Planning & EstimatingQuestion 543 of 700

A deck guard detail shows vertical balusters spaced so a 5-inch sphere can pass between them. What is the BEST correction?

a.Approve it; only the 42-inch guard height matters
b.Approve it; baluster spacing is the framer's choice
c.Tighten the spacing so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through
d.Require spacing wide enough for a 6-inch sphere for drainage

Explanation

Required guards must be built so that a 4-inch-diameter sphere cannot pass through the openings, protecting small children. A 5-inch gap fails and must be tightened. Option a ignores the opening rule even when height is met. Option b treats a safety requirement as discretionary. Option d moves the wrong direction. Both guard height and opening limits must be satisfied.

Law Reference: 2025 California Residential Code §R312.1.3

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