Building Officials Association of Florida
Protecting Lives and Property since 1953

Interpretation #7657

Published October 09, 2015

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Original Request

Code Version
2014
Code
BUILDING
Code Description
Chapter
Section
1013.2
Topic
Guardrail for seatwall to grade

Question

We have a situation where a proposed walk is less than 30 inches above finished grade; however, the walk is separated/retained by a seatwall that has a finished height approximately 16? above the height of the sidewalk. In turn, the top of the seatwall exceeds 30 inches from top of wall (seat) down to the adjacent finish grade (behind the wall). we have been unable to locate any definitive guidance in regards to guardrails, seatwalls and adjacent grade. Should a seatwall (in excess of 30? above finished grade) be treated the same as a ?walking surface? as defined in Chapter 10, Section 1013.2?

Answer Published 10/09/2015 at 12:43 PM

No, the code specifies a "walking surface".

Commentary

The FBC-B measures the height of guards from walking surfaces. The FBC-R does call for the height of guards to be measured above the adjacent walking surface or adjacent fixed seating. (R312.1.2)