No. 29079 (Amendment): R156-56. Utah Uniform Building Standard Act Rules.

DAR File No.: 29079
Filed: 09/25/2006, 05:50
Received by: NL

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

The Division and the Uniform Building Code Commission are proposing these amendments to eliminate the Utah stair amendments in Sections R156-56-704 and R156-56-711, and thereby go to the International Code requirements for residential stair geometry. The current Utah amendments to the code provide that stairs in residential occupancies shall have a maximum rise of 8 inches and a minimum tread depth of 9 inches. The International Code provides that in residential occupancies stairs shall have a maximum rise of 7-3/4 inches and a minimum tread depth of 10 inches. Proponents for the amendments argue that the steeper stairs allowed in Utah are not as safe as the stairs provided for in the International Code and that we should adopt the nationally recognized standard. Proponents state the issue of stair safety has been argued extensively in the national arena and that Utah should follow the national standard. Accidents on stairs are a major contributor to the number of home accidents. Proponents note that a 9-inch tread is not long enough to accommodate the full length of a foot for a large part of the population. Failure to have adequate support for the full foot, particularly for persons who may have mobility issues, would inevitably lead to more accidents resulting from less than adequate footing. Opponents to the amendments argue that added dimensions of the stairs will add approximately 2 steps or close to 2 feet to the length of a stairway between levels in a residence. The cost of the additional two stairs during initial construction is minimal (probably under $100); however, they argue that in smaller starter homes and townhouses, the additional length of the stair would force the home to be bigger and therefore, substantially raise costs and therefore, price many first time home buyers out of the market. Larger homes should not have any substantial effect on costs as the longer stairway would easily fit into larger homes. Part of the problem is that although larger homes could easily accommodate the longer and safer stairways with little additional costs, the average homeowner in larger homes is never given the option. The steeper stairs have become an unnecessary standard, even in larger homes, because it is easier for the contractor to simply have all stairs meet the lowest safety requirement rather than use safer stairs in larger houses. The Uniform Building Code Commission recommended these amendments be filed as a separate rule filing due to differing opinions regarding the proposed amendments. Also, it should be noted that once the Division and Commission have determined which of all of the rule filings affecting Rule R156-56 will be made effective, a nonsubstantive rule filing will be filed by the Division to update and correct all subsection numbers. (DAR NOTE: The other filings are: an amendment to Section R156-56-704 under DAR No. 29074, an amendment to Section R156-56-711 under DAR No. 29075, and another amendment to Section R156-56-704 under DAR No. 29078 all in this issue.)

Summary of the rule or change:

Subsection R156-56-704(24) which affects Section 1009.3 Exception #5 is being deleted. Subsection R156-56-711(13) which affects Section R311.5.3 is deleted.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Section 58-56-1, and Subsections 58-1-106(1)(a), 58-1-202(1)(a), 58-56-4(2) and 58-56-6(2)(a)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The Division anticipates no costs or savings associated with this rule amendment to the state budget since the proposed amendments will only affect residential construction.

local governments:

The Division anticipates no costs or savings associated with this rule amendment to local governments since the proposed amendments will only affect residential construction.

other persons:

The Division is unable to determine any costs or savings associated with this proposed rule amendment based on information provided in the response to the "reason for the rule change" above. There are arguments that the cost of accidents more than offset any savings on construction or alternatively that the added costs are not supported by accident statistics.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The Division is unable to determine any compliance costs for affected persons associated with this proposed rule amendment based on information provided in the response to the "reason for the rule change" above. There are arguments that the cost of accidents more than offset any savings on construction or alternatively that the added costs are not supported by accident statistics.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

The proposed amendments remove the Utah standard for residential stairways in favor of the national standard, which requires shorter stairs with more depth. Although the cost for longer stairwells is minimal, small residences must be made bigger to accommodate the longer stairwell. It is not clear from accident statistics whether the cost-savings from decreased accidents will outweigh the increase in costs for first-time homeowners. Therefore, it is impossible to anticipate the fiscal impact to businesses as a result of these amendments. Francine A. Giani, Executive Director

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Commerce
Occupational and Professional Licensing
HEBER M WELLS BLDG
160 E 300 S
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84111-2316

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Dan S. Jones at the above address, by phone at 801-530-6720, by FAX at 801-530-6511, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

11/17/2006

Interested persons may attend a public hearing regarding this rule:

11/15/2006 at 9:00 AM, State Office Building (behind the Capitol), Room 4112, Salt Lake City, UT

This rule may become effective on:

11/27/2006

Authorized by:

J. Craig Jackson, Director

RULE TEXT

R156. Commerce, Occupational and Professional Licensing.

R156-56. Utah Uniform Building Standard Act Rules.

R156-56-704. Statewide Amendments to the IBC.

The following are adopted as amendments to the IBC to be applicable statewide:

(1) All references to the International Electrical Code are deleted and replaced with the National Electrical Code adopted under Subsection R156-56-701(1)(b).

(2) All references to the International Existing Building Code are deleted and replaced with the codes approved under Subsection R156-56-701(2).

