> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://resources.viewrail.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://resources.viewrail.com/code-compliance/welcome-to-code-compliancy.md).

# Welcome to Code Compliancy

Use this page to get to the right code topic fast.

Start with the section that matches your question. Then open the specific rule you need.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th>Title</th><th data-card-target data-type="content-ref">Target</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Why code compliance matters</td><td><a href="/spaces/tKHUhfDlO8x2vZh6xOs9/pages/pRQnolFkQMB9aaEXyf8L">/spaces/tKHUhfDlO8x2vZh6xOs9/pages/pRQnolFkQMB9aaEXyf8L</a></td></tr><tr><td>Start with code type and core triggers</td><td><a href="/spaces/tKHUhfDlO8x2vZh6xOs9/pages/41OsJJLKQbXSQsLQaZaF">/spaces/tKHUhfDlO8x2vZh6xOs9/pages/41OsJJLKQbXSQsLQaZaF</a></td></tr><tr><td>Find railing, guard, spacing, and load rules</td><td><a href="/spaces/tKHUhfDlO8x2vZh6xOs9/pages/Zgupgz05D5u0scPMRBmU">/spaces/tKHUhfDlO8x2vZh6xOs9/pages/Zgupgz05D5u0scPMRBmU</a></td></tr><tr><td>Find stair geometry and stair-specific rules</td><td><a href="/spaces/tKHUhfDlO8x2vZh6xOs9/pages/sAHbPGCtaeJJCq2jsVuL">/spaces/tKHUhfDlO8x2vZh6xOs9/pages/sAHbPGCtaeJJCq2jsVuL</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

### Browse by section

#### Getting Started

Use this section to identify the governing code and the basic requirement.

* [IBC vs. IRC Railing Code Requirements](/code-compliance/getting-started/ibc-vs.-irc-railing-code-requirements.md)
* [When is Handrail Required?](/code-compliance/getting-started/when-is-handrail-required.md)

#### Railing Code

Use this section for heights, graspability, openings, continuity, and structural performance.

* [Maximum and Minimum Handrail Heights](/code-compliance/railing-code/maximum-and-minimum-handrail-heights.md)
* [Handrail Size Requirements](/code-compliance/railing-code/handrail-size-requirements.md)
* [4" Sphere Rule](/code-compliance/railing-code/4-sphere-rule.md)
* [Handrail Continuity and Termination Requirements](/code-compliance/railing-code/handrail-continuity-and-termination-requirements.md)
* [Guard and Handrail Requirements](/code-compliance/railing-code/guard-and-handrail-requirements.md)
* [Opening Rules](/code-compliance/railing-code/opening-rules.md)
* [Strength Requirements](/code-compliance/railing-code/strength-requirements.md)
* [Post and Cable Spacing](/code-compliance/railing-code/post-and-cable-spacing.md)

#### Stair Code

Use this section for stair openings, tread and riser dimensions, and stair layout rules.

* [Open Riser Code Requirements](/code-compliance/stair-code/open-riser-code-requirements.md)
* [Winder Staircase Code Requirements](/code-compliance/stair-code/winder-staircase-code-requirements.md)
* [Tread Depth and Risers](/code-compliance/stair-code/tread-depth-and-risers.md)

### Common paths

* Need to know whether IRC or IBC applies? Start with [IBC vs. IRC Railing Code Requirements](/code-compliance/getting-started/ibc-vs.-irc-railing-code-requirements.md).
* Need to confirm when a stair needs a graspable rail? Go to [When is Handrail Required?](/code-compliance/getting-started/when-is-handrail-required.md).
* Need a railing dimension, spacing, or load rule? Browse [Railing Code](/code-compliance/railing-code/maximum-and-minimum-handrail-heights.md).
* Need stair-specific geometry rules? Browse [Stair Code](/code-compliance/stair-code/open-riser-code-requirements.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://resources.viewrail.com/code-compliance/welcome-to-code-compliancy.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.