Exterior step code

Question

Hello. Thank you for your time. We are contemplating removal of a deck in back of our house. Would like to put in steps and a patio if possible. What is the maximum distance between the bottom of an exterior door to the ground that will allow placement of only steps with handrail? How many steps are allowed before a landing is required? Again, Thank you for your time.

Answer

Kirsten,

   Which way does the door swing? If the door opens inward you can have a stair tread that is 7 3/4" below the top of the door threshold (can have stairs and no platform/deck). If the door swings outward you must have a platform that is at least 36" deep. The distance from the door threshold to the platform with an out swinging door can be no more than 1 1/2".