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Building Homes or Extensions/Fence door interupting stairway at a landing

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Expert: - 7/21/2010


Question

Landing
I am in San Francisco California and I have two flights of outdoor stairs running continuously on a slope interrupted by landing. I would like to run fence on the outer line of the landing and put door in the fence so the bottom flight of stairs will still be accessible. Is this legal or in compliance with a code?

I have researched briefly the California Building Code and I didn't find the answer for this specific situation. I am also attaching an image of this specific situation with a sketch. I appreciate your expertise.

Answer
Hi Martin,  Every municipality and town have their own codes which may differ from the CBC. The drawing you put on your photo seems a little high, you may be restricted to 6' in height and the landing may be an issue.  Some areas may require a level landing on both sides of the door or gate. When in doubt visit your local building department and inquire.  Building officials are civil servants and are there to serve the public.  Take in the above photo and see what they say. I hope this information helps, please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson

Bruce E. Johnson

Expertise

I can answer any construction related question in regards to carpentry, concrete, drywall, masonry, structural elements of any type of building, residential or commercial. Interior or exterior.

Experience

Custom Commercial and residential buildings. Churches, theaters, schools and auditoriums. Most recently I am working with the Catholic Church on several design build committees. I have a website related to scheduling and project supervision. Although my expertise is more related to multimillion dollar commercial, educational and theatrical projects my generous credentials in residential and remodelling construction make me a viable source of information regarding all forms of building questions.

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