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2012 International Building Code®

First Printing: May 2011

ISBN:978-1-60983-040-3 (soft-cover edition)ISBN: 978-1-60983-039-7 (loose-leaf edition)

COPYRIGHT © 2011 by

INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This 2012 International Building Code® is a copyrighted work owned by the International CodeCouncil, Inc. Without advance written permission from the copyright owner, no part of this book may be reproduced, distributedor transmitted in any form or by any means, including, without limitation, electronic, optical or mechanical means (by way ofexample, and not limitation, photocopying, or recording by or in an information storage retrieval system). For information onpermission to copy material exceeding fair use, please contact: Publications, 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL60478-5795. Phone 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233).

Trademarks: “International Code Council,” the “International Code Council” logo and the “International Building Code” are trademarks of the International Code Council, Inc.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.



2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® iii

PREFACE

IntroductionInternationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date building code addressingthe design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance.The International Building Code, in this 2012 edition, is designed to meet these needs throughmodel code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large andsmall.

This comprehensive building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems usingprescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that makepossible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2012 edition is fully compatiblewith all of the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC),including the International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code, Inter-national Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Green Construction Code (to beavailable March 2012), International Mechanical Code, ICC Performance Code, InternationalPlumbing Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property MaintenanceCode, International Residential Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (to be avail-able March 2012), International Wildland-Urban Interface Code and International Zoning Code.

The International Building Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the modelcode development process that offers an international forum for building professionals to discussperformance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debateproposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application ofprovisions.

DevelopmentThe first edition of the International Building Code (2000) was the culmination of an effort initiatedin 1997 by the ICC. This included five drafting subcommittees appointed by ICC and consisting ofrepresentatives of the three statutory members of the International Code Council at that time,including: Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Con-ference of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). Theintent was to draft a comprehensive set of regulations for building systems consistent with andinclusive of the scope of the existing model codes. Technical content of the latest model codes pro-mulgated by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI was utilized as the basis for the development, followed by pub-lic hearings in 1997, 1998 and 1999 to consider proposed changes. This 2012 edition presents thecode as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003, 2006 and 2009 editions and furtherchanges approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2010. A new edition such as this ispromulgated every 3 years.

This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of abuilding code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do notunnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials,products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to par-ticular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

AdoptionThe International Building Code is available for adoption and use by jurisdictions internationally. Itsuse within a governmental jurisdiction is intended to be accomplished through adoption by refer-ence in accordance with proceedings establishing the jurisdiction’s laws. At the time of adoption,jurisdictions should insert the appropriate information in provisions requiring specific local informa-tion, such as the name of the adopting jurisdiction. These locations are shown in bracketed words insmall capital letters in the code and in the sample legislation. The sample adoption ordinance onpage xix addresses several key elements of a code adoption ordinance, including the informationrequired for insertion into the code text.



iv 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®

MaintenanceThe International Building Code is kept up to date through the review of proposed changes submit-ted by code enforcing officials, industry representatives, design professionals and other interestedparties. Proposed changes are carefully considered through an open code development process inwhich all interested and affected parties may participate.

The contents of this work are subject to change both through the Code Development Cycles andthe governmental body that enacts the code into law. For more information regarding the codedevelopment process, contact the Codes and Standards Development Department of the Interna-tional Code Council.

While the development procedure of the International Building Code assures the highest degreeof care, ICC, its members and those participating in the development of this code do not accept anyliability resulting from compliance or noncompliance with the provisions because ICC does not havethe power or authority to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this code. Only the gov-ernmental body that enacts the code into law has such authority.

Code Development Committee Responsibilities(Letter Designations in Front of Section Numbers)

In each code development cycle, proposed changes to the code are considered at the Code Devel-opment Hearings by the applicable International Building Code Development Committee (IBC-FireSafety, General, Means of Egress or Structural). Proposed changes to a code section that has a num-ber beginning with a letter in brackets are considered by a different code development committee.For example, proposed changes to code sections that have [F] in front of them (e.g., [F] 903.1.1.1)are considered by the International Fire Code Development Committee during the portion of thecode development hearings when the International Fire Code Development Committee meets.

The content of sections in this code that begin with a letter designation is maintained by anothercode development committee in accordance with the following:

[A] = Administrative Code Development Committee;

[E] = International Energy Conservation Code Development Committee;

[EB] = International Existing Building Code Development Committee;

[F] = International Fire Code Development Committee;

[FG] = International Fuel Gas Code Development Committee;

[M] = International Mechanical Code Development Committee; and

[P] = International Plumbing Code Development Committee.



2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® v

Note that, for the development of the 2015 edition of the I-Codes, there will be two groups ofcode development committees and they will meet in separate years. The groupings are as follows:

Code change proposals submitted for code sections that have a letter designation in front ofthem will be heard by the respective committee responsible for such code sections. Because differ-ent committees will meet in different years, it is possible that some proposals for this code will beheard by a committee in a different year than the year in which the primary committee for this codemeets.

For instance, every section of Chapter 1 of this code is designated as the responsibility of theAdministrative Code Development Committee, and that committee is part of the Group B codehearings. This committee will conduct its code development hearings in 2013 to consider all codechange proposals for Chapter 1 of this code and proposals for Chapter 1 of all I-Codes. Therefore,any proposals received for Chapter 1 of this code will be deferred for consideration in 2013 by theAdministrative Code Development Committee.

Another example is Section 903.1 which is designated as the responsibility of the InternationalFire Code Development Committee, along with most of the provisions in Chapter 9. This committeewill conduct its code development hearings in 2013 to consider all code change proposals to theInternational Fire Code and any portions of other codes that it is responsible for, including Section903.1 and most of the provisions of Chapter 9 (designated with [F] in front of those sections).Therefore, any proposals received for Section 903.1 in Chapter 9 will be deferred for considerationin 2013 by the International Fire Code Development Committee.

In some cases, another committee in Group A will be responsible for a section of this code. Forexample, Section 1210.3 has a [P] in front of the numbered section, indicating that this section ofthe code is the responsibility of the International Plumbing Code Development Committee. TheInternational Plumbing Code is in Group A; therefore, any code change proposals to this section willbe due before the Group A deadline of January 3, 2012, and these code change proposals will beassigned to the International Plumbing Code Development Committee for consideration.

It is very important that anyone submitting code change proposals understand which code devel-opment committee is responsible for the section of the code that is the subject of the code changeproposal. For further information on the code development committee responsibilities, please visitthe ICC web site at www.iccsafe.org/scoping.

Group A Codes(Heard in 2012, Code Change Proposals

Deadline: January 3, 2012)

Group B Codes(Heard in 2013, Code Change Proposals

Deadline: January 3, 2013)International Building Code Administrative Provisions (Chapter 1 all codes except

IRC and ICCPC, administrative updates to currently ref-erenced standards, and designated definitions)

International Fuel Gas Code International Energy Conservation CodeInternational Mechanical Code International Existing Building CodeInternational Plumbing Code International Fire CodeInternational Private Sewage Disposal Code

International Green Construction Code

ICC Performance CodeInternational Property Maintenance CodeInternational Residential CodeInternational Swimming Pool and Spa CodeInternational Wildland-Urban Interface CodeInternational Zoning Code



vi 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®

Marginal Markings

Solid vertical lines in the margins within the body of the code indicate a technical change from therequirements of the 2009 edition. Deletion indicators in the form of an arrow ( ) are provided inthe margin where an entire section, paragraph, exception or table has been deleted or an item in alist of items or a table has been deleted.

A single asterisk [*] placed in the margin indicates that text or a table has been relocated withinthe code. A double asterisk [**] placed in the margin indicates that the text or table immediatelyfollowing it has been relocated there from elsewhere in the code. The following table indicatessuch relocations in the 2012 edition of the International Building Code.

2012 LOCATION 2009 LOCATION407.4 1014.2410.6 1015.6424 402.6.3

712.1 708.1712.1.2 708.2, Exception 1712.1.3 708.2, Exception 2

712.1.3.1 708.2, Exception 2.1712.1.3.2 708.2, Exception 2.2712.1.4 708.2, Exception 3712.1.5 708.2, Exception 4712.1.6 708.2, Exception 5712.1.7 708.2, Exception 6712.1.8 708.2, Exception 7712.1.9 708.2, Exception 8

712.1.10 708.2, Exception 9712.1.11 708.2, Exception 10712.1.12 708.2, Exception 11712.1.13 708.2, Exception 12712.1.14 708.2, Exception 13712.1.15 708.2, Exception 14712.1.16 708.2, Exception 15712.1.18 708.2, Exception 16

713.3 through 713.14.1.1 708.3 through 708.14.1.1909.21 through 909.21.11 708.14.2 through 708.14.2.11

1004.1.1.2 1004.61008.1.9.8 1008.1.4.4

1013.8 1405.13.21028.10.1 1017.4

1028.10.1.1 1017.4.11028.10.1.1 1017.4.21028.10.1.2 1017.4.3

1210.3.1 2903.11210.3.2 2903.21406.2.1 1406.2.1.11406.2.2 1406.2.11607.6 1605.41704.3 1705.11704.4 1709.1

�



2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® vii

Coordination between the International Building and Fire CodesBecause the coordination of technical provisions is one of the benefits of adopting the ICC family ofmodel codes, users will find the ICC codes to be a very flexible set of model documents. To accom-plish this flexibility some technical provisions are duplicated in some of the model code documents.While the International Codes are provided as a comprehensive set of model codes for the builtenvironment, documents are occasionally adopted as a stand-alone regulation. When one of themodel documents is adopted as the basis of a stand-alone code, that code should provide a com-plete package of requirements with enforcement assigned to the entity for which the adoption isbeing made.

The model codes can also be adopted as a family of complimentary codes. When adoptedtogether there should be no conflict of any of the technical provisions. When multiple model codesare adopted in a jurisdiction it is important for the adopting authority to evaluate the provisions ineach code document and determine how and by which agency(ies) they will be enforced. It isimportant, therefore, to understand that where technical provisions are duplicated in multiplemodel documents, the enforcement duties must be clearly assigned by the local adopting jurisdic-tion. ICC remains committed to providing state-of-the-art model code documents that, whenadopted locally, will reduce the cost to government of code adoption and enforcement and protectthe public health, safety and welfare.

Italicized TermsSelected terms set forth in Chapter 2, Definitions, are italicized where they appear in code text(except those in Sections 1903 through 1908 where italics indicate provisions that differ from ACI318). Such terms are not italicized where the definition set forth in Chapter 2 does not impart theintended meaning in the use of the term. The terms selected have definitions which the user shouldread carefully to facilitate better understanding of the code.

2012 LOCATION 2009 LOCATION1704.5 1710.1

1705.1.1 1704.151705.4.2 1704.111705.10 1706.11705.11 1707.11705.12 1708.13313.1 3311.4



viii 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®



2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® ix

Effective Use of the International Building Code

The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code that provides minimum requirements tosafeguard the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing build-ings and structures. The IBC is fully compatible with the ICC family of codes, including: InternationalEnergy Conservation Code (IECC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International FireCode (IFC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Green Construction Code(IGCC) (to be available March 2012), International Mechanical Code (IMC), ICC PerformanceCode (ICCPC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Private Sewage Disposal Code

(IPSDC), International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), International Residential Code

(IRC), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) (to be available March 2012), Interna-tional Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and International Zoning Code (IZC).

The IBC addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventila-tion, accessibility, energy conservation and life safety in regards to new and existing buildings, facil-ities and systems. The codes are promulgated on a 3-year cycle to allow for new constructionmethods and technologies to be incorporated into the codes. Alternative materials, designs andmethods not specifically addressed in the code can be approved by the code official where the pro-posed materials, designs or methods comply with the intent of the provisions of the code (see Sec-tion 104.11).

The IBC applies to all occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses thatare not within the scope of the IRC. The IRC is referenced for coverage of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses as defined in the Exception to Section 101.2 and the definition for“townhouse” in Chapter 2. The IBC applies to all types of buildings and structures unless exempted.Work exempted from permits is listed in Section 105.2.

Arrangement and Format of the 2012 IBCBefore applying the requirements of the IBC, it is beneficial to understand its arrangement and for-mat. The IBC, like other codes published by ICC, is arranged and organized to follow sequential stepsthat generally occur during a plan review or inspection.

Chapters Subjects

1-2 Administration and definitions

3 Use and occupancy classifications

4, 31 Special requirements for specific occupancies or elements

5-6 Height and area limitations based on type of construction

7-9 Fire resistance and protection requirements

10 Requirements for evacuation

11 Specific requirements to allow use and access to a building for persons with disabilities

12-13, 27-30 Building systems, such as lighting, HVAC, plumbing fixtures, elevators

14-26 Structural components—performance and stability

32 Encroachment outside of property lines

33 Safeguards during construction

34 Existing building allowances

35 Referenced standards

Appendices A-M Appendices



x 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®

The IBC requirements for high-hazard, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire pro-tection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures aredirectly correlated with the requirements of the IFC. The following chapters/sections of the IBC arecorrelated to the IFC:

The IBC requirements for smoke control systems, and smoke and fire dampers are directly corre-lated to the requirements of the IMC. IBC Chapter 28 is a reference to the IMC and the IFGC forchimney, fireplaces and barbeques, and all aspects of mechanical systems. The following chapters/sections of the IBC are correlated with the IMC:

The IBC requirements for plumbing fixtures and toilet rooms are directly correlated to therequirements of the IPC. The following chapters/sections of the IBC are correlated with the IPC:

The following is a chapter-by-chapter synopsis of the scope and intent of the provisions of theInternational Building Code.

Chapter 1 Scope and Administration. Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of thecode and describes how the code is to be applied and enforced. Chapter 1 is in two parts, Part 1—Scope and Application (Sections 101-102) and Part 2—Administration and Enforcement (Sections103-116). Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and refer-ences other ICC codes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (seeSection 102.4).

The building code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot beeffective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions ofChapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the jurisdiction havingauthority and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor andproperty owner.

Chapter 2 Definitions. All terms that are defined in the code are listed alphabetically in Chapter2. Terms are defined in Chapter 2. Defined terms that are pertinent to a specific chapter are alsolisted in that chapter. While a defined term may be listed in one chapter or another, the meaning isapplicable throughout the code.

Codes are technical documents and every word, term and punctuation mark can impact themeaning of the code text and the intended results. The code often uses terms that have a uniquemeaning in the code and the code meaning can differ substantially from the ordinarily understood

IBCChapter/Section

IFCChapter/Section

Subject

Sections 307, 414, 415 Chapters 50-60; 62-67 High-hazard requirements

Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Fire-resistance-rated construction

Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings

Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Fire protection systems

Chapter 10 Chapter 10 Means of egress

Chapter 27 Section 604 Standby and emergency power

Section 3103 Chapter 24 Temporary structures

IBCChapter/Section

IMCChapter/Section

Subject

Section 716 Section 607 Smoke and fire dampers

Section 909 Section 513 Smoke control

IBCChapter/Section

IPCChapter/Section

Subject

Chapter 29 Chapters 3 & 4 Plumbing fixtures and facilities



2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® xi

meaning of the term as used outside of the code. Where understanding of a term’s definition isespecially key to or necessary for understanding a particular code provision, the term is shown initalics wherever it appears in the code.

This is true only for those terms that have a meaning that is unique to the code. In other words,the generally understood meaning of a term or phrase might not be sufficient or consistent with themeaning prescribed by the code; therefore, it is essential that the code-defined meaning be known.

Definitions are deemed to be of prime importance in establishing the meaning and intent of thecode text that uses the terms. The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapterbecause the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code and because the usermay not be aware that a term is defined.

Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification. Chapter 3 provides for the classification ofbuildings, structures and parts thereof based on the purpose or purposes for which they are used.Section 302 identifies the groups into which all buildings, structures and parts thereof must be clas-sified. Sections 303 through 312 identify the occupancy characteristics of each group classification.In some sections, specific group classifications having requirements in common are collectivelyorganized such that one term applies to all. For example, Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 are indi-vidual groups for assembly-type buildings. The general term “Group A,” however, includes each ofthese individual groups. Other groups include Business (B), Educational (E), Factory (F-1, F-2), HighHazard (H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4, H-5), Institutional (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4), Mercantile (M), Residential (R-1, R-2,R-3, R-4), Storage (S-1, S-2) and Utility (U). In some occupancies, the smaller number means a higherhazard, but that is not always the case.

Defining the use of the buildings is very important as it sets the tone for the remaining chaptersof the code. Occupancy works with the height, area and construction type requirements in Chapters5 and 6, as well as the special provisions in Chapter 4, to determine “equivalent risk,” or providing areasonable level of protection or life safety for building occupants. The determination of equivalentrisk involves three interdependent considerations: (1) the level of fire hazard associated with thespecific occupancy of the facility; (2) the reduction of fire hazard by limiting the floor area(s) and theheight of the building based on the fuel load (combustible contents and burnable building compo-nents); and (3) the level of overall fire resistance provided by the type of construction used for thebuilding. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser theheight and area allowances for a particular construction type.

Occupancy classification also plays a key part in organizing and prescribing the appropriate pro-tection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systemsare based on occupancy classification (see Chapters 9 and 10). Other sections of the code also con-tain requirements respective to the classification of building groups. For example, Section 706 dealswith requirements for fire wall fire-resistance ratings that are tied to the occupancy classification ofa building and Section 803.9 contains interior finish requirements that are dependent upon theoccupancy classification. The use of the space, rather than the occupancy of the building is utilizedfor determining occupant loading (Section 1004) and live loading (Section 1607).

Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based On Use and Occupancy. Chapter 4 con-tains the requirements for protecting special uses and occupancies, which are supplemental to theremainder of the code. Chapter 4 contains provisions that may alter requirements found elsewherein the code; however, the general requirements of the code still apply unless modified within thechapter. For example, the height and area limitations established in Chapter 5 apply to all specialoccupancies unless Chapter 4 contains height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations inChapter 4 supersede those in other sections. An example of this is the height and area limitationsfor open parking garages given in Section 406.3.5, which supersede the limitations given in Section503.

In some instances, it may not be necessary to apply the provisions of Chapter 4. For example, if acovered mall building complies with the provisions of the code for Group M, Section 402 does notapply; however, other sections that deal with a use, process or operation must be applied to thatspecific occupancy, such as stages and platforms, special amusement buildings and hazardousmaterials (Sections 410, 411 and 414).

The chapter includes requirements for buildings and conditions that apply to one or moregroups, such as high-rise buildings, underground buildings or atriums. Special uses may also implyspecific occupancies and operations, such as for Group H, hazardous materials, application of flam-mable finishes, drying rooms, organic coatings and combustible storage or hydrogen cutoff rooms,



xii 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®

all of which are coordinated with the IFC. Unique consideration is taken for special use areas, suchas covered mall buildings, motor-vehicle-related occupancies, special amusement buildings and air-craft-related occupancies. Special facilities within other occupancies are considered, such as stagesand platforms, motion picture projection rooms and storm shelters. Finally, in order that the overallpackage of protection features can be easily understood, unique considerations for specific occu-pancies are addressed: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3, R-1, R-2, R-3 (by definition R-4), ambulatory care facilitiesand live/work units.

Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas. Chapter 5 contains the provisions that regu-late the minimum type of construction for area limits and height limits based on the occupancy ofthe building. Height and area increases (including allowances for basements, mezzanines and equip-ment platforms) are permitted based on open frontage for fire department access, and the type ofsprinkler protection provided and separation (Sections 503-506, 509). These thresholds are reducedfor buildings over three stories in height in accordance with Section 506.4.1. Provisions include theprotection and/or separation of incidental accessory occupancies (Table 508.2.5), accessory occu-pancies (Sections 508.2) and mixed uses in the same building (Sections 506.5, 508.3, 508.4 and 509).Unlimited area buildings are permitted in certain occupancies when they meet special provisions(Section 507).

Table 503 is the keystone in setting thresholds for building size based on the building’s use andthe materials with which it is constructed. If one then looks at Table 503, the relationship amonggroup classification, allowable heights and areas and types of construction becomes apparent.Respective to each group classification, the greater the fire-resistance rating of structural elements,as represented by the type of construction, the greater the floor area and height allowances. Thegreater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and areaallowances for a particular construction type.

Chapter 6 Types of Construction. The interdependence of these fire safety considerations canbe seen by first looking at Tables 601 and 602, which show the fire-resistance ratings of the principalstructural elements comprising a building in relation to the five classifications for types of construc-tion. Type I construction is the classification that generally requires the highest fire-resistance rat-ings for structural elements, whereas Type V construction, which is designated as a combustibletype of construction, generally requires the least amount of fire-resistance-rated structural ele-ments. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser theheight and area allowances for a particular construction type. Section 603 includes a list of combus-tible elements that can be part of a noncombustible building (Types I and II construction).

Chapter 7 Fire and Smoke Protection Features. The provisions of Chapter 7 present the fun-damental concepts of fire performance that all buildings are expected to achieve in some form. Thischapter identifies the acceptable materials, techniques and methods by which proposed construc-tion can be designed and evaluated against to determine a building’s ability to limit the impact offire. The fire-resistance-rated construction requirements within Chapter 7 provide passive resis-tance to the spread and effects of fire. Types of separations addressed include fire walls, fire barri-ers, fire partitions, horizontal assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions. A fire produces heatthat can weaken structural components and smoke products that cause property damage and placeoccupants at risk. The requirements of Chapter 7 work in unison with height and area requirements(Chapter 5), active fire detection and suppression systems (Chapter 9) and occupant egress require-ments (Chapter 10) to contain a fire should it occur while helping ensure occupants are able tosafely exit.

Chapter 8 Interior Finishes. This chapter contains the performance requirements for control-ling fire growth within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. Past fireexperience has shown that interior finish and decorative materials are key elements in the develop-ment and spread of fire. The provisions of Chapter 8 require materials used as interior finishes anddecorations to meet certain flame-spread index or flame-propagation criteria based on the relativefire hazard associated with the occupancy. As smoke is also a hazard associated with fire, this chap-ter contains limits on the smoke development characteristics of interior finishes. The performanceof the material is evaluated based on test standards.

Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems. Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for activesystems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire; alert theoccupants or fire department of a fire emergency; and control smoke and control or extinguish the



2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® xiii

fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the build-ing, because these are the factors that most affect fire-fighting capabilities and the relative hazardof a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated inChapter 9 of the International Fire Code (IFC); however, the IFC Chapter 9 also contains periodictesting criteria that are not contained in the IBC. In addition, the special fire protection systemrequirements based on use and occupancy found in IBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in IFC Chapter 9 asa user convenience.

Chapter 10 Means of Egress. The general criteria set forth in Chapter 10 regulating the designof the means of egress are established as the primary method for protection of people in buildingsby allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and perfor-mance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of asafe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all portions of the egress system (i.e., exitaccess, exits and exit discharge) and includes design requirements as well as provisions regulatingindividual components. The requirements detail the size, arrangement, number and protection ofmeans of egress components. Functional and operational characteristics also are specified for thecomponents that will permit their safe use without special knowledge or effort. The means ofegress protection requirements work in coordination with other sections of the code, such as pro-tection of vertical openings (see Chapter 7), interior finish (see Chapter 8), fire suppression anddetection systems (see Chapter 9) and numerous others, all having an impact on life safety. Chapter10 of the IBC is duplicated in Chapter 10 of the IFC; however, the IFC contains two additional sec-tions on the means of egress system in existing buildings.

Chapter 11 Accessibility. Chapter 11 contains provisions that set forth requirements for accessi-bility of buildings and their associated sites and facilities for people with physical disabilities. Thefundamental philosophy of the code on the subject of accessibility is that everything is required tobe accessible. This is reflected in the basic applicability requirement (see Section 1103.1). Thecode’s scoping requirements then address the conditions under which accessibility is not requiredin terms of exceptions to this general mandate. While the IBC contains scoping provisions for acces-sibility (e.g., what, where and how many), ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings andFacilities, is the referenced standard for the technical provisions (i.e., how).

There are many accessibility issues that not only benefit people with disabilities, but also providea tangible benefit to people without disabilities. This type of requirement can be set forth in thecode as generally applicable without necessarily identifying it specifically as an accessibility-relatedissue. Such a requirement would then be considered as having been “mainstreamed.” For example,visible alarms are located in Chapter 9 and ramp requirements are addressed in Chapter 10.

Accessibility criteria for existing buildings are addressed in Section 3411. Appendix E is supple-mental information included in the code to address accessibility for items in the new Americanswith Disabilities Act/Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADA/ABA) that were not typ-ically enforceable through the standard traditional building code enforcement approach system(e.g., beds, room signage). The International Residential Code (IRC) references Chapter 11 for acces-sibility provisions; therefore, this chapter may be applicable to housing covered under the IRC.

Chapter 12 Interior Environment. Chapter 12 provides minimum standards for the interiorenvironment of a building. The standards address the minimum sizes of spaces, minimum tempera-ture levels, and minimum light and ventilation levels. The collection of requirements addresses lim-iting sound transmission through walls, ventilation of attic spaces and under floor spaces (crawlspaces). Finally, the chapter provides minimum standards for toilet and bathroom construction,including privacy shielding and standards for walls, partitions and floors to resist water intrusionand damage.

