P103 Means of Egress — 2025 California Building Code
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California
CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § P103 · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission
P103.1 General.¶
Where a permanent means of egress is provided for sleeping lofts, the means of egress shall comply with Chapter 10 of this code, as modified by Sections P103.2 through P103.6.
P103.2 Ceiling height at sleeping loft means of egress.¶
A minimum ceiling height of 3 feet (914 mm) shall be provided for the entire width of the means of egress from the sleeping loft.
P103.3 Stairways.¶
Stairways providing egress from sleeping lofts shall be permitted to comply with Sections P103.3.1 through P103.3.3.
P103.3.1 Width. Stairways providing egress from a sleeping loft shall not be less than 17 inches (432 mm) in clear width at or above the handrail. The width below the handrail shall be not less than 20 inches (508 mm).
P103.3.2 Treads and risers. Risers for stairs providing egress from a sleeping loft shall be not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not more than 12 inches (305 mm) in height. Tread depth and riser height shall be calculated in accordance with one of the following formulas:
- The tread depth shall be 20 inches (508 mm) minus four-thirds of the riser height.
- The riser height shall be 15 inches (381 mm) minus three-fourths of the tread depth.
APPENDIX P—SLEEPING LOFTS
P103.3.3 Landings. Landings at stairways providing egress from sleeping lofts shall comply with Section 1011.6, except that the depth of landings in the direction of travel shall be not less than 24 inches (508 mm).
P103.4 Alternating tread devices.¶
Alternating tread devices shall be permitted as a means of egress from sleeping lofts, where the sleeping loft floor is not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor of the room to which it is open. Handrails and treads of such alternating tread devices shall comply with Section 1011.14.
P103.5 Ship’s ladders.¶
Ship’s ladders shall be permitted as a means of egress from sleeping lofts where the sleeping loft floor is not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor of the room to which it is open. Handrails and treads of such ship’s ladders shall comply with Section 1011.15.
P103.6 Ladders.¶
Ladders shall be permitted as a means of egress from sleeping lofts where the sleeping loft floor is not more than 10 feet (3048 mm) above the floor of the room to which it is open. Such ladders shall comply with Sections P103.6.1 and P103.6.2.
P103.6.1 Size and capacity. Ladders providing egress from sleeping lofts shall have a rung width of not less than 12 inches (305 mm), and 10-inch (254 mm) to 14-inch (356 mm) spacing between rungs. Ladders shall be capable of supporting a 300-pound (136 kg) load on any rung. Rung spacing shall be uniform within 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
P103.6.2 Incline. Ladders shall be inclined at 70 to 80 degrees from horizontal.
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