The British Columbia Building Code | Section 9.8. | Stairs, Ramps, Landings, Handrails and Guards
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Section 9.8. Stairs, Ramps, Landings, Handrails and Guards
9.8.1. Application
9.8.1.1. General
1) This Section applies to the design and construction of interior and exterior stairs, steps, ramps, landings,
handrails and guards.
9.8.1.2. Stairs, Ramps, Landings, Handrails and Guards in Garages
1) Where stairs, ramps, landings, handrails or guards are installed in garages that serve a single dwelling unit
or a
house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, the garage shall be considered to be part of the dwelling unit
and the requirements for stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards within dwelling units shall apply.
9.8.1.3. Exit Stairs, Ramps and Landings
1) Where a stair, ramp or landing forms part of an exit, the appropriate requirements in Sections9.9. and9.10.
shall also apply.
9.8.1.4. Escalators and Moving Walkways
1) Escalators and moving walkways shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Part3.
9.8.2. Stair Dimensions
9.8.2.1. Stair Width
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), required exit stairs and public stairs serving buildings of residential occupancy
shall have a width of not less than 900mm.
2) Exit stairs serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their common spaces shall
have a width of not less than 860mm.
3) R
equired exit stairs and public stairs serving buildings of other than residential occupancy shall have a width of not
less than the greater of
a) 900mm, or
b) 8mm per person based on the occupant load limits specified in Table3.1.17.1.
4) A
t least one stair between each floor level within a dwelling unit, and exterior stairs serving a single dwelling unit
except required exit stairs, shall have a width of not less than 860mm.
9.8.2.2. Height over Stairs
1) The clear height over stairs shall be measured vertically, over the clear width of the stair, from a straight line
tangent to the tread and landing nosings to the lowest point above. (SeeNoteA-3.4.3.4. and Note A-9.5.3.1.
)
2) Except as provided in Sentence(3), the clear height over stairs shall not be less than 2 050mm.
3) T
he clear height over stairs serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their
common spaces shall not be less than 1 950mm.
4) Reserved.
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9.8.3. Stair Configurations
9.8.3.1. Permitted Configurations
(SeeNoteA-9.8.4.)
1) Except as provided by Sentence (2),
stairs in buildings other than dwelling units and houses with a secondary suite
including their common spaces shall consist of
a) straight flights, or
b) except as provided in Sentence(4), curved flights.
2) Stairs within dwelling units and houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall consist of
a) straight flights,
b) except as provided in Sentence(4), curved flights,
c) reserved
,
d) except as provided in Sentence(3), flights with rectangular treads and winders, or
e) reserved
.
3) Only one set of winders described in Article9.8.4.6. shall be permitted between floor levels.
4) Curved flights in exits shall comply with Sentence3.4.6.9.(2).
5) All tapered treads within a flight shall turn in the same direction.
9.8.3.2. Minimum Number of Risers
1) Except for stairs within a dwelling unit, at least 3risers shall be provided in interior flights.
9.8.3.3. Maximum Height of Stairs
1) The vertical height of any flight of stairs shall not exceed 3.7m.
9.8.4. Step Dimensions
(SeeNoteA-9.8.4.)
9.8.4.1. Dimensions for Risers
(SeeNoteA-9.8.4.)
1) E
xcept for stairs serving areas only used as service rooms or service spaces, the rise, which is measured as the
vertical nosing-to-nosing distance, shall comply with Table9.8.4.1.
Table 9.8.4.1.
Rise for Rectangular Treads and Tapered Treads (Including Winders)
Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.4.1.(1)
Stair Type
Rectangular Treads and Tapered Treads (Including Winders)
Rise, mm
Max. Min.
Private
(1)
200 125
Public
(2)
180 125
Notes to Table9.8.4.1.:
(1) Private stairs are exterior and interior stairs that serve
a) single
dwelling units,
b) houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces, or
c) garages that serve houses described in Clause (a) or (b).
