# 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).


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