Chapter 13 Energy Efficiency. The purpose of Chapter 13 is to provide minimum designrequirements that will promote efficient utilization of energy in buildings. The requirements aredirected toward the design of building envelopes with adequate thermal resistance and low airleakage, and toward the design and selection of mechanical, water heating, electrical and illumina-tion systems that promote effective use of depletable energy resources. For the specifics of thesecriteria, Chapter 13 requires design and construction in compliance with the International EnergyConservation Code (IECC).



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Chapter 14 Exterior Walls. This chapter addresses requirements for exterior walls of buildings.Minimum standards for wall covering materials, installation of wall coverings and the ability of thewall to provide weather protection are provided. This chapter also requires exterior walls that areclose to lot lines, or that are bearing walls for certain types of construction, to comply with the min-imum fire-resistance ratings specified in Chapters 6 and 7. The installation of each type of wall cov-ering, be it wood, masonry, vinyl, metal composite material or an exterior insulation and finishsystem, is critical to its long-term performance in protecting the interior of the building from theelements and the spread of fire. Special attention to the use of combustible materials on the exte-rior of the building such as balconies, eaves, decks and architectural trim is the focus of Section1406.

Chapter 15 Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures. Chapter 15 provides standards forboth roof assemblies as well as structures which sit on top of the roof of buildings. The criteriaaddress roof construction and covering which includes the weather-protective barrier at the roofand, in most circumstances, a fire-resistant barrier. The chapter is prescriptive in nature and isbased on decades of experience with various traditional materials. These prescriptive rules are veryimportant for satisfying performance of one type of roof covering or another. Section 1509addresses rooftop structures including penthouses, tanks, towers and spires. Rooftop penthouseslarger than prescribed in this chapter must be treated as a story under Chapter 5.

Chapter 16 Structural Design. Chapter 16 prescribes minimum structural loading requirementsfor use in the design and construction of buildings and structural components. It includes minimumdesign loads, as well as permitted design methodologies. Standards are provided for minimumdesign loads (live, dead, snow, wind, rain, flood and earthquake as well as load combinations). Theapplication of these loads and adherence to the serviceability criteria will enhance the protection oflife and property. The chapter references and relies on many nationally recognized design stan-dards. A key standard is the American Society of Civil Engineer’s Minimum Design Loads for Build-ings and Other Structures (ASCE 7). Structural design needs to address the conditions of the site andlocation. Therefore maps of rainfall, seismic, snow and wind criteria in different regions are pro-vided.

Chapter 17 Structural Tests and Special Inspections. Chapter 17 provides a variety of pro-cedures and criteria for testing materials and assemblies, for labeling materials and assemblies, andfor special inspection of structural assemblies. This chapter expands on the requirements of Chapter1 regarding the roles and responsibilities of the building official regarding approval of building com-ponents. It also provides additional duties and responsibilities for the owner, contractor, designprofessionals and special inspectors. Proper assembly of structural components, proper quality ofmaterials used, and proper application of materials are essential to ensuring that a building, onceconstructed, complies with the structural and fire-resistance minimums of the code and theapproved design. To determine this compliance often requires continuous or frequent inspectionand testing. Chapter 17 establishes these special inspection and testing standards as well as report-ing of the work to the building official.

Chapter 18 Soils and Foundations. Chapter 18 contains minimum requirements for design,construction and resistance to water intrusion of foundation systems for buildings and other struc-tures. It provides criteria for the geotechnical and structural considerations in the selection andinstallation of adequate support for the loads transferred from the structure above. The uncertain-ties of foundation construction make it extremely difficult to address every potential failure withinthe text of the code. The chapter includes requirements for soils investigation and site preparationfor receiving a foundation including the allowed load-bearing values for soils and for protecting thefoundation from water intrusion. Section 1808 addresses the basic requirements for all foundationtypes. Later sections address foundation requirements that are specific to shallow foundations anddeep foundations. Due care must be exercised in the planning and design of foundation systemsbased on obtaining sufficient soils information, the use of accepted engineering procedures, experi-ence and good technical judgment.

Chapter 19 Concrete. This chapter provides minimum accepted practices to the design and con-struction of buildings and structural components using concrete-both plain and reinforced. Chapter19 is formatted to parallel American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318, Building Code Requirements forStructural Concrete. The chapter also includes references to additional standards. Structural con-crete must be designed and constructed to comply with this code and all listed standards. There arespecific sections of the chapter addressing concrete slabs, anchorage to concrete, shotcrete, rein-forced gypsum concrete and concrete-filled pipe columns. Because of the variable properties of



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material and numerous design and construction options available in the uses of concrete, due careand control throughout the construction process is necessary.

Chapter 20 Aluminum. Chapter 20 contains standards for the use of aluminum in building con-struction. Only the structural applications of aluminum are addressed. The chapter does notaddress the use of aluminum in specialty products such as storefront or window framing or archi-tectural hardware. The use of aluminum in heating, ventilating or air-conditioning systems isaddressed in the International Mechanical Code (IMC). The chapter references national standardsfrom the Aluminum Association for use of aluminum in building construction, AA ASM 35, Alumi-num Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction, and AA ADM 1, Aluminum Design Manual. By utiliz-ing the standards set forth, a proper application of this material can be obtained.

Chapter 21 Masonry. This chapter provides comprehensive and practical requirements formasonry construction. The provisions of Chapter 21 require minimum accepted practices and theuse of standards for the design and construction of masonry structures. The provisions address:material specifications and test methods; types of wall construction; criteria for engineered andempirical designs; required details of construction including the execution of construction. Masonrydesign methodologies including allowable stress design, strength design and empirical design arecovered by provisions of the chapter. Also addressed are masonry fireplaces and chimneys,masonry heaters and glass unit masonry. Fire-resistant construction using masonry is also requiredto comply with Chapter 7. Masonry foundations are also subject to the requirements of Chapter 18.

Chapter 22 Steel. Chapter 22 provides the requirements necessary for the design and construc-tion of structural steel (including composite construction), cold-formed steel, steel joists, steel cablestructures and steel storage racks. The chapter specifies appropriate design and construction stan-dards for these types of structures. It also provides a road map of the applicable technical require-ments for steel structures. Steel is a noncombustible building material commonly associated withTypes I and II construction; however, it is permitted to be used in all types of construction. The coderequires that materials used in the design of structural steel members conform to designatednational standards. Chapter 22 is involved with the design and use of steel materials using the spec-ifications and standards of the American Institute for Steel Construction, the American Iron andSteel Institute, the Steel Joist Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Chapter 23 Wood. This chapter provides minimum guidance for the design of buildings andstructures that use wood and wood-based products in their framing and fabrication. The chapter isorganized around three design methodologies: allowable stress design (ASD), load and resistance-factor design (LRFD) and conventional light-frame construction. Included in the chapter are refer-ences to design and manufacturing standards for various wood and wood-based products; generalconstruction requirements; design criteria for lateral force-resisting systems and specific require-ments for the application of the three design methods. In general, only Type III, IV or V buildingsmay be constructed of wood. Accordingly Chapter 23 is referenced when the combination of theoccupancy (determined in Chapter 3) and the height and area of the building (determined in Chap-ter 5) indicate that construction can be Type III, IV or V.

Chapter 24 Glass and Glazing. This chapter establishes regulations for glass and glazing used inbuildings and structures that, when installed, are subjected to wind, snow and dead loads. Engi-neering and design requirements are included in the chapter. Additional structural requirementsare found in Chapter 16. A second concern of this chapter is glass and glazing used in areas where itis likely to have an impact on the occupants. Section 2406 identifies hazardous locations where glaz-ing installed must either be safety glazing or blocked to prevent human impact. Safety glazing mustmeet stringent standards and be appropriately marked or identified. Additional standards for glassand glazing in guards, handrails, elevator hoistways and elevator cars, and in athletic facilities areprovided.

Chapter 25 Gypsum Board and Plaster. Chapter 25 contains the provisions and referencedstandards that regulate the design, construction and quality of gypsum board and plaster. Theserepresent the most common interior and exterior finish materials in the building industry. Thischapter primarily addresses quality-control-related issues with regard to material specifications andinstallation requirements. Most products are manufactured under the control of industry stan-dards. The building official or inspector primarily needs to verify that the appropriate product isused and properly installed for the intended use and location. While often simply used as wall and



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ceiling coverings, proper design and application are necessary to provide weather resistance andrequired fire protection for both structural and nonstructural building components.

Chapter 26 Plastic. The use of plastics in building construction and components is addressed inChapter 26. This chapter provides standards addressing foam plastic insulation, foam plastics usedas interior finish and trim, and other plastic veneers used on the inside or outside of a building. Plas-tic siding is regulated by Chapter 14. Sections 2606 through 2611 address the use of light-transmit-ting plastics in various configurations such as walls, roof panels, skylights, signs and as glazing.Requirements for the use of fiber-reinforced polymers, fiberglass reinforced polymers and reflectiveplastic core insulation are also contained in this chapter. Some plastics exhibit rapid flame spreadand heavy smoke density characteristics when exposed to fire. Additionally, exposure to the heatgenerated by a fire can cause some plastics to deform, which can affect their performance. Therequirements and limitations of this chapter are necessary to control the use of plastic and foamplastic products such that they do not compromise the safety of building occupants.

Chapter 27 Electrical. Since electrical systems and components are an integral part of almost allstructures, it is necessary for the code to address the installation of such systems. For this purpose,Chapter 27 references the National Electrical Code (NEC). In addition, Section 2702 addresses emer-gency and standby power requirements. Such systems must comply with the International Fire Code(IFC) and referenced standards. This section also provides references to the various code sectionsrequiring emergency and standby power, such as high-rise buildings and buildings containing haz-ardous materials.

Chapter 28 Mechanical Systems. Nearly all buildings will include mechanical systems. Thischapter provides references to the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the International FuelGas Code (IFGC) for the design and installation of mechanical systems. In addition, the chapter ref-erences Chapter 21 of the IBC for masonry chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues.

Chapter 29 Plumbing Systems. Chapter 29 regulates the minimum number of plumbing fix-tures that must be provided for every type of building. This chapter also regulates the location ofthe required fixtures in various types of buildings. This section requires separate facilities for malesand females except for certain types of small occupancies. The regulations in this chapter comedirectly from Chapters 3 and 4 of the International Plumbing Code (IPC).

Chapter 30 Elevators and Conveying Systems. Chapter 30 provides standards for the instal-lation of elevators into buildings. Referenced standards provide the requirements for the elevatorsystem and mechanisms. Detailed standards are provided in the chapter for hoistway enclosures,hoistway venting and machine rooms. New provisions are added in the 2009 IBC for Fire ServiceAccess Elevators required in high-rise buildings and for the optional choice of Occupant EvacuationElevators (see Section 403).

Chapter 31 Special Construction. Chapter 31 contains a collection of regulations for a varietyof unique structures and architectural features. Pedestrian walkways and tunnels connecting twobuildings are addressed in Section 3104. Membrane and air-supported structures are addressed bySection 3102. Safeguards for swimming pool safety are found in Section 3109. Standards for tempo-rary structures, including permit requirements are provided in Section 3103. Structures as varied asawnings, marquees, signs, telecommunication and broadcast towers and automatic vehicular gatesare also addressed (see Sections 3105 through 3108 and 3110).

Chapter 32 Encroachments into the Public Right-of-way. Buildings and structures fromtime to time are designed to extend over a property line and into the public right-of-way. Local reg-ulations outside of the building code usually set limits to such encroachments, and such regulationstake precedence over the provisions of this chapter. Standards are provided for encroachmentsbelow grade for structural support, vaults and areaways. Encroachments above grade are dividedinto below 8 feet, 8 feet to 15 feet, and above 15 feet, because of headroom and vehicular heightissues. This includes steps, columns, awnings, canopies, marquees, signs, windows, balconies. Simi-lar architectural features above grade are also addressed. Pedestrian walkways must also complywith Chapter 31.



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Chapter 33 Safeguards During Construction. Chapter 33 provides safety requirements dur-ing construction and demolition of buildings and structures. These requirements are intended toprotect the public from injury and adjoining property from damage. In addition the chapter pro-vides for the progressive installation and operation of exit stairways and standpipe systems duringconstruction.

Chapter 34 Existing Structures. The provisions in Chapter 34 deal with alternative methods orreduced compliance requirements when dealing with existing building constraints. This chapterallows for a controlled departure from full compliance with the technical codes, without compro-mising the minimum standards for fire prevention and life safety features of the rehabilitated build-ing. Provisions are divided by addition, alterations, repairs, change of occupancy and movedstructures. There are further allowances for registered historic buildings. There are also specialallowances for replacement of existing stairways, replacement of glass and accessibility require-ments. The fire escape requirements in Section 3406 are consistent with the fire escape require-ments in Section 1030 of the International Fire Code (IFC).

Section 3412, Compliance Alternatives, allows for existing buildings to be evaluated so as toshow that alterations, while not meeting new construction requirements, will improve the currentexisting situation. Provisions are based on a numerical scoring system involving 18 various safetyparameters and the degree of code compliance for each issue.

Chapter 34 is repeated in the International Existing Building Code (IEBC). Sections 3402 through3409 are repeated as IEBC Chapter 3 and Section 3410 as Chapter 13.

Chapter 35 Referenced Standards. The code contains numerous references to standards thatare used to regulate materials and methods of construction. Chapter 35 contains a comprehensivelist of all standards that are referenced in the code, including the appendices. The standards arepart of the code to the extent of the reference to the standard (see Section 102.4). Compliance withthe referenced standard is necessary for compliance with this code. By providing specificallyadopted standards, the construction and installation requirements necessary for compliance withthe code can be readily determined. The basis for code compliance is, therefore, established andavailable on an equal basis to the building code official, contractor, designer and owner.

Chapter 35 is organized in a manner that makes it easy to locate specific standards. It lists all ofthe referenced standards, alphabetically, by acronym of the promulgating agency of the standard.Each agency’s standards are then listed in either alphabetical or numeric order based upon the stan-dard identification. The list also contains the title of the standard; the edition (date) of the standardreferenced; any addenda included as part of the ICC adoption; and the section or sections of thiscode that reference the standard.

Appendices. Appendices are provided in the IBC to offer optional or supplemental criteria to theprovisions in the main chapters of the code. Appendices provide additional information for adminis-tration of the Department of Building Safety as well as standards not typically administered by allbuilding departments. Appendices have the same force and effect as the first 35 chapters of the IBConly when explicitly adopted by the jurisdiction.

Appendix A Employee Qualifications. Effective administration and enforcement of the familyof International Codes depends on the training and expertise of the personnel employed by thejurisdiction and his or her knowledge of the codes. Section 103 of the code establishes the Depart-ment of Building Safety and calls for the appointment of a building official and deputies such asplans examiners and inspectors. Appendix A provides standards for experience, training and certifi-cation for the building official and the other staff mentioned in Chapter 1.

Appendix B Board of Appeals. Section 112 of Chapter 1 requires the establishment of a boardof appeals to hear appeals regarding determinations made by the building official. Appendix B pro-vides qualification standards for members of the board as well as operational procedures of suchboard.



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Appendix C Group U—Agricultural Buildings. Appendix C provides a more liberal set ofstandards for the construction of agricultural buildings, rather than strictly following the Utilitybuilding provision, reflective of their specific usage and limited occupant load. The provisions of theappendix, when adopted, allow reasonable heights and areas commensurate with the risk of agri-cultural buildings.

Appendix D Fire Districts. Fire districts have been a tool used to limit conflagration hazards inareas of a city with intense and concentrated development. More frequently used under the modelcodes which preceded the International Building Code (IBC), the appendix is provided to allow juris-dictions to continue the designation and use of fire districts. Fire District standards restrict certainoccupancies within the district, as well as setting higher minimum construction standards.

Appendix E Supplemental Accessibility Requirements. The Architectural and Transporta-tion Barriers Compliance Board (U.S. Access Board) has revised and updated its accessibility guide-lines for buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and theArchitectural Barriers Act (ABA). Appendix E includes scoping requirements contained in the newADA/ABA Accessibility Guidelines that are not in Chapter 11 and not otherwise mentioned or main-streamed throughout the code. Items in the appendix deal with subjects not typically addressed inbuilding codes (e.g., beds, room signage, transportation facilities).

Appendix F Rodentproofing. The provisions of this appendix are minimum mechanical methodsto prevent the entry of rodents into a building. These standards, when used in conjunction withcleanliness and maintenance programs, can significantly reduce the potential of rodents invading abuilding.

Appendix G Flood-resistant Construction. Appendix G is intended to fulfill the flood-plainmanagement and administrative requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) thatare not included in the code. Communities that adopt the International Building Code (IBC) andAppendix G will meet the minimum requirements of NFIP as set forth in Title 44 of the Code of Fed-eral Regulations.

Appendix H Signs. Appendix H gathers in one place the various code standards that regulate theconstruction and protection of outdoor signs. Whenever possible, the appendix provides standardsin performance language, thus allowing the widest possible application.

Appendix I Patio Covers. Appendix I provides standards applicable to the construction and useof patio covers. It is limited in application to patio covers accessory to dwelling units. Covers ofpatios and other outdoor areas associated with restaurants, mercantile buildings, offices, nursinghomes or other nondwelling occupancies would be subject to standards in the main code and notthis appendix.

Appendix J Grading. Appendix J provides standards for the grading of properties. The appendixalso provides standards for administration and enforcement of a grading program including permitand inspection requirements. Appendix J was originally developed in the 1960s and used for manyyears in jurisdictions throughout the western states. It is intended to provide consistent and uni-form code requirements anywhere grading is considered an issue.

Appendix K Administrative Provisions. Appendix K primarily provides administrative provi-sions for jurisdictions adopting and enforcing NFPA 70—the National Electrical Code (NEC). The pro-visions contained in this appendix are compatible with administrative and enforcement provisionscontained in Chapter 1 of the IBC and the other International Codes. Annex H of NFPA 70 also con-tains administrative provisions for the NEC; however, some of its provisions are not compatible withIBC Chapter 1. Section K110 also contains technical provisions that are unique to this appendix andare in addition to technical standards of NFPA 70.

Appendix L Earthquake Recording Instrumentation. The purpose of this appendix is to fos-ter the collection of ground motion data, particularly from strong-motion earthquakes. When thisground motion data is synthesized, it may be useful in developing future improvements to theearthquake provisions of the code.



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Appendix M Tsunami-Generated Flood Hazard. Addressing a tsunami risk for all types ofconstruction in a tsunami hazard zone through building code requirements would typically not becost effective, making tsunami resistant construction impractical at an individual building level.However, this appendix does allow the adoption and enforcement of requirements for tsunami haz-ard zones that regulate the presence of high risk or high hazard structures.



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LEGISLATION

The International Codes are designed and promulgated to be adopted by reference by legislative action. Jurisdictions wishing toadopt the 2012 International Building Code as an enforceable regulation governing structures and premises should ensure thatcertain factual information is included in the adopting legislation at the time adoption is being considered by the appropriategovernmental body. The following sample adoption legislation addresses several key elements, including the informationrequired for insertion into the code text.

SAMPLE LEGISLATION FOR ADOPTION OFTHE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE

ORDINANCE NO.________

A[N] [ORDINANCE/STATUTE/REGULATION] of the [JURISDICTION] adopting the 2012 edition of the International Building Code,regulating and governing the conditions and maintenance of all property, buildings and structures; by providing the standards forsupplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditions essential to ensure that structures are safe, sanitary andfit for occupation and use; and the condemnation of buildings and structures unfit for human occupancy and use and the demoli-tion of such structures in the [JURISDICTION]; providing for the issuance of permits and collection of fees therefor; repealing[ORDINANCE/STATUTE/REGULATION] No. ______ of the [JURISDICTION] and all other ordinances or parts of laws in conflicttherewith.

The [GOVERNING BODY] of the [JURISDICTION] does ordain as follows:

Section 1. That a certain document, three (3) copies of which are on file in the office of the [TITLE OF JURISDICTION’S KEEPEROF RECORDS] of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], being marked and designated as the International Building Code, 2012 edition,including Appendix Chapters [FILL IN THE APPENDIX CHAPTERS BEING ADOPTED] (see International Building Code Section101.2.1, 2012 edition), as published by the International Code Council, be and is hereby adopted as the Building Code of the[JURISDICTION], in the State of [STATE NAME] for regulating and governing the conditions and maintenance of all property,buildings and structures; by providing the standards for supplied utilities and facilities and other physical things and conditionsessential to ensure that structures are safe, sanitary and fit for occupation and use; and the condemnation of buildings and struc-tures unfit for human occupancy and use and the demolition of such structures as herein provided; providing for the issuance ofpermits and collection of fees therefor; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions and terms of saidBuilding Code on file in the office of the [JURISDICTION] are hereby referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully setout in this legislation, with the additions, insertions, deletions and changes, if any, prescribed in Section 2 of this ordinance.

Section 2. The following sections are hereby revised:

Section 101.1. Insert: [NAME OF JURISDICTION]

Section 1612.3. Insert: [NAME OF JURISDICTION]

Section 1612.3. Insert: [DATE OF ISSUANCE]

Section 3412.2. Insert: [DATE IN ONE LOCATION]

Section 3. That [ORDINANCE/STATUTE/REGULATION] No. ______ of [JURISDICTION] entitled [FILL IN HERE THE COMPLETETITLE OF THE LEGISLATION OR LAWS IN EFFECT AT THE PRESENT TIME SO THAT THEY WILL BE REPEALED BY DEFINITE MEN-TION] and all other ordinances or parts of laws in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.

Section 4. That if any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this legislation is, for any reason, held to be unconstitu-tional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The [GOVERNING BODY] herebydeclares that it would have passed this law, and each section, subsection, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact thatany one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses and phrases be declared unconstitutional.

Section 5. That nothing in this legislation or in the Building Code hereby adopted shall be construed to affect any suit or pro-ceeding impending in any court, or any rights acquired, or liability incurred, or any cause or causes of action acquired or exist-ing, under any act or ordinance hereby repealed as cited in Section 3 of this law; nor shall any just or legal right or remedy of anycharacter be lost, impaired or affected by this legislation.

Section 6. That the [JURISDICTION’S KEEPER OF RECORDS] is hereby ordered and directed to cause this legislation to be pub-lished. (An additional provision may be required to direct the number of times the legislation is to be published and to specifythat it is to be in a newspaper in general circulation. Posting may also be required.)

Section 7. That this law and the rules, regulations, provisions, requirements, orders and matters established and adopted herebyshall take effect and be in full force and effect [TIME PERIOD] from and after the date of its final passage and adoption.



