If you built a 2 story house, would it be against some sort of code to connect the two floors with a ladder instead of stairs?

Local building codes usually differ slightly from city to city, but, unless the second story can definitely be described as an attic and not a living space, I doubt if you can leave out a stairway. Older buildings that have what you describe were either built when there were no codes (or the codes didn't disallow that construction), or grandfathered in. You need to check with your local building inspector, and will probably need to apply for a variance. I don't think it is likely that you will get one.

It is most definitely against all building codes to have a second story space that is considered living area that doesn't have proper stairs. Not only do all living spaces need to have stairs but most building codes have very rigid requirements for what constitutes a proper stair including width, slope, handrail dimensions and landing sizes.

You may be able to get away with having a home with a steep stair up to the second floor in an existing home but you will get into trouble if you add space to your home and don't have a proper stair to access it. The only exception is an area considered a "loft" meaning that the space is elevated but open to another room and not it's own living space.

quote:

Originally posted by DorianGreyed:
Loft with spiral staircase leading up to it.

I'll bet that'll cost a pretty penny DG
Looks good though.

Nim, you just gotta bite the bullet and check with the appropriate zone's code. If you have not yet picked a zone for you building site, then unorganzed (remote rural) areas would be your best choice.

Where I live, there are only two codes: fire and health (re pure water only).

Thanks for the anwers guys.