jar546
Forum Coordinator
What is the minimum width of a front porch stairwell when the stairwell serves an exit? How much do you limit its encroachment into the stairwell width?
Is the stairwell serving a single dwelling unit or multiple? Single dwelling unit, 20-inches. Common (shared) stairway, 36-inches for up to OL of 50.
See IBC 1011.2.
1011.2 Width and Capacity
The required capacity of stairways shall be determined as specified in Section 1005.1, but the minimum width shall be not less than 44 inches (1118 mm). See Section 1009.3 for accessible means of egress stairways.
Exceptions:
- Stairways serving an occupant load of less than 50 shall have a width of not less than 36 inches (914 mm).
- Spiral stairways as provided for in Section 1011.10.
- Where an incline platform lift or stairway chairlift is installed on stairways serving occupancies in Group R-3, or within dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, a clear passage width not less than 20 inches (508 mm) shall be provided. Where the seat and platform can be folded when not in use, the distance shall be measured from the folded position.
Do note that exception #3 only applies to private stairways serving a single dwelling unit (within a R-2 dwelling unit, or an R-3).