-
- What is the purpose and scope of the International Residential Code?
-
- How does the International Existing Building Code relate to the IRC?
-
- When materials, methods of construction or other requirements are specified differently in separate provisions, which requirement shall govern?
-
- When there is a conflict between a general requirement and a specific requirement, which provision shall be applicable?
-
- When do the provisions of the appendix apply?
-
- How are existing buildings to be addressed?
-
- What term is applied to the building department?
-
- How are deputies appointed?
-
- What are the powers and duties of the building official in regard to the application and interpretation of the code?
-
- In regard to right of entry?
-
- What degree of liability does the building official have in regard to performance of their duties?
-
- Under what conditions may the building official grant modifications to the code?
-
- How may alternative materials, designs and methods of construction be approved?
-
- When is a permit required?
-
- What types of work are exempted from permits?
-
- Is work exempted from a permit required to comply with the provisions of the code?
-
- What is the process outlined for obtaining a permit?
-
- What information is required on the permit application?
-
- What conditions or circumstances would bring the validity of a permit into question?
-
- When does a permit expire?
-
- What must occur when a permit expires prior to completion of a building?
-
- When are construction documents required?
-
- When must plans be prepared by a registered design professional?
-
- How long must approved construction documents be retained by the building department?
-
- How are temporary buildings addressed?
-
- To what levels of conformance must they comply?
-
- What fees are set forth in the code?
-
- How are fees to be determined?
-
- What types of inspections are specifically required by the code?
-
- When are inspections required?
-
- When is a certificate of occupancy required?
-
- For what reasons is revocation permitted?
-
- When may a temporary certificate of occupancy be issued?
-
- What is the purpose of a board of appeals?
-
- Who shall serve on the board?
-
- What limitations are placed on the authority of the board of appeals?
-
- When should a stop-work order be issued?
-
- What are referenced standards?
-
- How are they applied to the IRC?
Topic: Scope
Reference: IRC R101.2
Category: Administration
Subject: General Requirements
Code Text: The provisions of the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, removal and demolition of detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures.
Discussion and Commentary: The International Residential Code is intended to regulate the broad spectrum of construction activities associated with residential buildings and structures. The provisions address building planning and construction aspects, as well as energy efficiency, mechanical, plumbing and electrical aspects.
Townhouses regulated under the IRC are not only limited to three stories and provided with individual egress facilities, they must also be designed with open space to the exterior on at least two sides. Each dwelling unit must extend from the foundation to the roof as a single unit.
Topic: Dwelling Units
Reference: IRC R101.2, Exception
Category: Administration
Subject: General Requirements
Code Text:Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.
Discussion and Commentary: Many residential structures are exempt from the requirements of the International Building Code and are regulated instead by the International Residential Code, a separate and distinct document. The IRC contains prescriptive requirements for the construction of detached single-family dwellings, detached duplexes, townhouses and all structures accessory to such buildings. Limited to three stories with individual egress facilities, these residential buildings are fully regulated by the IRC for building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and energy provisions.
In addition to the general requirements, a townhouse is also limited by definitioin in the IRC. To fall under the scope of the International Residential Code, each townhouse must be a single units from the foundation to the roof, with at least two sides having open space to the exterior.
Topic: Existing buildings
Reference: IRC 101.2,Exception
Category: Administration
Subject: General Requirements
Code Text: Existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations or additions, and change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the International Existing Building Code.
Discussion and Commentary: As an alternative to IRC Section R102.7 for the regulation of work or an occupancy change in an existing building, the provisions of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) may be utilized. The IEBC establishes minimum regulations for existing buildings using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles intended to encourage the use and reuse of existing buildings while requiring reasonable upgrades and improvements. The IEBC is fully compatible with all of the International Codes published by the International Code Council. The scope of the code addresses various classifications of work including repair, three levels of alterations, change of occupancy, additions, historic buildings and relocated structures.
An important portion of the IEBC is Resource A, which provides guidelines on the determination of fire ratings for archaic materials and assemblies. In addition, IRC Appendix Chapter J, when adopted, addresses a more comprehensive approach to existing buildings than Section R 102.7.
Topic: Application
Reference: IRC R102.5
Category: Administration
Subject: Appendices
Code Text: Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.
Discussion and Commentary: The appendix chapters of the IRC address subjects that are inappropriate portion of the code. Rather, the appendices are optional, with each jurisdiction adopting some or none of the appendix chapters, depending on its needs for enforcement in any given area. There are various reasons why certain issues are placed in the appendix. Often, the provisions are limit- interest. Some appendix chapters are merely extensions of requirements set forth in the body of the code. Others address issues that are often thought of as outside of the scope of a traditional building code. For whatever reason, no appendix chapter is applicable unless specifically adopted.
IRC Appendix Chapters
Appendix A: Sizing and Capaciites of Gas Piping
Appendix B: Sizing of venting Systems Serving Appliances Equipped with Draft Hoods, Category I Appliances, and Appliances listed for Use and Type B Vents
Appendix C: Exit Terminals of Mechanical Draft and Direct Vent Venting Systems
Appendix D: Recommended Procedure for Safety Inspection of an Existing Appliance Installation
Appendix E: Manufactured Housing Used as Dwellings
Appendix F: Radon Control Methods
Appendix G: Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
Appendix H: Patio Covers
Appendix I: Private Sewage Disposal
Appendix J: Existing Buildings and Structures
Appendix K: Sound Transmission
Appendix L: International Residential Code Electrical Provisions/National Electrical Code Cross Reference
Appendix chapters not adopted as a prtion of a jurisdiction's building code may still be of value in application of the code. Provisions in the appendices might provide some degree of assistance in evaluating proposed alternative designs, methods or materials of construction.
An invaluable tool for anyone interested in learning more about the 2003 International Residential Code !
The 2003 International Residential Code is a comprehensive study guide to help you better understand the 2003 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings. It covers select topics of the code and includes code text, commentary and illustrations representing the provisions under discussion.
Eighteen study sessions provide practical learning assignments. All study sessions contain illustrations, and a list of questions summarizing the key points for study. Quizzes are provided at the end of each study session. Readers can measure their level of knowledge by checking the answer key provided in the back of the book.
This book is a great way to master the code you work with every day.
Look for the other publications in this series:
- 2003 International Building Code Study Companion
- 2003 International Energy Conservation Code Study Companion
- 2003 International Mechanical Code Study Companion
- 2003 International Plumbing Code Study Companion
ICC Delivers Customized Training & Education When and Where You Need It!
To build an even stronger foundation of building safety knowlede, take advantage of the many training and education oppurtunities available through ICC! Receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by completing an ICC instructor-led, seminar, online course, multiday institute, telephone seminar or exclusive presentation.
ICC's Training and Education Provides networking, educational and professional enrichment opportunities designed to accommodate your individual work schedule and specific skill level.
To find out more about ICC Training and Education offerings, visit www.iccsafe.org/training.
![[Powered by Make-a-Store.com]](/mas_assets/cpanel/poweredby.gif){kind=small}