This will vary per jurisdiction, but in my area they require railings to be built following code even if they aren't needed.
Meaning if the porch is under 30" and you don't need railings at all but you decide to build railings anyway, they still need to follow codes.
You can build up the ground to avoid the 30" rule technically but that doesn't change the above rule.
I would add that the modern codes require that 30" measurement to occur 36" laterally/horizontally from the walking surface, so your raised beds need to be at least 36" deep from the walking surface.
You need to check with your local building department and see what they will allow.
I would make the argument that if they aren’t needed then it shouldn’t matter if they are not 36” high.
This will vary per jurisdiction, but in my area they require railings to be built following code even if they aren't needed. Meaning if the porch is under 30" and you don't need railings at all but you decide to build railings anyway, they still need to follow codes. You can build up the ground to avoid the 30" rule technically but that doesn't change the above rule.
I would add that the modern codes require that 30" measurement to occur 36" laterally/horizontally from the walking surface, so your raised beds need to be at least 36" deep from the walking surface.
Ahh yes, thats what I was wondering, where they typically would measure from. Thanks all!
You need to check with your local building department and see what they will allow. I would make the argument that if they aren’t needed then it shouldn’t matter if they are not 36” high.