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION. . . . 1

PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section

101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

PART 2—ADMINISTRATION ANDENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

103 Department of Building Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

104 Duties and Powers of Building Official . . . . . . . . . 2

105 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

106 Floor and Roof Design Loads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

107 Submittal Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

108 Temporary Structures and Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

109 Fees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

110 Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

111 Certificate of Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

112 Service Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

113 Board of Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

114 Violations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

115 Stop Work Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

116 Unsafe Structures and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Section

201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CHAPTER 3 USE AND OCCUPANCYCLASSIFICATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Section

301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

302 Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

303 Assembly Group A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

304 Business Group B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

305 Educational Group E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

306 Factory Group F . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

307 High-hazard Group H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

308 Institutional Group I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

309 Mercantile Group M. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

310 Residential Group R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

311 Storage Group S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

312 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . . 50

CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ONUSE AND OCCUPANCY . . . . . . . . . . 53

Section

401 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

402 Covered Mall and Open Mall Buildings . . . . . . . 53

403 High-rise Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

404 Atriums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

405 Underground Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

406 Motor-vehicle-related Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . 61

407 Group I-2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

408 Group I-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

409 Motion Picture Projection Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

410 Stages, Platforms and Technical Production Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

411 Special Amusement Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

412 Aircraft-related Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

413 Combustible Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

414 Hazardous Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

415 Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5 . . . . . . . . . . 80

416 Application of Flammable Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . 89

417 Drying Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

418 Organic Coatings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

419 Live/work Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

420 Groups I-1, R-1, R-2, R-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

421 Hydrogen Cutoff Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

422 Ambulatory Care Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

423 Storm Shelters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

424 Children’s Play Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

CHAPTER 5 GENERAL BUILDINGHEIGHTS AND AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Section

501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

502 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

503 General Building Height and Area Limitations . . 95

504 Building Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

505 Mezzanines and Equipment Platforms. . . . . . . . . 97

506 Building Area Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

507 Unlimited Area Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

508 Mixed Use and Occupancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101



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509 Incidental Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

510 Special Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

CHAPTER 6 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION . . . . . 107

Section

601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

602 Construction Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

603 Combustible Material inType I and II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

CHAPTER 7 FIRE AND SMOKEPROTECTION FEATURES . . . . . . . 111

Section

701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

702 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

703 Fire-resistance Ratings and Fire Tests . . . . . . . . 111

704 Fire-resistance Rating ofStructural Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

705 Exterior Walls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

706 Fire Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

707 Fire Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

708 Fire Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

709 Smoke Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

710 Smoke Partitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

711 Horizontal Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

712 Vertical Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

713 Shaft Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

714 Penetrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

715 Fire-resistant Joint Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

716 Opening Protectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

717 Ducts and Air Transfer Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . 138

718 Concealed Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142

719 Fire-resistance Requirements for Plaster . . . . . . 144

720 Thermal- and Sound-insulating Materials . . . . . 144

721 Prescriptive Fire Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

722 Calculated Fire Resistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

CHAPTER 8 INTERIOR FINISHES . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Section

801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

802 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

803 Wall and Ceiling Finishes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

804 Interior Floor Finish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

805 Combustible Materials in Types Iand II Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

806 Decorative Materials and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200

807 Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

808 Acoustical Ceiling Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201

CHAPTER 9 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS . . . 203

Section

901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

902 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203

903 Automatic Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

904 Alternative AutomaticFire-extinguishing Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210

905 Standpipe Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

906 Portable Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214

907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . 215

908 Emergency Alarm Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225

909 Smoke Control Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226

910 Smoke and Heat Vents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

911 Fire Command Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235

912 Fire Department Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236

913 Fire Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237

914 Emergency Responder Safety Features . . . . . . . 238

915 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage . . . . . . 238

CHAPTER 10 MEANS OF EGRESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

Section

1001 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

1002 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

1003 General Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239

1004 Occupant Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240

1005 Means of Egress Sizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242

1006 Means of Egress Illumination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

1007 Accessible Means of Egress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243

1008 Doors, Gates and Turnstiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246

1009 Stairways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252

1010 Ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256

1011 Exit Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257

1012 Handrails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

1013 Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259

1014 Exit Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261

1015 Exit and Exit Access Doorways. . . . . . . . . . . . . 262

1016 Exit Access Travel Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263

1017 Aisles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

1018 Corridors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264

1019 Egress Balconies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265



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1020 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266

1021 Number of Exits and Exit Configuration . . . . . . 266

1022 Interior Exit Stairways and Ramps. . . . . . . . . . . 267

1023 Exit Passageways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269

1024 Luminous Egress Path Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . 270

1025 Horizontal Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271

1026 Exterior Exit Stairways and Ramps . . . . . . . . . . 272

1027 Exit Discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273

1028 Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274

1029 Emergency Escape and Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278

CHAPTER 11 ACCESSIBILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

Section

1101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

1102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

1103 Scoping Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281

1104 Accessible Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282

1105 Accessible Entrances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283

1106 Parking and Passenger Loading Facilities . . . . . 283

1107 Dwelling Units and Sleeping Units . . . . . . . . . . 284

1108 Special Occupancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

1109 Other Features and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290

1110 Signage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293

CHAPTER 12 INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT. . . . . . 295

Section

1201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

1202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

1203 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295

1204 Temperature Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

1205 Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296

1206 Yards or Courts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

1207 Sound Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

1208 Interior Space Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297

1209 Access to Unoccupied Spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298

1210 Toilet and Bathroom Requirements . . . . . . . . . . 298

CHAPTER 13 ENERGY EFFICIENCY . . . . . . . . . . 301

Section

1301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301

CHAPTER 14 EXTERIOR WALLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

Section

1401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

1402 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

1403 Performance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303

1404 Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

1405 Installation of Wall Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304

1406 Combustible Materials on theExterior Side of Exterior Walls . . . . . . . . . . . 309

1407 Metal Composite Materials (MCM) . . . . . . . . . 310

1408 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

1409 High-pressure Decorative Exterior-gradeCompact Laminates (HPL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313

CHAPTER 15 ROOF ASSEMBLIES ANDROOFTOP STRUCTURES. . . . . . . . 315

Section

1501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315

1502 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315

1503 Weather Protection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315

1504 Performance Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

1505 Fire Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316

1506 Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317

1507 Requirements for Roof Coverings . . . . . . . . . . . 317

1508 Roof Insulation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

1509 Rooftop Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329

1510 Reroofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

1511 Solar Photovoltaic Panels/modules . . . . . . . . . . 332

CHAPTER 16 STRUCTURAL DESIGN. . . . . . . . . . 333

Section

1601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

1602 Definitions and Notations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

1603 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333

1604 General Design Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334

1605 Load Combinations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337

1606 Dead Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

1607 Live Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339

1608 Snow Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345

1609 Wind Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348

1610 Soil Lateral Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358

1611 Rain Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 359

1612 Flood Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 365

1613 Earthquake Loads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 366

1614 Atmospheric Ice Loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376

1615 Structural Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376



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CHAPTER 17 STRUCTURAL TESTS ANDSPECIAL INSPECTIONS . . . . . . . . . 379

Section

1701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

1702 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

1703 Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379

1704 Special Inspections, Contractor Responsibilityand Structural Observations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380

1705 Required Verification and Inspection. . . . . . . . . 382

1706 Design Strengths of Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 389

1707 Alternative Test Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

1708 Test Safe Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

1709 In-situ Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

1710 Preconstruction Load Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390

1711 Material and Test Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391

CHAPTER 18 SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS . . . . . . 393

Section

1801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

1802 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

1803 Geotechnical Investigations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 393

1804 Excavation, Grading and Fill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395

1805 Dampproofing and Waterproofing . . . . . . . . . . . 396

1806 Presumptive Load-bearing Values of Soils . . . . 397

1807 Foundation Walls, Retaining Walls andEmbedded Posts and Poles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398

1808 Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404

1809 Shallow Foundations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407

1810 Deep Foundations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408

CHAPTER 19 CONCRETE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421

Section

1901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421

1902 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421

1903 Specifications for Tests and Materials . . . . . . . . 421

1904 Durability Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421

1905 Modifications to ACI 318. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 423

1906 Structural Plain Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426

1907 Minimum Slab Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426

1908 Anchorage to Concrete—AllowableStress Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 426

1909 Anchorage to Concrete—Strength Design . . . . . 426

1910 Shotcrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427

1911 Reinforced Gypsum Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428

1912 Concrete-filled Pipe Columns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428

CHAPTER 20 ALUMINUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

Section

2001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

2002 Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 431

CHAPTER 21 MASONRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

Section

2101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

2102 Definitions and Notations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 433

2103 Masonry Construction Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . 435

2104 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436

2105 Quality Assurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436

2106 Seismic Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438

2107 Allowable Stress Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438

2108 Strength Design of Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438

2109 Empirical Design of Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438

2110 Glass Unit Masonry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 440

2111 Masonry Fireplaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441

2112 Masonry Heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443

2113 Masonry Chimneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443

CHAPTER 22 STEEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

Section

2201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

2202 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

2203 Identification and Protection of Steelfor Structural Purposes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

2204 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

2205 Structural Steel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

2206 Composite Structural Steel andConcrete Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 449

2207 Steel Joists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450

2208 Steel Cable Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 450

2209 Steel Storage Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451

2210 Cold-formed Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 451

2211 Cold-formed Steel Light-frame Construction . . 451

CHAPTER 23 WOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453

Section

2301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453

2302 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453

2303 Minimum Standards and Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . 453

2304 General Construction Requirements . . . . . . . . . 457

2305 General Design Requirements forLateral Force-resisting Systems. . . . . . . . . . . 467



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2306 Allowable Stress Design. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 468

2307 Load and Resistance Factor Design . . . . . . . . . . 470

2308 Conventional Light-frame Construction. . . . . . . 470

CHAPTER 24 GLASS AND GLAZING . . . . . . . . . . 519

Section

2401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519

2402 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519

2403 General Requirements for Glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . 519

2404 Wind, Snow, Seismic andDead Loads on Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519

2405 Sloped Glazing and Skylights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520

2406 Safety Glazing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522

2407 Glass in Handrails and Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524

2408 Glazing in Athletic Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524

2409 Glass in Elevator Hoistways andElevator Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525

CHAPTER 25 GYPSUM BOARDAND PLASTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527

Section

2501 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527

2502 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527

2503 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527

2504 Vertical and Horizontal Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . 527

2505 Shear Wall Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527

2506 Gypsum Board Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527

2507 Lathing and Plastering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528

2508 Gypsum Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528

2509 Gypsum Board in Showers andWater Closets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529

2510 Lathing and Furring for CementPlaster (Stucco). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529

2511 Interior Plaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530

2512 Exterior Plaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530

2513 Exposed Aggregate Plaster. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531

CHAPTER 26 PLASTIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533

Section

2601 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533

2602 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533

2603 Foam Plastic Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533

2604 Interior Finish and Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 536

2605 Plastic Veneer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537

2606 Light-transmitting Plastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 537

2607 Light-transmitting Plastic Wall Panels. . . . . . . . 538

2608 Light-transmitting Plastic Glazing. . . . . . . . . . . 539

2609 Light-transmitting Plastic Roof Panels . . . . . . . 539

2610 Light-transmitting Plastic Skylight Glazing . . . 540

2611 Light-transmitting Plastic Interior Signs . . . . . . 541

2612 Fiber-reinforced Polymer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 541

2613 Reflective Plastic Core Insulation . . . . . . . . . . . 542

CHAPTER 27 ELECTRICAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543

Section

2701 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 543

2702 Emergency and Standby Power Systems . . . . . . 543

CHAPTER 28 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . 545

Section

2801 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545

CHAPTER 29 PLUMBING SYSTEMS. . . . . . . . . . . 547

Section

2901 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547

2902 Minimum Plumbing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 547

CHAPTER 30 ELEVATORS ANDCONVEYING SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . 551

Section

3001 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551

3002 Hoistway Enclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551

3003 Emergency Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551

3004 Hoistway Venting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552

3005 Conveying Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552

3006 Machine Rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553

3007 Fire Service Access Elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553

3008 Occupant Evacuation Elevators . . . . . . . . . . . . . 555

CHAPTER 31 SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . 557

Section

3101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557

3102 Membrane Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 557

3103 Temporary Structures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 558

3104 Pedestrian Walkways and Tunnels . . . . . . . . . . 558

3105 Awnings and Canopies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559

3106 Marquees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 559

3107 Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560

3108 Telecommunication and Broadcast Towers. . . . 560

3109 Swimming Pool Enclosures andSafety Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 560

3110 Automatic Vehicular Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561



xxviii 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®

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3111 Solar Photovoltaic Panels/modules . . . . . . . . . . 561

CHAPTER 32 ENCROACHMENTS INTO THEPUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY . . . . . . . . 563

Section

3201 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563

3202 Encroachments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 563

CHAPTER 33 SAFEGUARDS DURINGCONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565

Section

3301 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565

3302 Construction Safeguards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565

3303 Demolition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565

3304 Site Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565

3305 Sanitary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566

3306 Protection of Pedestrians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 566

3307 Protection of Adjoining Property . . . . . . . . . . . . 567

3308 Temporary Use of Streets, Alleys andPublic Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567

3309 Fire Extinguishers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567

3310 Means of Egress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567

3311 Standpipes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567

3312 Automatic Sprinkler System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 568

3313 Water Supply for Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 568

CHAPTER 34 EXISTING STRUCTURES . . . . . . . . 569

Section

3401 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569

3402 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569

3403 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569

3404 Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 570

3405 Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 571

3406 Fire Escapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572

3407 Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572

3408 Change of Occupancy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 572

3409 Historic Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 573

3410 Moved Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 573

3411 Accessibility for Existing Buildings. . . . . . . . . . 573

3412 Compliance Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575

CHAPTER 35 REFERENCED STANDARDS . . . . . 587

APPENDIX A EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611

Section

A101 Building Official Qualifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . 611

A102 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 611

APPENDIX B BOARD OF APPEALS . . . . . . . . . . . 613

Section

B101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 613

APPENDIX C GROUP U—AGRICULTURALBUILDINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 615

Section

C101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 615

C102 Allowable Height and Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 615

C103 Mixed Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 615

C104 Exits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 615

APPENDIX D FIRE DISTRICTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 617

Section

D101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 617

D102 Building Restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 617

D103 Changes to Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 618

D104 Buildings Located Partially in theFire District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 618

D105 Exceptions to Restrictions in Fire District . . . . . 618

D106 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 619

APPENDIX E SUPPLEMENTARY ACCESSIBILITYREQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 621

Section

E101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 621

E102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 621

E103 Accessible Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 621

E104 Special Occupancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 621

E105 Other Features and Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 622

E106 Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 622

E107 Signage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623

E108 Bus Stops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623

E109 Transportation Facilities and Stations . . . . . . . . 624

E110 Airports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625

E111 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 625



2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® xxix

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPENDIX F RODENTPROOFING . . . . . . . . . . . . 627

Section

F101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 627

APPENDIX G FLOOD-RESISTANTCONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 629

Section

G101 Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 629

G102 Applicability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 629

G103 Powers and Duties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 629

G104 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630

G105 Variances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 630

G201 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631

G301 Subdivisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632

G401 Site Improvement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632

G501 Manufactured Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 632

G601 Recreational Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633

G701 Tanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633

G801 Other Building Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633

G901 Temporary Structures andTemporary Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 633

G1001 Utility and Miscellaneous Group U . . . . . . . . . . 633

G1101 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 634

APPENDIX H SIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635

Section

H101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635

H102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635

H103 Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635

H104 Identification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635

H105 Design and Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636

H106 Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636

H107 Combustible Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636

H108 Animated Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636

H109 Ground Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636

H110 Roof Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 637

H111 Wall Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 637

H112 Projecting Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 637

H113 Marquee Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 638

H114 Portable Signs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 638

H115 Referenced Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 638

APPENDIX I PATIO COVERS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639

Section

I101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639

I102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639

I103 Exterior Walls and Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639

I104 Height. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639

I105 Structural Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 639

APPENDIX J GRADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 641

Section

J101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 641

J102 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 641

J103 Permits Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 641

J104 Permit Application and Submittals . . . . . . . . . . 641

J105 Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 642

J106 Excavations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 642

J107 Fills. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 642

J108 Setbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 642

J109 Drainage and Terracing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 644

J110 Erosion Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 644

J111 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 644

APPENDIX K ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 645

Section

K101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 645

K102 Applicability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 645

K103 Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 645

K104 Construction Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646

K105 Alternative Engineered Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646

K106 Required Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646

K107 Prefabricated Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646

K108 Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647

K109 Reconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647

K110 Condemning Electrical Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . 647

K111 Electrical Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 647

APPENDIX L EARTHQUAKE RECORDINGINSTRUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . 649

L101 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 649

APPENDIX M TSUMANI-GENERATED FLOODHAZARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651

M101 Tsunami-generated Flood Hazard . . . . . . . . . . . 651

M102 Referenced Standards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 651

INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 653



xxx 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®



2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® 1

CHAPTER 1

SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION

PART 1—SCOPE AND APPLICATION

SECTION 101GENERAL

[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as theBuilding Code of [NAME OF JURISDICTION], hereinafterreferred to as “this code.”

[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply tothe construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replace-ment, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, main-tenance, removal and demolition of every building orstructure or any appurtenances connected or attached to suchbuildings or structures.

Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings andmultiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not morethan three stories above grade plane in height with a sepa-rate means of egress and their accessory structures shallcomply with the International Residential Code.

[A] 101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendicesshall not apply unless specifically adopted.

[A] 101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish theminimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safetyand general welfare through structural strength, means ofegress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and venti-lation, energy conservation, and safety to life and propertyfrom fire and other hazards attributed to the built environ-ment and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergencyresponders during emergency operations.

[A] 101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes listed in Sec-tions 101.4.1 through 101.4.6 and referenced elsewhere inthis code shall be considered part of the requirements of thiscode to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

[A] 101.4.1 Gas. The provisions of the International FuelGas Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping fromthe point of delivery, gas appliances and related accesso-ries as covered in this code. These requirements apply togas piping systems extending from the point of delivery tothe inlet connections of appliances and the installation andoperation of residential and commercial gas appliancesand related accessories.

[A] 101.4.2 Mechanical. The provisions of the Interna-tional Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation,alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical sys-tems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittingsand/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cool-ing, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinera-tors and other energy-related systems.

[A] 101.4.3 Plumbing. The provisions of the Interna-tional Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alter-ation, repair and replacement of plumbing systems,

including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings andappurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewagesystem and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provi-sions of the International Private Sewage Disposal Codeshall apply to private sewage disposal systems.

[A] 101.4.4 Property maintenance. The provisions of theInternational Property Maintenance Code shall apply toexisting structures and premises; equipment and facilities;light, ventilation, space heating, sanitation, life and firesafety hazards; responsibilities of owners, operators andoccupants; and occupancy of existing premises and struc-tures.

[A] 101.4.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of the Inter-national Fire Code shall apply to matters affecting orrelating to structures, processes and premises from thehazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, han-dling or use of structures, materials or devices; from con-ditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in theoccupancy of structures or premises; and from the con-struction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of firesuppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm sys-tems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premisesfrom occupancy or operation.

[A] 101.4.6 Energy. The provisions of the InternationalEnergy Conservation Code shall apply to all matters gov-erning the design and construction of buildings for energyefficiency.

SECTION 102APPLICABILITY

[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a gen-eral requirement and a specific requirement, the specificrequirement shall be applicable. Where, in any specific case,different sections of this code specify different materials,methods of construction or other requirements, the mostrestrictive shall govern.

[A] 102.2 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall notbe deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federallaw.

[A] 102.3 Application of references. References to chapteror section numbers, or to provisions not specifically identi-fied by number, shall be construed to refer to such chapter,section or provision of this code.

[A] 102.4 Referenced codes and standards. The codes andstandards referenced in this code shall be considered part ofthe requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of eachsuch reference and as further regulated in Sections 102.4.1and 102.4.2.

[A] 102.4.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between pro-visions of this code and referenced codes and standards,the provisions of this code shall apply.




2 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®

[A] 102.4.2 Provisions in referenced codes and stan-dards. Where the extent of the reference to a referencedcode or standard includes subject matter that is within thescope of this code or the International Codes listed in Sec-tion 101.4, the provisions of this code or the InternationalCodes listed in Section 101.4, as applicable, shall take pre-cedence over the provisions in the referenced code or stan-dard.

[A] 102.5 Partial invalidity. In the event that any part or pro-vision of this code is held to be illegal or void, this shall nothave the effect of making void or illegal any of the other partsor provisions.

[A] 102.6 Existing structures. The legal occupancy of anystructure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall bepermitted to continue without change, except as is specifi-cally covered in this code, the International Property Mainte-nance Code or the International Fire Code, or as is deemednecessary by the building official for the general safety andwelfare of the occupants and the public.

PART 2—ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

SECTION 103DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SAFETY

[A] 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. The Depart-ment of Building Safety is hereby created and the official incharge thereof shall be known as the building official.

[A] 103.2 Appointment. The building official shall beappointed by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdic-tion.

[A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed proce-dures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of theappointing authority, the building official shall have theauthority to appoint a deputy building official, the relatedtechnical officers, inspectors, plan examiners and otheremployees. Such employees shall have powers as delegatedby the building official. For the maintenance of existing prop-erties, see the International Property Maintenance Code.

SECTION 104DUTIES AND POWERS OF BUILDING OFFICIAL

[A] 104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorizedand directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The build-ing official shall have the authority to render interpretationsof this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order toclarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations,policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intentand purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures shallnot have the effect of waiving requirements specifically pro-vided for in this code.

[A] 104.2 Applications and permits. The building officialshall receive applications, review construction documentsand issue permits for the erection, and alteration, demolitionand moving of buildings and structures, inspect the premises

for which such permits have been issued and enforce compli-ance with the provisions of this code.

[A] 104.3 Notices and orders. The building official shallissue all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliancewith this code.

[A] 104.4 Inspections. The building official shall make all ofthe required inspections, or the building official shall have theauthority to accept reports of inspection by approved agen-cies or individuals. Reports of such inspections shall be inwriting and be certified by a responsible officer of suchapproved agency or by the responsible individual. The build-ing official is authorized to engage such expert opinion asdeemed necessary to report upon unusual technical issues thatarise, subject to the approval of the appointing authority.

[A] 104.5 Identification. The building official shall carryproper identification when inspecting structures or premisesin the performance of duties under this code.

[A] 104.6 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make aninspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or where thebuilding official has reasonable cause to believe that thereexists in a structure or upon a premises a condition which iscontrary to or in violation of this code which makes the struc-ture or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the buildingofficial is authorized to enter the structure or premises at rea-sonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed bythis code, provided that if such structure or premises be occu-pied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entryrequested. If such structure or premises is unoccupied, thebuilding official shall first make a reasonable effort to locatethe owner or other person having charge or control of thestructure or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, thebuilding official shall have recourse to the remedies providedby law to secure entry.

[A] 104.7 Department records. The building official shallkeep official records of applications received, permits andcertificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, andnotices and orders issued. Such records shall be retained inthe official records for the period required for retention ofpublic records.

[A] 104.8 Liability. The building official, member of theboard of appeals or employee charged with the enforcementof this code, while acting for the jurisdiction in good faith andwithout malice in the discharge of the duties required by thiscode or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby berendered liable personally and is hereby relieved from per-sonal liability for any damage accruing to persons or propertyas a result of any act or by reason of an act or omission in thedischarge of official duties. Any suit instituted against anofficer or employee because of an act performed by that offi-cer or employee in the lawful discharge of duties and underthe provisions of this code shall be defended by legal repre-sentative of the jurisdiction until the final termination of theproceedings. The building official or any subordinate shallnot be liable for cost in any action, suit or proceeding that isinstituted in pursuance of the provisions of this code.

[A] 104.9 Approved materials and equipment. Materials,equipment and devices approved by the building official shall





be constructed and installed in accordance with suchapproval.

[A] 104.9.1 Used materials and equipment. The use ofused materials which meet the requirements of this codefor new materials is permitted. Used equipment anddevices shall not be reused unless approved by the build-ing official.

[A] 104.10 Modifications. Wherever there are practical diffi-culties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code,the building official shall have the authority to grant modifi-cations for individual cases, upon application of the owner orowner’s representative, provided the building official shallfirst find that special individual reason makes the strict letterof this code impractical and the modification is in compliancewith the intent and purpose of this code and that such modifi-cation does not lessen health, accessibility, life and firesafety, or structural requirements. The details of action grant-ing modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files ofthe department of building safety.

[A] 104.10.1 Flood hazard areas. The building officialshall not grant modifications to any provision required inflood hazard areas as established by Section 1612.3 unlessa determination has been made that:

1. A showing of good and sufficient cause that theunique characteristics of the size, configuration ortopography of the site render the elevation standardsof Section 1612 inappropriate.

2. A determination that failure to grant the variancewould result in exceptional hardship by renderingthe lot undevelopable.

3. A determination that the granting of a variance willnot result in increased flood heights, additionalthreats to public safety, extraordinary publicexpense, cause fraud on or victimization of the pub-lic, or conflict with existing laws or ordinances.

4. A determination that the variance is the minimumnecessary to afford relief, considering the flood haz-ard.

5. Submission to the applicant of written notice speci-fying the difference between the design flood eleva-tion and the elevation to which the building is to bebuilt, stating that the cost of flood insurance will becommensurate with the increased risk resulting fromthe reduced floor elevation, and stating that con-struction below the design flood elevation increasesrisks to life and property.

[A] 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods ofconstruction and equipment. The provisions of this codeare not intended to prevent the installation of any material orto prohibit any design or method of construction not specifi-cally prescribed by this code, provided that any such alterna-tive has been approved. An alternative material, design ormethod of construction shall be approved where the buildingofficial finds that the proposed design is satisfactory andcomplies with the intent of the provisions of this code, andthat the material, method or work offered is, for the purposeintended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code

in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durabilityand safety.

[A] 104.11.1 Research reports. Supporting data, wherenecessary to assist in the approval of materials or assem-blies not specifically provided for in this code, shall con-sist of valid research reports from approved sources.

[A] 104.11.2 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evi-dence of compliance with the provisions of this code, orevidence that a material or method does not conform to therequirements of this code, or in order to substantiateclaims for alternative materials or methods, the buildingofficial shall have the authority to require tests as evidenceof compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction.Test methods shall be as specified in this code or by otherrecognized test standards. In the absence of recognizedand accepted test methods, the building official shallapprove the testing procedures. Tests shall be performedby an approved agency. Reports of such tests shall beretained by the building official for the period required forretention of public records.

SECTION 105PERMITS

[A] 105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent whointends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, orchange the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect,install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace anyelectrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installa-tion of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any suchwork to be done, shall first make application to the buildingofficial and obtain the required permit.

[A] 105.1.1 Annual permit. In lieu of an individual per-mit for each alteration to an already approved electrical,gas, mechanical or plumbing installation, the building offi-cial is authorized to issue an annual permit upon applica-tion therefor to any person, firm or corporation regularlyemploying one or more qualified tradepersons in the build-ing, structure or on the premises owned or operated by theapplicant for the permit.

[A] 105.1.2 Annual permit records. The person to whoman annual permit is issued shall keep a detailed record ofalterations made under such annual permit. The buildingofficial shall have access to such records at all times orsuch records shall be filed with the building official as des-ignated.

[A] 105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions frompermit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grantauthorization for any work to be done in any manner in viola-tion of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordi-nances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required forthe following:

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used astool and storage sheds, playhouses and similaruses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120square feet (11 m2).





