Minimum live loads: 40 psf living, 30 psf sleeping, 30 psf habitable attic
2025 RCNYS §R301.5 Minimum uniformly distributed live loads (Table R301.5)Description
Residential floor framing must be designed for at least these minimum uniformly distributed live loads: 40 psf in rooms other than sleeping areas; 30 psf in sleeping areas; 30 psf in habitable attics and attics served by fixed stairs; 40 psf at exterior balconies and decks; 40 psf at stairs; 20 psf in uninhabitable attics with limited storage; 10 psf in uninhabitable attics without storage. Guards must withstand a 200-lb concentrated load.
Why this exists
These load values drive joist sizing and spacing throughout the home. Sleeping areas get a 30 psf allowance (vs 40 psf elsewhere) because their use is less variable — a bedroom rarely sees a crowd. Habitable attics get the same 30 psf as sleeping, recognizing typical attic use. Architects modifying a non-bedroom space into a bedroom should verify the existing floor framing was sized for at least 30 psf; expanding an office back into a living room may require structural upgrade.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
livingAreas | min | 40 | psf | Areas other than sleeping (uniform live load) |
sleepingAreas | min | 30 | psf | Sleeping areas (uniform live load) |
habitableAttic | min | 30 | psf | Habitable attic with fixed stair |
deckBalcony | min | 40 | psf | Exterior decks + balconies |
stairs | min | 40 | psf | Stairs (uniform live load) |
guardLoad | min | 200 | lb concentrated | Guard concentrated load (any direction at top) |
Categories
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: New York State
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Garage / dwelling fire separation · IRC R302.6
- Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
- Egress window net opening dimensions · IRC R310.2
- Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
- Smoke alarms required throughout dwelling · IRC R314
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.