Expert: Ted Barnhill (Principal, Design45 LLC) - 11/15/2007

Question
QUESTION: We are installing a new interior staircase.  As planned, the stairs would terminate
at a door perpendicular to the top stairs on the right, from the going up
perspective.  There is a 5 foot wide landing that extends off to the left side of
the stairs.  Is there a minimum from the end of stairs to the opening of a door?

ANSWER: The International Residential Code (2006), the most commonly-used code in the US, states:

"A floor or landing is not required at the top of an interior flight of stairs, including stairs in an enclosed garage, provided a door does not swing over the stairs." (R311.5.4)

So, unless your municipality uses a different code or has special amendments, you should be fine with a door jamb immediately adjacent to your top riser, as long as the door doesn't swing over the stairs.

Enjoy your remodeled space.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What is the minimum width for an interior staircase?  We are restoring an
interior staircase that was taken out years ago.  The width of the original stairs
was 34 inches.  Can we restore the stairs at that same width?  We have been told
that current local codes in Los Angeles county require wider stairs.

Answer
Dody,

The IBC requires 36" width at all points above the handrail.  Most US codes adopt this code or are very similar, but I don't know what is in effect in Los Angeles County.  Unfortunately once a non-compliant stair has been removed, it is no longer "grandfathered in".  You may be able to obtain a variance to rebuild the stair narrower than code allows.  If there is another stair serving the area you are accessing, you may have a strong argument that the new (rebuilt) stair isn't the primary egress, but having it offers more and safer egress options.  Presumably building it wider is cost prohibitive or disrupts the home in an unacceptable way - you would want to demonstrate this also.

Good luck.