(4) Public stairs are all stairs not described as service stairs or private stairs.
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9.8.4.2. Dimensions for Rectangular Treads
(SeeNoteA-9.8.4.)
1) Except for stairs serving areas only used as service rooms or service spaces, the run shall comply with Table9.8.4.2.
2) The depth of a rectangular tread shall be not less than its run and not more than its run plus 25mm.
9.8.4.3. Dimensions of Tapered Treads
(SeeNoteA-9.8.4.)
1) Except as provided in Sentence(3
) and Article9.8.4.6., tapered treads shall have a run that
a) is not less than 150 mm at the narrow end of the tread, and
b) complies with the dimensions stated in Table9.8.4.2. when measured at a point 300mm from the centre line
of the handrail at the narrow end of the tread.
2) Tapered treads in required exit stairs shall conform to the requirements in Article3.4.6.9.
3) The depth of a tapered tread shall be not less than its run at any point and not more than its run at any point
plus 25mm.
9.8.4.4. Uniformity and Tolerances for Risers, Runs and Treads
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), risers shall be of uniform height in any one flight, with a maximum
tolerance of
a) 5 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and
b) 10 mm between the tallest and shortest risers in a flight.
2) Except for required exit stairs, where the top or bottom riser in a stair adjoins a sloping finished walking
surface, such as a garage floor, driveway or sidewalk, the height of the riser across the stair shall vary by not more
than 1 in 12.
3) Rectangular treads shall have a uniform run with a maximum tolerance of
a) 5 mm between adjacent treads, and
b) 10 mm between the deepest and shallowest treads in a flight.
4) Tapered treads in a flight shall have a uniform run in accordance with the construction tolerances stipulated in
Sentence(3) when measured at a point 300mm from the centre line of the handrail as described in
Sentence9.8.7.1.(5).
5) The slope of treads shall not exceed 1 in 50.
Table 9.8.4.2.
Run for Rectangular Treads
Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.4.2.(1)
Stair Type
Rectangular Treads
Run, mm
Max. Min.
Private
(1)
355 255
Public
(2)
No limit 280
Notes to Table9.8.4.2.:
(1) Private stairs are exterior and interior stairs that serve
a) single
dwelling units,
b) houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces, or
c) garages that serve houses described in Clause (a) or (b).
(2) Public stairs are all stairs not described as service stairs or private stairs.
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9.8.4.5. Reserved
9.8.4.6. Winders
(SeeNoteA-9.8.4.6.)
1) Individual treads in winders shall turn through an angle of
a) 30° with no deviation above or below 30°, or
b) 45° with no deviation above or below 45°.
2) Where winders are incorporated into a stair, each set shall not turn through more than 90°.
3) Treads in winders shall have a run, measured at a point 200 mm from the narrow end of the tread,
conforming to the minimum run requirements for a private stair in Table 9.8.4.2.
9.8.4.7.
Reserved
9.8.4.8. Tread Nosings
(SeeNotesA-9.8.4.8. andA-9.8.4.)
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), the top of the nosings of stair treads shall have a rounded or beveled
edge extending not less than 6mm and not more than 14mm measured horizontally from the front of the nosing.
2) If resilient material is used to cover the nosing of a stair tread, the minimum extension of the rounded or
beveled edge required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be reduced to 3mm.
9.8.5. Ramps
9.8.5.1. Application
1) This Subsection applies to pedestrian ramps, except ramps in an accessible path of travel.
2) Ramps in an accessible path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Section3.8.
9.8.5.2. Ramp Width
(Seealso Article9.9.3.2.)
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), ramps shall be not less than 1 100mm wide.
2) Ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not
less than 860mm wide.
9.8.5.3. Height over Ramps
1) Except as permitted by
Sentence(2), the clear height over ramps shall be not less than 2 050mm.
2) The clear height over ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their
common spaces shall be not less than 1 950mm.
