Where Tempered (Safety) Glass Is Required — The Hazardous Locations List
The code never says "tempered glass" is required everywhere — it lists hazardous locations where glazing must be safety-rated (tempered or laminated). R308.4 is that list, and most of it is about doors, water, and stairs.
Worth knowing
- The classic miss: a fixed window beside a patio door, or a low picture window at a landing — both usually need safety glazing.
- Protective bars or screens can exempt some locations only under the specific exceptions — not the shower/tub locations.
- Laminated glass satisfies most hazardous locations where tempered is impractical (e.g., oversized panes).
- Replacement glazing must meet current safety-glazing rules even in old frames.
Common questions
What does the code say about in doors for Tempered Glass?
Glazing in all fixed and operable door panels (limited exceptions for small decorative lites). (IRC R308.4.1)
What does the code say about adjacent to doors for Tempered Glass?
Glazing within 24 in. of either side of a door and under 60 in. above the floor. (IRC R308.4.2)
What does the code say about large low windows for Tempered Glass?
Panes over 9 sq ft with bottom edge under 18 in. above floor, top edge over 36 in., and a walking surface within 36 in.. (IRC R308.4.3)
Adopted edition by state
Base-code year from BuildSpec’s adoption records. States often amend the base code, and your city or county may differ, so confirm with your building department.
Related sections and guides
This guide is BuildSpec’s own summary, not code text. It cites the 2021 International Residential Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code as model standards. The IRC 2021 text itself is in the Code Library for signed-in members; BuildSpec publishes no NEC text, which is at nfpa.org.Neither is an adoption record: your state may be on a different edition with amendments — check your jurisdiction page or get an Address Report.