Deck with no railing

[RSW]

Our local code is like 32 inches I think. I would have to check that. I have had to call our local code before because if it breaks local code, then you have to label it an MPR.

You can label it an MPR for VA or conventional or FHA. I don't know if you have any code. We have some places in Tennessee that have no building code.

What I have never figured out is that if 30" is unsafe, then who is to say 26, 27, 28, or 29 inches is not unsafe.

 

[Zoe]

You need no more than 4 inch wide railing locally also and like 36 in high railing. The 4 inch width on railing is because a baby can get their head stuck in wider railing. Tennessee building code is 30 inches high requires railing. 4 in wide gap in rails. 36 in high on railing if ground to drop is above 30 inches.

If drop is 30 inches or below, no railing required. My brother in law had like a 30 ft. drop on his lake house and some crazy friends and young children. I said man you need to get railing up here quick. He has screened deck on lake house. He got it up within like 2 weeks.

Same way pool requires fencing with similar requirements. The height requirements on pool may be higher. Would have to check. It may be 4 ft on height requirement.

Again, local codes can vary.

 

[Zoe]

Many local jurisdictions in Tennessee have no local building code. However, as an appraiser, you need to be aware of local code on your subject property. ......................................................

Your client can do waivers you can't do. You need to be competent. You and ME.

 

[Zoe]

I forgot to mention stair steps and stair rails. They have requirements also for health and safety issues. Codes can vary however common-sense overrides code sometimes.

Code is here for public trust. I have no problem with building code and HOA restrictions, etc.

My point is think of a 2 foot wide gap in stair rails or balcony overlooking 20 ft drop.

 

[Zoe]

What I have never figured out is that if 30" is unsafe, then who is to say 26, 27, 28, or 29 inches is not unsafe.

I don't know. I am trying to protect you Sir based on Tennessee law. Local codes in Tennessee can vary.

TN is very heterogenous state relative to real property rights. Shelby County is the worst on heterogeneity.

For example, you can't get a manufactured/mobile home new permit to build in Shelby county. Shelby County dealers used to sell mobile/manufactured homes. No dealers in Shelby County any longer.

I can take you in urban Memphis and property values change on one street. Shelby County which is also largest county in TN geographically is also most heterogeneous when it comes to real property rights and values.

 

[jay trotta]

IMO-review local building, Health & Safety codes and insurance requirements. It is a liability issue mostly, after all we work really hard to CYA, shouldn't the buyer, HO be on an equal basis?

 

[Dale Floyd]

When there are no codes, the VA has always defaulted to the international codes - once referred to as the southern building codes congress. And in truth, the appraiser had best use a standard, rather than their personal opinion.

30” for handrails prevails.

 

[Tom D]

In the United States, the most widely adopted model codes are the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).26 The IBC, developed by the International Code Council (ICC), is used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, New York City, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.26 The IECC sets minimum requirements for energy efficiency in buildings

 

[Terrel L. Shields]

What I have never figured out is that if 30"

One inch is 'unsafe' if you trip over it.

 

[Zoe]

When there are no codes, the VA has always defaulted to the international codes - once referred to as the southern building codes congress. And in truth, the appraiser had best use a standard, rather than their personal opinion.

30” for handrails prevails.

I think Knoxville does 48 inches on stair rail heights. Don't quote me on that.