Key points
- Height: at least 1100mm from the finished floor level inside the room (Approved Document K, Diagram 3.1).
- Gaps: no opening that lets a 100mm sphere through, and no horizontal rails that make it easy to climb.
- Escape windows: keep the top at no more than 1100mm so the opening still works as a way out.
- Loads: 0.74 kN/m line load, 1.0 kN/m² on the infill and 0.5 kN point load for balconies in houses (BS 6180). Fixings and the wall must carry them.
Terms explained in the A–Z glossary.
What counts as a Juliet balcony
A Juliet balcony is a barrier fixed across an opening that goes down to, or close to, floor level, such as French doors on an upper floor. There is no platform, so nobody can step out. It is guarding, so it follows the same rules as any other barrier at a drop.
Height
Approved Document K, Diagram 3.1, lists external balconies, including Juliet balconies, at a minimum of 1100mm. Measure from the finished floor level inside the room, not from the outside.
If the window or door is an escape route, building control guidance says the top should not be higher than 1100mm. Agree the exact height with building control where both apply.
Gaps and climbing
Where children under five may be present, no opening should let a 100mm sphere through. That includes the gap at the bottom and the gaps at the sides of the opening. Avoid horizontal rails and other footholds (Approved Document K, paragraph 3.3).
Loads and fixings
| Use | Line load at top (kN/m) | UDL on infill (kN/m²) | Point load on infill (kN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balconies in a single-family house, including Juliet balconies | 0.74 | 1.0 | 0.5 |
These are characteristic loads from BS 6180 and the UK National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-1. Other buildings, such as flats and hotels, can need higher values; see our balustrade heights and loads guide. The fixings, and the brick, block or frame they go into, must carry the load. Check fixing edge distances and the wall construction before choosing anchors.
Glass Juliet balconies
Glass used as guarding must meet Section 5 of Approved Document K. Toughened laminated glass is the usual choice, so the barrier stays in place if one ply breaks. See our glass balustrade specification guide.
Planning and building control
LABC says a walk-on balcony usually needs planning permission, but a Juliet balcony with no platform is generally treated differently. Get written confirmation from the planning authority before work starts. If the opening is made bigger, or a new door or window goes in, the work is notifiable to building control. They will look at the lintel, the glass, the barrier height and how it is fixed.
Juliet balconies on tall buildings
On a higher-risk building, balcony materials must meet Regulation 7(2), and the design information is part of the Gateway 2 application. See our Gateway 2 guide for metalwork packages.
Part K under review
In October 2026 the Building Safety Regulator opened a call for evidence on Part K and Approved Document K. The current rules still apply while the review runs. We will update this guide if anything changes.
Checklist
- Height at least 1100mm from the inside finished floor
- No gap that lets a 100mm sphere through; no footholds
- Escape window? Keep the top at no more than 1100mm
- Loads and fixings checked for the wall construction
- Glass to Approved Document K Section 5
- Planning confirmation and building control notice where needed
Frequently asked questions
How high does a Juliet balcony need to be in England?
At least 1100mm above the finished floor level inside the room. Approved Document K, Diagram 3.1, lists external balconies, including Juliet balconies, at 1100mm.
What gap is allowed between Juliet balcony bars?
Where children under five may be present, no opening should let a 100mm sphere pass through, and the design should avoid horizontal rails that make it easy to climb (Approved Document K, paragraph 3.3).
Can a Juliet balcony be higher than 1100mm?
Not if the window or door is also an escape window. Building control guidance says the top should then be no more than 1100mm, so people can still get out.
Does a Juliet balcony need planning permission or building regulations approval?
LABC says a Juliet balcony with no platform is generally treated differently from a walk-on balcony in planning, but you should still get written confirmation. If the opening is enlarged or a new door is fitted, the work is notifiable to building control.
What load must a Juliet balcony take?
For balconies in houses, including Juliet balconies, BS 6180 and the UK National Annex to BS EN 1991-1-1 give 0.74 kN/m at the top, 1.0 kN/m² on the infill and a 0.5 kN point load. The fixings and the wall must carry these loads too.
Sources
- Approved Document K: protection from falling, collision and impact (2013 edition, GOV.UK)
- Have your say on the future of Part K of the building regulations (GOV.UK, October 2026)
- Building Regulations and balconies (LABC)
- BS 6180 Barriers in and about buildings (BSI)
- BS EN 1991-1-1 and UK National Annex (BSI)
General guidance only, not design advice for a specific project. Building regulations guidance changes: check the current edition of each document, and get project-specific design from a competent engineer. Koyda Ltd accepts no liability for decisions made using this page.