Habitable attics require a vertical access and emergency escape and rescue opening.
Attic access irc.
The 2009 and 2015 irc verbiage is similar and still applicable.
Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access opening to attic areas that have a vertical height of 30 inches 762 mm or greater over an area of not less than 30 square feet 2 8 m 2 the vertical height shall be measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the underside of the roof framing members.
When the access is located in a ceiling minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be 30 inches 762 mm at some point above the access measured vertically from the bottom of ceiling framing members.
Attics that meet the size and ceiling height criteria of the habitable attic definition in chapter 2 are considered habitable.
See section m1305 1 3 for access requirements where mechanical equipment is located in attics.
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.
Buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction shall have an attic access.
Irc 12 13 section r807 1 proponent.
30 x 22 however irc m1305 1 3 regarding the attic passageway access not attic access is not as clear because it uses two different dimensions in relation to the term opening used twice in the same paragraph.
Section r807 attic access r807 1 attic access.