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Minimum Hallway Width Per Code

Author : Building Code Trainer

Minimum Hallway Width

Section R311.6 of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) specifies what the minimum width of a hallway needs to be within your home.

Of course one important thing to note from the beginning is not to confuse a hallway with a corridor.

A corridor is defined more as an exit access component that is used within commercial buildings and structures subject to the International Building Code (IBC). Corridors may also need to be a certain width to accommodate accessibility and may also have to be fire rated. Also, unlike hallways, a corridor width is sized to accommodate the number of occupants is serves.

Fun Tip: To learn about minimum corridor width requirements per the International Building Code (IBC), be sure to check out this POST.

A hallway, as discussed in this post, is a means of egress feature that is used within residential structures subject to the International Residential Code (IRC). Hallways are also used to move furniture into rooms a therefore must be large enough to do so.

Fun Tip: To learn the difference between the International Residential Code (IRC) verses the International Building Code (IBC), be sure to check out this POST.

Minimum Hallway Width

What is the minimum width of a residential hallway?

The minimum width of a residential hallway per Section R311.6 of the 2021 International Residential Code is 3 feet.

Therefore per this code section the hallway within a residential structure subject to the IRC cannot be less than 3 feet in width.


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Building Code Trainer

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This site is run and maintained by a Certified Building Official, Plans Examiner, and Inspector. With a Bachelors of Science Degree in Construction Engineering along with holding multiple ICC certifications, the Author of this site has over 15 years of experience within the construction industry.


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