2015 Ibc - Chapter 1

Front 1

When do the IBC appendices apply?

Back 1

Only when specifically adopted. They are additional optional provisions and do not apply by default. (IBC 101.2.1)

Front 2

What buildings are governed by the International Residential Code?

Back 2

Detached Single Family homes. Detached Duplexes. Typical Townhomes (must be one unit from foundation to roof, have two exposed sides, separate egress, no more than 3 stories above grade). (IBC 101.2 exception)

Front 3

To what 5 types of modifications does the IEBC apply?

Back 3

Repair, alteration, additions, change of occupancy, and relocation of (E) bldgs. (IBC 101.4.7)

Front 4

What processes does the IEBC provide for designers working on existing buildings?

Back 4

The Prescriptive Compliance Method (Ch 4)

The Work Area Compliance Method (Ch 5-13)

The Performance Compliance Method (Ch 14)

Front 5

Are codes and standards referenced in the IBC considered part of the requirements on the IBC?

Back 5

Yes, to to an extent. It takes a specific reference, not simply being listed in Chapter 34. (IBC 102.4)

Front 6

When referenced standards conflict with the IBC, which requirement applies?

Back 6

In the event of conflict, the IBC would apply over the referenced standard. (IBC 102.4)

Front 7

Building Official Info

Back 7

The Building Official is IBC's name for the head of the Department of Building Safety (or whatever the local authority is called). It is an appointed position. The name of the B.O. may vary place-to-place. The B.O. may appoint deputies, technical officers, inspectors, plans examiners, etc., and delegate powers to them. (IBC 103)

Front 8

Does the IBC require the Building Official to enforce the IBC?

Back 8

Yes. Section 104.1 directs the BO to enforce the IBC.

Front 9

What powers does the Building Official have to interpret the IBC, or create policies/procedures related to the application of the IBC?

Back 9

Section 104.1 gives the Building Official the authority to "render interpretations" of the IBC and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of IBC provisions. All such actions should be aligned with the code intent.

Front 10

Can the Building Official or their employees be personally liable for damages?

Back 10

IBC 104.8 relieves the BO and employees from personal liability if they act in good faith. They can be held liable if they fail to act in good faith, act with malice, or if the state or local jurisdiction have laws the differ from the IBC.

Front 11

Can the Building Official approve materials, designs, or methods of construction not specifically prescribed by the IBC?

Back 11

Yes. The BO is given broad authority in the acceptance of alternatives where they find it satisfactory and in compliance with the intent of the IBC. (IBC 104.11). Section 104.11.1 requires that supporting data to come in research reports from approved sources.

Front 12

What requirements are there for supporting data that's provided for materials or assemblies not covered by the IBC?

Back 12

Supporting data shall consist of valid research reports from approved sources. BO has authority to determine what approved sources are. Often ICC, IAPMO, LosAngeles, OSHPD, etc. (104.11.1)

Front 13

What actions require a permit and are subject to inspections?

Back 13

IBC 105.1 - Permits are required prior to work and inspections shall apply to....

--Structural modifications: Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy.

--Modify MEP/gas: Erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace.

(Multiple exemptions apply per 105.2)

Front 14

If a permit is not required for work, does it still have to meet the code?

Back 14

YES! Per 105.2, an exemption from permitting does not mean the work doesn't have to follow the code.

Front 15

What are the 13 building elements that do not require a permit by the exemptions of ICC 105.2?

Back 15

--One-story accessories (sheds/playhouse, etc., A<120 sqft)

--Fences 7ft and less

--Oil Derricks

--4ft high Retaining Walls (from B/ftg to T/Wall)

--Water tanks on grade, <5000gal, <=2:1 H:W

--Sidewalks & Driveways, <= 30" above grade

--Finishes, tile, cabinets, counters, & similar

--Temporary film/stage sets & scenery

--Pre-fab pools in R-3 occupancy, Max 24" high and 5000 gallons.

--Shade cloth for agricultural/nursery use.

--Play structures at 1 or 2 family detached.

--Window awnings at R-3 or U occupancy, with max 54" projection from bldg wall.

--Movable cases, cabinets, partitions and racks not more than 5'-9" high.

Front 16

Where to find what MEP/gas work is exempt from permitting?

Back 16

IBC 105.2. It's mostly just repair work, replacement of parts that don't impact function, and portable things like plug-in heaters, ACs, etc.

Front 17

When do permit submittal documents need to be prepared by a registered design professional?

Back 17

When required by the local jurisdiction. It's usually the state, but sometimes the Building Official. (IBC 107.1)

Front 18

Does the Building Department have to keep records of permit submittals?

Back 18

Yes. IBC 107.3.1. The Building Department keeps 1 copy of approved documents, and returns a second set to the applicant to be kept on site for use by inspectors. Per IBC 107.3.5, the Building Department must keep records for at least 6 months after the work is completed, or longer if required by local jurisdictions.

Front 19

When do permits expire due to a failure to start construction or extensive delays during construction?