9.8.5.4. Ramp Slope
1) The slope of ramps shall be not more than
a) 1 in 10 for exterior ramps,
b) 1 in 10 for interior ramps serving residential occupancies,
c) 1 in 6 for industrial occupancies, and
d) 1 in 8 for all other occupancies.
9.8.5.5. Maximum Rise
1) Where the slope of the ramp is greater than 1 in 12, the maximum rise between floors or landings shall be
1 500mm.
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9.8.6. Landings
9.8.6.1. Application
1) This Subsection applies to landings, except landings for ramps in an accessible path of travel.
2) Landings for ramps in an accessible path of travel shall conform to the requirements in Section3.8.
3) Finished floors, and ground surfaces with a slope not exceeding 1in50, at the top and bottom of stairs or
ramps shall be considered as landings.
9.8.6.2. Required Landings
1) Except as provided in Sentences(2) to(4) and Sentence9.9.6.6.(2), a landing shall be provided
a) at the top and bottom of each flight of interior and exterior stairs, including stairs in garages,
b) at the top and bottom of every ramp with a slope greater than 1 in 50,
c) where a doorway opens onto a stair or ramp,
d) where a ramp opens onto a stair, and
e) where a stair opens onto a ramp.
2) Where a door at the top of a stair within a dwelling unit swings away from the stair, no landing is required
between the doorway and the stair.
3) A landing may be omitted at the top of an exterior flight serving a secondary entrance to a single dwelling unit
or
a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, provided
a) the stair does not contain more than 3risers,
b) the principal door is a sliding door or swings away from the stair, and
c) only a storm or screen door, if any, swings over the stair and is equipped with hardware to hold it open.
4) A landing may be omitted at the bottom of an exterior stair or ramp provided there is no obstruction, such as
a gate or door, within the lesser of the width of the stair or ramp or
a) 900mm for stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their
common spaces, and
b) 1 100mm for stairs or ramps not described in Clause (a)
.
9.8.6.3. Dimensions of Landings
(SeeNoteA-3.4.6.4.) (Seealso Articles9.9.6.1. and9.9.6.6. regarding landings in exits.)
1) Except as provided in Sentences(2) to(7), landings shall be at least as wide and as long as the width of the
stair or ramp in which they occur.
2) Where the landing in a stairway or ramp does not turn or turns less than 90°, the length of the landing need
not be more than the lesser of
a) the required width of the stair or ramp, or
b) 1 100mm.
3) The length of a landing shall be measured perpendicular to the nosings of adjacent steps or to the end of the
ramp, at a distance equal to half the length required in Sentence(2) from the narrow edge of the landing.
4) Where stair flights or ramps of different widths adjoin a single landing, the minimum width of the landing
shall be
a) where one or more of the stair or ramp widths do not exceed their respective required widths, not less than
the greater required stair or ramp width, or
b) where all of the widths of the stairs or ramps exceed their respective required widths, not less than the lesser
actual stair or ramp width.
5) Where a door swings toward a stair, the full arc of the swing shall be over the landing.
6) The slope of landings shall not exceed 1 in 50.
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7) Where a doorway or stairway opens onto the side of a ramp, the landing shall extend for a distance of not less
than 300mm on either side of the doorway or stairway, except on a side abutting an end wall.
9.8.6.4. Height over Landings
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), the clear height over landings shall be not less than 2 050mm.
2) The clear height over landings serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their
common spaces shall be not less than 1 950mm.
9.8.6.5. Tactile Warning
1) Landings required at the top of a
flight of stairs shall be provided with tactile walking surface indicators
conforming to Subsection 3.8.3., unless the stairs are
a) stairs within dwelling units or serving not more than two dwelling units,
b) exit stairs not normally used for access purposes, and
c) fire escape stairs
.
9.8.7. Handrails
9.8.7.1. Required Handrails
1) Except as provided in Sentences(2) to(4), handrails shall be installed on stairs and ramps in accordance with
Table9.8.7.1.