2. Fences not over 7 feet (2134 mm) high.

3. Oil derricks.

4. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm)in height measured from the bottom of the footingto the top of the wall, unless supporting a sur-charge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.

5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if thecapacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18 925L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width isnot greater than 2:1.

6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches(762 mm) above adjacent grade, and not over anybasement or story below and are not part of anaccessible route.

7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets,counter tops and similar finish work.

8. Temporary motion picture, television and theaterstage sets and scenery.

9. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to aGroup R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches(610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons(18 925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.

10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery oragricultural purposes, not including service sys-tems.

11. Swings and other playground equipment accessoryto detached one- and two-family dwellings.

12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupan-cies, supported by an exterior wall that do not proj-ect more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from theexterior wall and do not require additional support.

13. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, coun-ters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753mm) in height.

Electrical:

Repairs and maintenance: Minor repair work, includ-ing the replacement of lamps or the connection ofapproved portable electrical equipment to approvedpermanently installed receptacles.

Radio and television transmitting stations: The pro-visions of this code shall not apply to electrical equip-ment used for radio and television transmissions, but doapply to equipment and wiring for a power supply andthe installations of towers and antennas.

Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not berequired for the installation of any temporary systemrequired for the testing or servicing of electrical equip-ment or apparatus.

Gas:

1. Portable heating appliance.

2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alterapproval of equipment or make such equipmentunsafe.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance.

2. Portable ventilation equipment.

3. Portable cooling unit.

4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heat-ing or cooling equipment regulated by this code.

5. Replacement of any part that does not alter itsapproval or make it unsafe.

6. Portable evaporative cooler.

7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10pounds (5 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated bymotors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste orvent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealedtrap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipebecomes defective and it becomes necessary toremove and replace the same with new material,such work shall be considered as new work and apermit shall be obtained and inspection made as pro-vided in this code.

2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks inpipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and rein-stallation of water closets, provided such repairs donot involve or require the replacement or rearrange-ment of valves, pipes or fixtures.

[A] 105.2.1 Emergency repairs. Where equipmentreplacements and repairs must be performed in an emer-gency situation, the permit application shall be submittedwithin the next working business day to the building offi-cial.

[A] 105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the buildingofficial is not required for ordinary repairs to structures,replacement of lamps or the connection of approved porta-ble electrical equipment to approved permanently installedreceptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cuttingaway of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removalor cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support,or the removal or change of any required means of egress,or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting theegress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs includeaddition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of anystandpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas,soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring ormechanical or other work affecting public health or gen-eral safety.

[A] 105.2.3 Public service agencies. A permit shall not berequired for the installation, alteration or repair of genera-tion, transmission, distribution or metering or other relatedequipment that is under the ownership and control of pub-lic service agencies by established right.

[A] 105.3 Application for permit. To obtain a permit, theapplicant shall first file an application therefor in writing on a





form furnished by the department of building safety for thatpurpose. Such application shall:

1. Identify and describe the work to be covered by thepermit for which application is made.

2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to bedone by legal description, street address or similardescription that will readily identify and definitelylocate the proposed building or work.

3. Indicate the use and occupancy for which the proposedwork is intended.

4. Be accompanied by construction documents and otherinformation as required in Section 107.

5. State the valuation of the proposed work.

6. Be signed by the applicant, or the applicant’s autho-rized agent.

7. Give such other data and information as required by thebuilding official.

[A] 105.3.1 Action on application. The building officialshall examine or cause to be examined applications forpermits and amendments thereto within a reasonable timeafter filing. If the application or the construction docu-ments do not conform to the requirements of pertinentlaws, the building official shall reject such application inwriting, stating the reasons therefor. If the building officialis satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the require-ments of this code and laws and ordinances applicablethereto, the building official shall issue a permit therefor assoon as practicable.

[A] 105.3.2 Time limitation of application. An applica-tion for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed tohave been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing,unless such application has been pursued in good faith or apermit has been issued; except that the building official isauthorized to grant one or more extensions of time foradditional periods not exceeding 90 days each. The exten-sion shall be requested in writing and justifiable causedemonstrated.

[A] 105.4 Validity of permit. The issuance or granting of apermit shall not be construed to be a permit for, or anapproval of, any violation of any of the provisions of thiscode or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permitspresuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provi-sions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shallnot be valid. The issuance of a permit based on constructiondocuments and other data shall not prevent the building offi-cial from requiring the correction of errors in the constructiondocuments and other data. The building official is also autho-rized to prevent occupancy or use of a structure where in vio-lation of this code or of any other ordinances of thisjurisdiction.

[A] 105.5 Expiration. Every permit issued shall becomeinvalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permitis commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if thework authorized on the site by such permit is suspended orabandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work iscommenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in

writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods not morethan 180 days each. The extension shall be requested in writ-ing and justifiable cause demonstrated.

[A] 105.6 Suspension or revocation. The building official isauthorized to suspend or revoke a permit issued under theprovisions of this code wherever the permit is issued in erroror on the basis of incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete informa-tion, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation or any ofthe provisions of this code.

[A] 105.7 Placement of permit. The building permit or copyshall be kept on the site of the work until the completion ofthe project.

SECTION 106FLOOR AND ROOF DESIGN LOADS

[A] 106.1 Live loads posted. Where the live loads for whicheach floor or portion thereof of a commercial or industrialbuilding is or has been designed to exceed 50 psf (2.40 kN/m2), such design live loads shall be conspicuously posted bythe owner in that part of each story in which they apply, usingdurable signs. It shall be unlawful to remove or deface suchnotices

[A] 106.2 Issuance of certificate of occupancy. A certificateof occupancy required by Section 111 shall not be issueduntil the floor load signs, required by Section 106.1, havebeen installed.

[A] 106.3 Restrictions on loading. It shall be unlawful toplace, or cause or permit to be placed, on any floor or roof ofa building, structure or portion thereof, a load greater than ispermitted by this code.

SECTION 107SUBMITTAL DOCUMENTS

[A] 107.1 General. Submittal documents consisting of con-struction documents, statement of special inspections, geo-technical report and other data shall be submitted in two ormore sets with each permit application. The construction doc-uments shall be prepared by a registered design professionalwhere required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which theproject is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist,the building official is authorized to require additional con-struction documents to be prepared by a registered designprofessional.

Exception: The building official is authorized to waive thesubmission of construction documents and other data notrequired to be prepared by a registered design professionalif it is found that the nature of the work applied for is suchthat review of construction documents is not necessary toobtain compliance with this code.

[A] 107.2 Construction documents. Construction docu-ments shall be in accordance with Sections 107.2.1 through107.2.5.

[A] 107.2.1 Information on construction documents.Construction documents shall be dimensioned and drawnupon suitable material. Electronic media documents are





permitted to be submitted when approved by the buildingofficial. Construction documents shall be of sufficientclarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of thework proposed and show in detail that it will conform tothe provisions of this code and relevant laws, ordinances,rules and regulations, as determined by the building offi-cial.

[A] 107.2.2 Fire protection system shop drawings. Shopdrawings for the fire protection system(s) shall be submit-ted to indicate conformance to this code and the construc-tion documents and shall be approved prior to the start ofsystem installation. Shop drawings shall contain all infor-mation as required by the referenced installation standardsin Chapter 9.

[A] 107.2.3 Means of egress. The construction documentsshall show in sufficient detail the location, construction,size and character of all portions of the means of egressincluding the path of the exit discharge to the public wayin compliance with the provisions of this code. In otherthan occupancies in Groups R-2, R-3, and I-1, the con-struction documents shall designate the number of occu-pants to be accommodated on every floor, and in all roomsand spaces.

[A] 107.2.4 Exterior wall envelope. Construction docu-ments for all buildings shall describe the exterior wallenvelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance withthis code. The construction documents shall providedetails of the exterior wall envelope as required, includingflashing, intersections with dissimilar materials, corners,end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves orparapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membraneand details around openings.

The construction documents shall include manufac-turer’s installation instructions that provide supportingdocumentation that the proposed penetration and openingdetails described in the construction documents maintainthe weather resistance of the exterior wall envelope. Thesupporting documentation shall fully describe the exteriorwall system which was tested, where applicable, as well asthe test procedure used.

[A] 107.2.5 Site plan. The construction documents sub-mitted with the application for permit shall be accompa-nied by a site plan showing to scale the size and locationof new construction and existing structures on the site, dis-tances from lot lines, the established street grades and theproposed finished grades and, as applicable, flood hazardareas, floodways, and design flood elevations; and it shallbe drawn in accordance with an accurate boundary linesurvey. In the case of demolition, the site plan shall showconstruction to be demolished and the location and size ofexisting structures and construction that are to remain onthe site or plot. The building official is authorized to waiveor modify the requirement for a site plan when the applica-tion for permit is for alteration or repair or when other-wise warranted.

[A] 107.2.5.1 Design flood elevations. Where designflood elevations are not specified, they shall be estab-lished in accordance with Section 1612.3.1.

[A] 107.3 Examination of documents. The building officialshall examine or cause to be examined the accompanyingsubmittal documents and shall ascertain by such examina-tions whether the construction indicated and described is inaccordance with the requirements of this code and other perti-nent laws or ordinances.

[A] 107.3.1 Approval of construction documents. Whenthe building official issues a permit, the construction docu-ments shall be approved, in writing or by stamp, as“Reviewed for Code Compliance.” One set of construc-tion documents so reviewed shall be retained by the build-ing official. The other set shall be returned to theapplicant, shall be kept at the site of work and shall beopen to inspection by the building official or a duly autho-rized representative.

[A] 107.3.2 Previous approvals. This code shall notrequire changes in the construction documents, construc-tion or designated occupancy of a structure for which alawful permit has been heretofore issued or otherwise law-fully authorized, and the construction of which has beenpursued in good faith within 180 days after the effectivedate of this code and has not been abandoned.

[A] 107.3.3 Phased approval. The building official isauthorized to issue a permit for the construction of founda-tions or any other part of a building or structure before theconstruction documents for the whole building or structurehave been submitted, provided that adequate informationand detailed statements have been filed complying withpertinent requirements of this code. The holder of suchpermit for the foundation or other parts of a building orstructure shall proceed at the holder’s own risk with thebuilding operation and without assurance that a permit forthe entire structure will be granted.

[A] 107.3.4 Design professional in responsible charge. When it is required that documents be prepared by a regis-tered design professional, the building official shall beauthorized to require the owner to engage and designate onthe building permit application a registered design profes-sional who shall act as the registered design professionalin responsible charge. If the circumstances require, theowner shall designate a substitute registered design pro-fessional in responsible charge who shall perform theduties required of the original registered design profes-sional in responsible charge. The building official shall benotified in writing by the owner if the registered designprofessional in responsible charge is changed or is unableto continue to perform the duties.

The registered design professional in responsiblecharge shall be responsible for reviewing and coordinatingsubmittal documents prepared by others, including phasedand deferred submittal items, for compatibility with thedesign of the building.

[A] 107.3.4.1 Deferred submittals. For the purposesof this section, deferred submittals are defined as thoseportions of the design that are not submitted at the timeof the application and that are to be submitted to thebuilding official within a specified period.





Deferral of any submittal items shall have the priorapproval of the building official. The registered designprofessional in responsible charge shall list thedeferred submittals on the construction documents forreview by the building official.

Documents for deferred submittal items shall besubmitted to the registered design professional inresponsible charge who shall review them and forwardthem to the building official with a notation indicatingthat the deferred submittal documents have beenreviewed and found to be in general conformance to thedesign of the building. The deferred submittal itemsshall not be installed until the deferred submittal docu-ments have been approved by the building official.

[A] 107.4 Amended construction documents. Work shallbe installed in accordance with the approved constructiondocuments, and any changes made during construction thatare not in compliance with the approved construction docu-ments shall be resubmitted for approval as an amended set ofconstruction documents.

[A] 107.5 Retention of construction documents. One set ofapproved construction documents shall be retained by thebuilding official for a period of not less than 180 days fromdate of completion of the permitted work, or as required bystate or local laws.

SECTION 108TEMPORARY STRUCTURES AND USES

[A] 108.1 General. The building official is authorized toissue a permit for temporary structures and temporary uses.Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shallnot be permitted for more than 180 days. The building officialis authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause.

[A] 108.2 Conformance. Temporary structures and usesshall conform to the structural strength, fire safety, means ofegress, accessibility, light, ventilation and sanitary require-ments of this code as necessary to ensure public health, safetyand general welfare.

[A] 108.3 Temporary power. The building official is autho-rized to give permission to temporarily supply and use powerin part of an electric installation before such installation hasbeen fully completed and the final certificate of completionhas been issued. The part covered by the temporary certificateshall comply with the requirements specified for temporarylighting, heat or power in NFPA 70.

[A] 108.4 Termination of approval. The building official isauthorized to terminate such permit for a temporary structureor use and to order the temporary structure or use to be dis-continued.

SECTION 109FEES

[A] 109.1 Payment of fees. A permit shall not be valid untilthe fees prescribed by law have been paid, nor shall anamendment to a permit be released until the additional fee, ifany, has been paid.

[A] 109.2 Schedule of permit fees. On buildings, structures,electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing systems or altera-tions requiring a permit, a fee for each permit shall be paid asrequired, in accordance with the schedule as established bythe applicable governing authority.

[A] 109.3 Building permit valuations. The applicant for apermit shall provide an estimated permit value at time ofapplication. Permit valuations shall include total value ofwork, including materials and labor, for which the permit isbeing issued, such as electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbingequipment and permanent systems. If, in the opinion of thebuilding official, the valuation is underestimated on the appli-cation, the permit shall be denied, unless the applicant canshow detailed estimates to meet the approval of the buildingofficial. Final building permit valuation shall be set by thebuilding official.

[A] 109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Anyperson who commences any work on a building, structure,electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtain-ing the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee establishedby the building official that shall be in addition to the requiredpermit fees.

[A] 109.5 Related fees. The payment of the fee for the con-struction, alteration, removal or demolition for work done inconnection to or concurrently with the work authorized by abuilding permit shall not relieve the applicant or holder of thepermit from the payment of other fees that are prescribed bylaw.

[A] 109.6 Refunds. The building official is authorized toestablish a refund policy.

SECTION 110INSPECTIONS

[A] 110.1 General. Construction or work for which a permitis required shall be subject to inspection by the building offi-cial and such construction or work shall remain accessibleand exposed for inspection purposes until approved.Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed tobe an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code orof other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presumingto give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of thiscode or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not bevalid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause thework to remain accessible and exposed for inspection pur-poses. Neither the building official nor the jurisdiction shallbe liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacementof any material required to allow inspection.

[A] 110.2 Preliminary inspection. Before issuing a permit,the building official is authorized to examine or cause to beexamined buildings, structures and sites for which an applica-tion has been filed.

[A] 110.3 Required inspections. The building official, uponnotification, shall make the inspections set forth in Sections110.3.1 through 110.3.10.

[A] 110.3.1 Footing and foundation inspection. Footingand foundation inspections shall be made after excavationsfor footings are complete and any required reinforcing





steel is in place. For concrete foundations, any requiredforms shall be in place prior to inspection. Materials forthe foundation shall be on the job, except where concreteis ready mixed in accordance with ASTM C 94, the con-crete need not be on the job.

[A] 110.3.2 Concrete slab and under-floor inspection.Concrete slab and under-floor inspections shall be madeafter in-slab or under-floor reinforcing steel and buildingservice equipment, conduit, piping accessories and otherancillary equipment items are in place, but before any con-crete is placed or floor sheathing installed, including thesubfloor.

[A] 110.3.3 Lowest floor elevation. In flood hazard areas,upon placement of the lowest floor, including the base-ment, and prior to further vertical construction, the eleva-tion certification required in Section 1612.5 shall besubmitted to the building official.

[A] 110.3.4 Frame inspection. Framing inspections shallbe made after the roof deck or sheathing, all framing, fire-blocking and bracing are in place and pipes, chimneys andvents to be concealed are complete and the rough electri-cal, plumbing, heating wires, pipes and ducts areapproved.

[A] 110.3.5 Lath and gypsum board inspection. Lathand gypsum board inspections shall be made after lathingand gypsum board, interior and exterior, is in place, butbefore any plastering is applied or gypsum board jointsand fasteners are taped and finished.

Exception: Gypsum board that is not part of a fire-resistance-rated assembly or a shear assembly.

[A] 110.3.6 Fire- and smoke-resistant penetrations.Protection of joints and penetrations in fire-resistance-rated assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitionsshall not be concealed from view until inspected andapproved.

[A] 110.3.7 Energy efficiency inspections. Inspectionsshall be made to determine compliance with Chapter 13and shall include, but not be limited to, inspections for:envelope insulation R- and U-values, fenestration U-value,duct system R-value, and HVAC and water-heating equip-ment efficiency.

[A] 110.3.8 Other inspections. In addition to the inspec-tions specified in Sections 110.3.1 through 110.3.7, thebuilding official is authorized to make or require otherinspections of any construction work to ascertain compli-ance with the provisions of this code and other laws thatare enforced by the department of building safety.

[A] 110.3.9 Special inspections. For special inspections,see Chapter 17.

[A] 110.3.10 Final inspection. The final inspection shallbe made after all work required by the building permit iscompleted.

[A] 110.3.10.1 Flood hazard documentation. Iflocated in a flood hazard area, documentation of theelevation of the lowest floor as required in Section

1612.5 shall be submitted to the building official priorto the final inspection.

[A] 110.4 Inspection agencies. The building official isauthorized to accept reports of approved inspection agencies,provided such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifi-cations and reliability.

[A] 110.5 Inspection requests. It shall be the duty of theholder of the building permit or their duly authorized agent tonotify the building official when work is ready for inspection.It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access toand means for inspections of such work that are required bythis code.

[A] 110.6 Approval required. Work shall not be donebeyond the point indicated in each successive inspectionwithout first obtaining the approval of the building official.The building official, upon notification, shall make therequested inspections and shall either indicate the portion ofthe construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notifythe permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails tocomply with this code. Any portions that do not comply shallbe corrected and such portion shall not be covered or con-cealed until authorized by the building official.

SECTION 111CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY

[A] 111.1 Use and occupancy. No building or structure shallbe used or occupied, and no change in the existing occupancyclassification of a building or structure or portion thereofshall be made, until the building official has issued a certifi-cate of occupancy therefor as provided herein. Issuance of acertificate of occupancy shall not be construed as an approvalof a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordi-nances of the jurisdiction.

Exception: Certificates of occupancy are not required forwork exempt from permits under Section 105.2.

[A] 111.2 Certificate issued. After the building officialinspects the building or structure and finds no violations ofthe provisions of this code or other laws that are enforced bythe department of building safety, the building official shallissue a certificate of occupancy that contains the following:

1. The building permit number.

2. The address of the structure.

3. The name and address of the owner.

4. A description of that portion of the structure for whichthe certificate is issued.

5. A statement that the described portion of the structurehas been inspected for compliance with the require-ments of this code for the occupancy and division ofoccupancy and the use for which the proposed occu-pancy is classified.

6. The name of the building official.

7. The edition of the code under which the permit wasissued.





8. The use and occupancy, in accordance with the provi-sions of Chapter 3.

9. The type of construction as defined in Chapter 6.

10. The design occupant load.

11. If an automatic sprinkler system is provided, whetherthe sprinkler system is required.

12. Any special stipulations and conditions of the build-ing permit.

[A] 111.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official isauthorized to issue a temporary certificate of occupancybefore the completion of the entire work covered by the per-mit, provided that such portion or portions shall be occupiedsafely. The building official shall set a time period duringwhich the temporary certificate of occupancy is valid.

[A] 111.4 Revocation. The building official is authorized to,in writing, suspend or revoke a certificate of occupancy orcompletion issued under the provisions of this code whereverthe certificate is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrectinformation supplied, or where it is determined that the build-ing or structure or portion thereof is in violation of any ordi-nance or regulation or any of the provisions of this code.

SECTION 112SERVICE UTILITIES

[A] 112.1 Connection of service utilities. No person shallmake connections from a utility, source of energy, fuel orpower to any building or system that is regulated by this codefor which a permit is required, until released by the buildingofficial.

[A] 112.2 Temporary connection. The building official shallhave the authority to authorize the temporary connection ofthe building or system to the utility source of energy, fuel orpower.

[A] 112.3 Authority to disconnect service utilities. Thebuilding official shall have the authority to authorize discon-nection of utility service to the building, structure or systemregulated by this code and the referenced codes and standardsset forth in Section 101.4 in case of emergency where neces-sary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property orwhen such utility connection has been made without theapproval required by Section 112.1 or 112.2. The buildingofficial shall notify the serving utility, and wherever possiblethe owner and occupant of the building, structure or servicesystem of the decision to disconnect prior to taking suchaction. If not notified prior to disconnecting, the owner oroccupant of the building, structure or service system shall benotified in writing, as soon as practical thereafter.

SECTION 113BOARD OF APPEALS

[A] 113.1 General. In order to hear and decide appeals oforders, decisions or determinations made by the building offi-cial relative to the application and interpretation of this code,there shall be and is hereby created a board of appeals. Theboard of appeals shall be appointed by the applicable govern-

ing authority and shall hold office at its pleasure. The boardshall adopt rules of procedure for conducting its business.

[A] 113.2 Limitations on authority. An application forappeal shall be based on a claim that the true intent of thiscode or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been incor-rectly interpreted, the provisions of this code do not fullyapply or an equally good or better form of construction is pro-posed. The board shall have no authority to waive require-ments of this code.

[A] 113.3 Qualifications. The board of appeals shall consistof members who are qualified by experience and training topass on matters pertaining to building construction and arenot employees of the jurisdiction.

SECTION 114VIOLATIONS

[A] 114.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for any person,firm or corporation to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair,move, remove, demolish or occupy any building, structure orequipment regulated by this code, or cause same to be done,in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of thiscode.

[A] 114.2 Notice of violation. The building official is autho-rized to serve a notice of violation or order on the personresponsible for the erection, construction, alteration, exten-sion, repair, moving, removal, demolition or occupancy of abuilding or structure in violation of the provisions of thiscode, or in violation of a permit or certificate issued under theprovisions of this code. Such order shall direct the discontinu-ance of the illegal action or condition and the abatement ofthe violation.

[A] 114.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violationis not complied with promptly, the building official is autho-rized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to insti-tute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain,correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal ortermination of the unlawful occupancy of the building orstructure in violation of the provisions of this code or of theorder or direction made pursuant thereto.

[A] 114.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates aprovision of this code or fails to comply with any of therequirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters orrepairs a building or structure in violation of the approvedconstruction documents or directive of the building official,or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of thiscode, shall be subject to penalties as prescribed by law.

SECTION 115STOP WORK ORDER

[A] 115.1 Authority. Whenever the building official findsany work regulated by this code being performed in a mannereither contrary to the provisions of this code or dangerous orunsafe, the building official is authorized to issue a stop workorder.

[A] 115.2 Issuance. The stop work order shall be in writingand shall be given to the owner of the property involved, or to





the owner's agent, or to the person doing the work. Upon issu-ance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediatelycease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order,and the conditions under which the cited work will be permit-ted to resume.

[A] 115.3 Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall con-tinue any work after having been served with a stop workorder, except such work as that person is directed to performto remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject topenalties as prescribed by law.

SECTION 116UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT

[A] 116.1 Conditions. Structures or existing equipment thatare or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficientbecause of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequatelight and ventilation, or which constitute a fire hazard, or areotherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, orthat involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequatemaintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition. Unsafestructures shall be taken down and removed or made safe, asthe building official deems necessary and as provided for inthis section. A vacant structure that is not secured againstentry shall be deemed unsafe.

[A] 116.2 Record. The building official shall cause a reportto be filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state theoccupancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condi-tion.

[A] 116.3 Notice. If an unsafe condition is found, the build-ing official shall serve on the owner, agent or person in con-trol of the structure, a written notice that describes thecondition deemed unsafe and specifies the required repairs orimprovements to be made to abate the unsafe condition, orthat requires the unsafe structure to be demolished within astipulated time. Such notice shall require the person thus noti-fied to declare immediately to the building official acceptanceor rejection of the terms of the order.

[A] 116.4 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemedproperly served if a copy thereof is (a) delivered to the ownerpersonally; (b) sent by certified or registered mail addressedto the owner at the last known address with the return receiptrequested; or (c) delivered in any other manner as prescribedby local law. If the certified or registered letter is returnedshowing that the letter was not delivered, a copy thereof shallbe posted in a conspicuous place in or about the structureaffected by such notice. Service of such notice in the forego-ing manner upon the owner’s agent or upon the personresponsible for the structure shall constitute service of noticeupon the owner.

[A] 116.5 Restoration. The structure or equipment deter-mined to be unsafe by the building official is permitted to berestored to a safe condition. To the extent that repairs, altera-tions or additions are made or a change of occupancy occursduring the restoration of the structure, such repairs, altera-tions, additions or change of occupancy shall comply with therequirements of Section 105.2.2 and Chapter 34.




