The compact attic ladder requires a minimum height of 28 and minimum depth of 44 inside the attic above and behind the opening.
Minimum attic access size.
Access openings through the floor shall be a minimum of 18 inches by 24 inches 457 mm by 610 mm.
See the california mechanical code for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.
For smaller attic openings with a minimum measurement of 18 x 24 you will need to measure the swing clearance inside the attic space.
Where the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members.
If the access is located in the ceiling the minimum.
The rough opening cannot be less than 22 inches by 30 inches and must be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location.
Tuesday january 28 2020.
The international code council icc is a non profit organization dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design build and compliance process.
When any portion of the through wall access is below grade an areaway not less than 16 inches by 24 inches 407 mm by 610 mm shall be provided.
Openings through a perimeter wall shall be not less than 16 inches by 24 inches 407 mm by 610 mm.
According to the 2006 international residential code r807 1 attic access homes with combustible materials in the ceiling and roof construction must have an access to attic areas that exceeds 30 square feet and with a vertical height of 30 inches or greater.
If the opening is located in a wall the 30 inch dimension must be vertical.
The international codes i codes are the widely accepted comprehensive set of model codes used in the us and abroad to help ensure the engineering of safe sustainable affordable and resilient structures.
Minimum opening size the 2012 international residential code requires an attic access opening for attics with an area greater than 30 square feet and a vertical height in excess of 30 inches.
See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.