Residential Building Inspector B1Building Planning and Life SafetyMedium
A residential building inspector is reviewing plans for a new single-family dwelling. The plans include a stairway with a total rise of 100 inches. What is the minimum required headroom for this stairway?
- A6 feet 8 inches
- B7 feet 2 inches
- C6 feet 6 inches
- D7 feet 0 inches
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 6 feet 8 inches
IRC R311.7.2 requires a minimum headroom of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) at all points in the stairway, measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing or from the floor surface of the landing or platform, to the ceiling or soffit above.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This exceeds the minimum required headroom but is not the minimum.
- C. This is less than the minimum required headroom.
- D. This exceeds the minimum required headroom but is not the minimum.
Stairway Headroom
Minimum vertical clearance required above the treads and landings of a stairway to prevent users from hitting their heads.
- Measured from tread nosing line.
- Applies to all points of the stairway.
- Crucial for safety and usability.
Memory trick: Stairway headroom, 6 feet 8, keeps tall people from meeting their fate.