Section 410.503 - Protective Railings and WallsThe owner of all dwellings shall provide:
(A) A safe handrail for every stairway that is used or intended for use by the occupant as required by 780 CMR: Massachusetts State Building Code.(B) A wall or guardrail on the open side of all stairways no less than 30 inches in height. Any such guardrail replaced or constructed after August 28, 1997 (effective date of Massachusetts State Building Code, Sixth Edition) shall be not less than 34 inches in height ( 780 CMR 1022.2.2 and 3603.14.2.1 ).(C) A wall or guardrail at least 36 inches in height, enclosing every porch, balcony, mezzanine, landing, roof or similar place, which is 30 inches or more above the ground and that is used or intended for use by the occupants. Any such wall or guardrail for other than Use Group R-4 and along opens sided floor areas, mezzanines and landings in occupancies in Use Group R-3, replaced or constructed after August 28, 1997, shall not be less than 42 inches in height (780 CMR 102 and 3603.14).(D) Between all required guardrails and open handrails, balusters placed at intervals of no more than six inches, or any other ornamental pattern between the guardrail or handrail and floor or stair such that a sphere six inches in diameter can not pass through the opening. Any balusters or ornamental work constructed or replaced after August 28, 1997 shall have no space greater than 4½ inches and in all use groups other than R-4, shall not be constructed as to provide a ladder effect (780 CMR 1021 and 3603.14).