Have an interesting situation at our local Yacht Club here in Mass.
Since we are a seasonal operation we get an annual inspection from all of the town inspectors. Health, plumbing, electrical and building.
The building inspector has begun to go down a path talking about requiring that our the railing on our pier about 90 ft long. Must comply with the building code regulations for Guard Rails. the whole 4″ max opening thing.
I have never seen a pier on the coast that meets these rules even brand new ones.
My question, Are piers just a traditionally unregulated area or is their some loophole in the rules I haven’t found yet?
Thoughts??
Replies
Isn't there a difference between residential and commercial codes? I wouldn't think the pier would fall under the IRC.
My understanding is Commercial code is more onerous. Eg. 42 in high.Doesn't explain the baluster issue??
I don't have your answer, but there are obviously some variations.
Look at every sports arena, concert hall, public assy. bldg.
Open rails are the norm.
Tell your inspector you'll change it when they change the upper deck railing at Boston Garden.
You should really ask the inspector what code section he's citing that requires such a guard rail. If it's the IBC, or some derivative of it, the guard requirement is located in Section 1013.1.
Exception number one states that guards are not required on the loading side of loading docks or piers.
Hope that helps.