2) Except where a stair or ramp serves not more than two dwelling units, at least one handrail shall be located not
more than 750mm from the natural path of travel on the stair or ramp. (SeeNoteA-9.8.7.1.(2).)
3) Handrails are not required for stairs and ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite
including their common spaces, where
a) interior stairs have not more than 2 risers,
b) exterior stairs have not more than 3 risers, or
c) ramps rise not more than 400mm.
4) Only one handrail is required on exterior stairs having more than 3 risers provided such stairs serve not more
than one dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their common spaces.
5) Except for stairs with winders, where a flight of stairs within a dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite
including their common spaces consists of tapered treads, one handrail shall be installed along the narrow end of the
treads.
Table 9.8.7.1.
Number of Sides of Stair or Ramp Required to Have a Handrail
Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.7.1.(1)
Location of Stair or
Ramp
Handrails Serving Stairs Handrails Serving Ramps
Stairs < 1 100mm Wide Stairs ≥ 1 100 mm Wide Ramps < 1 100mm Wide
Ramps ≥ 1100mm
Wide
Straight Curved All Straight or Curved All
Number of Sides Required to Have a Handrail
Within a dwelling unit or
a house with a
secondary suite
11112
All other locations
(1)
12222
Notes to Table9.8.7.1.:
(1) See Sentences 9.8.7.1.(2), (3) and (4) for exceptions.
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9.8.7.2. Continuity of Handrails
(SeeNoteA-9.8.7.2.)
1) Except as provided in Sentence(3), required handrails shall be continuously graspable throughout the
length of
a) ramps, and
b) flights of stairs, from the bottom riser to the top riser.
2) Except for stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their common
spaces, at least one required handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of the stair or ramp, including at the
landing except where interrupted by doorways. (SeeNoteA-3.4.6.5.(10).)
3) For stairs or ramps serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces,
a handrail is permitted to start from a newel post or volute installed on the bottom tread.
9.8.7.3. Termination of Handrails
1) Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard.
(SeeNoteA-9.8.7.3.(1).)
2) Except for stairs and ramps serving only one dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their
common spaces, at least one handrail at the sides of a stair or ramp shall extend horizontally not less than 300mm
beyond the top and bottom of each flight or ramp. (SeeNoteA-9.8.7.3.(2).)
9.8.7.4. Height of Handrails
(SeeNoteA-9.8.7.4.)
1) The height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from the top of the handrail to
a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail, or
b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail.
2) Except as provided in Sentence(3) and Clause3.8.3.5.(1)(e), required handrails shall be 865mm to
1070 mm high.
3) Handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence(2).
9.8.7.5. Ergonomic Design
1) The clearance between a handrail and the surface behind it shall be not less than
a) 50mm, or
b) where said surface is rough or abrasive, 60mm.
2) All handrails shall be constructed so as to be continually graspable along their entire length with no
obstruction on or above them to break a handhold. (SeeNoteA-9.8.7.5.(2).)
9.8.7.6. Projections into Stairs and Ramps
1) Handrails and constructions below handrails, including handrail supports and stair stringers, shall not project
more than 100mm into the required width of a stair or ramp. (Seealso Articles9.8.2.1. and9.8.5.2.)
9.8.7.7. Design and Attachment of Handrails
(SeeNoteA-9.8.7.7.)
1) Handrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to widthstand the following loads, which
need not be considered to act simultaneously:
a) a concentrated load of not less than 0.9kN applied at any point and in any direction for all handrails, and
b) for handrails other than those serving a single dwelling unit, a uniform load of not less than 0.7
kN/m.
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2) Where exterior or interior handrails serving a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite including their
common spaces are attached to wood studs or blocking, the attachment shall be deemed to comply with
Sentence(1), where
a) the attachment points are spaced not more than 1.2m apart measured on the horizontal plane,
b) the first attachment point at either end is located no more than 300mm from the end of the handrail, and
c) the fasteners consist of not less than 2 No.8 wood screws at each point, penetrating not less than 32mm
into solid wood.
