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If there are two risers on the exterior side of the door (except egress door) then there does not need to be a landing

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Final answer:

The question concerns building code requirements for landings at doorways. It's suggested that if only two risers are present, a landing may not be necessary, except for egress doors which have strict requirements for safety. Local codes determine the specific rules for landings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question relates to building codes that dictate the construction and safety requirements for landings at doorways. According to most residential and commercial building codes, there must be a landing or a flat surface on either side of a doorway. This is a critical part of building design that ensures safety and accessibility.

In particular, the query mentions that if there are two risers (steps) on the exterior side of any door (with the exception of an egress door, which is used for emergency exiting), a landing might not be necessary. However, this can vary based on local codes and standards. For instance, the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) provide specific guidelines about when landings are required.

The word 'risers' in this context refers to the vertical parts of a step in a staircase. If a door opens directly onto a staircase with two or fewer risers, the need for a landing depends on the local building code, but often a landing is not required for two or fewer risers. It is important to note the exception for egress doors; egress doors almost always require a landing on both sides for safety reasons, regardless of how many risers there are.

In any construction or renovation project, consulting the local building codes is essential for ensuring compliance with safety and accessibility standards. If the guidelines allow for an exception in the case of two risers, that would typically mean that immediate steps could follow the threshold of the door without a flat landing area, again with the exception for egress doors where immediate exit in the case of an emergency is paramount.

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