CHAPTER 2

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 201GENERAL

201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the follow-ing words and terms shall, for the purposes of this code, havethe meanings shown in this chapter.

201.2 Interchangeability. Words used in the present tenseinclude the future; words stated in the masculine genderinclude the feminine and neuter; the singular number includesthe plural and the plural, the singular.

201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are notdefined in this code and are defined in the InternationalEnergy Conservation Code, International Fuel Gas Code,International Fire Code, International Mechanical Code orInternational Plumbing Code, such terms shall have themeanings ascribed to them as in those codes.

201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not definedthrough the methods authorized by this section, such termsshall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the contextimplies.

SECTION 202DEFINITIONS

24-HOUR CARE. The actual time that a person is an occu-pant within a facility for the purpose of receiving care. Itshall not include a facility that is open for 24 hours and iscapable of providing care to someone visiting the facility dur-ing any segment of the 24 hours.

AAC MASONRY. Masonry made of autoclaved aeratedconcrete (AAC) units, manufactured without internal rein-forcement and bonded together using thin- or thick-bed mor-tar.

ACCESSIBLE. A site, building, facility or portion thereofthat complies with Chapter 11.

ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS. A continuous andunobstructed way of egress travel from any accessible pointin a building or facility to a public way.

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. A continuous, unobstructed paththat complies with Chapter 11.

ACCESSIBLE UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit thatcomplies with this code and the provisions for Accessibleunits in ICC A117.1.

ACCREDITATION BODY. An approved, third-party orga-nization that is independent of the grading and inspectionagencies, and the lumber mills, and that initially accredits andsubsequently monitors, on a continuing basis, the compe-tency and performance of a grading or inspection agencyrelated to carrying out specific tasks.

[A] ADDITION. An extension or increase in floor area orheight of a building or structure.

ADHERED MASONRY VENEER. Veneer secured andsupported through the adhesion of an approved bondingmaterial applied to an approved backing.

ADOBE CONSTRUCTION. Construction in which theexterior load-bearing and nonload-bearing walls and parti-tions are of unfired clay masonry units, and floors, roofs andinterior framing are wholly or partly of wood or otherapproved materials.

Adobe, stabilized. Unfired clay masonry units to whichadmixtures, such as emulsified asphalt, are added duringthe manufacturing process to limit the units’ water absorp-tion so as to increase their durability.

Adobe, unstabilized. Unfired clay masonry units that donot meet the definition of “Adobe, stabilized.”

[F] AEROSOL. A product that is dispensed from an aerosolcontainer by a propellant. Aerosol products shall be classifiedby means of the calculation of their chemical heats of com-bustion and shall be designated Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.

Level 1 aerosol products. Those with a total chemicalheat of combustion that is less than or equal to 8,600 Brit-ish thermal units per pound (Btu/lb) (20 kJ/g).

Level 2 aerosol products. Those with a total chemicalheat of combustion that is greater than 8,600 Btu/lb (20 kJ/g), but less than or equal to 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).

Level 3 aerosol products. Those with a total chemicalheat of combustion that is greater than 13,000 Btu/lb (30kJ/g).

[F] AEROSOL CONTAINER. A metal can or a glass orplastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal cansshall be limited to a maximum size of 33.8 fluid ounces (1000ml). Glass or plastic bottles shall be limited to a maximumsize of 4 fluid ounces (118 ml).

AGGREGATE. In roofing, crushed stone, crushed slag orwater-worn gravel used for surfacing for roof coverings.

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING. A structure designed andconstructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry,livestock or other horticultural products. This structure shallnot be a place of human habitation or a place of employmentwhere agricultural products are processed, treated or pack-aged, nor shall it be a place used by the public.

AIR-INFLATED STRUCTURE. A structure that uses air-pressurized membrane beams, arches or other elements toenclose space. Occupants of such a structure do not occupythe pressurized area used to support the structure.

AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURE. A structure wherein theshape of the structure is attained by air pressure and occu-pants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area.Air-supported structures are of two basic types:

Double skin. Similar to a single skin, but with an attachedliner that is separated from the outer skin and provides an



DEFINITIONS


airspace which serves for insulation, acoustic, aesthetic orsimilar purposes.

Single skin. Where there is only the single outer skin andthe air pressure is directly against that skin.

AISLE. An unenclosed exit access component that definesand provides a path of egress travel.

AISLE ACCESSWAY. That portion of an exit access thatleads to an aisle.

[F] ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. A fire alarmsystem component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light or textdisplay that provides audible, tactile or visible outputs, or anycombination thereof.

[F] ALARM SIGNAL. A signal indicating an emergencyrequiring immediate action, such as a signal indicative of fire.

[F] ALARM VERIFICATION FEATURE. A feature ofautomatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduceunwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm con-ditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm con-ditions within a given time period, after being automaticallyreset, in order to be accepted as a valid alarm-initiation sig-nal.

ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN. A method of propor-tioning structural members, such that elastically computedstresses produced in the members by nominal loads do notexceed specified allowable stresses (also called “workingstress design”).

[A] ALTERATION. Any construction or renovation to anexisting structure other than repair or addition.

ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICE. A device that has aseries of steps between 50 and 70 degrees (0.87 and 1.22 rad)from horizontal, usually attached to a center support rail in analternating manner so that the user does not have both feet onthe same level at the same time.

AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY. Buildings or portionsthereof used to provide medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursingor similar care on a less than 24-hour basis to individuals whoare rendered incapable of self-preservation by the servicesprovided.

ANCHOR. Metal rod, wire or strap that secures masonry toits structural support.

ANCHOR BUILDING. An exterior perimeter building of agroup other than H having direct access to a covered or openmall building but having required means of egress indepen-dent of the mall.

ANCHORED MASONRY VENEER. Veneer secured withapproved mechanical fasteners to an approved backing

ANNULAR SPACE. The opening around the penetratingitem.

[F] ANNUNCIATOR. A unit containing one or more indica-tor lamps, alphanumeric displays or other equivalent meansin which each indication provides status information about acircuit, condition or location.

[A] APPROVED. Acceptable to the building official orauthority having jurisdiction.

[A] APPROVED AGENCY. An established and recognizedagency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishinginspection services, when such agency has been approved.

APPROVED FABRICATOR. An established and qualifiedperson, firm or corporation approved by the building officialpursuant to Chapter 17 of this code.

APPROVED SOURCE. An independent person, firm orcorporation, approved by the building official, who is compe-tent and experienced in the application of engineering princi-ples to materials, methods or systems analyses.

ARCHITECTURAL TERRA COTTA. Plain or ornamen-tal hard-burned modified clay units, larger in size than brick,with glazed or unglazed ceramic finish.

AREA (for masonry).

Gross cross-sectional. The area delineated by the out-to-out specified dimensions of masonry in the plane underconsideration.

Net cross-sectional. The area of masonry units, grout andmortar crossed by the plane under consideration based onout-to-out specified dimensions.

AREA, BUILDING. The area included within surroundingexterior walls (or exterior walls and fire walls) exclusive ofvent shafts and courts. Areas of the building not providedwith surrounding walls shall be included in the building areaif such areas are included within the horizontal projection ofthe roof or floor above.

AREA OF REFUGE. An area where persons unable to usestairways can remain temporarily to await instructions orassistance during emergency evacuation.

AREAWAY. A subsurface space adjacent to a building openat the top or protected at the top by a grating or guard.

ASSEMBLY SEATING, MULTILEVEL. See “Multilevelassembly seating.”

ATRIUM. An opening connecting two or more stories otherthan enclosed stairways, elevators, hoistways, escalators,plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning or other equipment,which is closed at the top and not defined as a mall. Stories,as used in this definition, do not include balconies withinassembly groups or mezzanines that comply with Section505.

ATTIC. The space between the ceiling beams of the top storyand the roof rafters.

[F] AUDIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of hearing.

AUTOCLAVED AERATED CONCRETE (AAC). Lowdensity cementitious product of calcium silicate hydrates,whose material specifications are defined in ASTM C 1386.

[F] AUTOMATIC. As applied to fire protection devices, adevice or system providing an emergency function withoutthe necessity for human intervention and activated as a resultof a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature riseor combustion products.

[F] AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.An approved system of devices and equipment which auto-

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DEFINITIONS


matically detects a fire and discharges an approved fire-extin-guishing agent onto or in the area of a fire.

[F] AUTOMATIC SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM. Afire alarm system that has initiation devices that utilize smokedetectors for protection of an area such as a room or spacewith detectors to provide early warning of fire.

[F] AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM. An automaticsprinkler system, for fire protection purposes, is an integratedsystem of underground and overhead piping designed inaccordance with fire protection engineering standards. Thesystem includes a suitable water supply. The portion of thesystem above the ground is a network of specially sized orhydraulically designed piping installed in a structure or area,generally overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers areconnected in a systematic pattern. The system is usually acti-vated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the firearea.

[F] AVERAGE AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL. The rootmean square, A-weighted sound pressure level measured overa 24-hour period, or the time any person is present, whichevertime period is less.

AWNING. An architectural projection that provides weatherprotection, identity or decoration and is partially or whollysupported by the building to which it is attached. An awningis comprised of a lightweight frame structure over which acovering is attached.

BACKING. The wall or surface to which the veneer issecured.

[F] BALED COTTON. A natural seed fiber wrapped in andsecured with industry accepted materials, usually consistingof burlap, woven polypropylene, polyethylene or cotton orsheet polyethylene, and secured with steel, synthetic or wirebands or wire; also includes linters (lint removed from thecottonseed) and motes (residual materials from the ginningprocess).

[F] BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED. Cottonmade into banded bales with a packing density of at least 22pounds per cubic foot (360 kg/m3), and dimensions comply-ing with the following: a length of 55 inches (1397 mm), awidth of 21 inches (533.4 mm) and a height of 27.6 to 35.4inches (701 to 899 mm).

BALLAST. In roofing, ballast comes in the form of largestones or paver systems or light-weight interlocking paversystems and is used to provide uplift resistance for roofingsystems that are not adhered or mechanically attached to theroof deck.

[F] BARRICADE. A structure that consists of a combinationof walls, floor and roof, which is designed to withstand therapid release of energy in an explosion and which is fullyconfined, partially vented or fully vented; or other effectivemethod of shielding from explosive materials by a natural orartificial barrier.

Artificial barricade. An artificial mound or revetment aminimum thickness of 3 feet (914 mm).

Natural barricade. Natural features of the ground, suchas hills, or timber of sufficient density that the surroundingexposures that require protection cannot be seen from themagazine or building containing explosives when the treesare bare of leaves.

BASE FLOOD. The flood having a 1-percent chance ofbeing equaled or exceeded in any given year.

BASE FLOOD ELEVATION. The elevation of the baseflood, including wave height, relative to the National Geo-detic Vertical Datum (NGVD), North American VerticalDatum (NAVD) or other datum specified on the Flood Insur-ance Rate Map (FIRM).

BASEMENT (for flood loads). The portion of a buildinghaving its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides. This definition of “Basement” is limited in application to theprovisions of Section 1612.

BASEMENT. A story that is not a story above grade plane(see “Story above grade plane”). This definition of “Base-ment” does not apply to the provisions of Section 1612 forflood loads.

BEARING WALL STRUCTURE. A building or otherstructure in which vertical loads from floors and roofs are pri-marily supported by walls.

BED JOINT. The horizontal layer of mortar on which amasonry unit is laid.

BLEACHERS. Tiered seating supported on a dedicatedstructural system and two or more rows high and is not abuilding element (see “Grandstands”).

BOARDING HOUSE. A building arranged or used for lodg-ing for compensation, with or without meals, and not occu-pied as a single-family unit.

[F] BOILING POINT. The temperature at which the vaporpressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7pounds per square inch (psia) (101 kPa) or 760 mm of mer-cury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for thematerial in question, or for mixtures which do not have a con-stant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the20-percent evaporated point of a distillation performed inaccordance with ASTM D 86 shall be used as the boilingpoint of the liquid.

BOND BEAM. A horizontal grouted element withinmasonry in which reinforcement is embedded.

BRACED WALL LINE. A series of braced wall panels in asingle story that meets the requirements of Section 2308.3 or2308.12.4.

BRACED WALL PANEL. A section of wall braced inaccordance with Section 2308.9.3 or 2308.12.4.

BRICK.

Calcium silicate (sand lime brick). A pressed and subse-quently autoclaved unit that consists of sand and lime,with or without the inclusion of other materials.

Clay or shale. A solid or hollow masonry unit of clay orshale, usually formed into a rectangular prism, then burnedor fired in a kiln; brick is a ceramic product.



DEFINITIONS


Concrete. A concrete masonry unit made from Portlandcement, water, and suitable aggregates, with or without theinclusion of other materials.

[A] BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for support-ing or sheltering any use or occupancy.

BUILDING AREA. See “Area, building.”

BUILDING ELEMENT. A fundamental component ofbuilding construction, listed in Table 601, which may or maynot be of fire-resistance-rated construction and is constructedof materials based on the building type of construction.

BUILDING HEIGHT. See “Height, building.”

BUILDING LINE. The line established by law, beyondwhich a building shall not extend, except as specifically pro-vided by law.

[A] BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designatedauthority charged with the administration and enforcement ofthis code, or a duly authorized representative.

BUILT-UP ROOF COVERING. Two or more layers of feltcemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineralaggregate, smooth coating or similar surfacing material.

CABLE-RESTRAINED, AIR-SUPPORTED STRUC-TURE. A structure in which the uplift is resisted by cables orwebbings which are anchored to either foundations or deadmen. Reinforcing cable or webbing is attached by variousmethods to the membrane or is an integral part of the mem-brane. This is not a cable-supported structure.

CANOPY. A permanent structure or architectural projectionof rigid construction over which a covering is attached thatprovides weather protection, identity or decoration. A can-opy is permitted to be structurally independent or supportedby attachment to a building on one or more sides.

[F] CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS.A system supplying carbon dioxide (CO2) from a pressurizedvessel through fixed pipes and nozzles. The system includes amanual- or automatic-actuating mechanism.

CARE SUITE. A group of treatment rooms, care recipientsleeping rooms and their associated support rooms or spacesand circulation space within Group I-2 occupancies wherestaff are in attendance for supervision of all care recipientswithin the suite, and the suite is in compliance with therequirements of Section 407.4.3.

CAST STONE. A building stone manufactured from Port-land cement concrete precast and used as a trim, veneer orfacing on or in buildings or structures.

[F] CEILING LIMIT. The maximum concentration of anair-borne contaminant to which one may be exposed. Theceiling limits utilized are those published in DOL 29 CFRPart 1910.1000. The ceiling Recommended Exposure Limit(REL-C) concentrations published by the U.S. National Insti-tute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), ThresholdLimit Value—Ceiling (TLV-C) concentrations published bythe American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygen-ists (ACGIH), Ceiling Work place Environmental ExposureLevel (WEEL-Ceiling) Guides published by the AmericanIndustrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), and other approved,

consistent measures are allowed as surrogates for hazardoussubstances not listed in DOL 29 CFR Part 1910.1000.

CEILING RADIATION DAMPER. A listed deviceinstalled in a ceiling membrane of a fire-resistance-ratedfloor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly to limit automaticallythe radiative heat transfer through an air inlet/outlet opening.

CELL (Group I-3 occupancy). A room within a housingunit in a detention or correctional facility used to confineinmates or prisoners.

CELL (masonry). A void space having a gross cross-sec-tional area greater than 11/2 square inches (967 mm2).

CELL TIER. Levels of cells vertically stacked above oneanother within a housing unit.

CEMENT PLASTER. A mixture of portland or blendedcement, Portland cement or blended cement and hydratedlime, masonry cement or plastic cement and aggregate andother approved materials as specified in this code.

CERAMIC FIBER BLANKET. A mineral wool insulationmaterial made of alumina-silica fibers and weighing 4 to 10pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (64 to 160 kg/m3).

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE. A certificate statingthat materials and products meet specified standards or thatwork was done in compliance with approved constructiondocuments.

[M] CHIMNEY. A primarily vertical enclosure containingone or more passageways for conveying flue gases to the out-side atmosphere.

CHIMNEY TYPES.

High-heat appliance type. An approved chimney forremoving the products of combustion from fuel-burning,high-heat appliances producing combustion gases inexcess of 2000°F (1093°C) measured at the appliance flueoutlet (see Section 2113.11.3).

Low-heat appliance type. An approved chimney forremoving the products of combustion from fuel-burning,low-heat appliances producing combustion gases not inexcess of 1000°F (538°C) under normal operating condi-tions, but capable of producing combustion gases of1400°F (760°C) during intermittent forces firing for peri-ods up to 1 hour. Temperatures shall be measured at theappliance flue outlet.

Masonry type. A field-constructed chimney of solidmasonry units or stones.

Medium-heat appliance type. An approved chimney forremoving the products of combustion from fuel-burning,medium-heat appliances producing combustion gases notexceeding 2000°F (1093°C) measured at the applianceflue outlet (see Section 2113.11.2).

CIRCULATION PATH. An exterior or interior way of pas-sage from one place to another for pedestrians.

[F] CLEAN AGENT. Electrically nonconducting, volatile orgaseous fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue uponvaporation.

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DEFINITIONS


CLEANOUT. An opening to the bottom of a grout space ofsufficient size and spacing to allow the removal of debris.

CLINIC, OUTPATIENT. Buildings or portions thereofused to provide medical care on less than a 24-hour basis topersons who are not rendered incapable of self-preservationby the services provided.

[F] CLOSED SYSTEM. The use of a solid or liquid hazard-ous material involving a closed vessel or system that remainsclosed during normal operations where vapors emitted by theproduct are not liberated outside of the vessel or system andthe product is not exposed to the atmosphere during normaloperations; and all uses of compressed gases. Examples ofclosed systems for solids and liquids include product con-veyed through a piping system into a closed vessel, system orpiece of equipment.

COLLAR JOINT. Vertical longitudinal space betweenwythes of masonry or between masonry wythe and backupconstruction that is permitted to be filled with mortar orgrout.

COLLECTOR. A horizontal diaphragm element paralleland in line with the applied force that collects and transfersdiaphragm shear forces to the vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system and/or distributes forces within thediaphragm.

COMBINATION FIRE/SMOKE DAMPER. A listeddevice installed in ducts and air transfer openings designed toclose automatically upon the detection of heat and resist thepassage of flame and smoke. The device is installed to oper-ate automatically, controlled by a smoke detection system,and where required, is capable of being positioned from a firecommand center

[F] COMBUSTIBLE DUST. Finely divided solid materialthat is 420 microns or less in diameter and which, when dis-persed in air in the proper proportions, could be ignited by aflame, spark or other source of ignition. Combustible dustwill pass through a U.S. No. 40 standard sieve.

[F] COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS. Readily ignitable and free-burning materials in a fibrous or shredded form, such ascocoa fiber, cloth, cotton, excelsior, hay, hemp, henequen,istle, jute, kapok, oakum, rags, sisal, Spanish moss, straw,tow, wastepaper, certain synthetic fibers or other like materi-als. This definition does not include densely packed baledcotton.

[F] COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID. A liquid having a closedcup flash point at or above 100°F (38°C). Combustible liq-uids shall be subdivided as follows:

Class II. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at orabove 100°F (38°C) and below 140°F (60°C).

Class IIIA. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at orabove 140°F (60°C) and below 200°F (93°C).

Class IIIB. Liquids having a closed cup flash point at orabove 200°F (93°C).

The category of combustible liquids does not include com-pressed gases or cryogenic fluids.

COMMON PATH OF EGRESS TRAVEL. That portion ofexit access which the occupants are required to traversebefore two separate and distinct paths of egress travel to twoexits are available. Paths that merge are common paths oftravel. Common paths of egress travel shall be includedwithin the permitted travel distance.

COMMON USE. Interior or exterior circulation paths,rooms, spaces or elements that are not for public use and aremade available for the shared use of two or more people.

[F] COMPRESSED GAS. A material, or mixture of materi-als, that:

1. Is a gas at 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 pounds per squareinch atmosphere (psia) (101 kPa) of pressure; and

2. Has a boiling point of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psia(101 kPa) which is either liquefied, nonliquefied or insolution, except those gases which have no otherhealth- or physical-hazard properties are not consideredto be compressed until the pressure in the packagingexceeds 41 psia (282 kPa) at 68°F (20°C).

The states of a compressed gas are categorized as follows:

1. Nonliquefied compressed gases are gases, other thanthose in solution, which are in a packaging under thecharged pressure and are entirely gaseous at a tempera-ture of 68°F (20°C).

2. Liquefied compressed gases are gases that, in a packag-ing under the charged pressure, are partially liquid at atemperature of 68°F (20°C).

3. Compressed gases in solution are nonliquefied gasesthat are dissolved in a solvent.

4. Compressed gas mixtures consist of a mixture of two ormore compressed gases contained in a packaging, thehazard properties of which are represented by the prop-erties of the mixture as a whole.

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF MASONRY. Maxi-mum compressive force resisted per unit of net cross-sec-tional area of masonry, determined by the testing of masonryprisms

CONCRETE

Carbonate aggregate. Concrete made with aggregatesconsisting mainly of calcium or magnesium carbonate,such as limestone or dolomite, and containing 40 percentor less quartz, chert or flint.

Cellular. A lightweight insulating concrete made by mix-ing a preformed foam with Portland cement slurry andhaving a dry unit weight of approximately 30 pcf (480 kg/m3).

Lightweight aggregate. Concrete made with aggregatesof expanded clay, shale, slag or slate or sintered fly ash orany natural lightweight aggregate meeting ASTM C 330and possessing equivalent fire-resistance properties andweighing 85 to 115 pcf (1360 to 1840 kg/m3).

Perlite. A lightweight insulating concrete having a dryunit weight of approximately 30 pcf (480 kg/m3) madewith perlite concrete aggregate. Perlite aggregate is pro-



DEFINITIONS


duced from a volcanic rock which, when heated, expandsto form a glass-like material of cellular structure.

Sand-lightweight. Concrete made with a combination ofexpanded clay, shale, slag, slate, sintered fly ash, or anynatural lightweight aggregate meeting ASTM C 330 andpossessing equivalent fire-resistance properties and natu-ral sand. Its unit weight is generally between 105 and 120pcf (1680 and 1920 kg/m3).

Siliceous aggregate. Concrete made with normal-weightaggregates consisting mainly of silica or compounds otherthan calcium or magnesium carbonate, which containsmore than 40-percent quartz, chert or flint.

Vermiculite. A light weight insulating concrete madewith vermiculite concrete aggregate which is laminatedmicaceous material produced by expanding the ore at hightemperatures. When added to a Portland cement slurry theresulting concrete has a dry unit weight of approximately30 pcf (480 kg/m3).

CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITIES. A building orpart thereof that contains sleeping units where residents sharebathroom and/or kitchen facilities.

[F] CONSTANTLY ATTENDED LOCATION. A desig-nated location at a facility staffed by trained personnel on acontinuous basis where alarm or supervisory signals are mon-itored and facilities are provided for notification of the firedepartment or other emergency services.

[A] CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS. Written, graphicand pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describingthe design, location and physical characteristics of the ele-ments of a project necessary for obtaining a building permit.

CONSTRUCTION TYPES. See Section 602.

Type I. See Section 602.2.

Type II. See Section 602.2.

Type III. See Section 602.3.

Type IV. See Section 602.4.

Type V. See Section 602.5.

[F] CONTINUOUS GAS DETECTION SYSTEM. A gasdetection system where the analytical instrument is main-tained in continuous operation and sampling is performedwithout interruption. Analysis is allowed to be performed ona cyclical basis at intervals not to exceed 30 minutes.

[F] CONTROL AREA. Spaces within a building wherequantities of hazardous materials not exceeding the maxi-mum allowable quantities per control area are stored, dis-pensed, used or handled. See also the definition of “Outdoorcontrol area” in the International Fire Code.

CONTROLLED LOW-STRENGTH MATERIAL. A self-compacted, cementitious material used primarily as a backfillin place of compacted fill.

CONVENTIONAL LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUC-TION. A type of construction whose primary structural ele-ments are formed by a system of repetitive wood-framingmembers. See Section 2308 for conventional light-frame con-struction provisions.

CORNICE. A projecting horizontal molded element locatedat or near the top of an architectural feature.

CORRIDOR. An enclosed exit access component thatdefines and provides a path of egress travel.

CORROSION RESISTANCE. The ability of a material towithstand deterioration of its surface or its properties whenexposed to its environment.

[F] CORROSIVE. A chemical that causes visible destruc-tion of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemicalaction at the point of contact. A chemical shall be consideredcorrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbitsby the method described in DOTn 49 CFR, Part 173.137,such chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the structureof the tissue at the point of contact following an exposureperiod of 4 hours. This term does not refer to action on inani-mate surfaces.

COURT. An open, uncovered space, unobstructed to the sky,bounded on three or more sides by exterior building walls orother enclosing devices.

