Hand Rails on Exterior Stairs? 1 or 2?

[AlexAndErika]

I am going to add a continuuous PVC handrail to the inside of these stair railings. Is one enough or do I need two handrails? Do I need a second hand rail on the stucco wall?

Also the spacing under the bottom railing, what is the proper spacing under the rail and top of the stringer? The inspector was out for a seperate inspector and started grumbling about the space. He was mentioniong 4" but I thought it was a large 6" round or something that could fit in this opening? Please advise.

Thank you

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

What code is this being built under? Is it a single-family residence?

 

[AlexAndErika]

What code is this being built under? Is it a single-family residence?

Sorry I forgot to include, yes, a single family residence.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

only one handrail is required but it needs to be continuous. the one shown is not. Opening between the guard and treads should not let a 6" sphere fit through,

 

[SCBO1]

Residential code will allow one graspable continuous handrail between 34-38 inches measured vertically from the nose of the tread.
Space below the bottom spindle rail, step and riser (The triangle) should be no larger than 6-inches.
Inspection from afar, your spindle spacing appears to more than 4-inches.

Hope this helps!

 

[walker.t]

Also the spacing under the bottom railing, what is the proper spacing under the rail and top of the stringer? The inspector was out for a seperate inspector and started grumbling about the space. He was mentioniong 4" but I thought it was a large 6" round or something that could fit in this opening? Please advise.

Space below the bottom spindle rail, step and riser (The triangle) should be no larger than 6-inches.

Page 17 of this PDF shows a diagram of the 6”, rest of the document has tons of other information regarding residential stairs you might find helpful.

https://stairways.org/2012-VI

 

[e hilton]

only one handrail is required but it needs to be continuous. the one shown is not.

I think here opening sentence says she is going to add a continuous rail.

 

[mtlogcabin]

, your spindle spacing appears to more than 4-inches.

4 3/8" on stairs is the exception

 

[JPohling]

Think it would be easier to mount a new continuous handrail on the building wall, not he guardrail assembly.