Headroom at stairs cannot be less than 6 feet 8 inches, as “measured vertically from the sloped line adjoining the tread nosing or platform on that portion of the stairway,” according to both the International Residential Code (IRC) and the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC R311.7.2).

    There are also a couple of minor exceptions:

1. When the nosings at the side of a flight of stairs extend under the edge of a floor opening that the stair passes through, they cannot project more than 4.75 inches into the required headroom. (FBC R311.7.2.1)
2. Headroom for spiral stairs is allowed to be slightly less, at 6 feet 6 inches (FBC R311.7.10.1)

    The 6’-8” standard has been in place since the inception of both building codes. For an overview of the key stair safety standards, see our blog post What do home inspectors check when inspecting stairs?

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about STAIRS:

• Is a landing always required at the top and bottom of stairs? 

• When is a railing required at stairs?

• What is the building code for the minimum height of stair steps (risers)? 

• When is a nosing required on a stair tread?

• What is the building code requirement for receptacle outlets at stairs and stair landings?  

• Are open stair risers acceptable?

• What is the steepest residential stair allowed?

• Why is a single step dangerous in a house?

• Do I need stairs at all exit doors from a mobile home? 

• The stairs feel too steep. What's the building code? 

• What is the longest stair run allowed? 

• What is the lighting requirement for stairs?

• A light is required over a stair after how many steps/risers? 

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

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