Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - building code for railing
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pjaffe
11-07-08, 07:48 AM
In my city the building code says that any deck over 30" high requires a railing with a minimum height of 36'.
I built a low deck/porch on the front of my home (6'x46') that is 20" off the ground. I set the railing height at 30". The city inspector says that it is true that I am not required to have a railing but since I am putting one on, it must meet the 36" height requirement.
This does not seem quite right to me. Is there something in the building code that backs up either position? Any opinions on how I might sway the inspector to my point of view?
I built a low deck/porch on the front of my home (6'x46') that is 20" off the ground. I set the railing height at 30". The city inspector says that it is true that I am not required to have a railing but since I am putting one on, it must meet the 36" height requirement.
This does not seem quite right to me. Is there something in the building code that backs up either position? Any opinions on how I might sway the inspector to my point of view?
Wirepuller38
11-07-08, 12:22 PM
I do not believe you will find anyone here who will advise you to go against your local inspector.
You are talking about two distinct code requirements.
The first deals with whether or not a railing is required.
The second deals with the height requirement of any railing present or being built.
You are talking about two distinct code requirements.
The first deals with whether or not a railing is required.
The second deals with the height requirement of any railing present or being built.
cwbuff
11-07-08, 01:22 PM
I have to go with the inspector on this one. Even though a rail is not required, if you add one it has to meet code requirements for height, baluster spacing etc.
Concretemasonry
11-07-08, 03:06 PM
If people see a railing, they rely on it to be safe and reliable. A low railing can be worse than no railing.
chandler
11-07-08, 04:39 PM
You don't need another opinion, but here's mine, free of charge. Same advice as above. I built one for a client on the back of their new modular which hadn't been landscaped. He wanted to do the actual decking and railing, so I just did the main framing and roof system. I went back a few weeks later and he had the decking down, and had it landscaped to within 18" of the deck with dirt. It started about 36" off the dirt, but he figured it better to use dirt to bring the earth up rather than building handrails, go figure. Meets code.
twelvepole
11-08-08, 12:57 AM
Why not follow building codes if installing balusters and bannister's? The additional expense is minimal.
A step down from the deck at any height that exceeds building codes for riser height needs properly sized steps and railing. 20" is a leap for sober or drunk individuals.
Liability insurance is a must whether you have railings or not. Someone will eventually step or fall off the deck and incur injuries. If you don't meet local building codes, your insurance company will likely not pay and you will.
A step down from the deck at any height that exceeds building codes for riser height needs properly sized steps and railing. 20" is a leap for sober or drunk individuals.
Liability insurance is a must whether you have railings or not. Someone will eventually step or fall off the deck and incur injuries. If you don't meet local building codes, your insurance company will likely not pay and you will.