Which size is NOT a minimum requirement for an attic opening if the height exceeds 30 inches?

In the context of attic access requirements, minimum size standards are established to ensure safety and accessibility for inspections and maintenance. For an attic with a height exceeding 30 inches, the regulations specify that the opening must be sized appropriately to allow safe entry and exit.

The correct answer identifies that the size 16 inches by 30 inches does not meet the minimum requirements. In most building codes, the established minimum dimension for an attic opening typically exceeds 16 inches in width for safe access, particularly when considering that height greater than 30 inches suggests the need for a more substantial entry point. The appropriate dimensions ensure that individuals can navigate safely into the attic space without risk of injury.

The other options—18 inches by 30 inches, 20 inches by 30 inches, and 22 inches by 30 inches—are all larger openings that satisfy or exceed the minimum height and width requirements. These dimensions allow better access for inspection and maintenance activities in attics where mobility is a consideration, particularly in response to oversized obstructions or structures within the attic itself.