We are working with an architect to design a new construction house. The second story bedrooms have balconies overlooking the backyard. Given that there are sliding doors underneath these balconies (on the first floor), we are trying to incorporate gutters along the edge of the patio. At the same time, we are trying to use fascia-mounted railing posts in order to avoid penetrating the surface of the balconies. The balconies on the 2nd floor stick out 18″ past the first floor exterior wall (essentially creating an overhang). My question is whether there is a “best practice” method for installing both a gutter and a fascia-mounted railing post along a balcony edge. I have seen an approach that puts the gutter low on the fascia, below where the railing posts are mounted. To accomplish this, they use a broad metal flashing from the top edge of the balcony all the way down to the gutter. My architect is concerned about penetrating the fascia with the the mounting screws for the railing posts. Alternatively, do we even need a gutter here? If all of the available methods create water penetration risks, maybe the best decision is to just not include a gutter at all and live with the occasional rain dripping off of the balcony to the floor below. The house is in Los Angeles, so rain is only an issue 30-50 days a year. Appreciate any suggestions you all might have. Thanks in advance.