Remodeling & permits
Guidance on including detailed stair rise, run, and nosing information within remodeling permit drawings.
This evergreen guide explains how to accurately document stair rise, run, and nosing details in remodeling permit drawings, ensuring compliance, safety, and clear communication with inspectors, architects, and builders throughout project fases.
Published by
Joseph Perry
July 15, 2025 - 3 min Read
Stair geometry is a foundational element in permit drawings, because precise rise, run, and nosing specifications drive code compliance and user safety. When drafting, start by confirming applicable local codes and adopted standards for residential stairs. Collect measurements from the existing structure, including total rise, total run, number of risers, and typical tread dimensions. Document any deviations from standard dimensions, such as irregular landings or nonuniform riser heights, and note how these will be corrected. Include material notes, finish requirements, and method of construction for the stringers, handrails, and balusters. Accurate geometry reduces revision cycles and supports a smooth permitting process.
In addition to raw measurements, permit drawings should present a clear narrative of the stair layout. Show plan, section, and details that illustrate how the stairs connect to adjacent spaces, doors, and fire-rated assemblies. Use consistent labeling for riser height, tread width, and nosing projection. Include a calculation summary that confirms compliance with maximum rise and minimum run rules, and specify permitted tolerances. Where applicable, annotate guard height, handrail continuity, and grip dimensions. This level of detail helps plan reviewers verify safety features and accessibility considerations early in the project.
Provide a concise calculation and compliance narrative for stair details.
A well-documented stair section should reveal every critical feature, from the upper landing to the lower floor line. Detail attention points include the exact rise per step, the horizontal run, and the perpendicular nosing. Clarify whether nosing overhangs meet code requirements or are adjusted to accommodate grip space. The section should also indicate how the stringer or closed riser assembly handles load paths and deflection. If a curved or winder stair is involved, provide radius data, transition points, and any required landing enlargements. Visual clarity reduces the chance of misinterpretation by plan reviewers.
Where stairs interact with other elements, document clear interfaces. Show the relationship to doors, hallways, and egress paths, with annotations that explain clear width at points of obstruction and any necessary thresholds. Include notes on fire stopping, drafts, and moisture management where the stair enclosure intersects sealed or insulated assemblies. Provide dimensional checks for headroom clearance, guard continuity, and the spacing of balusters relative to standing adults. These details help ensure the remodel preserves safe egress and aligns with life-safety requirements.
Address safety features such as handrails, guards, and grip dimensions.
The calculation narrative anchors the drawings to code expectations. Start with total rise and total run, then divide into the number of risers and their average height. Include a computation that demonstrates consistency across the entire stair, noting any variations and the reasons for them. If exceptions are present, explain them with reference to code allowances, site constraints, or existing conditions that necessitate a tailored approach. Attach references to the specific code sections governing stair geometry, lighting, and egress to guide reviewers efficiently.
Nosing and tread details should be explicit and repeatable in construction. Indicate the exact nosing projection, whether it is flush, rounded, or squared, and specify the finish material. For wooden stairs, describe the profile and edge treatment, plus any anti-slip indicators or coatings. If rubber or composite nosings are used in damp conditions, document installation methods and maintenance requirements. Ensure the drawings show how nosings interact with finishes in adjoining rooms to avoid trip hazards and maintain visual consistency.
Include material, finish, and installation notes for all components.
Safety elements must be integrated into both plan and detail views. Show continuous handrails on at least one side of the stairs, including height from finished floor, return to walls, and any portraits or obstructions. Provide a grip diameter range and ensure the handrail transitions smoothly at landings without abrupt changes. Detail guard construction with height, infill spacing, and anchorage points to framing. If glass or metal infill is used, note safety ratings and corrosion protection. The goal is to create a riser-run system that is navigable for all users while fulfilling architectural design intent.
For accessibility considerations, include specific dimensions that support universal design requirements. If applicable, mark compliant treads, tactile guidance indicators at landings, and clear width measurements throughout the stair path. Document any alternates for heightened accessibility, such as increased tread depth or adjusted riser height within code allowances. Add notes on lighting, glare reduction, and energy-efficient controls that influence how occupants experience the climb. A thorough permit drawing should communicate that accessibility goals align with safety and code standards.
Ensure plan accuracy with version control and reviewer notes.
Material notes ensure the permit package reflects reality on site. List each component—stringers, treads, risers, nosings, handrails, balusters, and guard posts—with precise material specifications, thicknesses, and finishes. If assemblies use mixed materials, provide compatibility notes and fastener details to prevent creaking or deterioration. Include installation sequencing cues, such as prefabricated vs. site-built elements, and required tolerances for shim placements, anchorage, and alignment with surrounding finishes. Clear material data reduces questions during review and aids procurement and scheduling.
Finishes and edge details influence aesthetics and durability. Specify surface treatments for wood, metal, and stone components, along with required sealants, coatings, and maintenance schedules. Indicate slip-resistant properties for treads in wet conditions and the expected service life of protective coatings. When relevant, provide temp or long-term protective measures during construction to prevent damage to finished edges. Document any combustible materials restrictions and fire-rated assembly considerations where applicable.
Version control is essential for a clean permit trail. Include a clear date and revision history on every relevant drawing page, especially sections detailing rise, run, and nosing. Add reviewer notes that identify potential ambiguities and the action required to resolve them. These notes should be concise, with references to code sections, room names, and property boundaries to prevent confusion later. A well-maintained drawing set demonstrates professional rigor and minimizes back-and-forth during hearings or corrections.
Finally, align the permit drawings with architectural and structural plans for coherence. Cross-reference stair details with adjacent rooms, structural framing, and mechanical intrusions to ensure no conflicts arise. Use consistent scales and line weights to emphasize critical dimensions such as nosing projections and guard heights. Prepare a compact summary sheet that inventories all stair-related measurements and compliance flags, ready for submission. A comprehensive, reader-friendly package speeds up the approval process and supports a safe, accessible design.
