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Stairways 1011.11 Exception

jaymetcalfe

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Apr 23, 2021
Messages
1
Location
CT
Trying to figure out if these steps meet Exception 2 as far as not needing a railing...
(1) It is an 8-rise set of stairs on a golf course going up a small hill. Stairs are in essence "flush" with the sloped lawn on either side of them.
(2) 5-rise set that has a retaining wall on one side (top of wall same height as top tread) and asphalt on other side that at most has a 14" drop off the side of the stairs.
 
Welcome

Not into stairs

If totally outside a building,,, building code does not apply

But more than likely a good reference to follow

Is there a landing at the top?? If so what size

Or is it just the size of a step
 
IBC requires permits for all structures no matter what it is. A stairway is a structure. So is a guard and a handrail. IRC would not cover stairways after one is on the ground coming from the house.

I would not require a guard but a handrail is required.

[A] 105.1 Required. Any owner or owner’s authorized agent
who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish
or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to
erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or
replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system,
the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause
any such work to be performed, shall first make application to
the building official and obtain the required permit.
 
Also if it's part of the MOE it is covered by IBC. You need to get all the way to the public way.

I don't see any way you wouldn't need handrails for the described steps, certainly not covered by exception 2.
 
ADA Standards cover golf course scope in 238 and 1006. Out on the course, the requirement is described as an accessible route to tee boxes, greens, weather shelters. Also covered are practice tees and greens. In 1006.2 there is an exception that says handrails shall not be required on golf courses and that if provided handrails shall not be required to comply with 505. If this stair is just something following a hill on a golf course, I don’t see where there is a handrail requirement.
 
Design professionals are required to use good judgment. I'd be worried about doing wide monumental stairs like the attached, but my work has rarely included them.
 

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There are a lot of chronologically enhanced people on golf courses. Railings would help them steady themselves if they can not longer run up or down the steps 2 at a time.
 
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