Finger Lakes Building Officials, Inc.

An Affiliated Member of the New York State Building Officials Conference

June 9, 2003

RE: Handrail Termination, RCNYS 315.1

This is in response to your request for clarification of the termination of handrails as stated in Section R315.1 of the Residential Code of New York State (RCNYS). You say that the Building Code of New York State (BCNYS) addresses termination at newel posts and the use of volutes within dwelling units in Section 1003.3.3.11.4 Exceptions: 1 and 2. However, the RCNYS does not. Shouldn't the RCNYS also have addressed these handrail features since they are common in one and two-family dwellings and townhouses?

Yes, resulting from a typographical error by the ICC, two exceptions were inadvertently omitted from the RCNYS Section 315.1 Handrails. The exceptions following the only paragraph in the section should read as follows:

Exceptions:
1. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn.
2. The use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread.

This advisory opinion is rendered based upon the information provided. Administration and enforcement of the code are within the jurisdiction of the local authority. If you have questions regarding this advisory, please call me at (518) 474-4073.

Sincerely,
Gerard A. Hathaway, R.A.
Senior Building Construction Engineer
Codes Division
Al03-116

Finger Lakes Building Officials Association, Inc.
3100 Atlantic Ave.
Penfield, NY 14526
info@flboa.com