I've been trying to find the needed info for a set of steps to the exterior of my house - unfortunately the more I've researched, the more unclear I've become. Eventually, I came across this forum - hopefully I can get some help here.
I own a single unit 2 story home built in the 1890's which was originally a toll house, so it only sits back about 6' back from a main state road. The house had a pretty substantial remodel around 1990, w/ an addition added on, updated electrical, plumbing, etc. done by the previous owner. We've owned the house since '06.
There were no front steps at the front door (that would go out to the main road) when we bought the house - the 'rear' door leading from the driveway and patio is used as the main entrance; the front door is never used and the access to the front of the house is not easy due to the limited space and high traffic. Other than a sliding door to our deck from our bedroom on the 2nd floor, there are no other entrances to the house. We have not had any issues w/ the steps not being there until we recently changed insurance companies - they said they wanted us to have steps in place that were built to code. Our house is on the inside of a slight bend, w/ an intersection at the corner of the front of our house - the slightest obstruction would impede visibility for cars trying to pull out onto the main road - the house itself is already at the limit of being able to just see past.
I've talked to the township, which basically said that our house wasnt in compliance, but they were not asking us to do anything - to comply w/ the insurance company's request, they indirectly suggested to make up a set of steps that didnt have a landing at the top, which would minimize the overall obstruction the steps would create. I have to assume that the previous owner had some type of steps at the time he bought and remodeled the house, there is an existing footing - but I have no idea what was there and for how long. I am admittedly out of my element here - I'm not clear what the proper code would be, if that code would be based on the remodel in 1990 or today, and if its possible to have some kind of alterations to the requirements that would take into account the access, non-use and visibility issues the steps would create.
I'm not certain what other information would be needed - but its a standard 36" wide door that would swing into the home, there is no screen door & the bottom of the doorway is 40" from the ground outside.
Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I own a single unit 2 story home built in the 1890's which was originally a toll house, so it only sits back about 6' back from a main state road. The house had a pretty substantial remodel around 1990, w/ an addition added on, updated electrical, plumbing, etc. done by the previous owner. We've owned the house since '06.
There were no front steps at the front door (that would go out to the main road) when we bought the house - the 'rear' door leading from the driveway and patio is used as the main entrance; the front door is never used and the access to the front of the house is not easy due to the limited space and high traffic. Other than a sliding door to our deck from our bedroom on the 2nd floor, there are no other entrances to the house. We have not had any issues w/ the steps not being there until we recently changed insurance companies - they said they wanted us to have steps in place that were built to code. Our house is on the inside of a slight bend, w/ an intersection at the corner of the front of our house - the slightest obstruction would impede visibility for cars trying to pull out onto the main road - the house itself is already at the limit of being able to just see past.
I've talked to the township, which basically said that our house wasnt in compliance, but they were not asking us to do anything - to comply w/ the insurance company's request, they indirectly suggested to make up a set of steps that didnt have a landing at the top, which would minimize the overall obstruction the steps would create. I have to assume that the previous owner had some type of steps at the time he bought and remodeled the house, there is an existing footing - but I have no idea what was there and for how long. I am admittedly out of my element here - I'm not clear what the proper code would be, if that code would be based on the remodel in 1990 or today, and if its possible to have some kind of alterations to the requirements that would take into account the access, non-use and visibility issues the steps would create.
I'm not certain what other information would be needed - but its a standard 36" wide door that would swing into the home, there is no screen door & the bottom of the doorway is 40" from the ground outside.
Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
