Opinion: Handrails and guardrails on residential decks

Inquiry: 96-07

Subject: Handrails and guardrails on residential decks

Code:
1994 UBC Sections 509 and 1006.9

Submitted By: MN B. O. Uniformity Committee

Approved By: Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official

Issue Date: July 22,1996

Question #1: Are guardrails required on decks not more than 30 inches above grade?

Answer #1: No. UBC 509 - GUARDRAILS states "..., balconies or porches, which are more than 30 inches above grade ... shall be protected by a guardrail." ...(Grade is defined as the lowest point within 5 feet of the structure or to the property line if less than 5 feet). When guardrails are required by code for a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy, exception #1 allows the minimum height to be 36 inches.

Question #2: When are handrails required at stairs on R-3 decks?

Answer #2: UBC 1006.9 HANDRAILS, exception #3 states "Stairways having less than four risers... need not have handrails." This means that a handrail is required for more than three risers regardless of guardrail requirements.

Committee comments:
Adopted by committee November 8, 1995 and approved (with deletion) at the 40th Annual Institute of Building Officials on January 12, 1996.

Inquiry:	96-07
Subject:	Handrails and guardrails on residential decks
Code:	1994 UBC Sections 509 and 1006.9
Submitted By:	MN B. O. Uniformity Committee
Approved By:	Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official
Issue Date:	July 22,1996
Question #1:	Are guardrails required on decks not more than 30 inches above grade?
Answer #1:	No. UBC 509 - GUARDRAILS states "..., balconies or porches, which are more than 30 inches above grade ... shall be protected by a guardrail." ...(Grade is defined as the lowest point within 5 feet of the structure or to the property line if less than 5 feet). When guardrails are required by code for a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy, exception #1 allows the minimum height to be 36 inches.
Question #2:	When are handrails required at stairs on R-3 decks?
Answer #2:	UBC 1006.9 HANDRAILS, exception #3 states "Stairways having less than four risers... need not have handrails." This means that a handrail is required for more than three risers regardless of guardrail requirements.
Committee comments:	Adopted by committee November 8, 1995 and approved (with deletion) at the 40th Annual Institute of Building Officials on January 12, 1996.