Opinion: Guardrail requirements for screen porches

Inquiry:

97-37

Subject:

Guardrail requirements for screen porches

Code:

1994 UBC Section 509

Submitted By:

MN B. O. Uniformity Committee

Approved By:

Thomas R. Joachim, State Building Official

Issue Date:

July, 18 1997

Question:

Are guardrails required on screen porches when the porch floor is more than 30 inches above grade?

Answer:

Yes. However, screen walls alone could satisfy the requirement provided all components comply with the design criteria established in UBC Table 16-B.

Committee comments:

If the screen wall construction is proposed to satisfy the guardrail requirement, specific design information should be made available to the building official for verifications that it complies with the criteria referenced in Table 16-B.

Adopted by Committee September 25, 1996 and ratified at the 41st Annual Institute of Building Officials on January 17, 1997.