Handrail clearance/minimum stair width

[bill1952]

Stairs from audience to stage, typical high school. These stairs are definitely not required for egress. I recommended they be left out. Owner insisted for convenience. Stairs are 33" wide. Shop drawings showing 29 11/16" clear.

I think these can be 36" wide by the less than 50 occupant load exception but I don't think any stairs (with a very few exceptions for restricted access where 22" clear is permitted) can be under 36" clear in an auditorium.

Is my reading of the IBC correct?

 

[steveray]

Per 1011.2...yes.....Can you do "temp" or portable stairs?

 

[Tim Mailloux]

Stairs from audience to stage, typical high school. These stairs are definitely not required for egress. I recommended they be left out. Owner insisted for convenience. Stairs are 33" wide. Shop drawings showing 29 11/16" clear.

I think these can be 36" wide by the less than 50 occupant load exception but I don't think any stairs (with a very few exceptions for restricted access where 22" clear is permitted) can be under 36" clear in an auditorium.

Is my reading of the IBC correct?

FWIW once you add a stair connecting the audience seating area to the stage you are also required to add an accessible path (Ramp or lift) from the seating area to stage.

 

[bill1952]

Per 1011.2...yes.....Can you do "temp" or portable stairs?

Well yes, usually do. The Owner insisted. Did I mention this is probably my second to last project of atound 150 and I think the worst design of the lot. Great owners make great buildings. I only assist.

 

[bill1952]

FWIW once you add a stair connecting the audience seating area to the stage you are also required to add an accessible path (Ramp or lift) from the seating area to stage.

I know that. Look at 24 IBC. It's my change that makes that even more strict. As I said, it fully met code without these stairs. There are two fully accessible routes to the stage that everyone can use. I feel these stairs add some inequality but no one else - neither architect nor owner - felt the same.

Why portable stairs were ideal.

My change in 2024:

1109.2.8 Performance areas.

An accessible route shall directly connect the performance area to the assembly seating area where a circulation path directly connects a performance area to an assembly seating area. The location of the accessible route shall be in the same rooms and spaces as the circulation path. The audience's sightlines to the accessible route shall be comparable to the audience's sightlines to the circulation path. An accessible route shall be provided from performance areas to ancillary areas or facilities used by performers.