Good point about comparison to the old codes. Also confirm the requirements of the local code and not just believe the inspector at face value.

What is the detail at the top of the existing guard rail? any chance of adding intermittent posts with a new rail at the 42 in. height is it's required?

As mentioned, the inspector already came over and caused a big stink about all the non-permitted stuff and definitely said that our railings were not to code. The building was built in 1996, so no grandfathering in. I wish it was as easy as that :)

Not my house but here's an idea of what it looks like. We are only talking about the "level" area on the floor (the component on the right in this pic), and not the glass that goes up or down the side of the stairs themselves. Basically, just several sheets of tempered glass with no posts or rods. In each case, there is a hard wall at one end that you could attach a rod onto, but nothing to attach at the other end. Suffice to say, I am pretty peeved at my nasty neighbor who called this in. We are ending up with about $25,000 of additional repairs that we hadn't planned for....

Unfortunately I have nothing in my head for a quick & easy solution. Also I get exactly what you are saying but your example photo did not come thru.

Picture of guard rail detail would be helpful. If there is a way to attach an extension on the top of the posts and do cable railing above the glass, that would be an option. Or replace just the posts with longer ones and do the cable rail above the glass.

@H2O2: "The building was built in 1996, so no grandfathering in. "

Why do you say this - that is 21 years ago. If the code was 36" in 1996 - you are OK.

Actually I think the real issue here was it was not permitted, which means it wouldnt be grandfathered even if it was code back then. I know the building was probably permitted at first but he said a lot was done since then. If the stairs were done after then it might not have been permitted.

Apparently the inspector is going off of IBC due to it being a condo.

Vith - that's right. It was presumably to code when first built in 1996, but then the previous owner did a ton of non permitted work, including replacing the stair guardrail. So the original railing might have been up to code, but this one is not.

" Or replace just the posts with longer ones and do the cable rail above the glass."

If I am not mistaken I am under the impression it is just glass in a shoe with a railing. No posts, is that corrrect H202?

Being 30 years ago if that is the system used then the glass would be held in with pour-rock (concrete). The only thing you MAY be able to do is attach to the wall at one end, 42" SS post at the other end with the railing in between. Maybe use this type of top rail that slips over the glass and is call a Cap Rail

Yes, that's right - no posts of any sort. Just sheets of glass. They are held in place by a base piece. I will take a pic tonight and post!