Stair width exception?

[ceh1463]

We are working on a new construction single family home that is being built under the 2018 IBC. In the master bedroom there is a two level loft, nook, storage whatever you want to call it. The first level is 70" above the main floor and the second level is 60" above that. Both levels are open to the master room below and will have railings. My question is what classification is the space of the two levels. They are not for sleeping, they are for storage and decoration. The issue comes from the width of the stairs, we can only get 26" of width and I'm concerned the inspector will want 36". Does the '18 IBC allow for stairs narrower than 36" when it's not a sleeping area or a main means of egress?

 

[ICE]

I'm concerned the inspector will want 36"

Well let’s hope so.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

So the master bedroom has an 11'-8" ceiling height?

Can you post a cross-section through the house?

 

[arwat23]

Is the space habitable? If so, than I believe at least 36" is required.

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Is the space habitable? If so, than I believe at least 36" is required.

If the first level is 70 inches above the bedroom floor, the headroom is [ :duh: ] 70" minus the framing depth. Even if framed with 2x6s, with a subfloor and a sheetrock ceiling that leaves the headroom under it at 5'-3/1/2". The headroom on the upper level will be 10 inches less than that.

This leads me to believe that these "lofts" are not "within" the master bedroom. I strongly suspect that if we see a cross-section we're going to find that they are stories -- or at least one story, possibly with a mezzanine.

The IRC defines "Mezzanine":



It also defines "Story":

 

[bill1952]

Shelves for storage.