A landing is required outside each exterior door of a home. Sometimes the rule is misinterpreted as meaning at the required egress (emergency exit) door, but a landing is necessary at all exterior doors. The exterior door in the photo above is a back door into the yard from a master bedroom and should have a landing. Here’s what the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC) says:

    The floor or landing at an exterior door should not not be more than 1-1/2” below the threshold, except that the step down at an exterior landing can be as much as 7-3/4”, provided that the door (other than a screen or storm door) does not swing over the landing.

    Also, there is one exception to this standard: a landing is not required when a stair with two or less risers is located at the exterior side of the door. 

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  To learn more about doors and windows, see these other blog posts:

• What causes sweating (condensation) on the inside of windows in the winter?  

• How can I tell if a window or glass door is safety glass? 

• What are the code requirements for safety tempered glass for doors?• 

• Should a front door swing in or out? 

• Why is pressure washing double pane windows an expensive mistake? 

• What is "low-E" window glass? 

• What does ANSI 297.1 on glass mean?

• Why is a double cylinder deadbolt lock on an exterior door a safety hazard?

• How can I check my garage door to make sure it is safe?  

• What is an egress window?

• Does a home inspector test all the windows and doors in a home? 

• How difficult is it to change a window to french doors or a sliding glass door?

• How do you determine if a door is left-handed or right-handed?

• Why are window security bars dangerous? 

• What are the common problems you find inspecting windows?

• What is causing a foggy haze on my windows? 

• What do those numbers on the manufacturer's stickers in new windows mean?

• What does a home inspector check on an electric garage door? 

• What is the tempered label on glass at windows and sliding glass doors called?

• Do I need to have two exterior exit doors in my house? 

• When is safety glass required for windows at stairs and stair landings?

   Visit our DOORS AND WINDOWS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.