COVERED MALL BUILDING. A single building enclos-ing a number of tenants and occupants, such as retail stores,drinking and dining establishments, entertainment andamusement facilities, passenger transportation terminals,offices and other similar uses wherein two or more tenantshave a main entrance into one or more malls. Anchor build-ings shall not be considered as a part of the covered mallbuilding. The term “covered mall building” shall includeopen mall buildings as defined below.

Mall. A roofed or covered common pedestrian area withina covered mall building that serves as access for two ormore tenants and not to exceed three levels that are opento each other. The term “mall” shall include open malls asdefined below.

Open mall. An unroofed common pedestrian way servinga number of tenants not exceeding three levels. Circulationat levels above grade shall be permitted to include openexterior balconies leading to exits discharging at grade.

Open mall building. Several structures housing a numberof tenants, such as retail stores, drinking and dining estab-lishments, entertainment and amusement facilities, offices,and other similar uses, wherein two or more tenants have amain entrance into one or more open malls. Anchor build-ings are not considered as a part of the open mall building.

CRIPPLE WALL. A framed stud wall extending from thetop of the foundation to the underside of floor framing for thelowest occupied floor level.

[F] CRYOGENIC FLUID. A liquid having a boiling pointlower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inchatmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).

CUSTODIAL CARE. Assistance with day-to-day livingtasks; such as assistance with cooking, taking medication,bathing, using toilet facilities and other tasks of daily living.Custodial care include occupants who evacuate at a slowerrate and/or who have mental and psychiatric complications.

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DEFINITIONS


DALLE GLASS. A decorative composite glazing materialmade of individual pieces of glass that are embedded in a castmatrix of concrete or epoxy.

DAMPER. See “Ceiling radiation damper,” “Combinationfire/smoke damper,” “Fire damper” and “Smoke damper.”

DANGEROUS. Any building, structure or portion thereofthat meets any of the conditions described below shall bedeemed dangerous:

1. The building or structure has collapsed, has partiallycollapsed, has moved off its foundation or lacks thenecessary support of the ground.

2. There exists a significant risk of collapse, detachmentor dislodgment of any portion, member, appurtenanceor ornamentation of the building or structure under ser-vice loads.

[F] DAY BOX. A portable magazine designed to hold explo-sive materials constructed in accordance with the require-ments for a Type 3 magazine as defined and classified inChapter 56 of the International Fire Code.

DEAD LOAD. The weight of materials of constructionincorporated into the building, including but not limited towalls, floors, roofs, ceilings, stairways, built-in partitions,finishes, cladding and other similarly incorporated architec-tural and structural items, and the weight of fixed serviceequipment, such as cranes, plumbing stacks and risers, elec-trical feeders, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning sys-tems and automatic sprinkler systems.

DECORATIVE GLASS. A carved, leaded or Dalle glass orglazing material whose purpose is decorative or artistic, notfunctional; whose coloring, texture or other design qualitiesor components cannot be removed without destroying theglazing material and whose surface, or assembly into which itis incorporated, is divided into segments.

[F] DECORATIVE MATERIALS. All materials appliedover the building interior finish for decorative, acoustical orother effect (such as curtains, draperies, fabrics, streamersand surface coverings), and all other materials utilized fordecorative effect (such as batting, cloth, cotton, hay, stalks,straw, vines, leaves, trees, moss and similar items), includingfoam plastics and materials containing foam plastics. Decora-tive materials do not include floor coverings, ordinary win-dow shades, interior finish and materials 0.025 inch (0.64mm) or less in thickness applied directly to and adheringtightly to a substrate.

DEEP FOUNDATION. A deep foundation is a foundationelement that does not satisfy the definition of a shallow foun-dation.

[F] DEFLAGRATION. An exothermic reaction, such as theextremely rapid oxidation of a flammable dust or vapor in air,in which the reaction progresses through the unburned mate-rial at a rate less than the velocity of sound. A deflagrationcan have an explosive effect.

[F] DELUGE SYSTEM. A sprinkler system employingopen sprinklers attached to a piping system connected to awater supply through a valve that is opened by the operationof a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprin-

klers. When this valve opens, water flows into the piping sys-tem and discharges from all sprinklers attached thereto.

DESIGN DISPLACEMENT. See Section 1905.1.1.

DESIGN EARTHQUAKE GROUND MOTION. Theearthquake ground motion that buildings and structures arespecifically proportioned to resist in Section 1613.

DESIGN FLOOD. The flood associated with the greater ofthe following two areas:

1. Area with a flood plain subject to a 1-percent or greaterchance of flooding in any year; or

2. Area designated as a flood hazard area on a commu-nity’s flood hazard map, or otherwise legally desig-nated.

DESIGN FLOOD ELEVATION. The elevation of the“design flood,” including wave height, relative to the datumspecified on the community’s legally designated flood hazardmap. In areas designated as Zone AO, the design flood eleva-tion shall be the elevation of the highest existing grade of thebuilding’s perimeter plus the depth number (in feet) specifiedon the flood hazard map. In areas designated as Zone AOwhere a depth number is not specified on the map, the depthnumber shall be taken as being equal to 2 feet (610 mm).

DESIGN PROFESSIONAL, REGISTERED. See “Regis-tered design professional.”

DESIGN PROFESSIONAL IN RESPONSIBLECHARGE, REGISTERED. See “Registered design profes-sional in responsible charge.”

DESIGN STRENGTH. The product of the nominal strengthand a resistance factor (or strength reduction factor).

DESIGNATED SEISMIC SYSTEM. Those nonstructuralcomponents that require design in accordance with Chapter13 of ASCE 7 and for which the component importance fac-tor, Ip, is greater than 1 in accordance with Section 13.1.3 ofASCE 7.

[F] DETACHED BUILDING. A separate single-storybuilding, without a basement or crawl space, used for thestorage or use of hazardous materials and located anapproved distance from all structures.

DETAILED PLAIN CONCRETE STRUCTURALWALL. See Section 1905.1.1

DETECTABLE WARNING. A standardized surface fea-ture built in or applied to walking surfaces or other elementsto warn visually impaired persons of hazards on a circulationpath.

[F] DETECTOR, HEAT. A fire detector that senses heat—either abnormally high temperature or rate of rise, or both.

[F] DETONATION. An exothermic reaction characterizedby the presence of a shock wave in the material which estab-lishes and maintains the reaction. The reaction zone pro-gresses through the material at a rate greater than the velocityof sound. The principal heating mechanism is one of shockcompression. Detonations have an explosive effect.

DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES. Facilities that providetreatment for substance abuse, serving care recipients who are



DEFINITIONS


incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to them-selves or others.

DIAPHRAGM. A horizontal or sloped system acting totransmit lateral forces to the vertical-resisting elements.When the term “diaphragm” is used, it shall include horizon-tal bracing systems.

Diaphragm, blocked. In light-frame construction, a dia-phragm in which all sheathing edges not occurring on aframing member are supported on and fastened to block-ing.

Diaphragm boundary. In light-frame construction, alocation where shear is transferred into or out of the dia-phragm sheathing. Transfer is either to a boundary ele-ment or to another force-resisting element.

Diaphragm chord. A diaphragm boundary element per-pendicular to the applied load that is assumed to take axialstresses due to the diaphragm moment.

Diaphragm flexible. A diaphragm is flexible for the pur-pose of distribution of story shear and torsional momentwhere so indicated in Section 12.3.1 of ASCE 7.

Diaphragm, rigid. A diaphragm is rigid for the purposeof distribution of story shear and torsional moment whenthe lateral deformation of the diaphragm is less than orequal to two times the average story drift.

Diaphram, unblocked. A diaphragm that has edge nailingat supporting members only. Blocking between supportingstructural members at panel edges is not included. Dia-phragm panels are field nailed to supporting members.

DIMENSIONS.

Nominal. The specified dimension plus an allowance forthe joints with which the units are to be laid. Nominaldimensions are usually stated in whole numbers. Thick-ness is given first, followed by height and then length.

Specified. Dimensions specified for the manufacture orconstruction of a unit, joint element.

[F] DISPENSING. The pouring or transferring of any mate-rial from a container, tank or similar vessel, whereby vapors,dusts, fumes, mists or gases are liberated to the atmosphere.

DOOR, BALANCED. A door equipped with double-pivotedhardware so designed as to cause a semicounter balancedswing action when opening.

DORMITORY. A space in a building where group sleepingaccommodations are provided in one room, or in a series ofclosely associated rooms, for persons not members of thesame family group, under joint occupancy and single man-agement, as in college dormitories or fraternity houses.

DRAFTSTOP. A material, device or construction installedto restrict the movement of air within open spaces of con-cealed areas of building components such as crawl spaces,floor/ceiling assemblies, roof/ceiling assemblies and attics.

DRAG STRUT. See “Collector.”

DRILLED SHAFT. A drilled shaft is a cast-in-place deepfoundation element constructed by drilling a hole (with or

without permanent casing) into soil or rock and filling it withfluid concrete.

Socketed drilled shaft. A socketed drilled shaft is adrilled shaft with a permanent pipe or tube casing thatextends down to bedrock and an uncased socket drilledinto the bedrock.

[F] DRY-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING AGENT. Apowder composed of small particles, usually of sodium bicar-bonate, potassium bicarbonate, urea-potassium-based bicar-bonate, potassium chloride or monoammonium phosphate,with added particulate material supplemented by specialtreatment to provide resistance to packing, resistance to mois-ture absorption (caking) and the proper flow capabilities.

DRY FLOODPROOFING. A combination of design modi-fications that results in a building or structure, including theattendant utility and sanitary facilities, being water tight withwalls substantially impermeable to the passage of water andwith structural components having the capacity to resist loadsas identified in ASCE 7.

DURATION OF LOAD. The period of continuous applica-tion of a given load, or the aggregate of periods of intermit-tent applications of the same load.

DWELLING. A building that contains one or two dwellingunits used, intended or designed to be used, rented, leased, letor hired out to be occupied for living purposes.

DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete, inde-pendent living facilities for one or more persons, includingpermanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cookingand sanitation.

DWELLING UNIT OR SLEEPING UNIT, MULTI-STORY. See definition for “Multistory unit.”

EGRESS COURT. A court or yard which provides access toa public way for one or more exits.

[F] ELEVATOR GROUP. A grouping of elevators in abuilding located adjacent or directly across from one anotherthat responds to common hall call buttons.

[F] EMERGENCY ALARM SYSTEM. A system to pro-vide indication and warning of emergency situations involv-ing hazardous materials.

[F] EMERGENCY CONTROL STATION. An approvedlocation on the premises where signals from emergencyequipment are received and which is staffed by trained per-sonnel.

EMERGENCY ESCAPE AND RESCUE OPENING. Anoperable window, door or other similar device that providesfor a means of escape and access for rescue in the event of anemergency.

[F] EMERGENCY VOICE/ALARM COMMUNICA-TIONS. Dedicated manual or automatic facilities for origi-nating and distributing voice instructions, as well as alert andevacuation signals pertaining to a fire emergency, to theoccupants of a building.

EMPLOYEE WORK AREA. All or any portion of a spaceused only by employees and only for work. Corridors, toilet

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DEFINITIONS


rooms, kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee workareas.

ENTRANCE, PUBLIC. See “Public entrance.”

ENTRANCE, RESTRICTED. See “Restricted entrance.”

ENTRANCE, SERVICE. See “Service entrance.”

EQUIPMENT PLATFORM. An unoccupied, elevated plat-form used exclusively for mechanical systems or industrialprocess equipment, including the associated elevated walk-ways, stairs, alternating tread devices and ladders necessaryto access the platform (see Section 505.3).

ESSENTIAL FACILITIES. Buildings and other structuresthat are intended to remain operational in the event ofextreme environmental loading from flood, wind, snow orearthquakes

[F] EXHAUSTED ENCLOSURE. An appliance or piece ofequipment that consists of a top, a back and two sides provid-ing a means of local exhaust for capturing gases, fumes,vapors and mists. Such enclosures include laboratory hoods,exhaust fume hoods and similar appliances and equipmentused to locally retain and exhaust the gases, fumes, vaporsand mists that could be released. Rooms or areas providedwith general ventilation, in themselves, are not exhaustedenclosures.

EXISTING CONSTRUCTION. Any buildings and struc-tures for which the start of construction commenced beforethe effective date of the community’s first flood plain man-agement code, ordinance or standard. “Existing construction”is also referred to as “existing structures.”

EXISTING STRUCTURE (For Section 1612.2). See“Existing construction”.

EXISTING STRUCTURE (For Chapter 34). A structureerected prior to the date of adoption of the appropriate code,or one for which a legal building permit has been issued.

EXIT. That portion of a means of egress system between theexit access and the exit discharge or public way. Exit compo-nents include exterior exit doors at the level of exit discharge,interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps, exit passageways,exterior exit stairways and exterior exit ramps and horizontalexits.

EXIT ACCESS. That portion of a means of egress systemthat leads from any occupied portion of a building or struc-ture to an exit.

EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY. A door or access point alongthe path of egress travel from an occupied room, area or spacewhere the path of egress enters an intervening room, corri-dor, exit access stair or exit access ramp.

EXIT ACCESS RAMP. An interior ramp that is not arequired interior exit ramp.

EXIT ACCESS STAIRWAY. An interior stairway that isnot a required interior exit stairway.

EXIT DISCHARGE. That portion of a means of egress sys-tem between the termination of an exit and a public way.

EXIT DISCHARGE, LEVEL OF. The story at the point atwhich an exit terminates and an exit discharge begins.

EXIT HARDWARE, FIRE. See “Fire exit hardware.”

EXIT, HORIZONTAL. A path of egress travel from onebuilding to an area in another building on approximately thesame level, or a path of egress travel through or around a wallor partition to an area on approximately the same level in thesame building, which affords safety from fire and smokefrom the area of incidence and areas communicating there-with.

EXIT PASSAGEWAY. An exit component that is separatedfrom other interior spaces of a building or structure by fire-resistance-rated construction and opening protectives, andprovides for a protected path of egress travel in a horizontaldirection to an exit or to the exit discharge.

EXPANDED VINYL WALL COVERING. Wall coveringconsisting of a woven textile backing, an expanded vinyl basecoat layer and a nonexpanded vinyl skin coat. The expandedbase coat layer is a homogeneous vinyl layer that contains ablowing agent. During processing, the blowing agent decom-poses, causing this layer to expand by forming closed cells.The total thickness of the wall covering is approximately0.055 inch to 0.070 inch (1.4 mm to 1.78 mm).

[F] EXPLOSION. An effect produced by the sudden violentexpansion of gases, which may be accompanied by a shockwave or disruption, or both, of enclosing materials or struc-tures. An explosion could result from any of the following:

1. Chemical changes such as rapid oxidation, deflagrationor detonation, decomposition of molecules and run-away polymerization (usually detonations).

2. Physical changes such as pressure tank ruptures.

3. Atomic changes (nuclear fission or fusion).

[F] EXPLOSIVE. A chemical compound, mixture or device,the primary or common purpose of which is to function byexplosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite,black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detona-tors, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, ignit-ers and display fireworks, 1.3G.

The term “explosive” includes any material determined tobe within the scope of USC Title 18: Chapter 40 and alsoincludes any material classified as an explosive other thanconsumer fireworks, 1.4G by the hazardous materials regula-tions of DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100-185.

High explosive. Explosive material, such as dynamite,which can be caused to detonate by means of a No. 8 testblasting cap when unconfined.

Low explosive. Explosive material that will burn or defla-grate when ignited. It is characterized by a rate of reactionthat is less than the speed of sound. Examples of lowexplosives include, but are not limited to, black powder;safety fuse; igniters; igniter cord; fuse lighters; fireworks,1.3G and propellants, 1.3C.

Mass-detonating explosives. Division 1.1, 1.2 and 1.5explosives alone or in combination, or loaded into varioustypes of ammunition or containers, most of which can beexpected to explode virtually instantaneously when asmall portion is subjected to fire, severe concussion,impact, the impulse of an initiating agent or the effect of a�



DEFINITIONS


considerable discharge of energy from without. Materialsthat react in this manner represent a mass explosion haz-ard. Such an explosive will normally cause severe struc-tural damage to adjacent objects. Explosive propagationcould occur immediately to other items of ammunition andexplosives stored sufficiently close to and not adequatelyprotected from the initially exploding pile with a timeinterval short enough so that two or more quantities mustbe considered as one for quantity-distance purposes.

UN/DOTn Class 1 explosives. The former classificationsystem used by DOTn included the terms “high” and“low” explosives as defined herein. The following termsfurther define explosives under the current system appliedby DOTn for all explosive materials defined as hazardClass 1 materials. Compatibility group letters are used inconcert with the division to specify further limitations oneach division noted (i.e., the letter G identifies the materialas a pyrotechnic substance or article containing a pyro-technic substance and similar materials).

Division 1.1. Explosives that have a mass explosionhazard. A mass explosion is one which affects almostthe entire load instantaneously.

Division 1.2. Explosives that have a projection hazardbut not a mass explosion hazard.

Division 1.3. Explosives that have a fire hazard andeither a minor blast hazard or a minor projection hazardor both, but not a mass explosion hazard.

Division 1.4. Explosives that pose a minor explosionhazard. The explosive effects are largely confined tothe package and no projection of fragments of apprecia-ble size or range is to be expected. An external firemust not cause virtually instantaneous explosion ofalmost the entire contents of the package.

Division 1.5. Very insensitive explosives. This divisionis comprised of substances that have a mass explosionhazard, but that are so insensitive there is very littleprobability of initiation or of transition from burning todetonation under normal conditions of transport.

Division 1.6. Extremely insensitive articles which donot have a mass explosion hazard. This division is com-prised of articles that contain only extremely insensi-tive detonating substances and which demonstrate anegligible probability of accidental initiation or propa-gation.

EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS(EIFS). EIFS are nonstructural, nonload-bearing, exteriorwall cladding systems that consist of an insulation boardattached either adhesively or mechanically, or both, to thesubstrate; an integrally reinforced base coat and a texturedprotective finish coat.

EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS(EIFS) WITH DRAINAGE. An EIFS that incorporates ameans of drainage applied over a water-resistive barrier.

EXTERIOR SURFACES. Weather-exposed surfaces.

EXTERIOR WALL. A wall, bearing or nonbearing, that isused as an enclosing wall for a building, other than a fire

wall, and that has a slope of 60 degrees (1.05 rad) or greaterwith the horizontal plane.

EXTERIOR WALL COVERING. A material or assemblyof materials applied on the exterior side of exterior walls forthe purpose of providing a weather-resisting barrier, insula-tion or for aesthetics, including but not limited to, veneers,siding, exterior insulation and finish systems, architecturaltrim and embellishments such as cornices, soffits, facias, gut-ters and leaders.

EXTERIOR WALL ENVELOPE. A system or assembly ofexterior wall components, including exterior wall finishmaterials, that provides protection of the building structuralmembers, including framing and sheathing materials, andconditioned interior space, from the detrimental effects of theexterior environment.

F RATING. The time period that the through-penetrationfirestop system limits the spread of fire through the penetra-tion when tested in accordance with ASTM E 814 or UL1479.

FABRIC PARTITION. A partition consisting of a finishedsurface made of fabric, without a continuous rigid backing,that is directly attached to a framing system in which the ver-tical framing members are spaced greater than 4 feet (1219mm) on center.

FABRICATED ITEM. Structural, load-bearing or lateralload-resisting assemblies consisting of materials assembledprior to installation in a building or structure, or subjected tooperations such as heat treatment, thermal cutting, cold work-ing or reforming after manufacture and prior to installation ina building or structure. Materials produced in accordancewith standard specifications referenced by this code, such asrolled structural steel shapes, steel reinforcing bars, masonryunits and wood structural panels, or in accordance with a ref-erenced standard which provides requirements for qualitycontrol done under the supervisions of a third-party qualitycontrol agency, shall not be considered “fabricated items.”

[F] FABRICATION AREA. An area within a semiconduc-tor fabrication facility and related research and developmentareas in which there are processes using hazardous produc-tion materials. Such areas are allowed to include ancillaryrooms or areas such as dressing rooms and offices that aredirectly related to the fabrication area processes.

FACILITY. All or any portion of buildings, structures, siteimprovements, elements and pedestrian or vehicular routeslocated on a site.

FACTORED LOAD. The product of a nominal load and aload factor.

FIBER-CEMENT SIDING. A manufactured, fiber-rein-forcing product made with an inorganic hydraulic or calciumsilicate binder formed by chemical reaction and reinforcedwith discrete organic or inorganic nonasbestos fibers, or both.Additives that enhance manufacturing or product perfor-mance are permitted. Fiber-cement siding products haveeither smooth or textured faces and are intended for exteriorwall and related applications.

FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER. A polymeric compos-ite material consisting of reinforcement fibers, such as glass,



DEFINITIONS


impregnated with a fiber-binding polymer which is thenmolded and hardened. Fiber-reinforced polymers are permit-ted to contain cores laminated between fiber-reinforced poly-mer facings.

FIBERBOARD. A fibrous, homogeneous panel made fromlignocellulosic fibers (usually wood or cane) and having adensity of less than 31 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (497 kg/m3) but more than 10 pcf (160 kg/m3).

FIELD NAILING. See “Nailing, field.”

[F] FIRE ALARM BOX, MANUAL. See “Manual firealarm box.”

[F] FIRE ALARM CONTROL UNIT. A system compo-nent that receives inputs from automatic and manual firealarm devices and may be capable of supplying power todetection devices and transponders or off-premises transmit-ters. The control unit may be capable of providing a transferof power to the notification appliances and transfer of condi-tion to relays or devices.

[F] FIRE ALARM SIGNAL. A signal initiated by a firealarm-initiating device such as a manual fire alarm box,automatic fire detector, waterflow switch or other devicewhose activation is indicative of the presence of a fire or firesignature.

[F] FIRE ALARM SYSTEM. A system or portion of a com-bination system consisting of components and circuitsarranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm orsupervisory signal-initiating devices and to initiate the appro-priate response to those signals.

FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed andbounded by fire walls, fire barriers, exterior walls or hori-zontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not pro-vided with surrounding walls shall be included in the fire areaif such areas are included within the horizontal projection ofthe roof or floor next above.

FIRE BARRIER. A fire-resistance-rated wall assembly ofmaterials designed to restrict the spread of fire in which con-tinuity is maintained.

[F] FIRE COMMAND CENTER. The principal attended orunattended location where the status of detection, alarm com-munications and control systems is displayed, and fromwhich the systems can be manually controlled.

FIRE DAMPER. A listed device installed in ducts and airtransfer openings designed to close automatically upon detec-tion of heat and resist the passage of flame. Fire dampers areclassified for use in either static systems that will automati-cally shut down in the event of a fire, or in dynamic systemsthat continue to operate during a fire. A dynamic fire damperis tested and rated for closure under elevated temperature air-flow.

[F] FIRE DETECTOR, AUTOMATIC. A device designedto detect the presence of a fire signature and to initiate action.

FIRE DOOR. The door component of a fire door assembly.

FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY. Any combination of a fire door,frame, hardware and other accessories that together provide aspecific degree of fire protection to the opening.

FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY, FLOOR. See “Floor fire doorassembly.”

FIRE EXIT HARDWARE. Panic hardware that is listedfor use on fire door assemblies.

[F] FIRE LANE. A road or other passageway developed toallow the passage of fire apparatus. A fire lane is not neces-sarily intended for vehicular traffic other than fire apparatus.

FIRE PARTITION. A vertical assembly of materialsdesigned to restrict the spread of fire in which openings areprotected.

FIRE PROTECTION RATING. The period of time that anopening protective will maintain the ability to confine a fireas determined by tests prescribed in Section 715. Ratings arestated in hours or minutes.

[F] FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. Approved devices,equipment and systems or combinations of systems used todetect a fire, activate an alarm, extinguish or control a fire,control or manage smoke and products of a fire or any combi-nation thereof.

FIRE-RATED GLAZING. Glazing with either a fire pro-tection rating or a fire-resistance rating.

FIRE RESISTANCE. That property of materials or theirassemblies that prevents or retards the passage of excessiveheat, hot gases or flames under conditions of use.

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING. The period of time a build-ing element, component or assembly maintains the ability toconfine a fire, continues to perform a given structural func-tion, or both, as determined by the tests, or the methods basedon tests, prescribed in Section 703.

FIRE-RESISTANT JOINT SYSTEM. An assemblage ofspecific materials or products that are designed, tested andfire-resistance rated in accordance with either ASTM E 1966or UL 2079 to resist for a prescribed period of time the pas-sage of fire through joints made in or between fire-resistance-rated assemblies.

[F] FIRE SAFETY FUNCTIONS. Building and fire controlfunctions that are intended to increase the level of life safetyfor occupants or to control the spread of harmful effects offire.

FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE. The distance measuredfrom the building face to one of the following:

1. The closest interior lot line;

2. To the centerline of a street, an alley or public way; or

3. To an imaginary line between two buildings on theproperty.

The distance shall be measured at right angles from theface of the wall.

