Hi,
We are planning on remodeling. We will be expanding an attached garage and turning the garage roof into a roof deck with a set of outside stairs. We will be cutting through the 2nd story wall, from the roof deck, and putting a door into the 2nd story.
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We would like to remove the internal staircase to the 2nd story and install an elevator and use some of that footprint for an expanded-accessible bathroom. The question is, if you have an external stair case, does one have to have an internal one as well or will an elevator make the code folks happy?
Thanks, JD.
Replies
I'm guessing you'd have to ask your local code folks to have any degree of certainty.
Outdoor stair are fine.
You do not have to have an internal stair case provided the outdoor stair meet all the code requirements. Be aware that when the space served exceeds a certain square footage 2 stairs are required. There is no requirement that stairs be inside.
Probably the rule is different in snow country.
Code sections.
https://law.resource.org/pub/us/code/bsc.ca.gov/gov.ca.bsc.2010.02.5.html#p79
Here is the code sections that apply in Calif. Also be aware of your local fire codes. California has some very strict regulations regarding any exterior elements in regards to combustability etc.