R303.8

Section R303.8 is titled 'Exterior stairway illumination' and covers the requirements for providing light on stairways on the exterior of a dwelling. The requirement for an artificial light source located at the top landing, and, where the stairs lead to a basement door, an artificial light source at the bottom landing is established. The purpose of this section is to prevent trip and fall hazards.

The model shows a partial section of a dwelling with an exterior stairway leading down to grade, and another stairway leading from grade to a basement entry door, with highlighted light fixtures at the required locations. It is not the intent of this section to require a light at the top landing of the stairs leading to the basement access.