North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is the minimum clear height for covered walkways?

1. 8 feet

2. 9 feet

3. 10 feet

4. 11 feet

The correct answer is: 10 feet

The minimum clear height for covered walkways is established to ensure safety and accessibility for pedestrians. A clear height of 10 feet allows for adequate clearance for individuals walking underneath, including those who may be taller, as well as for any items being transported like carts or equipment. Having this minimum height is important to prevent accidents, such as bumping heads or collisions with low-hanging structures. Additionally, maintaining this height aligns with various building codes and standards, which often dictate clearances for walkways, especially in commercial settings where higher traffic and diverse uses are common. In contrast, lower clearances, such as 8 or 9 feet, may not provide sufficient safety for all users, whereas a requirement of 11 feet could be unnecessarily high for many situations, leading to increased construction costs without significant safety benefits. Thus, 10 feet serves as a balanced measure that satisfies safety and practical considerations in construction and design.