Stair code exceptions

[4thorns]

Not sure this is the right place for this post but here goes. I'm designing a log cabin for a customer that has a loft. This cabin is not designed for and cannot be considered a permanent residence(it's primary use may be a hunting camp or family retreat). Normally the loft in this type of cabin would be accessed via a ladder designed and constructed on site. This customer wants to put in a set of stairs that cannot be built to IRC code in his state. According to Codes in the IRC I've determined that the loft is not considered a "Habitable Area" due to area restrictions. The next term that came to mind was "Attic". If a pull down ladder is acceptable to access an elevated area then is there some exception for a none code set of stairs?

Doug

 

[Ron]

Consider the use of the loft. If used as a bedroom, consider that appropriate egress is necessary in a fire event. In that case, improper stairs or a ladder would put you, the designer, in a high liability position.

Have you considered a code-compliant spiral stair?

 

[4thorns]

Thanks for the reply Ron. I've made notations on the plan that any staircase is the sole responsibility of the owner/builder and none are shown in the design. I'm just tryig to determine whether or not there is a situation where a set of stairs can be built that doesn't meet standard code but is still acceptable in an "Exception" for maybe an attic or a "non habitable Area".

Doug

 

[boo1]

If you degign/build stairs they must be code compiant.

Here is a nice visual guide:

http://www.stairways.org/pdf/2006 Stair IRC SCREEN.pdf

 

[4thorns]

Thanks for the link boo1. I actually already have a copy of that and it was very handy during the learning proccess of the stair codes. There are also interpetations of other state codes that differ from the IRC. Designing stairs to code is pretty simple if you have the space. I found this statement while doing some Google searches today. It's from a DIY web site...

"Attic stairs are generally steeper than other stairs in the home, and your local building codes may make exceptions or they may not."

If this is the case it may give the customer a chance to get the stairs in where he wants them. It's easy enough for me to not show anything as far as access to these elevated areas and eliminate any liability to our company. This happens frequently though and I like to be able to explain to perspective customers why or why not certain things can or cannot be done.

Doug

 

[boo1]

There was a long blog in the ICC forum last year on stairs to attic access. While a few BOs would permit deviations the majority or the BOs indicated they would require any stairs to be code compliant.

Consider talking to your building department for their interpretation.

 

[FSS]

How about a note to say "Stairs by builder"???

 

[boo1]

We have a legal requirement to design to codes (with liabilty). The BO is responsible to enfore the code. The home owner can add anything they want after the CO.

 

[4thorns]

Thanks for the replies. I'd never show intentionally show anything on the plans that wasn't code compliant so I guess for now the note stays put.

Thanks again
Doug