Back 19

IBC 105.5 - They need to start work 180 days after the permit is issued, and need to re-start work 180 days after work is suspended. The B.O. can give one or more extensions (180 days each max)

Front 20

Are permits required for temporary structures?

Back 20

IBC 108 - The Building Official is authorized to issue permits for temporary construction, which shall have a specific limit for time of service. Temporary permits only apply to 180 days or less. Longer would be a regular permit. See 3103 for requirements of temp buildings.

Front 21

Who sets permit fees? What happens if the fees aren't paid?

Back 21

IBC 109 - A permit shall not be valid unless the fees prescribed by law have been paid. The local jurisdiction sets the permit costs--typically based on funds required to operate the building and inspection departments.

Front 22

What projects are subject to inspections?

Back 22

Any project that requires a permit is subject to inspections. (IBC 110.1)

Front 23

Does a passed inspection grant approval of non-conforming work?

Back 23

No. Passing inspection does not mean work in violation of the code is acceptable, nor does it relieve the builder/designer of their obligations to follow the code.

Front 24

What happens if the contractor has concealed elements that need to be inspected?

Back 24

IBC 110.1 requires that construction or work that will be inspected must remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Typically, if it's been concealed, that means the contractor violated code, so they'll have to tear it open and fix it after inspections.

Front 25

Certificate of Occupancy

Back 25

A building or structure shall not be occupied, and the existing occupancy use shall not be changed, until the Building Official has issued a certificate of occupancy. Not required for work exempt from permitting. (Final B.O. buy-off on a job that it meets code and is ready to be occupied).

Front 26

When there is a conflict between general and specific requirements in the code, what should be followed?

Back 26

The specific requirement. (102.1)

Front 27

In what way is the Building Official authorized to grant modifications to the code?

Back 27

IBC 104.10, For individual cases, where the applicant requests and demonstrates that following the strict letter of the code is impractical, and the requested modification is in compliance with the intent of the code, and provides no less safety/access/etc. as intended by the code.

Front 28

Used materials are permitted under what conditions?

Back 28

They must meet all conditions for new materials.

Front 29

When there is a conflict between two specific requirements in the code, what should be followed?

Back 29

The more restrictive requirement (IBC 102.1)

Front 30

What is the section that addresses continued occupancy of existing structures?

Back 30

IBC 102.6

Front 31

Where is the permit kept?

Back 31

105.7 - The permit or copy shall be kept on the site of work until completion of the project

Front 32

When must live loads be posted via signage?

Back 32

106 - In commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings, with live loads greater than 50 PSF, the live load shall be posted conspicuously, and removal or defacing of signs is criminal. The certificate of occupancy shouldn't be issued until signage is installed and confirmed.

Front 33

What are the required stages of inspection?

Back 33

(IBC 110.3)
--Footing & Foundations Inspection

--Concrete Slab and Under-Floor Inspection

--Lowest Floor Elevation Inspection (flood zone)

--Frame Inspection

--Lath & Gyp Board (only rated or shear walls)

--Fire and Smoke Penetrations

--Energy Efficiency

--Other Inspections (B.O. can add more insp.)

--Weather Exposed Balconies

--Special Inspections (Per Ch 17)

--Final Inspection.

Front 34

What must be on the Certificate of Occupancy?

Back 34

--Permit Number

--Address

--Name & Address of Owner or Owner's Agent

--Which portion(s) of structure the certificate is issued for

--A statement that the portion of the structure has been inspected for compliance with the code and req'ments for proposed occupancy

--Name of the Building Official

--Edition of the code applicable to permit

--The use and occupancy (per Chapter 3)

--The type of construction (per Chapter 6)

--The design occupant load

--If sprinklers are provided and whether sprinklers are required

--Any special stipulations of the permit

Front 35

Can a building be occupied before the certificate of occupancy is issued?

Back 35

Typically no, but the Building Official can issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before completion of the project provided it will be safe to occupy. A time limit must be set for temporary occupancy.

Front 36

Connection of Service Utilities (IBC 112)

Back 36

Buildings can't be connected to utilities until released by the Building Official to do so. The B.O. can grant temporary connections, and can order disconnect when there are safety concerns.

Front 37

What is the Board of Appeals?

Back 37

(IBC 113) The applicable governing authority appoints the board to hear appeals regarding Building Official decisions. It only reviews to determine if the intent of the code was or was not correctly applied, if the code doesn't apply, or if the construction is as-good or better than required by code. It doesn't authorize code deviations.

Front 38

Stop Work Order (IBC 115)

Back 38

Where the Building Official finds work to be in violation of the code, or dangerous or unsafe, the B.O. can issue a stop work order.

Front 39

Unsafe Structures and Equipment (IBC 116)

Back 39

Existing structures/equipment that are or become unsafe, insanitary, or deficient due to inadequate egress, light/ventilation, or that constitute fire hazards, are otherwise dangerous, or that involve improper occupancy, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafe structures shall be taken down, or made safe, as the Building Official deems necessary. (Vacant, unlocked buildings are considered unsafe)