Staircase to Loft – GreenBuildingAdvisor

EDIT: Link in comments to show loft plan as described in my question.

I have been talking to Grok about this but thought I would also see what real human feedback I might be able to get.

We’re building a 16×24 studio cabin. Single slant shed roof, 3:12 pitch. 

There will be a loft in one corner of the high roof side.  Loft is supported by 8×8 beams stretched across the whole 16 ft width of the cabin, positioned at each end of the loft.

loft width will be in in range of 7-9’.  4×8 rafters (essentially loft floor joists) are attached to the beams.

Loft plans currently call for ladder. We want a staircase. 

There is enough space for a staircase to run along the 24’ long high side wall and meet up at the edge of the loft with one of the 8×8 loft beams.

(we will integrate storage into stairway. IRC 2018 Appendix Q for tiny houses applies to staircase design.)

Current plans call for the 4×8 rafters to be notched into the beam so that each rafter end sits in a 3.75d x 3.5w notch. Considered a timber frame technique I believe. 

Grok is calculating a lot and saying the notches are too big- they decrease the strength of the beam and even more so if we want to also attach a staircase to the beam. 

But Grok suggests if we use Simpson hangers for the 4×8 rafter connection to 8×8 beam, instead of notches, then the beam is strong enough to also support the staircase. 

Generally speaking – do you agree with Grok that we should NOT attach stairs to a notched beam but that we COULD attach stairs to the loft beam via ledger if we use hangers for the rafters instead of notches? 

I understand the official answer could be to consult a structural engineer but wondering outside of that what experiential feedback I might be able to get from people here.

Thank you!