height of step to public sidewalk -was it too short 1

[Forensic1994]

I am researching whether a step up from a paved street / parking area to a sidewalk met code requirements. The only aspect of the sidewalk / step which I question is the 3 to 3.75 inch rise of the step to the sidewalk. There is no curb, simply the street / parking lot and the sidewalk. The sidewalk abuts the retail building. I am questioning whether it needed to be a minimum of 4". I have found nothing so far that says that is the case. This is not the accessible path for the building and was not within the building's egress path - but it was along a straight line path between a parking area and the building entry.

The current code for the area is the 2007 Ohio Building Code / 2006 IBC.

Being new to the site, I've asked the same question under a different forum topic - didn't know what was the best way to get it seen under different topics.


Thanks

 

[DonPhillips]

No minimum is required in Chapter 10 and if the stepup is part of the accessible route, the maximum permitted is 0.5".




Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[DonPhillips]

I did find this in the 2007 OBC (based on the 2006 IBC) today:

1009.3 Stair treads and risers. Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches (178 mm) maximum and 4 inches (102 mm) minimum. Stair tread depths shall be 11 inches (279 mm) minimum. The riser height shall be measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads. 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. Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 11 inches (279 mm) measured at a right angle to the tread’s leading edge at a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the side where the treads are narrower and a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm).
Exceptions:
1. Alternating tread devices in accordance with Section 1009.9.
2. Spiral stairways in accordance with Section 1009.8 .
3. Aisle stairs in assembly seating areas where the stair pitch or slope is set, for sightline reasons, by the slope of the adjacent seating area in accordance with Section 1025.11.2.
4. In Group R-3 occupancies; within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies; and in Group U occupancies that are accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy or accessory to individual dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies; the maximum riser height shall be 8.25 inches ( 210 mm); the minimum tread depth shall be 10 inches (254 mm); the minimum winder tread depth at the walk line shall be 9 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 11 inches (279 mm).
5. See the Section 3403.4 for the replacement of existing stairways.


Of this step up was part of the means of egress to the public way, it could have been reuqired to be a minimum 4".

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[Forensic1994]

I have been looking into that issue. The location should not been considered part of the "egress" path as it was about 60 feet from the building's entrance, although the sidewalk was adjacent to the building and this was on a path between a parking area and the entrance. I don't believe the area should be considered an outdoor "gathering area" which might be considered part of the builing envelop.

I have not found any local municiple codes so far that pertain to site work in this situation but still looking. The pavement was black and the sidewalk was off white so there was go visual contrast between the two which is important in the ANSI standard for safe walking surfaces.


Still working on it - Thanks for your input,

Ross