Planning & EstimatingQuestion 544 of 700
A stair section detail calls out a graspable handrail mounted 42 inches above the stair nosings. What is the BEST response during plan review?
a.Approve; 42 inches is the required handrail height
b.Approve; handrail height is not regulated
c.Reject; handrails must be exactly 36 inches
d.Reject; the handrail height exceeds the allowed range
Explanation
Handrail height on stairs must be within a range measured vertically from the sloped nosings, generally 34 to 38 inches. A 42-inch handrail is above that range and should be corrected; 42 inches is a guard height, not a handrail height. Option a confuses the two. Option b ignores the rule. Option c states a single wrong value; the code allows a range, not a single dimension.
Law Reference: 2025 California Residential Code §R311.7.8.1Practice all 700 questions free — no signup required.
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