Retaining Wall Drop-Off Fencing

[classicT]

Washington resident here...

Per the IRC, as you exit the structure and get to grade, jurisdiction of the building code is done, that is unless you land on another structure (deck, pool apron, etc.).

 

[Jeff8737]

What have here is a "Best Practice" issue and also a risk management issue. A 36" drop off can really hurt when chasing a Frisbby or football.
What of pets exiting your yard? Then again read the fine print of the contract for construction, is this a one-off, a tract, or?

I agree with it being a best practice issue, or at least should be evaluated on an individual basis. For example, if a 4 ft. retaining wall separates two homes, and the space adjacent to the wall is traversed by landscapers, HVAC techs, etc. then in my opinion, I'd consider it a walking surface and common sense for there to be a guard to prevent someone from falling off the wall onto concrete below.

I believe the intent of the code agrees:

R101.3 Intent.
The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment, and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.

 

[classicT]

if a 4 ft. retaining wall separates two homes

IF it is residential, the IRC does not have any requirements beyond the home. IRC ends at the outside of the building.

However, if is it a commercial property, the IBC does have requirements for sites. In that case, I'd agree that a guard can be required adjacent to a walking surface.

Just something to keep in mind. IRC and IBC are two very different books with very fundamentally different principals.