9.8.8. Guards
9.8.8.1. Required Guards
(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.1.)
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), every surface to which access is provided, including but not limited to
flights of steps and ramps, exterior landings, porches, balconies, mezzanines, galleries and raised walkways, shall be
protected by a guard on each side that is not protected by a wall for the length where
a) there is a difference in elevation of more than 600mm between the walking surface and the adjacent
surface, or
b) the adjacent surface within 1.2m of the walking surface has a slope of more than 1 in 2.
2) Guards are not required
a) at loading docks,
b) at floor pits in repair garages, or
c) where access is provided for maintenance purposes only.
3) Doors in buildings of residential occupancy, where the finished floor on one side of the door is more than 600mm
above the floor or other constructed surface or ground level on the other side of the door, shall be protected by
a) a guard, or
b) a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the door so as to limit any clear
unobstructed opening to not more than 100mm.
4) Except as provided in Sentence(5), openable windows in buildings of residential occupancy shall be protected by
a) a guard, or
b) a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the openable part of the window so as to
limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100mm measured either vertically or horizontally
where the other dimension is greater than 380mm.
(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.1.(4).)
5) Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence(4), where
a) reserved
,
b) reserved,
c) the only opening greater than 100mm by 380mm is a horizontal opening at the top of the window,
d) the window sill is located more than 450mm above the finished floor on one side of the window, or
e) the window is located in a room or space with the finished floor described in Clause(d) located less than
1 800mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window.
(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.1.(4).)
6) Except as provided in Sentence(7), glazing installed over stairs, ramps and landings that extends to less than
1 070mm above the surface of the treads, ramp or landing shall be
a) protected by guards, in accordance with this Subsection, or
b) non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for balcony guards as provided in
Article4.1.5.14.
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7) In dwelling units and houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces, glazing installed over stairs,
ramps and landings that extends to less than 900mm above the surface of the treads, ramp or landing shall be
a) protected by guards, in accordance with this Subsection, or
b) non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for balcony guards as provided in
Article4.1.5.14.
8) Glazing installed in public areas that extends to less than 1m from the floor and is located above the second
storey in buildings of residential occupancy shall be
a) protected by guards in accordance with this Subsection, or
b) non-openable and designed to withstand the specified lateral loads for balcony guards as provided in
Article4.1.5.14.
9.8.8.2. Loads on Guards
(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.2.)
1) Except as provided in Sentences(2) and(4), guards shall be designed to resist the specified loads prescribed in
Table9.8.8.2.
2) For guards within dwelling units and within houses with a
secondary suite including their common spaces and for
exterior guards serving not more than 2 dwelling units, where the width and spacing of balusters are such that
3balusters can be engaged by a load imposed over a 300mm width, the load shall be imposed so as to engage
3balusters.
3) None of the loads specified in Table9.8.8.2. need be considered to act simultaneously.
4) For guards within dwelling units and within houses with a
secondary suite including their common spaces and for
exterior guards serving not more than 2dwelling units, Table9.8.8.2. need not apply where the guard construction used
has been demonstrated to provide effective performance.
Table 9.8.8.2.
