Closet light

[mtCDCcb]

Is a closet required to have a light? Can there be a step down into the closet? What is the minimum headroom for a closet? THanks.

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

Is a closet required to have a light?

No, but if it does have a light, the light must meet the allowed locations and types of light.

Can there be a step down into the closet?

Yes, but it is impractical for most closets as there needs to be a landing at the top and bottom of each stair and that one step down is a one step stair.
- R311.5.4 Landings for stairways. There shall be a floor or landing at the top and bottom of each stairway.
- - - Exception: A floor or landing is not required at the top of an interior flight of stairs, including stairs in an enclosed garage, provided a door does not swing over the stairs.
- - A flight of stairs shall not have a vertical rise larger than 12 feet (3658 mm) between floor levels or landings.
- - The width of each landing shall not be less than the width of the stairway served. Every landing shall have a minimum dimension of 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel.

Also, while no light is required in a closet, if there is a step (one step stair) in the closet then that stair requires a light.

What is the minimum headroom for a closet?

The 2006 IRC does not specify a minimum ceiling height for closets, however, the IRC does include similar areas to closets (but does not state 'and similar spaces or areas' in the minimum ceiling height requirement section), as such one could 'interpret' that the code is requiring a minimum ceiling height for closets as for "Ceilings in basements without habitable spaces ... " and continues with " ... may project to within 6 feet, 8 inches (2032 mm) of the finished floor; and beams, girders, ducts or other obstructions may project to within 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) of the finished floor."

That could be viewed as a reasonable interpretation.