With the winter weather finally melting away, many homeowners are eager to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. If you own a deck or patio, you may be planning on renovating your outdoor living space in time for summer. Perhaps, you’re even considering the addition of an outdoor spiral staircase.
Highly efficient and visually appealing, pairing a deck with a spiral staircase is a great way to create space and improve the value of your property. The best part is you can customize this addition using a combination of colors, styles, railings, tread options, and more!
Whether you’re a DIY deck builder or planning to hire a professional deck building company to get the job done, there are many important requirements you’ll need to know about to ensure the safety and integrity of your outdoor staircase.
Do I need a Permit to Install an Outdoor Spiral Staircase?
According to the City of Minneapolis website, a permit is required “when work is structural in nature, such as adding or replacing beams, posts, joists, and rafters.” This means if you’re considering installing a spiral staircase, you’ll need to apply for a building permit before you can begin any type of construction.
Other building safety requirements include:
- A Zoning and Site Plan Review
- Professional Inspection
- Construction Plan Review
For questions about how to obtain required permits and zoning approval, reach out to your local city’s development office, or contact UglyDeck.com. We’ll review your proposed site plan and provide you with a free estimate for installing a spiral staircase.
What Building Codes Are Associated with Spiral Staircase Installation?
According to the Minnesota Building Code, “A spiral stairway shall have a 71/2-inch (191 mm) minimum clear tread depth at a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the narrow edge. The risers shall be sufficient to provide a headroom of 78 inches (1981 mm) minimum, but riser height shall not be more than 91/2 inches (241 mm). The minimum stairway clear width at and below the handrail shall be 26 inches (660 mm).”
Though the process of accentuating your outdoor deck area involves a lot of paperwork and review, the end goal is always to ensure your home’s new addition is safe for the family, home, and future inhabitants. To help you unravel the complexities of installing a spiral staircase, UglyDeck.com is here to help.
About UglyDeck.com
As a licensed deck builder since 2005, we’ve completed dozens of spiral staircase additions and understand the various ins and outs of building code requirements, so you can rest assured that your project is in the best capable hands!
From helping you plan its size, materials, custom colors, railing styles, tread options, and more—all while ensuring that every component of the new deck addition meets all building and safety requirements—we make the process simple and tailored to your style and family’s needs.
