What is a Building Code?
Webster’s Third New International Dictionary defines a building code as: “A set of rules of procedures and standards of materials designed to secure uniformity and protect the public interest in such matters as building construction and public health, established usually by a public agency and commonly having the force of law in a particular jurisdiction.”
At Henry O. Evans Design Collection, we are Building Code Professionals, we follow code requirements specific to each different locality. With each project we contact local building department, determine code reference and local amendments, then coordinate details and drawings to fit local code statues and requirements.
International Code Council International code council (ICC) is the leading global source of model codes and is the largest international association of building safety professionals. ICC is a trusted source of model codes and standards that have established the baseline for building safety globally, creating a level playing field for manufacturers and builders. Mission of ICC is to provide the highest possible standards and codes through products and services for all persons concerned with performance and safety of the built environment. International Building Code International Building Code (IBC) is a model code that provides minimum requirements to safeguard public health, safety, and general welfare of occupants of new and existing buildings or structures. IBC applies to all occupancies, including one-and two-family residences and townhouses that are not within scope of International Residential Code (IRC). IBC addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, accessibility, energy conservation, and life safety regarding new and existing buildings, facilities and systems. For coverage of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses, IRC is referenced. (i.e.) IBC applies to all types of buildings and structures unless exempted. International Residential Code International Residential Code (IRC) was created to serve as a complete and comprehensive code regulating construction of buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units, two-family houses (duplexes), and single-family houses. IRC covers all aspects of a house or townhouse; such as, thermal insulation, mechanical systems, fuel gas systems, plumbing systems, electrical systems, including structural components, and fireplaces & chimneys. IRC is prescriptive-oriented (description) code with examples of performance code linguistic. Buildings within scope of IRC are limited to three stories above grade plane. For instance, a four-story single-family home would categorize within scope of IBC, not IRC. It has been said that IRC is the complete cookbook for residential building. Wood Frame Construction Manual 2018 edition of the Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for one-and two-family dwellings is an approved American National Standard (ANSI) developed by American Wood Council’s (AWC), Wood Design Standards Committee (WDSC). Within WFCM, a range of structural elements are covered including sawn lumber, structural glued laminated timber, wood structural panel sheathing, I-joists, and trusses. Tabulated engineered and prescriptive design provisions are in WFCM Chapters 2 and 3, that are based on loads from ASCE/SE17-16 Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures: _0-70psf ground snow loads, _90-195mph 3-second gust basic wind speeds for risk category II buildings and _Seismic Design Categories A-D. WFCM includes design and construction provisions for connections of wall systems, floor systems, and roof systems. WFCM is referenced in 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2018 International Building Code (IBC), respectively.
Prescriptive vs. Performance: prescriptive and performance are both code interpretations and or code provisions. Prescriptive codes are clearly defined solutions that are easily realized, or in other words a clear set of rules to follow in order to quickly obtain building department compliance. Performance codes allow more flexibility in building design and construction not favoring any particular method or materials over any other. Although performance codes give designers more flexibility, they also require that designers take more responsibility of understanding consequences of their design actions.
Legal Aspects, Permits, and Inspections
Model codes are not intended to invalidate any local, state, or federal law; other laws in many cases supersede building code provisions. In each local and state municipality, International Code Council establishes a building department of public safety, also known as building department, there within is a designated officer, known as building official, in charge of administration and enforcement of building codes.
Permits are required for all construction, except for short listed work of a minor nature. Applications furnished by building department are forms used for filing a permit. In addition to providing legal description, application must include description of work, describe use of building, include applicant signature, and list proposed work valuation. Also within permit application are construction drawings that include ‘site plan’ and other appropriate documents that must be submitted showing compliance with code.
After fee schedule has been satisfied, building official will review application and construction drawings within a reasonable amount of time, then issue permit once approved. Copies of construction drawings and permit must be kept on job site until completion of construction project. Responsibility of permit holder or agent is to provide construction access and call for inspections before work is concealed or enclosed. Inspections of work at various stages of construction throughout the process must be completed by qualified personnel and compliance must be verified with code and approved plans. Required by code council and enforced by building department is issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy showing that all work on project has passed final inspection before dwelling unit can be occupied.
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