Specified Loads for Guards
Forming Part of Sentence 9.8.8.2.(1)
Location of Guard
Minimum Specified Loads
Horizontal Load Applied Inward or
Outward at any Point at the Minimum
Required Height of the Guard
Horizontal Load Applied Outward on
Elements Within the Guard, Including
Solid Panels and Balusters
Evenly Distributed Vertical Load
Applied at the Top of the Guard
Guards within dwelling units and
exterior guards serving not more
than 2 dwelling units
0.5 kN/m OR concentrated load of
1.0 kN applied at any point
(1)
0.5 kN applied over a maximum
width of 300 mm and a height of
300 mm
(2)
1.5 kN/m
Guards serving access ways to
equipment platforms and similar
areas where the gathering of many
people is improbable
Concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied
at any point
Concentrated load of 0.5 kN applied
over an area of 100 mm by 100 mm
located at any point on the element
or elements so as to produce the
most critical effect
1.5 kN/m
All other guards
0.75 kN/m OR concentrated load of
1.0 kN applied at any point
(1)
Concentrated load of 0.5 kN applied
over an area of 100 mm by 100 mm
located at any point on the element
or elements so as to produce the
most critical effect
1.5 kN/m
Notes to Table9.8.8.2.:
(1) The load that creates the most critical condition shall apply.
(2) See Sentence (2).
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9.8.8.3. Height of Guards
(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.3.)
1) Except as provided in Sentences(2) to(4), all guards shall be not less than 1 070mm high.
2) All guards within dwelling units or within houses with a
secondary suite including their common spaces shall be not
less than 900mm high.
3) Exterior guards serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their common
spaces shall be not less than 900mm high where the walking surface served by the guard is not more than 1 800mm
above the finished ground level.
4) Guards for flights of steps, except in required exit stairs, shall be not less than 900mm high.
5) The height of guards for flights of steps shall be measured vertically from the top of the guard to a line drawn
through the tread nosing served by the guard.
9.8.8.4. Guards for Floors and Ramps in Garages
1) Except for floors of garages referred to in Section9.35., where garage floors or ramps are 600mm or more
above the adjacent ground or floor level, every opening through a garage floor and the perimeter of floors and ramps
that have no exterior walls shall be provided with
a) a continuous curb not less than 140mm in height, and
b) a guard not less than 1 070mm above the floor level.
2) Vehicle guardrails shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values stipulated in
Sentence4.1.5.15.(1). (SeeNoteA-4.1.5.14. and 4.1.5.15.(1).)
9.8.8.5. Openings in Guards
1) Except as permitted in Sentences(2) and(3), openings through guards shall be of a size that prevents the
passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100mm. (SeeNoteA-9.8.8.5.(1) and (2).)
2) Except where they serve storage garages, guards in industrial occupancies are permitted to consist of
a) a top railing, and
b) one or more horizontal intermediate rails spaced such that the size of the openings through the guard
prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 535mm.
(SeeNote
A-9.8.8.5.(1) and (2).)
3) Openings through any guard that is not required by Article9.8.8.1. and that serves an occupancy other than an
industrial occupancy shall be of a size that
a) prevents the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100mm, or
b) permits the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 200mm.
(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.5.(3).)
9.8.8.6. Design of Guards to Not Facilitate Climbing
1) Except for guards in industrial occupancies, guards required by Article9.8.8.1. that protect a level located more
than 4.2m above the adjacent level shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between
140mm and 900mm above the level protected by the guard facilitates climbing. (SeeNoteA-9.8.8.6.(1).)
9.8.8.7. Glass in Guards
1) Glass in guards shall be
a) safety glass of the laminated or tempered type conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or
Laminated Safety Glass,” or
b) wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”
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9.8.9. Construction
9.8.9.1. Loads on Stairs and Ramps
1) Except as specified in Articles9.8.9.4. and9.8.9.5., stairs and ramps shall be designed for strength and rigidity
under uniform loading criteria to support specified loads of
a) 1.9kPa for stairs and ramps serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including
their common spaces, and
b) 4.8kPa for other stairs and ramps.
9.8.9.2. Exterior Concrete Stairs
1) Exterior concrete stairs with more than 2risers and 2treads shall be
a) supported on unit masonry or concrete walls or piers not less than 150mm in cross section, or
b) cantilevered from the main foundation wall.
2) Stairs described in Sentence(1), when cantilevered from the foundation wall, shall be constructed and installed
in conformance with Subsection9.8.10.
3) The depth below ground level for foundations for exterior steps shall conform to the requirements in
Section9.12.
