There is good reason there are building codes for deck railings. They were written to protect homeowners and their visitors from danger. Some of the types of codes relevant to deck railings are distance of a deck off the ground requiring a railing, the distance required between balusters, and mandatory heights of railings.



To illustrate a municipal code for deck railings, let's take the example of Loudon County, Virginia. Any structure constructed in Loudon County must abide by the building codes for Viginia, the "Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code". This can be obtained on the internet for no charge. This building code specifies the requirements for anything involved in building a structure, such as mechanics, plumbing and fire codes in addition to the requirements regarding decks. Reading and following this code will help you to stay within the law when building in the State of Virginia. If you plan to construct a building, the Department of Building and Development will review your plans to make sure you are in compliance with the building code. These codes regarding railings may differ from one area of the country to another, so it is important to make sure you get

a copy of the code that applies to where you are building. You also have to make sure you are in compliance with zoning codes and the health codes of the area. All this has to be done before you apply for and obtain a building permit for the construction of your deck.

In the Virginia area we are discussing, decks can only be a single level high, and can only be used for residences. You are not permitted to have joist overhangs that are over two feet, and decks may not have the following: gazebos, hot tubs, roofs or screened porches. Sometimes there are objections to the rules applying to railings. Some people may object to the requirement that the rail be a certain height because they feel it will obstruct their view. Since most codes will not allow you to adjust the height or fold down the railing in any way, that would cause a problem for the homeowner. Since the building code is considered law, not following the code means you are breaking the law. You would be required to present yourself in court and may have to pay a fine. Many people try to find ways around the building code, and the way many people have found to get around the height requirement of a railing is to have a cable rail system. Cable rails are almost invisible from a short distance, so, even though the top railing is still required, a cable railing can allow for an almost unobstructed view. We see that building codes for railings are necessary, but sometimes create a hardship for some homeowners.