FIRE WALL. A fire-resistance-rated wall having protectedopenings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends con-tinuously from the foundation to or through the roof, withsufficient structural stability under fire conditions to allowcollapse of construction on either side without collapse of thewall.

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DEFINITIONS


FIRE WINDOW ASSEMBLY. A window constructed andglazed to give protection against the passage of fire.

FIREBLOCKING. Building materials, or materialsapproved for use as fireblocking, installed to resist the freepassage of flame to other areas of the building through con-cealed spaces.

FIREPLACE. A hearth and fire chamber or similar preparedplace in which a fire may be made and which is built in con-junction with a chimney.

FIREPLACE THROAT. The opening between the top ofthe firebox and the smoke chamber.

FIRESTOP, MEMBRANE PENETRATION. See “Mem-brane penetration firestop.”

FIRESTOP, PENETRATION. See “Penetration firestop.”

FIRESTOP SYSTEM, THROUGH PENETRATION. See “Through penetration firestop system.”

[F] FIREWORKS. Any composition or device for the pur-pose of producing a visible or audible effect for entertainmentpurposes by combustion, deflagration or detonation thatmeets the definition of 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks asset forth herein.

Fireworks, 1.3G. Large fireworks devices, which areexplosive materials, intended for use in fireworks displaysand designed to produce audible or visible effects by com-bustion, deflagration or detonation. Such 1.3G fireworksinclude, but are not limited to, firecrackers containingmore than 130 milligrams (2 grains) of explosive composi-tion, aerial shells containing more than 40 grams of pyro-technic composition, and other display pieces whichexceed the limits for classification as 1.4G fireworks. Such1.3G fireworks are also described as fireworks, UN0335by the DOTn.

Fireworks, 1.4G. Small fireworks devices containingrestricted amounts of pyrotechnic composition designedprimarily to produce visible or audible effects by combus-tion. Such 1.4G fireworks which comply with the con-struction, chemical composition and labeling regulationsof the DOTn for fireworks, UN0336, and the U.S. Con-sumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as set forth inCPSC 16 CFR: Parts 1500 and 1507, are not explosivematerials for the purpose of this code.

FIXED BASE OPERATOR (FBO). A commercial busi-ness granted the right by the airport sponsor to operate on anairport and provide aeronautical services, such as fueling,hangaring, tie-down and parking, aircraft rental, aircraftmaintenance and flight instruction.

FIXED SEATING. Furniture or fixture designed andinstalled for the use of sitting and secured in place includingbench-type seats and seats with or without backs or arm rests.

FLAME SPREAD. The propagation of flame over a surface.

FLAME SPREAD INDEX. A comparative measure,expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from visualmeasurements of the spread of flame versus time for a mate-rial tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723.

[F] FLAMMABLE GAS. A material that is a gas at 68°F(20°C) or less at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere(psia) (101 kPa) of pressure [a material that has a boilingpoint of 68°F (20°C) or less at 14.7 psia (101 kPa)] which:

1. Is ignitable at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) when in a mixture of13 percent or less by volume with air; or

2. Has a flammable range at 14.7 psia (101 kPa) with airof at least 12 percent, regardless of the lower limit.

The limits specified shall be determined at 14.7 psi (101kPa) of pressure and a temperature of 68°F (20°C) in accor-dance with ASTM E 681.

[F] FLAMMABLE LIQUEFIED GAS. A liquefied com-pressed gas which, under a charged pressure, is partially liq-uid at a temperature of 68°F (20°C) and which is flammable.

[F] FLAMMABLE LIQUID. A liquid having a closed cupflash point below 100°F (38°C). Flammable liquids are fur-ther categorized into a group known as Class I liquids. TheClass I category is subdivided as follows:

Class IA. Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C)and a boiling point below 100°F (38°C).

Class IB. Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C)and a boiling point at or above 100°F (38°C).

Class IC. Liquids having a flash point at or above 73°F(23°C) and below 100°F (38°C). The category of flamma-ble liquids does not include compressed gases or cryo-genic fluids.

[F] FLAMMABLE MATERIAL. A material capable ofbeing readily ignited from common sources of heat or at atemperature of 600°F (316°C) or less.

[F] FLAMMABLE SOLID. A solid, other than a blastingagent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire throughfriction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemicalchange, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, orwhich has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) orwhich burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as tocreate a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered aflammable solid as determined in accordance with the testmethod of CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.44, if it ignites and burnswith a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 0.1 inch (2.5mm) per second along its major axis.

[F] FLAMMABLE VAPORS OR FUMES. The concentra-tion of flammable constituents in air that exceed 25 percent oftheir lower flammable limit (LFL).

[F] FLASH POINT. The minimum temperature in degreesFahrenheit at which a liquid will give off sufficient vapors toform an ignitable mixture with air near the surface or in thecontainer, but will not sustain combustion. The flash point ofa liquid shall be determined by appropriate test procedure andapparatus as specified in ASTM D 56, ASTM D 93 or ASTMD 3278.

FLIGHT. A continuous run of rectangular treads, winders orcombination thereof from one landing to another.



DEFINITIONS


FLOOD or FLOODING. A general and temporary condi-tion of partial or complete inundation of normally dry landfrom:

1. The overflow of inland or tidal waters.

2. The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of sur-face waters from any source.

FLOOD DAMAGE-RESISTANT MATERIALS. Anyconstruction material capable of withstanding direct and pro-longed contact with floodwaters without sustaining any dam-age that requires more than cosmetic repair.

FLOOD, DESIGN. See “Design flood.”

FLOOD ELEVATION, DESIGN. See “Design flood eleva-tion.”

FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The greater of the following twoareas:

1. The area within a flood plain subject to a 1-percent orgreater chance of flooding in any year.

2. The area designated as a flood hazard area on a com-munity’s flood hazard map, or otherwise legally desig-nated.

FLOOD HAZARD AREAS, SPECIAL. See “Specialflood hazard areas.”

FLOOD HAZARD AREA SUBJECT TO HIGH-VELOCITY WAVE ACTION. Area within the flood haz-ard area that is subject to high-velocity wave action, andshown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or other floodhazard map as Zone V, VO, VE or V1-30.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM). An officialmap of a community on which the Federal emergency Man-agement Agency (FEMA) has delineated both the specialflood hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable tothe community.

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY. The official report pro-vided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency con-taining the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), the FloodBoundary and Floodway Map (FBFM), the water surface ele-vation of the base flood and supporting technical data.

FLOODWAY. The channel of the river, creek or otherwatercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reservedin order to discharge the base flood without cumulativelyincreasing the water surface elevation more than a designatedheight.

FLOOR AREA, GROSS. The floor area within the insideperimeter of the exterior walls of the building under consider-ation, exclusive of vent shafts and courts, without deductionfor corridors, stairways, closets, the thickness of interiorwalls, columns or other features. The floor area of a building,or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exteriorwalls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projectionof the roof or floor above. The gross floor area shall notinclude shafts with no openings or interior courts.

FLOOR AREA, NET. The actual occupied area not includ-ing unoccupied accessory areas such as corridors, stairways,toilet rooms, mechanical rooms and closets.

FLOOR FIRE DOOR ASSEMBLY. A combination of afire door, a frame, hardware and other accessories installed ina horizontal plane, which together provide a specific degreeof fire protection to a through-opening in a fire-resistance-rated floor (see Section 711.8).

[F] FOAM-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. A special sys-tem discharging a foam made from concentrates, eithermechanically or chemically, over the area to be protected.

FOAM PLASTIC INSULATION. A plastic that is inten-tionally expanded by the use of a foaming agent to produce areduced-density plastic containing voids consisting of openor closed cells distributed throughout the plastic for thermalinsulating or acoustical purposes and that has a density lessthan 20 pounds per cubic foot (pcf) (320 kg/m3).

FOLDING AND TELESCOPIC SEATING. Tiered seatinghaving an overall shape and size that is capable of beingreduced for purposes of moving or storing and is not a build-ing element.

FOOD COURT. A public seating area located in the mallthat serves adjacent food preparation tenant spaces.

FOSTER CARE FACILITIES. Facilities that provide careto more than five children, 21/2 years of age or less.

FOUNDATION PIER. An isolated vertical foundationmember whose horizontal dimension measured at rightangles to its thickness does not exceed three times its thick-ness and whose height is equal to or less than four times itsthickness.

FRAME STRUCTURE. A building or other structure inwhich vertical loads from floors and roofs are primarily sup-ported by columns.

[F] GAS CABINET. A fully enclosed, ventilated noncom-bustible enclosure used to provide an isolated environmentfor compressed gas cylinders in storage or use. Doors andaccess ports for exchanging cylinders and accessing pressure-regulating controls are allowed to be included.

[F] GAS ROOM. A separately ventilated, fully enclosedroom in which only compressed gases and associated equip-ment and supplies are stored or used.

[F] GASEOUS HYDROGEN SYSTEM. An assembly ofpiping, devices and apparatus designed to generate, store,contain, distribute or transport a nontoxic, gaseous hydrogen-containing mixture having at least 95-percent hydrogen gasby volume and not more than 1-percent oxygen by volume.Gaseous hydrogen systems consist of items such as com-pressed gas containers, reactors and appurtenances, includingpressure regulators, pressure relief devices, manifolds,pumps, compressors and interconnecting piping and tubingand controls.

GLASS FIBERBOARD. Fibrous glass roof insulation con-sisting of inorganic glass fibers formed into rigid boardsusing a binder. The board has a top surface faced with asphaltand kraft reinforced with glass fiber.

GLUED BUILT-UP MEMBER. A structural element, thesection of which is composed of built-up lumber, wood struc-tural panels or wood structural panels in combination withlumber, all parts bonded together with structural adhesives.

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DEFINITIONS


GRADE FLOOR OPENING. A window or other openinglocated such that the sill height of the opening is not morethan 44 inches (1118 mm) above or below the finishedground level adjacent to the opening.

GRADE (LUMBER). The classification of lumber in regardto strength and utility in accordance with American SoftwoodLumber Standard DOC PS 20 and the grading rules of anapproved lumber rules-writing agency.

GRADE PLANE. A reference plane representing the aver-age of finished ground level adjoining the building at exteriorwalls. Where the finished ground level slopes away from theexterior walls, the reference plane shall be established by thelowest points within the area between the building and the lotline or, where the lot line is more than 6 feet (1829 mm) fromthe building, between the building and a point 6 feet (1829mm) from the building.

GRADE PLANE, STORY ABOVE. See “Story abovegrade plane.”

GRANDSTAND. Tiered seating supported on a dedicatedstructural system and two or more rows high and is not abuilding element (see “Bleachers”).

GROSS LEASABLE AREA. The total floor area designedfor tenant occupancy and exclusive use. The area of tenantoccupancy is measured from the centerlines of joint partitionsto the outside of the tenant walls. All tenant areas, includingareas used for storage, shall be included in calculating grossleasable area.

GROUP HOME. A facility for social rehabilitation, sub-stance abuse or mental health problems that contains a grouphousing arrangement that provides custodial care but doesnot provide acute care.

GUARD. A building component or a system of buildingcomponents located at or near the open sides of elevatedwalking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall fromthe walking surface to a lower level.

GYPSUM BOARD. Gypsum wallboard, gypsum sheathing,gypsum base for gypsum veneer plaster, exterior gypsum sof-fit board, predecorated gypsum board or water-resistant gyp-sum backing board complying with the standards listed inTables 2506.2, 2507.2 and Chapter 35.

GYPSUM PLASTER. A mixture of calcined gypsum or cal-cined gypsum and lime and aggregate and other approvedmaterials as specified in this code.

GYPSUM VENEER PLASTER. Gypsum plaster applied toan approved base in one or more coats normally not exceed-ing 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) in total thickness.

HABITABLE SPACE. A space in a building for living,sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets,halls, storage or utility spaces and similar areas are not con-sidered habitable spaces.

[F] HALOGENATED EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. Afire-extinguishing system using one or more atoms of an ele-ment from the halogen chemical series: fluorine, chlorine,bromine and iodine.

[F] HANDLING. The deliberate transport by any means to apoint of storage or use.

HANDRAIL. A horizontal or sloping rail intended for grasp-ing by the hand for guidance or support.

HARDBOARD. A fibrous-felted, homogeneous panel madefrom lignocellulosic fibers consolidated under heat and pres-sure in a hot press to a density not less than 31 pcf (497 kg/m3).

[F] HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Those chemicals or sub-stances that are physical hazards or health hazards as classi-fied in Section 307 and the International Fire Code, whetherthe materials are in usable or waste condition.

[F] HAZARDOUS PRODUCTION MATERIAL (HPM).A solid, liquid or gas associated with semiconductor manu-facturing that has a degree-of-hazard rating in health, flam-mability or instability of Class 3 or 4 as ranked by NFPA 704and which is used directly in research, laboratory or produc-tion processes which have as their end product materials thatare not hazardous.

HEAD JOINT. Vertical mortar joint placed betweenmasonry units within the wythe at the time the masonry unitsare laid.

[F] HEALTH HAZARD. A classification of a chemical forwhich there is statistically significant evidence that acute orchronic health effects are capable of occurring in exposedpersons. The term “health hazard” includes chemicals that aretoxic or highly toxic, and corrosive.

HEAT DETECTOR. See “Detector, heat.”

HEIGHT, BUILDING. The vertical distance from gradeplane to the average height of the highest roof surface.

HELICAL PILE. Manufactured steel deep foundation ele-ment consisting of a central shaft and one or more helicalbearing plates. A helical pile is installed by rotating it into theground. Each helical bearing plate is formed into a screwthread with a uniform defined pitch.

HELIPAD. A structural surface that is used for the landing,taking off, taxiing and parking of helicopters.

HELIPORT. An area of land or water or a structural surfacethat is used, or intended for the use, for the landing and takingoff of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas that are used, orintended for use, for heliport buildings or other heliport facil-ities.

HELISTOP. The same as “heliport,” except that no fueling,defueling, maintenance, repairs or storage of helicopters ispermitted.

HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADECOMPACT LAMINATE (HPL). Panels consisting of layersof cellulose fibrous material impregnated with thermosettingresins and bonded together by a high-pressure process to forma homogeneous nonporous core suitable for exterior use.

HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADECOMPACT LAMINATE (HPL) SYSTEM. An exteriorwall covering fabricated using HPL in a specific assemblyincluding joints, seams, attachments, substrate, framing andother details as appropriate to a particular design.

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DEFINITIONS


HIGH-RISE BUILDING. A building with an occupied floorlocated more than 75 feet (22 860 mm) above the lowest levelof fire department vehicle access.

[F] HIGHLY TOXIC. A material which produces a lethaldose or lethal concentration that falls within any of the fol-lowing categories:

1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 50milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight whenadministered orally to albino rats weighing between200 and 300 grams each.

2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) of 200milligrams or less per kilogram of body weight whenadministered by continuous contact for 24 hours (orless if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bare skinof albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilogramseach.

3. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration(LC50) in air of 200 parts per million by volume or lessof gas or vapor, or 2 milligrams per liter or less of mist,fume or dust, when administered by continuous inhala-tion for 1 hour (or less if death occurs within 1 hour) toalbino rats weighing between 200 and 300 grams each.

Mixtures of these materials with ordinary materials, suchas water, might not warrant classification as highly toxic.While this system is basically simple in application, any haz-ard evaluation that is required for the precise categorizationof this type of material shall be performed by experienced,technically competent persons.

HISTORIC BUILDINGS. Buildings that are listed in or eli-gible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, ordesignated as historic under an appropriate state or local law(see Sections 3409 and 3411.9).

HORIZONTAL ASSEMBLY. A fire-resistance-rated flooror roof assembly of materials designed to restrict the spreadof fire in which continuity is maintained.

HORIZONTAL EXIT. See “Exit, horizontal.”

HOSPITALS AND PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS. Facili-ties that provide care or treatment for the medical, psychiat-ric, obstetrical, or surgical treatment of care recipients thatare incapable of self-preservation.

HOUSING UNIT. A dormitory or a group of cells with acommon dayroom in Group I-3.

[F] HPM FLAMMABLE LIQUID. An HPM liquid that isdefined as either a Class I flammable liquid or a Class II orClass IIIA combustible liquid.

[F] HPM ROOM. A room used in conjunction with or serv-ing a Group H-5 occupancy, where HPM is stored or usedand which is classified as a Group H-2, H-3 or H-4 occu-pancy.

HURRICANE-PRONE REGIONS. Areas vulnerable tohurricanes defined as:

1. The U. S. Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coastswhere the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, for RiskCategory buildings is greater than 115 mph (51.4 m/s);and

2. Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands and Ameri-can Samoa.

[F] HYDROGEN CUTOFF ROOM. A room or space thatis intended exclusively to house a gaseous hydrogen system.

ICE-SENSITIVE STRUCTURE. A structure for which theeffect of an atmospheric ice load governs the design of astructure or portion thereof. This includes, but is not limitedto, lattice structures, guyed masts, overhead lines, light sus-pension and cable-stayed bridges, aerial cable systems (e.g.,for ski lifts or logging operations), amusement rides, opencatwalks and platforms, flagpoles and signs.

[F] IMMEDIATELY DANGEROUS TO LIFE ANDHEALTH (IDLH). The concentration of air-borne contami-nants which poses a threat of death, immediate or delayedpermanent adverse health effects, or effects that could pre-vent escape from such an environment. This contaminantconcentration level is established by the National Institute ofOccupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) based on both tox-icity and flammability. It generally is expressed in parts permillion by volume (ppmv/v) or milligrams per cubic meter(mg/m3). If adequate data do not exist for precise establish-ment of IDLH concentrations, an independent certified indus-trial hygienist, industrial toxicologist, appropriate regulatoryagency or other source approved by the building official shallmake such determination.

IMPACT LOAD. The load resulting from moving machin-ery, elevators, craneways, vehicles and other similar forcesand kinetic loads, pressure and possible surcharge from fixedor moving loads.

INCAPABLE OF SELF-PRESERVATION. Personsbecause of age, physical limitations, mental limitations,chemical dependency, or medical treatment who cannotrespond as an individual to an emergency situation.

[F] INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS. Materials that, whenmixed, have the potential to react in a manner that generatesheat, fumes, gases or byproducts which are hazardous to lifeor property.

[F] INERT GAS. A gas that is capable of reacting with othermaterials only under abnormal conditions such as high tem-peratures, pressures and similar extrinsic physical forces.Within the context of the code, inert gases do not exhibiteither physical or health hazard properties as defined (otherthan acting as a simple asphyxiant) or hazard properties otherthan those of a compressed gas. Some of the more commoninert gases include argon, helium, krypton, neon, nitrogenand xenon.

[F] INITIATING DEVICE. A system component that origi-nates transmission of a change-of-state condition, such as in asmoke detector, manual fire alarm box or supervisory switch.

INSPECTION CERTIFICATE. An identification appliedon a product by an approved agency containing the name ofthe manufacturer, the function and performance characteris-tics, and the name and identification of an approved agencythat indicates that the product or material has been inspectedand evaluated by an approved agency (see Section 1703.5and “Label,” “Manufacturer’s designation” and “Mark”).



DEFINITIONS


INTENDED TO BE OCCUPIED AS A RESIDENCE.This refers to a dwelling unit or sleeping unit that can or willbe used all or part of the time as the occupant’s place ofabode.

INTERIOR EXIT RAMP. An exit component that serves tomeet one or more means of egress design requirements, suchas required number of exits or exit access travel distance, andprovides for a protected path of egress travel to the exit dis-charge or public way.

INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWAY. An exit component thatserves to meet one or more means of egress design require-ments, such as required number of exits or exit access traveldistance, and provides for a protected path of egress travel tothe exit discharge or public way.

INTERIOR FINISH. Interior finish includes interior walland ceiling finish and interior floor finish.

INTERIOR FLOOR FINISH. The exposed floor surfacesof buildings including coverings applied over a finished flooror stair, including risers.

INTERIOR FLOOR-WALL BASE. Interior floor finishtrim used to provide a functional or decorative border at theintersection of walls and floors.

INTERIOR SURFACES. Surfaces other than weatherexposed surfaces.

INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH. The exposedinterior surfaces of buildings, including but not limited to:fixed or movable walls and partitions; toilet room privacypartitions; columns; ceilings; and interior wainscoting, panel-ing or other finish applied structurally or for decoration,acoustical correction, surface insulation, structural fire resis-tance or similar purposes, but not including trim.

INTERLAYMENT. A layer of felt or nonbituminous satu-rated felt not less than 18 inches (457 mm) wide, shingledbetween each course of a wood-shake roof covering.

INTUMESCENT FIRE-RESISTANT COATINGS. Thinfilm liquid mixture applied to substrates by brush, roller,spray or trowel which expands into a protective foamed layerto provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates whenexposed to flame or intense heat.

JOINT. The opening in or between adjacent assemblies thatis created due to building tolerances, or is designed to allowindependent movement of the building in any plane causedby thermal, seismic, wind or any other loading.

[A] JURISDICTION. The governmental unit that hasadopted this code under due legislative authority.

L RATING. The air leakage rating of a through penetrationfirestop system or a fire-resistant joint system when tested inaccordance with UL 1479 or UL 2079, respectively.

[A] LABEL. An identification applied on a product by themanufacturer that contains the name of the manufacturer, thefunction and performance characteristics of the product ormaterial, and the name and identification of an approvedagency and that indicates that the representative sample of theproduct or material has been tested and evaluated by anapproved agency (see Section 1703.5 and “Inspection certifi-cate,” “Manufacturer’s designation” and “Mark”).

[A] LABELED. Equipment, materials or products to whichhas been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifyingmark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspectionagency or other organization concerned with product evalua-tion that maintains periodic inspection of the production ofthe above-labeled items and whose labeling indicates eitherthat the equipment, material or product meets identified stan-dards or has been tested and found suitable for a specifiedpurpose.

LEVEL OF EXIT DISCHARGE. See “Exit discharge,level of.”

LIGHT-DIFFUSING SYSTEM. Construction consisting inwhole or in part of lenses, panels, grids or baffles made withlight-transmitting plastics positioned below independentlymounted electrical light sources, skylights or light-transmit-ting plastic roof panels. Lenses, panels, grids and baffles thatare part of an electrical fixture shall not be considered as alight-diffusing system.

LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION. A type of construc-tion whose vertical and horizontal structural elements are pri-marily formed by a system of repetitive wood or cold-formedsteel framing members.

LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC ROOF PANELS.Structural plastic panels other than skylights that are fastenedto structural members, or panels or sheathing and that areused as light-transmitting media in the plane of the roof.

LIGHT-TRANSMITTING PLASTIC WALL PANELS.Plastic materials that are fastened to structural members, or tostructural panels or sheathing, and that are used as light-trans-mitting media in exterior walls.

LIMIT STATE. A condition beyond which a structure ormember becomes unfit for service and is judged to be no lon-ger useful for its intended function (serviceability limit state)or to be unsafe (strength limit state).

[F] LIQUID. A material that has a melting point that is equalto or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greaterthan 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute(psia) (101 kPa). When not otherwise identified, the term“liquid” includes both flammable and combustible liquids.

[F] LIQUID STORAGE ROOM. A room classified as aGroup H-3 occupancy used for the storage of flammable orcombustible liquids in a closed condition.

[F] LIQUID USE, DISPENSING AND MIXING ROOM.A room in which Class I, II and IIIA flammable or combusti-ble liquids are used, dispensed or mixed in open containers.

[A] LISTED. Equipment, materials, products or servicesincluded in a list published by an organization acceptable tothe building official and concerned with evaluation of prod-ucts or services that maintains periodic inspection of produc-tion of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation ofservices and whose listing states either that the equipment,material, product or service meets identified standards or hasbeen tested and found suitable for a specified purpose.

LIVE/WORK UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit inwhich a significant portion of the space includes a nonresi-dential use that is operated by the tenant.



DEFINITIONS


LIVE LOAD. A load produced by the use and occupancy ofthe building or other structure that does not include construc-tion or environmental loads such as wind load, snow load,rain load, earthquake load, flood load or dead load.

LIVE LOAD, ROOF. A load on a roof produced:

1. During maintenance by workers, equipment and mate-rials;

2. During the life of the structure by movable objects suchas planters or other similar small decorative appurte-nances that are not occupancy related; or

3. By the use and occupancy of the roof such as for roofgardens or assembly areas.

LOAD AND RESISTANCE FACTOR DESIGN (LRFD).A method of proportioning structural members and their con-nections using load and resistance factors such that no appli-cable limit state is reached when the structure is subjected toappropriate load combinations. The term “LRFD” is used inthe design of steel and wood structures.

LOAD EFFECTS. Forces and deformations produced instructural members by the applied loads.

LOAD FACTOR. A factor that accounts for deviations ofthe actual load from the nominal load, for uncertainties in theanalysis that transforms the load into a load effect, and for theprobability that more than one extreme load will occur simul-taneously.

