Railings in a courtyard

[Dropstone]

Ive built a courtyard that has a fall hazard. What are my railing requirements?

The courtyard was built because i was building a pool that i never completed. As it turns out, i dont know how to build pools so now its a courtyard that id really like to move on from. Its an ICF 6" wall thats 48" at max drop. Insualted pad and walls. Its basically a house foundation and now it can be an anything foundation including total waste of time/money.

 

[tbz]

There is a difference between what is required by the minimum code enforced by your local authority having jurisdiction and your party guest taking a header off the landscaping in the back yard.

The last time I checked, you can always do things better than the minimum code requires, just not less than.

I guess to start you might want to start with a conversation with your local AHJ, to see if a local zoning ordinance requires something, and if not maybe you might want to look into a fence or raised planters blocking off the fall in your yard's landscaping before anyone gets to close, or a snow drift makes it look like the grass yard this winter and someone takes an express elevator ride to a hard stop.

The fact that you are questioning it, should be all you need to know.

As to a specific building code requirement, that's a discussion to have with your local authority. But just because it might not be required, it seems to meet the definition of I might want to do something.

 

[ICE]

I doubt that there is any building code, zoning code or municipal regulation that would require a guard. If you do opt for a guard and want to use the dimension found in the building code for required guards, it would be 42 inches above the standing surface. The only time that I have heard about a problem with a hazard similar to yours was when a policeman chased a suspect through a back yard and encountered an empty swimming pool.

I had a dachshund that chased butterflies without paying attention to her surroundings. She ended up in the pool several times. So it comes down to your comfort level. Are there small children or hyper pets? Do you sleepwalk? Mow the lawn while under the influence? Has it been there just like that for a long time and you just need something to do?

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

Being right outside a patio door, I would regard the grass area as a walking surface. The IRC offers this:



This wall is more than 30 inches high, so I think a guard is required. Under the IRC, the guard should be 36" high, not 42" as in the IBC.

 

[ICE]

If the residential code applies to a landscape feature the code is provided here. I said “if” the residential code applied because it doesn’t apply in California and I don’t know what Texas requires. This is California code and Texas might have a different code:

R312.1.2 Height. Required guards at open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, porches, balconies or landings, shall be not less than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height as measured vertically above the adjacent walking surface or the line connecting the nosings.

 

[Dropstone]

So definitly i need a gaird. Should the gaurd be 42 or 36 inches high off the wall? Think theres two answers so far.

Ya its been like this for a while and it wakes me up at night.

Is there any design features, gaurd vs rail? like special brackets besides your typical deck top railing types?

 

[Dropstone]

also im in ohio

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

So definitly i need a gaird. Should the gaurd be 42 or 36 inches high off the wall? Think theres two answers so far.

Ya its been like this for a while and it wakes me up at night.

Is there any design features, gaurd vs rail? like special brackets besides your typical deck top railing types?

I cited a height of 36 inches from the ICC IRC. Ice cited 42 inches, apparently from the California Residential Code. According to UpCodes, the Ohio requirement is 36 inches. The ICC Residential Code refers to section R301.5 for the loads the guard must be able to sustain.

Openings:

 

[steveray]

I would say it's grass so you don't need a guard....But that is the least restrictive position...

 

[Yikes]

In the code, landscape plants are often an indicator that an area is not intended to be used as a walking surface. However, in your case, based on what you are saying you are already anticipating someone walking on the grass right next to the retaining wall. So either install a hedge that is at least 36” away from the drop to keep people from wandering there, or install a guard. The guard would be most appropriate if you have kids or rowdy/inebriated adults who may stumble through a hedge.
International residential code is min 36” high for a guard, but if you want to be more safe, make it 42”, with pickets, cables, etc. spaced max. 4” apart.

 

[Joe.B]

Looks like the makings for a nice Bachi ball court

 

[Joe.B]

Or an above ground pool

 

[tbz]

Circling back, based on the model IRC that area is landscaping and grass is not a regulated walking surface once the landing depth is met, hence draw a 36" geofence around the house and the exterior landings attached. After that your done, though something like that needs additional attention, unless a local AHJ writes something they are over reaching authority with good intention.

Hence no guard is required, and the cost level for installing a guard vs you could achieve the same result for far less cost with a simple prefabricated fence.

As to the height, Ohio's IRC if you were following guard requirements is min. 36" above the walking surface, but again lawn is not a regulated walking surface.

You might want to go and read these other posts on Retaining walls & Terrace heights

Retaining wall Guard requirements - IRC Properties

Terrace Wall Heights - IRC Properties

Should you do something I would - does the model IRC require it, no. Hence talk to the local AHJ.