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Yet another stair handrail question

S

ShacktoCastle

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Joined
Jan 21, 2025
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11
Location
Vermont
Hi folks. Newbie on the forum. Builder remodeller working on a reno of existing SF home converted into two separate rental dwellings. No common stairs. 1 common wall. I was told by a State of Vermont code officer during an inspection that the stairs in the units need to have handrails on both sides per the IBC, Vermont does not alter the IBC code pertaining to stairs and rails. I have read the 2024 code on the IBC site as well as the Vermont site. Same code. The stairs are within each separate dwelling, only serve the dwelling they are in, each unit having it's own set of stairs that lead to the bedroom/s and bath from the main living area. Am I reading the code exceptions incorrectly where it states "new and existing stairs within dwelling units and within guest rooms" are required to have handrails on one side only? Installing a second handrail is no big deal, but rather not. Per the IBC, this is what is considered a dwelling unit:

  • Complete living facilities: It must have areas for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation within the unit.
  • Independent living: A dwelling unit is meant to be self-contained and not rely on shared facilities with other units.
  • Single household: It is designed to accommodate a single family or household.
 
Looking at Upcodes for Vermont It looks like they don't have a residential code and they did not adopt IBC Chapter 10. Not sure where to find handrail requirements for Vermont.
 
Mr. Inspector said:
Looking at Upcodes for Vermont It looks like they don't have a residential code and they did not adopt IBC Chapter 10. Not sure where to find handrail requirements for Vermont.
Click to expand...
I think they adopted 2012 IRC. Guessing up codes lacks that history.

"..on at least one side...with four or more risers..."

(TBCF is not letting me paste copied text.)
 
Looks like the Vermont Division of Fire Safety is the code there. (firesafety.vermont.gov)

NFPA 101 Sec. 7.2.2.4.5 & 7.2.2.4.1.6 (1) and (3) may apply unless there's amendments to the codes.

Most use IRC which covers one and two family dwellings which only would require one handrail between 34-38" measured from the nose of the tread vertically with handrail returns back to the wall or newel post.

VDFS: Adding another railing is permitted and appears the additional handrail could be higher, lower or on the other side if desired. looks like you can have it a 30" according to the VDFS 2015 Code information sheet that was updated in April of 2017.
 
Either way IRC or IBC it should be 1 HR in the dwelling units.....I don't know VT, but the guys I have met are nice and I know they were working on IRC adoption even if it wasn't going to be mandatory or statewide as a reference..
 
Mr. Inspector said:
Shacktocastle needs to tell us what code the inspector is using.
Click to expand...
requirements-of-the-vermont-fire-and-building-safety-codes-www-.jpg
 
ShacktoCastle said:
Hi folks. Newbie on the forum. Builder remodeller working on a reno of existing SF home converted into two separate rental dwellings. No common stairs. 1 common wall. I was told by a State of Vermont code officer during an inspection that the stairs in the units need to have handrails on both sides per the IBC, Vermont does not alter the IBC code pertaining to stairs and rails. I have read the 2024 code on the IBC site as well as the Vermont site. Same code. The stairs are within each separate dwelling, only serve the dwelling they are in, each unit having it's own set of stairs that lead to the bedroom/s and bath from the main living area. Am I reading the code exceptions incorrectly where it states "new and existing stairs within dwelling units and within guest rooms" are required to have handrails on one side only? Installing a second handrail is no big deal, but rather not. Per the IBC, this is what is considered a dwelling unit:

  • Complete living facilities: It must have areas for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation within the unit.
  • Independent living: A dwelling unit is meant to be self-contained and not rely on shared facilities with other units.
  • Single household: It is designed to accommodate a single family or househol
    requirements-of-the-vermont-fire-and-building-safety-codes-www-.jpg
Click to expand...
 
Hi Folks I have posted the Vermont Fire Safety code they use for the handrails. I cant see why they would want a rail on both sides based on this. Again, this is a two family (duplex) residential house. It was a regular "New Englander" style farmhouse. Main house with an"L". the "L" is one separate one bedroom apartment. The main house is the other (2 bedroom) apartment. Nothing in common aside from one wall and the parking area.
 
Sorry Guys, I had trouble getting an image, and then the correct one to post. the first one is incorrect. The ones with the 2022 date are what we are looking at.
 
You have not posted a code. You have posted an informational brochure based on NFPA 101, NFPA 1, "and other codes and standards." I don't think all those apply to a two-family dwelling. I think you need to determine exactly what code or codes apply.
 
ShacktoCastle,

Please ask the kind gentle State of Vermont code office, what code he/she is enforcing? It appears that they have modified the info sheet from the 2012 to the 2022.

Does the Code Information Sheet suffice as the Vermont code? Passed by the legislature? If so the 2022 Code Informational Sheet indicates a single handrail is required.
 
In a code meeting today and I asked before it started and have two separate answers, both from fire protection engineers. First, there is no statewide 1 and 2 family dwelling code. Second,
NFPA 101, which does have an exception to permit one side only in dwelling units.

PS. I can get you section numbers if needed.
 
bill1952 said:
In a code meeting today and I asked before it started and have two separate answers, both from fire protection engineers. First, there is no statewide 1 and 2 family dwelling code. Second,
NFPA 101, which does have an exception to permit one side only in dwelling units.
Click to expand...
thank you Bill, much appreciated! I was able to talk with a state fire marshall and he said the same, in existing buildings one side is fine. take care and thanks again!
 
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