Interpretation #7179

Published May 31, 2013

Download Final PDF

Original Request

Code Version
2010
Code
RESIDENT
Code Description
Residential
Chapter
3
Section
312.1
Topic
Guards

Question

Is it the intent of this section to require guards on retaining walls that are more than 30" above the adjacent grade.

Answer Published 05/31/2013 at 12:21 AM

No. Unless there's a walking surface near the retaining wall.
The section calls for guards at porches, balconies, ramps or
raised floor surfaces. This situation sounds like it is open
ground with the retaining wall used for terracing or elevation
change with no walking surfaces nearby.

Commentary

There may be some requirement if the difference in elevation is associated with a right-of-way or some public access, but the requirement would not come from the FBCR.