Stair handrail height code (and related handrail requirements) generally apply wherever stairs or ramps are part of an egress route, accessible route, or public/permanent structure. This code covers stair handrails in commercial, residential, assembly, healthcare occupancies, interior or exterior, but excludes temporary construction stairs, certain industrial/agricultural structures, and decorative steps. Historic or existing nonconforming buildings may have special allowances, but once altered, must comply with current handrail height code.

Building types and occupancies subject to handrail height code

• Commercial occupancies: Stores, offices, hotels, mixed-use buildings must follow handrail height code standards (like handrails on both sides, height between 34-38 in above stair nosing).
  
• Assembly spaces: Theaters, stadiums, schools etc. are covered; large occupant loads demand wider stairs and compliant stair handrails per IBC.
  
• Healthcare facilities: Hospitals, clinics, patient access areas require handrail height code compliance for safety & accessibility (patients, staff).
  
• Residential: Under IRC, single-family and two-family homes also must follow stair handrail code, though residential codes sometimes have slight differences or flexible allowances.
  
• Accessible routes / public accommodations: Handrails on ramps or stairs used by public or persons with disabilities must meet ADA handrail height code and related graspable surface, continuity, etc.
  

Systems and assemblies covered

• Structural stair/ramp assemblies: Permanent stairs and ramps (interior or exterior) which are part of means of egress or accessible routes must include handrails that comply with height, continuity, and grip requirements.
  
• Non-structural handrail elements: Handrails, guardrails, stair railing components (grips, brackets, cross section) are governed by handrail height code as well as cross section sizings, spacing from wall, etc.
  
• Interior vs exterior: Both are covered. Exterior handrails have additional durability and weather protection (e.g. corrosion resistance, slip-resistant surface).
  
• Special assemblies: Egress stairs, exit stairways, ramps with rise beyond a threshold (e.g., ADA ramps), intermediate handrails on wide stairways (so that all parts of stair width are within reach of a handrail), etc.
  

Explicit exclusions

• Temporary construction stairs or temporary ramps: These are typically regulated by OSHA rather than IBC/IRC handrail height code.
  
• Industrial platforms or equipment access stairs that are not part of egress or public/accessible route might be governed by industrial safety standards (OSHA) instead of full building codes.
  
• Agricultural/utility buildings not open to the public may be exempt unless local adoption says otherwise.
  
• Decorative, non-required, non-egress stairs (e.g. landscaping steps) often are outside the strict handrail height code requirements unless they serve egress or accessibility.
  

Special conditions: retrofits, historic & existing nonconforming structures

• Retrofits / renovations: When altering stairs or ramps, new handrail height code requirements generally apply (e.g. to increase handrail height, make handrails continuous, meet ADA or IBC cross section / clearance).
  
• Historic buildings: Often some flexibility is offered for preserving historic character, but life safety handrail height and stair handrail code aspects (height above nosing, safe grip, continuity) tend to remain non-negotiable.
  
• Existing nonconforming conditions: A handrail that was compliant under an older code may be “grandfathered” provided there is no alteration. Once modifications are made, current handrail height code and related handrail requirements must be met.
  

This guide covers / does not cover

This guide covers:

• Handrail height code requirements across building types (commercial, residential, assembly, healthcare).
  
• Systems and assemblies: structural stairs/ramps + non-structural handrail elements (grips, cross sections, clearance).
  
• Interior and exterior handrails.
  
• Special conditions: retrofits, historic buildings, existing nonconforming handrails when altered.
  

This guide does not cover:

• Temporary stairs or ramps used only during construction (OSHA regulated).
  
• Industrial or equipment access stairs/platforms not part of egress or accessible route.
  
• Decorative or landscaping steps that are non-required and not part of an egress or accessible route.
  

Relevant code examples

• IBC Section 1014.2: Handrail height measured above stair tread nosings must be uniform, not less than 34 inches (864 mm) and not more than 38 inches (965 mm).
• IBC Section 1014.9: Intermediate handrails required so that all parts of wide stairways are within reach of a handrail.

FAQs

1. What is the required height for stair handrails under IBC?
   The handrail height must be between 34-38 inches above the stair tread nosing (IBC Section 1014.2).
   
   
2. Do handrails have to be on both sides of stairs?
   Yes, most stairs that are part of egress or public access require handrails on both sides under IBC.
   
   
3. What is an intermediate handrail?
   When a stair width is large, IBC Section 1014.9 requires intermediate handrails so no portion of the stair width is more than 30 inches from a handrail.
   
   
4. Does ADA require the same handrail height as IBC?
   Yes — ADA Standards (Section 505.4) also require handrail height between 34-38 inches above stair nosing.
   
   
5. Does this handrail height code apply to exterior stairs or ramps?
   Yes, exterior stairs/ramps that are permanent and part of means of egress or accessible route must comply with handrail height code, along with durability and slip-resistance.
   

References

• California Building Code (CBC 2025): https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/CABC2025P1
• IBC 2024: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IBC2024V1.0‍
• IRC 2024: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2024V1.0