To prevent homeowners from creating living space that does not allow occupants to stand up.
Minimum attic height.
For new flat coffered tray or sloped ceilings go for a minimum of nine feet.
Attic area exceeds 30 square feet and.
Have a minimum opening width of at least 20 inches.
Room area is this case is calculated as the total floor space with walls at least 5 feet tall.
At least 50 of the usable floor space should have a ceiling height of 7 5 ft.
Attic furnace passageway minimum dimensions requirements.
The minimum ceiling height to beams girders ducts or other obstructions shall be no less than 6 feet 4 inches from the finished floor.
Summary of residential ceiling heights therefore in summary lets is recap the above information.
In other words if your attic has 200 square feet over which the ceiling is at least 5 feet.
30 inches high 762 mm 22 inches wide 559 mm 20 feet max length 6096 mm.
The minimum ceiling height in rooms with sloped ceilings such as a finished attic space is 7 feet over at least 50 percent of the room area.
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.
Local codes may have stricter requirements so again be sure to check with your state and local regulations.
The rest can be less than 7 feet.
Have a minimum opening height of at least 24 inches.
Living areas and hallways must have a ceiling height of 7 feet or more and bathrooms and laundry rooms must be at least 6 feet 8 inches tall.
The rough framed opening.
At least 50 of the usable area calculated above must have ceilings of at least 7 feet.
If the attic space is smaller than these specs then an access hatch is not required.
Have a sill height of no more than 44 inches above the attic floor level.
If a room has a sloping ceiling which is common in attics at least 50 percent of the room area must have a 7 foot ceiling.