Navigating stairway building codes doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Join AIA Las Vegas & JD Stairs for a 90-minute course where we unpack a decade of IRC updates (2012-2021) and establish a clear, critical path for compliant stair design.

This session goes beyond the classroom with an interactive shop tour, giving AIA, Assoc. AIA, and Allied members a hands-on look at how these codes come to life in fabrication.

Credits 1.5 HSW

Lunch & Tour Included

Course Description
The International Residential Building Code (IRC) is the most widely adopted model code for 1 and 2 family homes. Significant changes in the IRC over the years have widely affected the design of stairways. Building codes applicable to Stairways, Handrails and Guards are a minimum standard of safety that can be easily exceeded providing an additional margin of safety for residential occupants and provide the aesthetic desired. Recent changes have clarified many issues previously subject to wide interpretation. Many of these changes have already been adopted by local jurisdictions or are being considered. An understanding of the intent and direction of the IRC model code and how it is applied to the design, specification and construction of stairways will be provided. This course requires completion of the AIA evaluation to receive credit and certificate of completion

Learning Objectives

• Distinguish between minimum safety standards and opportunities to exceed them using the IRC model code and essential concepts of safe stair design.
• Apply and employ the recommended critical path for compliant stairway design to any existing project.
• Identify the functions of a handrail, design/specify appropriate profiles in compliance with the IRC model code and define the differences in handrails and guards critical to functional design of safe stairways.
• Identify the significant changes occurring in the 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021 IRC model codes affecting residential stairway design.