Railing Installation in Mountain View

One request, one contractor. He calls back with what he saw and what he needs to confirm on site.

The city's own exempt list. Mountain View's list of projects that don't require permits covers a deck on a single-family or duplex lot that is not over 200 square feet, 30 inches or less above grade, not attached to the house and not serving a required exit door. Railings are not listed. A guard on a deck over 30 inches is a Building Division question — and the deck itself at that height is already permit work.

Heritage trees near the footing. Mountain View counts an oak, redwood or cedar as a heritage tree from 12 inches in circumference at 54 inches above ground, and other species from 48 inches (Mountain View City Code § 32.23). A railing post that needs a new footing near one of these trees needs the tree ordinance checked first. Source: Mountain View — Trees.

For height, opening and handrail figures, see railing installation on the Peninsula.

• Measure deck height at the low point within 3 feet of the edge.
• Photograph the rim joist from below and any large tree near the proposed footing.
• For a stair, photograph the whole flight.

The city's exempt-work list does not include railings. Confirm with the Building Division; the contractor can ask on your behalf.

Not by code — the guard requirement begins above 30 inches. Whether the deck itself is exempt from a permit depends on its size and on whether it is attached to the house.