Is it required to have a railing on the front porch?

According to the International Residential Building Code (IRBC) 2007, section 312.1, a rail is not required if the distance from the top of the porch to finished grade is 30" or less. This requirement applies to any point o, the porch, so for example if one side has a severe drop off and exceeds the 30", you would need a rail on that side, but not necessarily on a side that is less than 30". In addition, if there are 4 risers (steps) going up to the porch, a rail is required for the stairs.