mtlogcabin
SAWHORSE
My understanding of the original post there is neither a guard or a handrail on the rock wall side of the treads, just a 4" gap between the end of a step and the wall. The IRC is a prescriptive code for what is typical in a SFR or 2 family dwelling. The IRC is silent on this specific design. So a BO uses R104.1 to render an interpretation and adopt a policy for that specific design. I look to the other codes adopted or not past or present to render my decisionsone is inserting personal feelings into something that is personally wanted.
"It is important to understand that the IRC contains coverage for what is conventional and common in residential construction practice. While the IRC will provide all of the needed coverage for most residential construction, it might not address construction practices and systems that are atypical or rarely encountered in the industry."