can stairs be in "yard" space setback?

8 years ago

Thinking about building a new house - 3 stories in Seattle. Garage and a rental unit would be in the first floor. Main entry would be on 2nd floor. Level lot. We have a 20' front yard setback that we are not supposed to build in - but I am wondering if a staircase is allowed? I've seen other houses where they do have stairs in this setback, but some are on sloped lots.

Featured Answer

PRO

Virgil Carter Fine Art

8 years ago

If the stair is enclosed with walls, roof and door it's doubtful that it may be allowable in the prescribed setback yard. If the stair is open to the sky, with no foundation or enclosing walls or roof, it's a toss-up. Contact your local jurisdiction's zoning administrator to get the answer. Good luck!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

roof35
8 years ago
What did the Seattle building department tell you?
Alan Lnu
Original Author
8 years ago
haven't talked to them yet. The building codes online don't discuss stairs particularly except as parts of a porch or deck. I may contact them down the road, but maybe someone here knows off-hand.
Related Professionals
Duluth Design-Build Firms · Odessa Home Builders · San Angelo Architects & Building Designers · Cody Architects & Building Designers · Victoria Architects & Building Designers · Yuma Home Builders · Belleville Design-Build Firms · Lexington Design-Build Firms · Memphis Design-Build Firms · South Sioux City Design-Build Firms · Binghamton Design-Build Firms · Gainesville Interior Designers & Decorators · Lima Furniture & Accessories · Sheboygan Furniture & Accessories · Vancouver General Contractors
PRO
Summit Studio Architects
8 years ago
This is a planning department issue. Your zoning code is likely available online. Or, you can just contact the planning department.
PRO
Virgil Carter Fine Art
8 years ago
No one here can tell you what the Seattle zoning ordinance says. Check with your zoning administrator. Good luck!
PRO
Jeffrey R. Grenz, General Contractor
8 years ago
Doubtful if it is a part of the structure. Setbacks are for the structure. There may be exceptions but you need a local expert.... typically the planning dept.... and its not a building code, but planning as Summit Studio & Virgil advised (Zoning admin=planning typ.)