you would get the following. 50 occupants x load factor (.3) = 15 in (381 mm)
There is a minimum. That calcs are to determine how much, if any, you need to increase beyond this minimum.
I highly recommend that you buy a subscription to ICC consulting service. You can call them with any code-related question and, that way, you can 100% rely on the answer you get. Good luck!
You could also try posting on The Building Code Forum site. Which is made (I think...) for these specific types of questions. Or at least try searching on that site for an already existing post on minimum stair widths.
that's a great resource, thanks - didn't know about that!
Skimming through NYS building code here... How many stories is your building? Depending on your occupant load and # of apartments PER STORY, and total travel distance, you will still need 2 exit access points. Both of those will be required to be accessible means of egress. One of them may be an elevator as long as it meets 1009.4. There are a whole host of other considerations that will affect your life-safety which I'm not familiar enough with BCNYS to answer.
I'll mail you my invoice, I accept cheques.