What Is the Code Height for a Porch Railing?

Code Height

• Although a typical porch railing height runs between 36 and 44 inches, verifying that dimension with your local government is necessary. Depending on the state, county or city you reside in, the building code may require a more specific dimension. Building permits are typically required for remodeling, new construction or additions to a home or commercial building. Permits confirm that a structure meets building code standards by requiring an authorized inspector to confirm the railing height.

Building Codes

• Cities usually have a building and planning department that manages building permits and code requirements. Calling the information office for your local government is the first step toward locating your area's building office and discovering building code requirements. It is important to ask the building department whether building a porch requires a permit. If a permit is not required, the 36-to-44-inch standard will work fine. Keep in mind that without the proper permit, an inspector or authorized person can shut down the construction process without any warning.

Basic Porch Rules

• According to Habitat for Humanity's book “How to Build a House,” in most regions of the U.S. any deck or porch type structure that is raised 30 inches or higher off the ground requires a railing. When the porch or decking has more than three steps, or risers, the stairs will also be required by code to have a handrail. Stairs more than 44 inches wide will also require a handrail on both sides of the steps. Porch stair rail height is typically measured from the top of the step to the top of the handrail, and Habitat for Humanity recommends a 32- to 36-inch height for porch stair rails.

Balusters and Railings

• When asking about porch railing height, also ask about other required dimensions for the railing and porch. Most building departments regard the spacing between railing balusters or spindles to be an important building code requirement. According to Habitat for Humanity, the railing's balusters should be spaced so that the opening between them is 4 inches or less. Also, the railing should begin 4 inches or less from the porch floor. These dimensions are designed to prevent people, especially children, from pushing their heads through the railing and falling or getting stuck.