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January 28, 2008
STAIRCASE CODE
I have 10" treads with one baluster (spindle) per tread. does this pass code or do i need to put two balusters per tread ? Is there a staircase code in NYC ? any advice would be great. thanks.
Comments
The code for deck rails is 4" maximum space between balusters. I would guess interior railings would fall under a similar code.
Posted by: guest at January 29, 2008 11:00 AM
The code might go further to say that its not just a 4" maximum gap, but that a 4" wide sphere can not be pushed through the railing- meaning that if your balusters have some give they will not be to code even if they are spaced 4" apart.
Posted by: guest at January 29, 2008 11:05 AM
If your stair is built prior to 1968 it is governed by the old code. The old code has no particular provisions for a maximum gap between balustrades, and for reference the detailed stairway section is c26-292.0.
Posted by: Smokychimp at January 29, 2008 11:08 AM
In terms of the new code (1968 until the modified UBC is adopted in August), the rule is that any openings in the stair guardrail "shall be of such dimensions as to prevent the passage of a 5" diameter ball." section c26-604.13.
Posted by: Smokychimp at January 29, 2008 11:55 AM
OP here - technically the staircase was built in 1860 but i am restoring it by leveling the treads with new ones and putting in new risers and balustrades, but everything else is staying. does this mean i can follow the code prior to 1968 ?
Posted by: chinaspice at January 29, 2008 9:19 PM
hmm that is a good one. It's arguable, anyway. I would think it would come down to the inspector's discretion.
Posted by: Smokychimp at January 29, 2008 10:31 PM
Typically, as in bathrooms and kitchens, if you are just leaving the fixtures (in this case the stairs) in the same location and just upgrading it, you can remain under the old code. However, were you to move the stair to a new location, it would need to comply with the new code.
It's unclear to me whether this applies to handrails, guardrails and ballustrades. I assume that your handrails are not at the proper new code height either.
Posted by: guest at January 30, 2008 7:40 AM
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