Each such stairway leading into any basement or cellar shall be enclosed with a substantial fence of iron or metal pipe railing, in such a manner that the lowest railing shall not be more than six inches above the sidewalk, a second railing not more than 12 inches above the sidewalk, a third railing not more than 20 inches above the sidewalk, and a fourth railing not more than 36 inches above the sidewalk; but, the total height of such fence or railing shall not be less than 36 inches above the sidewalk, or, in lieu of a fence of iron or metal pipe railing, it shall be lawful to securely enclose such basement stairway, or other basement opening, with an iron fencing or grating of wire, which shall not be less than three-sixteenths inch in thickness, and there shall be kept and maintained at the entrance of such basement stairway or other similar opening a grate, the specifications of which shall be similar to those herein provided in case of outside railings or fencing.
(Prior Code, § 9-4-5)