(a) Handrails Generally. Handrails having minimum and maximum heights of thirty inches and thirty-eight inches, respectively, measured vertically from the nosing of the treads, shall be provided on at least one side of stairways of three or more risers. Spiral stairways shall have the required handrails located on the outside radius. All required handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairs except on full landings at right angle or reverse direction stairs where no interruption shall exceed six inches. Ends shall be returned or shall terminate in newel posts or safety terminals. Handrails adjacent to walls shall have a space of not less than one and one-half inches between the wall and the handrail. Exceptions shall be as follows: handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn; and the use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread.
(b) Handrail Grip Size. Handrails shall have either a circular cross-section with a diameter of one and one-quarter inches to two inches, or a noncircular cross-section with a perimeter dimension of at least four inches but not more than six and one-quarter inches and a largest cross-section dimension not exceeding two and one-quarter inches or the shape shall provide equivalent graspability. Edges shall have a minimum radius of one-eighth of an inch.
(c) Guardrail Details. Porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces located more than thirty inches above the floor or grade below shall have guardrails not less than thirty-six inches in height. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of more than thirty inches above the floor or grade below shall have guardrails not less than thirty-four inches in height measured vertically from the nosing of the treads.
(d) Guardrail Opening Limitations. Required guardrails on open sides of stairways, raised floor areas, balconies and porches shall have intermediate rails or ornamental closures which do not allow passage of an object four inches or more in diameter. Exceptions shall be as follows: The triangular openings formed by the riser, tread and bottom rail of a guard at the open side of a stairway may be of such a size that a sphere six inches in diameter cannot pass through.
(Ord. 166-98. Passed 5-18-98.)