ECN Forum Forums Photo Discussion Forums Photos for General Discussion Does This Stairway Need a Light?

HLC- you made me look! Here we use the UBC, and for the life of me I cannot find any requirement to light such a stair from a "single residence." Now, were the place to be divided into apartments- well, then maybe! (I'd have to cross-reference the different types of "Type "R" Construction" to see what is covered by the exception).

Reno,
We also use the IRC for residential construction...unless it is an omitted item. Then we turn to the NEC for guidance. Oh what a tangled web we weave!

The 2005 NEC states " At least on wall switch controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of outdoor entrances or exits with GRADE LEVEL ACCESS.

The picture shows the stairs to have grade level access, I say there has to be illumination provided. If the stairs were not there, then the lighting would not be required. This is a good example of the extremes that some code sections may not be prepared to deal with.