Replies

1. 
   frammer52 | Sep 02, 2009 11:09pm | #1

   Around here you are limited to 2 steps then you need a min. of 3x3 porch.

   Freestanding is allowed, look at mobile homes.  They are all freestanding!

1. 
   rjw | Sep 02, 2009 11:41pm | #3

   Mobile homes have their own set of codes.Go figure....

   "Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."

   Howard Thurmanhttp://rjw-progressive.blogspot.com/

1. 
   frammer52 | Sep 03, 2009 12:14am | #4

   Yep, kind of stupid!!

2. 
   DanH | Sep 02, 2009 11:30pm | #2

   Depends on local code. Around here, anything under 18" (IIRC) tall isn't subject to code.

   As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
3. 
   john7g | Sep 04, 2009 04:53pm | #5

   did you find an answer on this? 

1. 
   Marson | Sep 04, 2009 05:00pm | #6

   No. I have a framing inspection this week and I'm going to ask the BI then.

2. 
   Marson | Sep 11, 2009 04:27am | #8

   I spoke with the BI today. He said that there a stoop can be free standing and that in that case it doesn't need footings. The only restrictions is that if it is over 30" off the ground, it needs guardrails, and if it needs guardrails by code, then it needs a permit.

1. 
   john7g | Sep 11, 2009 04:33am | #9

   That's all I could find in the book too, but was thining your BI had something up his sleeve. 

   thanks for the follow up

4. 
   Matt | Sep 06, 2009 03:24am | #7

   You didn't say which version of the IRC you need.  2003?  2006?  I think there have been changes in this area.

   Anyway, it depends if it is the main egress door or not.

   R311.4 I think is want you need to look at for starters anyway - or at least is the only place I can think of where landings outside a door are mentioned.  

   Can you give some more particulars about the situation.  What?  Do you want to just built a box and set it on the ground in front of the door?  How high is the door above finished grade?  Is it the front door?  Is it a 3-0 door?  As far as footers, I don't think that is explicitly stated in the IRC, but it is kinda a common sense thing too, but also up to interpretation by your BI.  When you said something about height restrictions, what were you referring to?   When you say free standing, to me that means not attached to the house, but doesn't have anything to do with weather in needs footers or not.