Can I use leaded glass for tall window in stairwell?

Question

I'm in California. My house, built in 79, has a tall 3x9 stained glass window in a stairwell, starting 10" from the floor.

I had a window contractor out to bid replacement windows and he told me that current code requires tempered glass in windows of this sort and location... No problem.

Now we're thinking we don't like common "obscure glass" options and want to replace it with a different leaded glass window. Can I do this? Is there an exception for stained or leaded glass to tempered glass rule?

Answer 1

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/building-codes-tempered-glass-close-stairs-102700.html

"The code makes an exception for any glazing that meets these stipulations but is protected by a horizontal rail on the accessible side of the glass. The rail must be positioned between 34 and 38 inches above the walking surface and capable of withstanding 50 pounds of force per foot without touching the glass."

So, you take your stained glass window and protect it with a railing, and you're now code-compliant. (Check the actual code first instead of trusting the Internet, though.)

Answer 2

To stay code compliant install the safety glass/window as needed. This would mean tempered or laminated glass. If you really like your old stain glass or are considering a new one just configure your new safety glass window so that it will accept an insert of your old or new stained glass. Make it easily removable so that clean and maintain between the two.