Attic Access Requirement

Attic furnace access passageway and platform.

Attic access requirement.

The international codes i codes are the widely accepted comprehensive set of model codes used in the us and abroad to help ensure the engineering of safe sustainable affordable and resilient structures. To convert your attic to living space you cannot provide access via a ladder. See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics. Attics containing mechanical equipment such as an air conditioner require an access opening regardless of the size of the attic itself.

What your attic probably does not have is a set of code compliant stairs. What is the requirement for attic access and attic stairways. Attic furnace passageway and service area electrical requirement. Attic pull down stair hazards basement hazards.

When the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members. Conventional or home made stairways defects. Your attic may presently have a fixed ladder a pull down ladder or no ladder at all. The international code council icc is a non profit organization dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design build and compliance process.

What codes apply to the provision of attic stairs pull down stairs or attic access hatches. The attic must be entered at a minimum by head and shoulders whether access is by pull down stairway or scuttle. This opening must provide clear access of at least 20 by. When the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members.

The following are attic furnace installation requirements based on 2009 irc and 2009 imc the codes refer to it as appliances in attics. Defective unsafe folding stairs pull down. Attic stair railing guardrail landing tread and step specifications codes. If unable to visually evaluate the improvements in their entirety the appraiser must contact the lender and reschedule a time when a complete visual.

Attic furnace installation must comply with you local mechanical code or imc international mechanical code if such was adopted in your area. Size of scuttle and accessibility of the attic dictate the level of entry. See the california mechanical code for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.