Each loft area excluded from the gross floor area pursuant to Section 18009.3 shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(a)  A loft ceiling shall be a minimum of 54 inches above the loft floor for not less than 50 percent of the total loft ceiling area, or 50 inches above the loft floor for not less than 70 percent of the total loft ceiling area. The ceiling height shall be measured from the highest point of the finished floor of the loft area to the finished ceiling.

(b)  The floor of the loft area is designed to withstand at least 30 pounds per square foot live load.

(c)  The combined floor area of all loft areas shall not exceed 50 percent of the total gross floor area of the unit.

(d)  Each loft shall be accessed only by use of a stairway and not a ladder or any other means. The stairway shall be constructed as follows:

(1)  The stairs shall have a maximum rise of nine inches and a minimum tread of seven and one-quarter inches. The riser shall be an open-type riser design. The riser height and the tread run shall be allowed a maximum variation of one-quarter inch between each step. The stairway width shall be a minimum of 22 inches as measured along the step tread.

(2)  The stairs shall be capable of supporting 50 pounds per square foot.

(3)  Each stairway serving a loft shall be provided with a handrail not less than 34 inches in height as measured horizontally from the nose of the step tread. The stairway handrail must be designed to withstand a 20-pound load per lineal foot applied horizontally at right angles to the top rail. The handrail shall be continuous the full length of the stairs.

(4)  The handgrip portion of the handrail shall not be less than one and one-quarter inches nor more than two inches in cross-sectional dimension, or the shape shall provide an equivalent gripping surface. The handgrip portion of the handrail shall have a smooth surface with no sharp corners. The handrail projection from a wall or other similar surface shall have a space of not less than one and one-half inches between the wall and the handrail. Handrails installed on the open side of stairways shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern installed as specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (e).

(e)  Each loft area shall have guardrails located at open areas and at the open side of the stairway. The guardrail shall comply with all of the following:

(1)  Guardrails shall have intermediate rails or an ornamental pattern so that a sphere four inches in diameter cannot pass through, except that triangular openings at the open side of a stairway may be of a size that a sphere six inches in diameter cannot pass through.

(2)  Guardrails shall be capable of supporting a load of 20 pounds per lineal foot applied horizontally at right angles at the top of the rail.

(3)  The guard rail shall be a minimum of 34 inches in height as measured from the finished floor covering of the loft area to the top of the rail.

(f)  Each loft area shall have a minimum of two exits complying with ANSI Standard A119.5 Recreational Park Trailers, Chapter 3, one of which may be the stairway. Each alternate exit shall comply with both of the following:

(1)  Lead directly to the exterior of the park trailer.

(2)  The location of each alternate exit shall meet all requirements for access, operation, size markings, and identification as specified in ANSI Standard A119.5 Recreational Park Trailers, Chapter 3, for alternate exits.

(g)  The loft area shall be provided with light and ventilation consistent with ANSI Standard A119.5 Recreational Park Trailers, Chapter 3. In addition to the smoke detector or detectors to serve the main floor, an additional smoke detector shall be installed in each loft area and shall comply with the requirements in ANSI Standard A119.5 Recreational Park Trailers, Chapter 3.

(h)  The following electrical requirements shall be followed:

(1)  At least one recessed light fixture shall be installed over the stairway. Each recessed light over a stairway shall be operated by a three-way switch with one switch located at the main floor and one switch located in the loft area. Both light switches shall be located immediately adjacent to each stairway. Additional lighting in the loft area shall only be of the recessed type.

(2)  Wiring methods and receptacle placement shall be installed per the requirements in ANSI Standard A119.5 Recreational Park Trailers, Chapter 1.

(Added by Stats. 2001, Ch. 490, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2002.)