Habitable attics require a vertical access and emergency escape and rescue opening.
Irc required attic access.
When the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members.
2012 iecc irc stair code review pdf of attic access requirements includes discussion of compliance with the 2012 iecc energy code for insulation and air sealing for attics for conditioned and unconditioned space separation.
Attic area exceeds 30 square feet and.
The vertical height shall be measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the underside of the roof framing members.
See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.
This is applicable to finished and unfinished spaces.
Chapter 10 city amendment.
From section r807 in the 06 irc.
Iecc versions prior to 2009 did not specify details for attic access hatches and doors.
The florida building code fbc and international residential code irc both require a minimum of one attic access opening for homes with combustible such as wood roof construction if the attic space meets these two criteria.
The 2009 and 2015 irc verbiage is similar and still applicable.
Minimum vertical height of 30 inches measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the bottom of the roof framing members.
2015 irc mechanical 1305 1 3 2 access for cooling or heating appliancefor residential application the attic space in which any cooling or heating appliance is installed shall be provided with a permanent ladder for folding away ladder or direct access door opening from the house on the same floor level.
Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches 762 mm or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet 2 8 m 2.
Attics that meet the size and ceiling height criteria of the habitable attic definition in chapter 2 are considered habitable.
The 2012 international residential code requires an attic access opening for attics with an area greater than 30 square feet and a vertical height in excess of 30 inches.