Opinion: Patio door landings

Inquiry: 

99-09

Subject: 

Patio door landings

Code:

1998 SBC/1997 Uniform Building Code, UBC Section 1003.3.1.6

Submitted By:

Minnesota Building Officials Uniformity Committee

Approved By:

Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official

Issue Date: 

July 28, 1999
 

Question:  

Is a landing required at a "patio" door where there is more than 8" of elevation difference between the interior floor and exterior finished grade?
 

Answer:

Yes.  The 1997 UBC states that "regardless of the occupant served, there shall be a floor or landing on each side of a door."  A door is a solid barrier, swinging on hinges or sliding. 1  
 

Comments:

It is common practice in new construction to accept the blocking of patio doors with fasteners in lieu of constructing exterior landings or decks.  Fully operable patio doors more than 8" above grade with no landing or with temporary stairs do not comply with the UBC or the International Building Code (section 1003.3.1.4 Floor Elevation).