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.
Interior balcony railing height code.
Railing systems require regular inspection to ensure they are secure.
Railings must withstand at least 200 pounds of pressure in either direction.
The height of the railing is also specified by city building code.
The height is measured vertically above the walking surface or the line that connects the nosing of a set of stairs.
Treads must be at least 10 inches deep measuring from front to back.
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.
Requirements for deck stairs the code has some very specific requirements for deck stairs.
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.
Residential properties typically require a railing of 36 inches while commercial properties should have railings between 42 and 48 inches.