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All or none need to be up to code?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SOG NJ
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SOG NJ

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I have an attic in NJ (and the house to go with it). It currently has a pulldown staircase that is totally up to code. I would like to add a 2nd staircase, without altering the original. Due to lack of space, I want the 2nd staircase to have a rise larger than allowed by local code. I understand this would be a violation if it were the only staircase, but since I have the one up to code, does the 2nd one matter at all? Can I just not call it a staircase (since legally it isnt one).

Talked to 3 builders in town, and got 3 different answers (yes, no, and maybe).

Thanks
 
Pull down stairs are for occasional access, if you want to make the attic a room, besides meeting the room requirements, the stairs have to meet current code
 
If it is just "attic" access, do whatever you want, if it is habitable space (room), the stairs will have to meet egress requirements...
 
Yes, it is an ATTIC as stated in the original question. I am confused why you are asking.
 
If you build a fixed stairway it must meet all code requirements for stairs.
If you add another pull down stair it will be up to the local Code Official to determine what is required.
Contractors can only offer opinions that are not binding on the jurisdiction.
Always ask the regulatOR not the regulatED.
 
Does the new location meet the headroom requirement of 30-inches of vertical height?
*See IRC R807.

As a BO I want you to climb the correct code compliant stairs and whoever else goes up that stairway.

A firefight may have to enter that attic, will you have a sticker that sez: "Hey firefighter use the code compliant attic access stairway down the hall!
 
steveray said:
ATTIC. The unfinished space between the ceiling assembly
of the top story and the roof assembly.

Is it an ATTIC or not?
Click to expand...


2018 IRC

[RB] ATTIC. The unfinished space between the ceiling assembly and the roof assembly.

[RB] ATTIC, HABITABLE. A finished or unfinished habitable space within an attic.
 
I agree that stairs have to be up to code, but if I build something that is not up to "stairs code" are they still stairs?
 
SOG NJ said:
I agree that stairs have to be up to code, but if I build something that is not up to "stairs code" are they still stairs?
Click to expand...

No, that would be called a "possible liability!" more injury's happen on stairs than any place else in the home.
 
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IRC 311.7 Treads of Ships Ladders
Ships ladders shall have a minimum tread depth of 5 inches.
The tread shall be projected such that the total of the tread depth plus the nosing projection is not less than 8 1/2 inches.
The maximum riser height shall be 9 1/2 inches.
 
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Pcinspector1 said:
No, that would be called a "possible liability!" more injury's happen on stairs than any place else in the home.
Click to expand...

Not exactly.
If you combine injuries on floors and rugs you get more injuries than stairs despite the fact that stair statistics include such injuries as: the young boy jumped down the last several steps and injuried his ankle upon landing on the floor; or the house guest that got up in the night without turning on the light and mistook the basement door for the bathroom door. The irony in the numbers is that as code compliant stairs increased so did stair injuries.
http://rogers-codecorner.blogspot.com/2018/05/stair-injuries_8.html
 
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