wrote in message
the city says I have to place a staircase on the second floor
balcony ( I disagree).

Does not matter what you think or can show in IBC. The local inspector
wants a stairs, he will get a stair. The town has more money and lawyers
that you can imagine and you can be assured the inspector will be a real
PITA during construction. Save yourself a lot of grief and put it in. It
will be much cheaper than winning.