Guards and handrails on a Property Standards Order
The most expensive detail to get wrong on a deck order — because the required height turns on how many dwelling units the deck serves, not on how it was built before.
What your order probably says
Orders cite the section of the by-law, describe the location, and set out a remedy. Two orders that look similar can require different work, which is why the first thing we do is transcribe yours item by item rather than assume.
What the Code appears to require
A guard is required where there is a difference in elevation of more than 600 mm between the walking surface and the surface below.
- Serving not more than one dwelling unit: a guard may be 900 mm where the walking surface is not more than 1800 mm above finished ground level.
- Serving more than one dwelling unit, or where the walking surface is above 1800 mm: the general 1070 mm minimum applies.
- Openings: no opening in a required guard may permit the passage of a 100 mm sphere.
- Handrails are generally required on stairs with three or more risers, and on both sides where the stair is wider than 1100 mm.
A shared rear deck on a triplex is not a 900 mm guard. If your building has three or more dwelling units, the permit drawings also stop being something an owner can prepare — they need a BCIN-qualified designer, architect or engineer.
We say “appears to require” deliberately. Only the Chief Building Official can confirm what applies to your building, and only your property standards officer can close the order. We confirm both in writing before anything is priced or built.
What the fix involves
- Confirming on site how many dwelling units the deck actually serves, and the height of the walking surface above finished grade.
- Confirming the required guard height and any current climbability provisions with the Chief Building Official, in writing.
- Permit application, with drawings showing the guard, post attachment, ledger and stair details.
- Removing the existing guard and any associated components named in the order.
- Installing the new guard, handrails and balustrades to the confirmed height and opening limits.
- Booking the required inspections and photographing every order item before, during and after.
What drives the price
- Total linear feet of guard, and whether one level or two.
- The required height — 900 mm and 1070 mm are different quantities of material and different post details.
- Material: pressure-treated, composite or aluminium.
- Whether the existing posts, ledger and footings can carry the new guard or need work first.
- Whether a BCIN designer or engineer is required for your building.
- The municipal permit fee, which varies by city and is confirmed per job.
We don't publish prices for this work, because a number that hasn't survived plan review isn't a quote. The site visit and the written quote are both free, and the quote maps every order item to the fix and the price.
A note if you're in Waterloo
The City of Waterloo's own deck permit checklist calls for an engineer's stamp on glass, vinyl, aluminium or composite railings. That is a designer fee, and it belongs in the quote from the start rather than appearing after plan review. We confirm it before quoting.
Send us the order.
A photo of the document is enough to start. We'll read it, tell you what the dates mean, and book a free site visit.
Get a free quote