"h" wrote

Why would you need a second exit for an upstairs of less than 500 sq. ft.?



Building code. You may not need a second exit, but a spiral stair may not
count at all.

I know that a friend had to change the design of his stairs from a spiral to
a split landing for code. He also added a deck on the second floor with a
door and stairs down from the deck and that made the building inspector
happy. It was 20 years ago so I forget the details.

Another couple built a log cabin with loft and ladder. It was allowed to be
for storage, but not for occupation unless there was a stair.