skip to main content

Building a Home

requirements for hand railings in New Jersey for Exterior stairs

Betsey Thompson

9 years ago

Hi, can anyone point me to the building code for New Jersey exterior stairs? We have four doorways that need stoops. My understanding is that you can do dry set stairs without railings as long as the drop was not more than 36 inches, but now I'm not sure whether I'm wrong and it was 30 inches. I searched online for the building code but wasn't successful. Any help would be much appreciated!

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'm not sure but it is probably the I2012 RC.

A guard and a handrail are different requirements but they can sometimes serve the same purpose.

R311.7.8 requires a handrail for 4 or more risers.

R312.1.1 requires a 36" high "guard" at a walking surface more than 30" above grade. At the stairs a handrail can serve as the guard if it is between 34" and 38" above the nosing of the treads.
0
Betsey Thompson thanked User
Related Professionals
Euless Architects & Building Designers · Universal City Architects & Building Designers · Honolulu Design-Build Firms · Beloit General Contractors · Chowchilla General Contractors · Coos Bay General Contractors · Coshocton General Contractors · Deer Park General Contractors · Fairview General Contractors · Forest Grove General Contractors · Lakeside General Contractors · New River General Contractors · Redan General Contractors · Seal Beach General Contractors · Valley Stream General Contractors

Related Stories

ENTRYWAYS How to Make the Most of Your Entry (No Coat Closet Required)

By Janell Beals - House of Fifty

A well-designed foyer offers storage, seating and other features to help you get out the door on time and looking good

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: When a Permit Is Required and When It's Not

By Matt Clawson

In this article, the first in a series exploring permit processes and requirements, learn why and when you might need one

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: 10 Critical Code Requirements for Every Project

By Matt Clawson

In Part 3 of our series examining the building permit process, we highlight 10 code requirements you should never ignore

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Shingle Style Meets Soho on the Jersey Shore

By Becky Harris

Surfing, City and the Water's Edge Inspires Beautiful Home With Eclectic Style

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Rustic and Modern Go Hand in Hand

Floor-to-ceiling windows and simple interiors make this bright and airy Wiltshire home rustic chic without the chintz

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Farmhouse Meets Industrial in a Restored New Jersey Barn

By Becky Harris

Amish craftsmen, trusting clients and an architect with a vision save a historic barn from a complete teardown

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Renovations Modernize a 1970s New Jersey Colonial

By Becky Harris

Better access to a great yard, an opened-up interior and family-friendly features improved this home for a Princeton family

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Cottage Comforts on the Jersey Shore

By Becky Harris

Subtle coastal touches and layers of natural materials warm up this charming home

TASTEMAKERS Expert Talk: Maynard Studios' Masterful Railings

By Lawrence Karol

These steel stair railings are hand forged, and no two are alike. See how they're made and how they take rooms from plain to breathtaking

DECORATING PROJECTS Get a Wallpaper Look With a Hand-Painted Touch

By No. 29 Design

Stencil a pattern for all the beauty of your favorite wallpaper at a fraction of the cost

Sponsored

J&J HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC

Unparalleled Design & Dedicated to Quality in Loudoun County, VA

More Discussions

Be careful of new home premium

15

Swinging doors into master bathroom

18

I am hoping for room design of our bonus room above the garage.

9

What do you think of these small house designs?

40

New home exterior

30