Interior Balcony Railing Height Code
The top of the handrail should be at least 34 inches.
Interior balcony railing height code. Install railings on any deck that is 30 inches or more from the surrounding surface and on at least one side of a stairway leading to the deck. If your local laws follow the international residential code then balconies in your area that are 30 inches or more above the surrounding floor must have guardrails. The height of the railing is also specified by city building code. Stair rails on decks should be between 34 inches and 38 inches high measured vertically from the nose of the tread to the top of the rail.
Even if your balcony has additional supports potentially categorizing it as a porch or deck it must have guardrails based on the same 30 inch rule. The height is measured vertically above the walking surface or the line that connects the nosing of a set of stairs. Minimum required guardrail height r312 1 2 when a guardrail is required per the above explanation it must meet a minimum height requirement of no less than 36 inches for it to serve the purpose of minimizing a fall. Requirements for deck stairs the code has some very specific requirements for deck stairs.
Railing systems require regular inspection to ensure they are secure.