Building Code Glossary
Stairway, Exterior: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define stairway, exterior, 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
Stairway, exterior is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “A stairway that is open on at least one side, except for required structural columns, beams, hand-rails and guards. The adjoining open areas shall be either yards, courts or public ways. The other sides of the exterior stairway need not be open.” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 10 chapters of this corpus, most often in Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (IFC 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.
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?
Stairway, Exterior — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
A stairway that is open on at least one side, except for required structural columns, beams, hand-rails and guards. The adjoining open areas shall be either yards, courts or public ways. The other sides of the exterior stairway need not be open.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Stairway, Exterior, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | A stairway that is open on at least one side, except for required structural columns, beams, hand-rails and guards. The adjoining open areas shall be either yards, courts or public ways. The other sides of the exterior stairway need not be open. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | A stairway that is open on at least one side, except for required structural columns, beams, hand-rails and guards. The adj oining open areas shall be either yards, courts or public ways. The other sides of the exterior stairway need not be open. |
Where stairway, exterior is used in the code
The term appears in 10 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 13 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Exterior Walls | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Interior Environment | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about stairway, exterior, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
occurs, a clear opening of not less than 35 square feet (3 m2) or an exterior stairway shall be provided.
— IFC 2009, Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings
The terms stairway, exterior is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what stairway, exterior covers:
- Stairway — IBC 2009: One or more flights of stairs, either exterior or interior, with the necessary landings and platforms connecting them, to form a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one level to another.
- Shall — IRC 2009: The term, when used in the code, is construed as mandatory.
Stairway, Exterior: 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 | Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (IFC 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 | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Stairway | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Shall | |
| 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
- Stairway: Building Code Definition
- Public Way: Building Code Definition
- Guard: Building Code Definition
- Stair: 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 stairway, exterior?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “A stairway that is open on at least one side, except for required structural columns, beams, hand-rails and guards. The adjoining open areas shall be either yards, courts or public ways. The other sides of the exterior stairway need not be open.” 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 stairway, exterior?
In this corpus the term is used across 10 chapters, led by Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings in the IFC 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 code requirements for exterior stairs in Pennsylvania?
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 stairway, exterior, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A stairway that is open on at least one side, except for required structural columns, beams, hand-rails and guards. The adjoining open areas shall be either yards, courts or public ways. The other sides of the exterior stairway need not …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
- Stack: Building Code Definition
Stack — IRC 2009 definition: Any main vertical DWV line, including offsets, that extends one or more stories as directly as …
- Stage: Building Code Definition
Stage — IBC 2009 definition: A space within a building utilized for entertainment or presentations, which includes overhead hanging curtains, drops …
- Stair: Building Code Definition
Stair — IBC 2009 definition: A change in elevation, consisting of one or more risers.
- Stairway, Interior: Building Code Definition
Stairway, Interior — IBC 2009 definition: A stairway not meeting the definition of an exterior stairway
- Stairway, Spiral: Building Code Definition
Stairway, Spiral — IBC 2009 definition: A stairway having a closed circular form in its plan view with uniform section-shaped treads attached …
- Stairway: Building Code Definition
Stairway — IBC 2009 definition: One or more flights of stairs, either exterior or interior, with the necessary landings and platforms …