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Unfinished Deck, Pass Inspection?

5 years ago

Hello, I was hoping someone here could answer a quick question. We are in the middle of new construction that we are doing on our own and our main floor is elevated about 10 feet from where the ground would be outside. We have sliding doors that would lead to a deck on that main floor but haven't installed the deck yet. So if you were to open the sliding doors and walk out, you would fall 10 feet. What would we need to do to pass inspection without putting the deck in? Do the doors just need caution tape?

Comments (16)

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Build a section of railing similar to a deck railing and screw it to the house. Some jurisdictions might allow an osha rated safety rail, but I'd check with your inspector.


  • 5 years ago

    Assuming the exit isn't required for egress (ie. fire safety), you can block it off as mentioned above.

  • 5 years ago

    You'll need some sort of a rail, but also, if the deck is part of your permit plans, you may need to submit an amendment to remove the deck from the plan set, then submit for a separate permit for the deck itself.

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Fire/life safety is the standard for temporary occupancy if allowed.

    Unless you're in the back woods somewhere they are going to want permanent rails if you open the door.

  • 5 years ago

    You could probably pass if you install a sheet of 3/4" plywood across the opening on the inside, maybe with some 2x4 braces if the inspector is a nuisance. You'd have to have the screw holes puttied and painted after it's removed later, but it's a lot cheaper than a code-compliant rail. If I'm reading code right, the plywood would only need to be 24" tall.

  • 5 years ago

    You're not reading code right.....

  • 5 years ago

    24" tall would be a tripping hazard. I'd rather accidentally step out of an open doorway and drop 10 feet than trip over that 2 foot 'railing' and fall head first 10 feet.

  • 5 years ago

    Talk to your AHJ about extending the permit until the deck is fully built.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    Upgrade the caution tape to "you're about to die" tape.

    Any unusual question about inspection requirements should be directed to the inspector. That's the only opinion that matters.

  • 5 years ago

    ksc, I am reading code correctly. You can have a window on a second floor with a sill at 24". See below from IRC.

  • 5 years ago

    I'm not a code-whiz, but to me that just says what needs to be done if it's less than 24". It doesn't say what needs to be done if it's 24" or above. Maybe some other code applies?

    Common sense just dictates to me that you need something more than 2 feet of wall and then it can be wide open for you to fall through.

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    This its not a normal design condition and it represents, I assume, occupancy before the work of the permit is completed so it will be the inspector's call regardless of the requirements of the building code. Why guess when you can just ask?

  • 5 years ago
    last modified: 5 years ago

    IRC code would require that you have a guardrail over the opening. It must be at least 36" tall, the railing openings spaced no larger than 4 in apart, and must be rated to withhold 50lbs per sq foot. So exactly what was posted in the first post of the thread.

  • 5 years ago

    If this is not a required exit door and a sliding patio door, we would allow a block of wood screwed into the top track that prevents the door from opening more than 4”.
    Ask permission, it’s easier than asking for forgiveness.

  • 2 months ago

    Does it matter for code compliance if the railing is installed on the interior of the door instead of the exterior?

  • 2 months ago

    " Does it matter for code compliance if the railing is installed on the interior of the door instead of the exterior? "


    You would need to ask you local building dept what they will accept, this is not a universal answer.....................