Building Code Glossary
Stairway: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define stairway, 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 is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Means of Egress. The code's own words are: “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.” The IRC 2009, IFC 2009 define 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 36 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 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 — IBC 2009, Means of Egress:
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.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Three of the I-Codes in this corpus define Stairway, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Means of Egress | 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. |
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | One or more flights of stairs, either interior or exterior, with the necessary landings and platforms connecting them to form a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one level to another within or attached to a building, porch or deck. |
| IFC 2009 | Means of Egress | 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. |
Where stairway is used in the code
The term appears in 36 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 330 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 279 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 91 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 83 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 52 |
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 41 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 29 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 18 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 17 |
| Glass and Glazing | IBC 2009 | 10 |
| Safeguards During Construction | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| Fire Service Features | IFC 2009 | 8 |
24 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about stairway, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
In order to be considered part of an accessible means of egress, an exit access stairway as permitted by Section 1016.1 or exit stairway shall have a clear width of 48 inches (1219 mm) minimum between handrails and shall either incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged floor-level landing or shall be accessed from either an area of refuge …
Landings shall have a width not less than the width of the stairway or the door, whichever is greater.
Interior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of each landing of the stairway.
The terms stairway 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 stairway covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Stairway: 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 IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Means of Egress | |
| 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) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| 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
- Building: 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?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Means of Egress as: “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.” 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?
In this corpus the term is used across 36 chapters, led by Means of Egress 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 is the code for a stairway?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Means of Egress: “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.” It is defined in IBC 2009, IRC 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.
What does IBC mean in building codes?
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, which the IBC 2009 defines as “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.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
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