Porches and decks shall be provided with guards where the adjacent walking floor or grade below is more than _____ inches.

• A. 24
• B. 28
• C. 30
• D. 36

Answer: (C)

In the North Carolina Building Code, provisions regarding safety measures for porches and decks are critical for preventing falls from elevated surfaces. The requirement mandates that guards must be installed when the walking surface is more than 30 inches above the adjacent ground or grade below.

This specific height of 30 inches is rooted in safety standards that aim to protect individuals from accidental falls that can result in serious injuries. Installing guards at this height ensures that any person on the porch or deck is adequately protected from falling off the edge.

The other height options provided, such as 24, 28, and 36 inches, do not align with the building code requirements. While 24 and 28 inches are too low to ensure proper safety for elevated surfaces, 36 inches exceeds the required measurement, which could lead to unnecessary material use and construction costs. Thus, 30 inches strikes the right balance between safety and practicality as established by the building code.