Code of Massachusetts Regulations
105 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Title 105 CMR 410.000 - Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation, State Sanitary Code, Chapter II
Section 410.520 - Protective Railings and Walls
Universal Citation: 105 MA Code of Regs 105.410
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024
(A) Every owner of a residence shall provide:
(1) A safe
handrail on at least one side of a stairway as required by 780 CMR:
Massachusetts State Building Code.
(2) A wall or guard no less than 30 inches in
height on the open side of all stairways replaced or constructed before August
28, 1997. Any such guard replaced or constructed after August 28, 1997 shall be
not less than 34 inches in height.
(3) A wall or guard no less than 36 inches in
height, enclosing every porch, balcony, mezzanine, landing, roof deck or
similar place, which is 30 inches or more above the ground. Any such wall or
guardrail along open sided floor areas, mezzanines and landings in Use Group
R-3, replaced or constructed after August 28, 1997, shall not be less than 42
inches in height.
(B) All guards and balusters must be placed at intervals of no more than four inches, or six inches if constructed before August 28, 1997. Ornamental patterns between the guardrail or handrail and floor or stair may not allow for a sphere four inches in diameter to pass through the opening or six inches in diameter if constructed before August 28, 1997.
(C) Balusters or ornamental work constructed or replaced after August 28, 1997 may not be constructed so as to create a horizontal climbing risk (a "ladder effect") notwithstanding any other regulatory provision to the contrary.
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