Building codes only require a railing if the change in elevation is greater than 30”. I would still recommend calling your local authority to make sure they haven’t adopted anything more restrictive.

@wsea that looks very nice, thank you!

@danagouws thank you. we wanted the rail to make it look finished and prevent a chair from sliding off the edge. plus we put light under the rail so it looks lovely at night. this photo is pre landscap obviously plus the lights are on a dimmer so can be adjusted.

In a previous house I used low planters to define the edge, you can also use a bench. Or just wrap the stairs around all the sides.

Although the railing might not be required, a 12 inch drop would make me nervous -- someone could accidentally step backward and have a nasty fall. I'd incorparate the side stair so that it extends along the front of the deck. It would be safer and, IMO, look more finished. An alternative would be to plant a low-growing hedge to provide a visual barrier.

Thank you all, these are great suggestions!

I ahd a friend fsll off deck that was 8" high and broke her ankle IMO never a risk I want to take I happen to like a rail you have and csnnot understand how you are planning to open up the space .

I like the example shown by wsea, but also love the look of wrap around stairs. They are nice for parties, too, because people sit on the edge of the deck or even kids sit on the steps.

Here are some ideas using a bench in place of a railing:

broken bones jusr waiting to happen.. thw wrap around stairs are the worst.

By "open it up" do you mean you want to see into the yard without the railing in the way?

Replace the heavy vertical railing with glass panels or horizontal steel cables.

I'm in the camp of having something there to reduce the risk of falls.

A bench, much lower than your current railing, would provide for both seating and safety.