Building Code Glossary
Scissor Stair: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define scissor stair, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Scissor stair is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “Two interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Scissor Stair — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
Two interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Scissor Stair, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | Two interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | Two interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure. |
Where scissor stair is used in the code
The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The terms scissor stair is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what scissor stair covers:
- Enclosure — IRC 2009: The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls surrounding an installation, to prevent personnel from accidentally contacting energized parts or to protect the equipment from physical damage.
Scissor Stair: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Means of Egress | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Enclosure | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Enclosure: Building Code Definition
- Public Way: Building Code Definition
- Stairway: Building Code Definition
- Guard: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of scissor stair?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “Two interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on scissor stair?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What are the building codes for stairs in the US?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as scissor stair, which the IBC 2009 defines as “Two interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is a scissor stair?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “Two interlocking stairways providing two separate paths of egress located within one stairwell enclosure.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
Related pages
- Safety Can: Building Code Definition
Safety Can — IFC 2009 definition: An approved container of not more than 5-gallon (19 L) capacity having a spring-closing lid and …
- Safety Valve: Building Code Definition
Safety Valve — IMC 2009 definition: A valve that relieves pressure in a steam boiler by opening fully at the rated discharge …
- Sanitary Sewer: Building Code Definition
Sanitary Sewer — IRC 2009 definition: A sewer that carries sewage and excludes storm, surface and groundwater.
- Scupper: Building Code Definition
Scupper — IBC 2009 definition: An opening in a wall or parapet that allows water to drain from a roof.
- Secondary Containment: Building Code Definition
Secondary Containment — IFC 2009 definition: That level of containment that is external to and separate from primary containment.
- Seismic Design Category: Building Code Definition
Seismic Design Category — IBC 2009 definition: A classification assigned to a structure based on its occupancy category and the severity of the …