What is the maximum height allowed between landings on stairs?

The maximum height allowed between landings on stairs is 12 feet. This standard is set to ensure safety and accessibility for individuals using the stairway. Maintaining this height limit helps to minimize the risk of falls, provides ease of use for all individuals—including those with mobility challenges—and aligns with building codes that emphasize safe egress routes.

Having landings at this interval allows users a safe resting point and a change in direction, which can be especially important in emergency situations where quick evacuation is crucial. The design considerations that dictate these spacing guidelines take into account the physical capabilities of users, as well as the need for stairs to be intuitively navigable.

In multi-story buildings or those where space is constrained, this height limit serves as a critical element of the stairway design. Adhering to the 12-foot maximum ensures that the stair configuration remains compliant with safety regulations while providing adequate support and comfort to users.