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billvass

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I have a inspector tagging me for wall lights in a residential stairway, he is saying they are too low. Wall lights are at 6'11" to center,light hangs down to below 6'6". He states a code in the I.R.C 2003,no stairway to have a minimum 6'8" head clearness . So my lights are in violation?
Has anyone see this before? Thanks.
 
Re: Inspector

billvass,

The 2003 IRC R311.5
1.) 36" in clear width at all points above and below the projected handrails.
2.) 6'8" headroom in all parts of stairway.

Do you have the 36" span with the light?
 
Re: Inspector

I can't comment on the IRC, as we are not on it, but the UBC should not be that different.
Yes there is a headroom req,(6'8") but it's the width req that should get attention here.
1003.3.3.2 Width (quoted in part)
"Stringers and other projections such as trim and similar features may project into the required width 11/2 (38 mm) from each side."

For a house, your minimum width is req. to be 36 inches.

if your stairway is wider than the minimum, you may have room for discuion and compromise.
 
Re: Inspector

R311.5.1Width. Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches (914 mm) in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. Handrails shall not project more than 4.5 inches (114mm)on either side of the stairway and the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than 31.5 inches (787 mm) where a handrail is installed on one side and 27 (698 mm) where handrails are provided on both sides.
Exception: The width of spiral stairways shall be in accordance with Section R311.5.8.
R311.5.2 Headroom. The minimum headroom in all parts of the stairway shall not be less than 6 feet 8 inches (2036 mm) measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing or from the floor surface of the landing or platform.
Click to expand...
From the code text it is clear that the inspector is correct. Can you shorten the fixtures up?
 
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