 

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(23) In Section 1008.1.8.3, a new subparagraph (5) is added as follows:

(5) Doors in Group I-1 and I-2 occupancies, where the clinical needs of the patients require specialized security measures for their safety, approved access controlled egress may be installed when all the following are met:

5.1 The controlled egress doors shall unlock upon activation of the automatic fire sprinkler system or automatic fire detection system.

5.2 The facility staff can unlock the controlled egress doors by either sensor or keypad.

5.3 The controlled egress doors shall unlock upon loss of power.

[(24) Section 1009.3, Exception #5 is deleted and replaced with the following:

5. In occupancies in Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, within dwelling units in occupancies in Group R-2, as applicable in Section 101.2, and in occupancies in Group U, which are accessory to an occupancy in Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, the maximum riser height shall be 8 inches (203 mm) and the minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches (229 mm). The minimum winder tread depth at the walk line shall be 10 inches (254 mm), and the minimum winder tread depth shall be 6 inches (152 mm). A nosing not less than 0.75 inch (19.1 mm) but not more than 1.25 inches (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers where the tread depth is less than 10 inches (254 mm).

](25) Section 1009.11 Exception #4 is deleted and replaced with the following:

4. In occupancies in Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2 and in occupancies in Group U, which are accessory to an occupancy in Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, handrails shall be provided on at least one side of stairways consisting of four or more risers.

(26) Section 1009.11.3 is amended to include the following exception at the end of the section:

Exception. Non-circular handrails serving an individual unit in a Group R-1, Group R-2 or Group R-3 occupancy shall be permitted to have a maximum cross sectional dimension of 3.25 inches (83 mm) measured 2 inches (51 mm) down from the top of the crown. Such handrail is required to have an indention on both sides between 0.625 inch (16 mm) and 1.5 inches (38 mm) down from the top or crown of the cross section. The indentation shall be a minimum of 0.25 inch (6 mm) deep on each side and shall be at least 0.5 (13 mm) high. Edges within the handgrip shall have a minimum radius of 0.0625 inch (2 mm). The handrail surface shall be smooth with no cusps so as to avoid catching clothing or skin.

 

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R156-56-711. Statewide Amendments to the IRC.

The following are adopted as amendments to the IRC to be applicable statewide:

(1) All amendments to the IBC under Section R156-56-704, local amendments under Section R156-56-705, the NEC under Section R156-56-706, the IPC under Section R156-56-707, the IMC under Section R156-56-708, the IFGC under Section R156-56-709 and the IECC under Section R156-56-710 which may be applied to detached one and two family dwellings and multiple single family dwellings shall be applicable to the corresponding provisions of the IRC. All references to the International Electrical Code are deleted and replaced with the National Electrical Code adopted under Section R156-56-701(1)(b). Should there be any conflicts between the NEC and the IRC, the NEC shall prevail.

 

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(12) Section R304.3 is deleted and replaced with the following:

R304.3 Minimum dimensions. Habitable rooms shall not be less than 7 feet (2134 mm) in any horizontal dimension.

Exception: Kitchens shall have a clear passageway of not less than 3 feet (914 mm) between counter fronts and appliances or counter fronts and walls.

[(13) Section R311.5.3 is deleted and replaced with the following:

R311.5.3 Stair treads and risers.

R311.5.3.1 Riser height. The maximum riser height shall be 8 inches (203 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).

R311.5.3.2 Tread depth. The minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches (228 mm). The tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge. The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured as above at a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the side where the treads are narrower. Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 6 inches (152 mm) at any point. Within any flight of stairs, the greatest winder tread depth at the 12 inch (305 mm) walk line shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).

R311.5.3.3 Profile. The radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread shall be no greater than 9/16 inch (14.3 mm). A nosing not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) but not more than 1 1/4 inches (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers. The greatest nosing projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3/8 inches (9.5 mm) between two stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings. Beveling of nosing shall not exceed 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of the leading edge of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 degrees (0.51 rad) from the vertical. Open risers are permitted, provided that the opening between treads does not permit the passage of a 4-inch diameter (102 mm) sphere.

Exceptions.

1. A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 10 inches (254 mm).

2. The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on stairs with a total rise of 30 inches (762 mm) or less.

](14) Section R311.5.6 is deleted and replaced with the following:

R311.5.6 Handrails. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of stairways consisting of four or more risers. Handrails shall have a minimum height of 34 inches (864 mm) and a maximum height of 38 inches (965 mm) measured vertically from the nosing of the treads. All required handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs from a point directly above the top riser to a point directly above the lowest riser of the stairway. The ends of the handrail shall be returned into a wall or shall terminate in newel post or safety terminals. A minimum clear space of 1 1/2 inches (38 mm) shall be provided between the wall and the handrail.

Exceptions:

1. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn.

2. The use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread.

 

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KEY: contractors, building codes, building inspection, licensing

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [January 1, ]2006

Notice of Continuation: May 16, 2002

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 58-1-106(1)(a); 58-1-202(1)(a); 58-56-1; 58-56-4(2); 58-56-6(2)(a)