COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY

PAUL E. PATTON DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, DENNIS J. LANGFORD
Gm‘t'nmr BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION Commissioner
10-17 US. HIGHWAY 1375. BAY l
FRANKFORT. KENTUCKY 40601-4322
(503) 564-8014
FAX (502) 56-1-6799

FORMAL IN TERPRE T A T I ONS N 0. 00-24

DOCUNIENT: .Section 315.1, 1995 CABO/ One and Two Family Dwelling Code
(CABO/OTFDC) and Section 1014.7 Exception l, 1997 Kentucky Building Code
(KBC)

SUBJECT: Handrail requirements for stairs with three- (3) or more risers.

Question: Does a stair leading to a porch of a single family dwelling require a handrail if the
stair has two steps (also two risers) and a third riser to the porch or landing.

Answer: Yes

Commentary: The requirement for handrails is based on the number of risers and not the number of
steps. The term "riser" is not defined by the KBC so one must take its ordinarily
accepted meaning. Webster's New World Dictionary defines ”riser” as any of the
vertical pieces between the steps in a stairway. The KBC includes treads, risers and
landings (or porches) in the definition of a stairway. Any stair or flight of steps that
requires one to take more than two vertical steps upward or downward requires a
handrail on at least one side.

May 25, 2000
Date Board Approved

 

11.

EDUCATION

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