Date of Publication: July 16, 2025 [2023.29.V-02.C]
Subject: Stairs from an Attached Garage to a House.
Summary of Updates: Changes to content, changes to recommendation.
2024 Ontario Building Code [O.Reg 163/24 Amended to 5/25] Reference(s):
Section 9.8.
Incoming Request:
A house with an attached garage has been constructed with stairs from the garage to the house (see photo below). How many risers does this flight contain, and are these stairs considered interior or exterior for the purposes of Section 9.8.? What are the landing and handrail requirements?
Executive Summary:
The stair shown above leading from an attached garage to the house is considered an interior stair, and does not require a landing, as the door opens away from the stairs. A handrail is required as the flight of stairs contains more than 2 risers.
Discussion & Considerations:
Section 9.8 contains requirements for stairs, steps, ramps, landings, handrails and guards. Sentence 9.8.1.2.(1) of the 2024 OBC is unchanged from the 2012 OBC in intent:
1) Except as provided in Sentence 9.8.6.2 (3), stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards in a garage that serves a single dwelling unit or a house with a secondary suite shall conform to the requirements for stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards within a dwelling unit.
However it still contains (perhaps in error) the reference to Sentence 9.8.6.2.(3), which describes exterior stairs serving an entrance. This sentence has been changed for the 2024 OBC, and no longer contains the phrase “including an entrance from an attached garage”. This, combined with the general statement about garage stairs found in Sentence 9.8.1.2.(1) makes it clear that stairs from a garage to a house are to be treated as interior stairs.
Since the door at the top of the flight of stairs appears to swing away from the stairs, they would be subject to the landing exemption found in 9.8.6.2.(2), which waives a landing “Where a door at the top of a stair within a dwelling unit swings away from the stair”. Since there are three risers in the flight, a handrail would be required.
Risk/Benefit Analysis:
Prevention of falls, especially on stairs, is a major objective of the OBC. Requiring a landing at the top of stairs is one way the Code reduces risk of falls on stairs. The stairs in question clearly meet the conditions described in 9.8.6.2.(2) for the elimination of a landing.
Final Recommendation:
The 2024 OBC has clarified wording to make it clear that stairs from an attached garage to a house as are to be treated as interior stairs.
Recommendation to Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing:
None at this time
Referenced Documents:
2024 Ontario Building Code O.Reg 163/24 Amended to 5/25
Disclaimer:
This guidance document is intended to assist building officials by gathering relevant information to interpret the OBC Act and the prescriptive requirements of the Ontario Building Code, and is intended to be a best practice aid for building officials.
The views expressed within this guidance document should not be considered as the official interpretation of legislated requirements based on the Ontario Building Code, as the final responsibility for interpretation rests with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction.
The views of this advisory committee should not be construed as legal advice.