9.8.9.3. Exterior Wood Steps
1) Exterior wood steps shall not be in direct contact with the ground unless suitably treated with a wood
preservative.
9.8.9.4. Wooden Stair Stringers
1) Wooden stair stringers shall
a) have a minimum effective depth of 90mm, measured perpendicularly to the bottom of the stringer at the
point of minimum cross-section, and an overall depth of not less than 235mm,
b) be supported and secured top and bottom,
c) be not less than 25mm actual thickness if supported along their length and 38mm actual thickness if
unsupported along their length, and
d) except as permitted in Sentence(2), be spaced not more than 900mm o.c. in stairs serving not more than one
dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their common spaces, and 600mm o.c. in other stairs.
2) For stairs serving not more than one dwelling unit or a house with a
secondary suite including their common
spaces, where risers support the front portion of the tread, the space between stringers shall be not more than
1 200mm.
9.8.9.5. Treads
1) Stair treads of lumber, plywood or O-2 grade OSB within dwelling units shall be not less than 25 mm actual
thickness, except that if open risers are used and the distance between stringers exceeds 750 mm, the treads shall be
not less than 38mm actual thickness.
2) Stair treads of plywood or OSB that are not continuously supported by the riser shall have their face grain or
direction of face orientation at right angles to the stringers.
9.8.9.6. Finish for Treads and Landings
1) The finish for treads and landings of interior stairs in dwelling units, other than stairs to unfinished basements,
shall consist of hardwood, vertical grain softwood, resilient flooring or other material providing equivalent
performance.
2) Treads and landings of interior and exterior stairs and ramps, other than those within dwelling units or within
houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces, shall have a slip-resistant finish or be provided with
slip-resistant strips that extend not more than 1mm above the surface.
Part 9 – Housing and Small Buildings Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
9.8.10. Cantilevered Precast Concrete Steps
9.8.10.1. Design
1) Exterior concrete steps and their anchorage system that are cantilevered from a foundation wall shall be
designed and installed to support the loads to which they may be subjected.
9.8.10.2. Anchorage
1) Cantilevered concrete steps referred to in Article9.8.10.1. shall be anchored to concrete foundation walls not
less than 200mm thick.
9.8.10.3. Prevention of Damage Due to Frost
1) Suitable precautions shall be taken during backfilling and grading operations to ensure that subsequent
freezing of the soil will not cause uplift forces on the underside of cantilevered concrete steps to the extent that the
steps or the walls to which they are attached will be damaged.
Part 9 – Housing and Small Buildings Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
9.8.10. Cantilevered Precast Concrete Steps
9.8.10.1. Design
1) Exterior concrete steps and their anchorage system that are cantilevered from a foundation wall shall be
designed and installed to support the loads to which they may be subjected.
9.8.10.2. Anchorage
1) Cantilevered concrete steps referred to in Article9.8.10.1. shall be anchored to concrete foundation walls not
less than 200mm thick.
9.8.10.3. Prevention of Damage Due to Frost
1) Suitable precautions shall be taken during backfilling and grading operations to ensure that subsequent
freezing of the soil will not cause uplift forces on the underside of cantilevered concrete steps to the extent that the
steps or the walls to which they are attached will be damaged.
In Plain Language
Section 9.8 sets the detailed requirements for stairs, ramps, landings, handrails, and guards in houses and small buildings: minimum tread and riser dimensions, headroom clearances, landing sizes, handrail height and graspability, and guard height requirements needed to prevent falls on interior and exterior stairs and elevated areas.
Common Questions
Q: What's the minimum headroom required over a stair?
Section 9.8 sets minimum headroom clearances for stairs to ensure users have adequate clearance walking up or down; the exact figure depends on the specific stair type and location, so check the detailed sentence for your situation.
This is a plain-language overview of the British Columbia Building Code 2018 text on this page, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the official BC Codes text or a qualified professional before construction.