US Building Codes - Do I need a handrail on this initial section of stairs?
I found this here from the International Residential Code of 2012.


  R311.7.8 Handrails. Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of each continuous run of treads or flight with four or more risers.


I believe you need a handrail since you have at least 4 risers it looks like it could be 5 but your picture cuts off the bottom of the stairs.

Also, the end of the handrail has to return toward a wall or terminate in a newel post or safety terminal.

This site also shows the information in a little more understandable format.

Nice job so far, good luck!