It has been my experience that if the stairs serves one SFR then no. If it serves multiple units then yes since it is considered a public area. Sorry I don't have time at the moment to give supporting documentation

Does Exception 3 of Section 1009.10 apply?

I think the answer lies within exception 2. If the stair is WITHIN a dwelling unit.

quote:

Originally posted by rlga_AZ:
Does Exception 3 of Section 1009.10 apply?

no- i am referring to decks with more than one change of elevation (actual stairs).
exception 3 does make me think that exception 2
applies to decks as they are not specifically mentioned.
in other words, i think a deck or front porch would require handrails on both sides, because it is not WITHIN a dwelling unit (per ex2)
what do you think? and more importantly, how will you enforce it??
thanks!

looks like we are in the same boat that we used to sail. but was whether or not 36" high guardrails would be allowed (say on an exterior private deck, that only has access by the individual unit).

quote:

what do you think? and more importantly, how will you enforce it??
thanks!

is there any way to get an official interpretation?
who do i ask?
thanks!

http://www.iccsafe.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_t...;t=009174;p=1#000007

Ah, the makings of a "perfect storm" are beginning. The next few years should be fun for all.

jon, did you ever get a straight answer to your initial question? that same language would also apply to 1012.5 handrail extensions exception 1.

the icc forum got off subject, and did not address your question.

anyone else have newer input on this?

The ICC discussion has some newer posts but it still looks like some people are leaning towards requiring two handrails at the exterior deck/patio of a dwelling unit while others are fine with only providing one.

The bottom line comes down to whether or not the exterior patio/deck associated with a dwelling unit can be considered WITHIN the dwelling unit. It is not actually inside the dwelling unit (within the walls), but some may see it as being located within the property of the dwelling unit.

Maybe there is something more out there somewhere