Chicago building code violations stair treads

City Porches specializes in Chicago Building code violations for stir Requirements in Commercial and residential multi-unit apartment buildings.

  10(13-160-300) a) In Institutional and Assembly units the maximum height of a riser shall be seven and one-half inches, and the minimum width of a tread, exclusive of nosing, shall be 10 inches

b) In all other occupancies the maximum height of a riser shall be eight inches, and the minimum width of a tread, exclusive of nosing, shall be not less than 9 inches

d) Winders shall not be permitted in stairs required as exits except in Single-Family and Two-Family dwellings. The width of a tread of a winder measured at a distance of 18 inches from the inside railing shall be not less than 9 inches nor less than the treads of the flight below or above the winding section.

Porch-Contruction-New-Repair-Rebuild-Chicago-Nearby

CONnect with us

[forminator_form id="16946"]

The Chicago Building Code sets out regulations for the construction and maintenance of buildings in the city of Chicago. One area that is covered by the code is the requirements for stair treads, which are the horizontal surfaces on each step that you step on when going up or down a staircase.

According to the Chicago Building Code, stair treads must meet certain requirements to ensure the safety of the people using the stairs. Specifically, the code requires that the treads be:

  1. At least 10 inches deep, or the depth of the stairway if it is less than 10 inches.
  2. The top surface of the treads must be level and free of any projections that could cause someone to trip.
  3. The height of the risers (the vertical part of the step) must be between 4 and 7 inches, and must be consistent throughout the entire staircase.

If any of these requirements are not met, the stair treads would be considered in violation of the Chicago Building Code. Violations of the code can result in fines, and in some cases, the building owner may be required to make changes to bring the staircase up to code.

It’s important to note that these regulations are in place to protect the safety of the people who use the stairs. Properly constructed stair treads can help prevent falls and injuries, so it’s important for building owners and managers to ensure that their staircases meet these requirements.

Who do I contact about a building code violation?

If you believe that a building or structure is not in compliance with applicable building codes, contact your local government’s code enforcement department. Code enforcement departments enforce the building codes, and they will be able to provide information and assistance pertaining to any specific code violations

What is a building code violation?

A building code violation is a violation of the rules and regulations established by your local government for the construction and use of buildings. Building codes are necessary to maintain public safety standards and ensure that buildings are structurally sound. Common building code violations include failure to obtain proper permits or improper electrical wiring.

How can I fix my stair treads so that they comply with the code?

If you have stair treads that do not comply with the code, there are several ways to fix them. The best and safest solution is to install a new tread that meets the code requirements, but this may not always be possible. In some cases, you can repair existing stair treads so that they comply with the code. 

What are the consequences of having stair treads that do not meet code requirements?

Having stair treads that do not meet code requirements can be dangerous for anyone using them. These unsafe treads can cause slips, trips and falls, which can result in serious injury or even death. Additionally, improper stair treads can lead to structural damage and weaken the integrity of the stairs, making them unsafe and difficult to traverse.