LOADS. Forces or other actions that result from the weightof building materials, occupants and their possessions, envi-ronmental effects, differential movement and restraineddimensional changes. Permanent loads are those loads inwhich variations over time are rare or of small magnitude,such as dead loads. All other loads are variable loads (seealso “Nominal loads”).

[A] LOT. A portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.

[A] LOT LINE. A line dividing one lot from another, orfrom a street or any public place.

[F] LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL). The minimumconcentration of vapor in air at which propagation of flamewill occur in the presence of an ignition source. The LFL issometimes referred to as “LEL” or “lower explosive limit.”

LOWEST FLOOR. The floor of the lowest enclosed area,including basement, but excluding any unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for vehicle parking, build-ing access or limited storage provided that such enclosure isnot built so as to render the structure in violation of Section1612.

MAIN WINDFORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM. An assem-blage of structural elements assigned to provide support andstability for the overall structure. The system generallyreceives wind loading from more than one surface

MALL BUILDING, COVERED and MALL BUILDING,OPEN. See “Covered mall building.”

[F] MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX. A manually operateddevice used to initiate an alarm signal.

[A] MANUFACTURER’S DESIGNATION. An identifica-tion applied on a product by the manufacturer indicating that

a product or material complies with a specified standard orset of rules (see also “Inspection certificate,” “Label” and“Mark”).

[A] MARK. An identification applied on a product by themanufacturer indicating the name of the manufacturer and thefunction of a product or material (see also “Inspection certifi-cate,” “Label” and “Manufacturer’s designation”).

MARQUEE. A canopy that has a top surface which is slopedless than 25 degrees from the horizontal and is located lessthan 10 feet (3.05 m) from operable openings above or adja-cent to the level of the marquee.

MASONRY. A built-up construction or combination ofbuilding units or materials of clay, shale, concrete, glass, gyp-sum, stone or other approved units bonded together with orwithout mortar or grout or other accepted methods of joining.

Ashlar masonry. Masonry composed of various-sizedrectangular units having sawed, dressed or squared bedsurfaces, properly bonded and laid in mortar.

Coursed ashlar. Ashlar masonry laid in courses of stoneof equal height for each course, although different coursesshall be permitted to be of varying height.

Glass unit masonry. Masonry composed of glass unitsbonded by mortar.

Plain masonry. Masonry in which the tensile resistance ofthe masonry is taken into consideration and the effects ofstresses in reinforcement are neglected.

Random ashlar. Ashlar masonry laid in courses of stoneset without continuous joints and laid up without drawnpatterns. When composed of material cut into modularheights, discontinuous but aligned horizontal joints arediscernible.

Reinforced masonry. Masonry construction in whichreinforcement acting in conjunction with the masonry isused to resist forces.

Solid masonry. Masonry consisting of solid masonryunits laid contiguously with the joints between the unitsfilled with mortar.

Unreinforced (plain) masonry. Masonry in which thetensile resistance of masonry is taken into considerationand the resistance of the reinforcing steel, if present, isneglected.

MASONRY UNIT. Brick, tile, stone, glass block or concreteblock conforming to the requirements specified in Section2103.

Hollow. A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area inany plane parallel to the load-bearing surface is less than75 percent of its gross cross-sectional area measured inthe same plane.

Solid. A masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area inevery plane parallel to the load-bearing surface is 75 per-cent or more of its gross cross-sectional area measured inthe same plane.

MASTIC FIRE-RESISTANT COATINGS. Liquid mix-ture applied to a substrate by brush, roller, spray or trowel

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DEFINITIONS


that provides fire-resistant protection of a substrate whenexposed to flame or intense heat.

MEANS OF EGRESS. A continuous and unobstructed pathof vertical and horizontal egress travel from any occupiedportion of a building or structure to a public way. A means ofegress consists of three separate and distinct parts: the exitaccess, the exit and the exit discharge.

MECHANICAL-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES.Open parking garages employing parking machines, lifts,elevators or other mechanical devices for vehicles movingfrom and to street level and in which public occupancy is pro-hibited above the street level.

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SCREEN. A rooftop struc-ture, not covered by a roof, used to aesthetically concealplumbing, electrical or mechanical equipment from view.

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS. For the purposes of determin-ing seismic loads in ASCE 7, mechanical systems shallinclude plumbing systems as specified therein.

MEDICAL CARE. Care involving medical or surgical pro-cedures, nursing or for psychiatric purposes.

MEMBRANE-COVERED CABLE STRUCTURE. Anonpressurized structure in which a mast and cable systemprovides support and tension to the membrane weather bar-rier and the membrane imparts stability to the structure.

MEMBRANE-COVERED FRAME STRUCTURE. Anonpressurized building wherein the structure is composed ofa rigid framework to support a tensioned membrane whichprovides the weather barrier.

MEMBRANE PENETRATION. A breach in one side of afloor-ceiling, roof-ceiling or wall assembly to accommodatean item installed into or passing through the breach.

MEMBRANE-PENETRATION FIRESTOP. A material,device or construction installed to resist for a prescribed timeperiod the passage of flame and heat through openings in aprotective membrane in order to accommodate cables, cabletrays, conduit, tubing, pipes or similar items.

MEMBRANE-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM.An assemblage consisting of a fire-resistance-rated floor-ceil-ing, roof-ceiling or wall assembly, one or more penetratingitems installed into or passing through the breach in one sideof the assembly and the materials or devices, or both,installed to resist the spread of fire into the assembly for aprescribed period of time.

MERCHANDISE PAD. A merchandise pad is an area fordisplay of merchandise surrounded by aisles, permanent fix-tures or walls. Merchandise pads contain elements such asnonfixed and moveable fixtures, cases, racks, counters andpartitions as indicated in Section 105.2 from which customersbrowse or shop.

METAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL (MCM). A factory-manufactured panel consisting of metal skins bonded to bothfaces of a plastic core.

METAL COMPOSITE MATERIAL (MCM) SYSTEM. An exterior wall covering fabricated using MCM in a specificassembly including joints, seams, attachments, substrate,framing and other details as appropriate to a particular design.

METAL ROOF PANEL. An interlocking metal sheet hav-ing a minimum installed weather exposure of 3 square feet(0.279 m2) per sheet.

METAL ROOF SHINGLE. An interlocking metal sheethaving an installed weather exposure less than 3 square feet(0.279 m2) per sheet.

MEZZANINE. An intermediate level or levels between thefloor and ceiling of any story and in accordance with Section505.

MICROPILE. A micropile is a bored, grouted-in-place deepfoundation element that develops its load-carrying capacityby means of a bond zone in soil, bedrock or a combination ofsoil and bedrock.

MINERAL BOARD. A rigid felted thermal insulation boardconsisting of either felted mineral fiber or cellular beads ofexpanded aggregate formed into flat rectangular units.

MINERAL FIBER. Insulation composed principally offibers manufactured from rock, slag or glass, with or withoutbinders.

MINERAL WOOL. Synthetic vitreous fiber insulationmade by melting predominately igneous rock or furnace slag,and other inorganic materials, and then physically formingthe melt into fibers.

MODIFIED BITUMEN ROOF COVERING. One or morelayers of polymer-modified asphalt sheets. The sheet materi-als shall be fully adhered or mechanically attached to the sub-strate or held in place with an approved ballast layer.

MORTAR. A mixture consisting of cementitious materials,fine aggregates, water, with or without admixtures, that isused to construct unit masonry assemblies.

MORTAR, SURFACE-BONDING. A mixture to bondconcrete masonry units that contains hydraulic cement, glassfiber reinforcement with or without inorganic fillers ororganic modifiers and water.

MULTILEVEL ASSEMBLY SEATING. Seating that isarranged in distinct levels where each level is comprised ofeither multiple rows, or a single row of box seats accessedfrom a separate level.

[F] MULTIPLE-STATION ALARM DEVICE. Two ormore single-station alarm devices that can be interconnectedsuch that actuation of one causes all integral or separate audi-ble alarms to operate. It also can consist of one single-stationalarm device having connections to other detectors or to amanual fire alarm box.

[F] MULTIPLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. Two ormore single-station alarm devices that are capable of inter-connection such that actuation of one causes the appropriatealarm signal to operate in all interconnected alarms.

MULTISTORY UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit withhabitable space located on more than one story.

NAILING, BOUNDARY. A special nailing pattern requiredby design at the boundaries of diaphragms.

NAILING, EDGE. A special nailing pattern required bydesign at the edges of each panel within the assembly of adiaphragm or shear wall.

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DEFINITIONS


NAILING, FIELD. Nailing required between the sheathingpanels and framing members at locations other than boundarynailing and edge nailing.

NATURALLY DURABLE WOOD. The heartwood of thefollowing species except for the occasional piece with cornersapwood, provided 90 percent or more of the width of eachside on which it occurs is heartwood.

Decay resistant. Redwood, cedar, black locust and blackwalnut.

Termite resistant. Redwood, Alaska yellow cedar, East-ern red cedar and both heartwood and all sapwood ofWestern red cedar.

NOMINAL LOADS. The magnitudes of the loads specifiedin Chapter 16 (dead, live, soil, wind, snow, rain, flood andearthquake).

NOMINAL SIZE (LUMBER). The commercial size desig-nation of width and depth, in standard sawn lumber andglued-laminated lumber grades; somewhat larger than thestandard net size of dressed lumber, in accordance withDOCPS 20 for sawn lumber and with the AF&PA NDS forglued-laminated lumber.

NONCOMBUSTIBLE MEMBRANE STRUCTURE. Amembrane structure in which the membrane and all compo-nent parts of the structure are noncombustible.

[F] NORMAL TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE(NTP). A temperature of 70°F (21°C) and a pressure of 1atmosphere [14.7 psia (101 kPa)].

NOSING. The leading edge of treads of stairs and of land-ings at the top of stairway flights.

[F] NOTIFICATION ZONE. See “Zone, notification.”

[F] NUISANCE ALARM. An alarm caused by mechanicalfailure, malfunction, improper installation or lack of propermaintenance, or an alarm activated by a cause that cannot bedetermined.

NURSING HOMES. Facilities that provide care, includingboth intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilitieswhere any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation.

OCCUPANT LOAD. The number of persons for which themeans of egress of a building or portion thereof is designed.

OCCUPIABLE SPACE. A room or enclosed spacedesigned for human occupancy in which individuals congre-gate for amusement, educational or similar purposes or inwhich occupants are engaged at labor, and which is equippedwith means of egress and light and ventilation facilities meet-ing the requirements of this code.

OPEN PARKING GARAGE. A structure or portion of astructure with the openings as described in Section 406.5.2 ontwo or more sides that is used for the parking or storage ofprivate motor vehicles as described in Section 406.5.3.

[F] OPEN SYSTEM. The use of a solid or liquid hazardousmaterial involving a vessel or system that is continuouslyopen to the atmosphere during normal operations and wherevapors are liberated, or the product is exposed to the atmo-sphere during normal operations. Examples of open systems

for solids and liquids include dispensing from or into openbeakers or containers, dip tank and plating tank operations.

[F] OPERATING BUILDING. A building occupied in con-junction with the manufacture, transportation or use of explo-sive materials. Operating buildings are separated from oneanother with the use of intraplant or intraline distances

ORDINARY PRECAST STRUCTURAL WALL. SeeSection 1905.1.1.

ORDINARY REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUC-TURAL WALL. See Section 1905.1.1.

ORDINARY STRUCTURAL PLAIN CONCRETEWALL. See Section 1905.1.1.

[F] ORGANIC PEROXIDE. An organic compound thatcontains the bivalent -O-O- structure and which may be con-sidered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxidewhere one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replacedby an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explo-sion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be shocksensitive. They can also decompose into various unstablecompounds over an extended period of time.

Class I. Those formulations that are capable of deflagra-tion but not detonation.

Class II. Those formulations that burn very rapidly andthat pose a moderate reactivity hazard.

Class III. Those formulations that burn rapidly and thatpose a moderate reactivity hazard.

Class IV. Those formulations that burn in the same man-ner as ordinary combustibles and that pose a minimal reac-tivity hazard.

Class V. Those formulations that burn with less intensitythan ordinary combustibles or do not sustain combustionand that pose no reactivity hazard.

Unclassified detonable. Organic peroxides that are capa-ble of detonation. These peroxides pose an extremely highexplosion hazard through rapid explosive decomposition.

ORTHOGONAL. To be in two horizontal directions, at 90degrees (1.57 rad) to each other.

OTHER STRUCTURES. Structures, other than buildings,for which loads are specified in Chapter 16.

OUTPATIENT CLINIC. See “Clinic, outpatient.”

[A] OWNER. Any person, agent, firm or corporation havinga legal or equitable interest in the property.

[F] OXIDIZER. A material that readily yields oxygen orother oxidizing gas, or that readily reacts to promote or initi-ate combustion of combustible materials and, if heated orcontaminated, can result in vigorous self-sustained decompo-sition.

Class 4. An oxidizer that can undergo an explosive reac-tion due to contamination or exposure to thermal or physi-cal shock and that causes a severe increase in the burningrate of combustible materials with which it comes intocontact. Additionally, the oxidizer causes a severe increasein the burning rate and can cause spontaneous ignition ofcombustibles.

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DEFINITIONS


Class 3. An oxidizer that causes a severe increase in theburning rate of combustible materials with which it comesin contact.

Class 2. An oxidizer that will cause a moderate increase inthe burning rate of combustible materials with which itcomes in contact.

Class 1. An oxidizer that does not moderately increase theburning rate of combustible materials.

[F] OXIDIZING GAS. A gas that can support and acceleratecombustion of other materials more than air does.

PANEL (PART OF A STRUCTURE). The section of afloor, wall or roof comprised between the supporting frame oftwo adjacent rows of columns and girders or column bands offloor or roof construction.

PANIC HARDWARE. A door-latching assembly incorpo-rating a device that releases the latch upon the application ofa force in the direction of egress travel. See also “Fire exithardware.”

PARTICLEBOARD. A generic term for a panel primarilycomposed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally inthe form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished fromfibers. The cellulosic material is combined with syntheticresin or other suitable bonding system by a process in whichthe interparticle bond is created by the bonding system underheat and pressure.

PENETRATION FIRESTOP. A through-penetration fire-stop or a membrane-penetration firestop.

PENTHOUSE. An enclosed, unoccupied rooftop structureused for sheltering mechanical and electrical equipment,tanks, elevators and related machinery, and vertical shaftopenings.

PERFORMANCE CATEGORY. A designation of woodstructural panels as related to the panel performance used inChapter 23.

[A] PERMIT. An official document or certificate issued bythe authority having jurisdiction which authorizes perfor-mance of a specified activity.

[A] PERSON. An individual, heirs, executors, administratorsor assigns, and also includes a firm, partnership or corpora-tion, its or their successors or assigns, or the agent of any ofthe aforesaid.

PERSONAL CARE SERVICE. The care of persons who donot require medical care. Personal care involves responsibil-ity for the safety of the persons while inside the building

PHOTOLUMINESCENT. Having the property of emittinglight that continues for a length of time after excitation byvisible or invisible light has been removed.

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES/SHINGLES. A roof cov-ering composed of flat-plate photovoltaic modules fabricatedin sheets that resemble three-tab composite shingles.

[F] PHYSICAL HAZARD. A chemical for which there isevidence that it is a combustible liquid, cryogenic fluid,explosive, flammable (solid, liquid or gas), organic peroxide(solid or liquid), oxidizer (solid or liquid), oxidizing gas,pyrophoric (solid, liquid or gas), unstable (reactive) material

(solid, liquid or gas) or water-reactive material (solid or liq-uid).

[F] PHYSIOLOGICAL WARNING THRESHOLDLEVEL. A concentration of air-borne contaminants, nor-mally expressed in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams percubic meter (mg/m3), that represents the concentration atwhich persons can sense the presence of the contaminant dueto odor, irritation or other quick-acting physiologicalresponse. When used in conjunction with the permissibleexposure limit (PEL) the physiological warning thresholdlevels are those consistent with the classification system usedto establish the PEL. See the definition of “Permissible expo-sure limit (PEL)” in the International Fire Code.

PLACE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP. See “Religious wor-ship, place of.”

PLASTIC, APPROVED. Any thermoplastic, thermosettingor reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms tocombustibility classifications specified in the section applica-ble to the application and plastic type.

PLASTIC GLAZING. Plastic materials that are glazed orset in frame or sash and not held by mechanical fasteners thatpass through the glazing material.

PLATFORM. A raised area within a building used for wor-ship, the presentation of music, plays or other entertainment;the head table for special guests; the raised area for lecturersand speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round stages; and similar purposes wherein there are no over-head hanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects otherthan lighting and sound. A temporary platform is oneinstalled for not more than 30 days.

POLYPROPYLENE SIDING. A shaped material, madeprincipally from polypropylene homopolymer, or copolymer,which in some cases contains fillers or reinforcements, that isused to clad exterior walls of buildings.

PORCELAIN TILE. Porcelain tile shall conform to therequirements of ANSI 137.1.3 for ceramic tile having anabsorption of 0.5 percent or less according to ANSI 137.4.1–Class Table and ANSI 137.1.6.1 Allowable Properties by TileType–Table 10.

POSITIVE ROOF DRAINAGE. The drainage condition inwhich consideration has been made for all loading deflectionsof the roof deck, and additional slope has been provided toensure drainage of the roof within 48 hours of precipitation.

PREFABRICATED WOOD I-JOIST. Structural membermanufactured using sawn or structural composite lumberflanges and wood structural panel webs bonded together withexterior exposure adhesives, which forms an “I” cross-sec-tional shape.

PRESTRESSED MASONRY. Masonry in which internalstresses have been introduced to counteract potential tensilestresses in masonry resulting from applied loads.

PRIMARY FUNCTION. A primary function is a majoractivity for which the facility is intended. Areas that contain aprimary function include, but are not limited to, the customerservice lobby of a bank, the dining area of a cafeteria, themeeting rooms in a conference center, as well as offices and

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DEFINITIONS


other work areas in which the activities of the public accom-modation or other private entity using the facility are carriedout. Mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, supply storage rooms,employee lounges or locker rooms, janitorial closets,entrances, corridors and restrooms are not areas containing aprimary function.

PRIMARY STRUCTURAL FRAME. The primary struc-tural frame shall include all of the following structural mem-bers:

1. The columns;

2. Structural members having direct connections to thecolumns, including girders, beams, trusses and span-drels;

3. Members of the floor construction and roof construc-tion having direct connections to the columns; and

4. Bracing members that are essential to the vertical sta-bility of the primary structural frame under gravityloading shall be considered part of the primary struc-tural frame whether or not the bracing member carriesgravity loads.

PRISM. An assemblage of masonry units and mortar with orwithout grout used as a test specimen for determining proper-ties of the masonry.

PROSCENIUM WALL. The wall that separates the stagefrom the auditorium or assembly seating area.

PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS. See “Hospitals.”

PUBLIC ENTRANCE. An entrance that is not a serviceentrance or a restricted entrance.

PUBLIC-USE AREAS. Interior or exterior rooms or spacesthat are made available to the general public.

[A] PUBLIC WAY. A street, alley or other parcel of landopen to the outside air leading to a street, that has beendeeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated tothe public for public use and which has a clear width andheight of not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).

[F] PYROPHORIC. A chemical with an auto-ignition tem-perature in air, at or below a temperature of 130°F (54.4°C).

[F] PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITION. A chemical mix-ture that produces visible light displays or sounds through aself-propagating, heat-releasing chemical reaction which isinitiated by ignition.

RAMP. A walking surface that has a running slope steeperthan one unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope).

RAMP-ACCESS OPEN PARKING GARAGES. Openparking garages employing a series of continuously risingfloors or a series of interconnecting ramps between floorspermitting the movement of vehicles under their own powerfrom and to the street level.

[F] RECORD DRAWINGS. Drawings (“as builts”) thatdocument the location of all devices, appliances, wiringsequences, wiring methods and connections of the compo-nents of a fire alarm system as installed.

REFLECTIVE PLASTIC CORE FOIL INSULATION.An insulation material packaged in rolls, that is less than 0.5

inches thick, with at least one exterior low emittance surface(0.1 or less) and a core material containing voids or cells.

[A] REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL. An indi-vidual who is registered or licensed to practice their respec-tive design profession as defined by the statutoryrequirements of the professional registration laws of the stateor jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed.

[A] REGISTERED DESIGN PROFESSIONAL INRESPONSIBLE CHARGE. A registered design profes-sional engaged by the owner to review and coordinate certainaspects of the project, as determined by the building official,for compatibility with the design of the building or structure,including submittal documents prepared by others, deferredsubmittal documents and phased submittal documents.

RELIGIOUS WORSHIP, PLACE OF. A building or por-tion thereof intended for the performance of religious ser-vices.

[A] REPAIR. The reconstruction or renewal of any part of anexisting building for the purpose of its maintenance.

REROOFING. The process of recovering or replacing anexisting roof covering. See “Roof recover” and “Roofreplacement.”

RESIDENTIAL AIRCRAFT HANGAR. An accessorybuilding less than 2,000 square feet (186 m2) and 20 feet(6096 mm) in building height constructed on a one- or two-family property where aircraft are stored. Such use will beconsidered as a residential accessory use incidental to thedwelling.

RESISTANCE FACTOR. A factor that accounts for devia-tions of the actual strength from the nominal strength and themanner and consequences of failure (also called “strengthreduction factor”).

RESTRICTED ENTRANCE. An entrance that is madeavailable for common use on a controlled basis, but not publicuse, and that is not a service entrance.

RETRACTABLE AWNING. A retractable awning is acover with a frame that retracts against a building or otherstructure to which it is entirely supported.

RISK CATEGORY. A categorization of buildings and otherstructures for determination of flood, wind, snow, ice andearthquake loads based on the risk associated with unaccept-able performance.

RISK-TARGETED MAXIMUM CONSIDERED EARTH-QUAKE (MCER) GROUND MOTION RESPONSEACCELERATIONS. The most severe earthquake effects con-sidered by this code, determined for the orientation that results inthe largest maximum response to horizontal ground motions andwith adjustment for targeted risk.

ROOF ASSEMBLY (For application to Chapter 15 only).A system designed to provide weather protection and resis-tance to design loads. The system consists of a roof coveringand roof deck or a single component serving as both the roofcovering and the roof deck. A roof assembly includes the roofdeck, vapor retarder, substrate or thermal barrier, insulation,vapor retarder and roof covering.

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DEFINITIONS


ROOF COVERING. The covering applied to the roof deckfor weather resistance, fire classification or appearance.

ROOF COVERING SYSTEM. See “Roof assembly.”

ROOF DECK. The flat or sloped surface constructed on topof the exterior walls of a building or other supports for thepurpose of enclosing the story below, or sheltering an area, toprotect it from the elements, not including its supportingmembers or vertical supports.

ROOF DRAINAGE, POSITIVE. See “Positive roof drain-age.”

ROOF RECOVER. The process of installing an additionalroof covering over a prepared existing roof covering withoutremoving the existing roof covering.

ROOF REPAIR. Reconstruction or renewal of any part ofan existing roof for the purposes of its maintenance.

ROOF REPLACEMENT. The process of removing theexisting roof covering, repairing any damaged substrate andinstalling a new roof covering.

ROOF VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical processof supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removingsuch air from, attics, cathedral ceilings or other enclosedspaces over which a roof assembly is installed.

ROOFTOP STRUCTURE. A structure erected on top of theroof deck or on top of any part of a building.

RUBBLE MASONRY. Masonry composed of roughlyshaped stones.

Coursed rubble. Masonry composed of roughly shapedstones fitting approximately on level beds and wellbonded.

Random rubble. Masonry composed of roughly shapedstones laid without regularity of coursing but well bondedand fitted together to form well-divided joints.

Rough or ordinary rubble. Masonry composed ofunsquared field stones laid without regularity of coursingbut well bonded.

RUNNING BOND. The placement of masonry units suchthat head joints in successive courses are horizontally offsetat least one-quarter the unit length.

SALLYPORT. A security vestibule with two or more doorsor gates where the intended purpose is to prevent continuousand unobstructed passage by allowing the release of only onedoor or gate at a time.

SCISSOR STAIR. Two interlocking stairways providingtwo separate paths of egress located within one stairwellenclosure.

SCUPPER. An opening in a wall or parapet that allows waterto drain from a roof.

SECONDARY MEMBERS. The following structural mem-bers shall be considered secondary members and not part ofthe primary structural frame:

1. Structural members not having direct connections tothe columns;

2. Members of the floor construction and roof construc-tion not having direct connections to the columns; and

3. Bracing members other than those that are part of theprimary structural frame.

SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY. A classificationassigned to a structure based on its risk category and theseverity of the design earthquake ground motion at the site.

SEISMIC FORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM. That part ofthe structural system that has been considered in the design toprovide the required resistance to the prescribed seismicforces.

SELF-CLOSING. As applied to a fire door or other openingprotective, means equipped with an device that will ensureclosing after having been opened.

SELF-LUMINOUS. Illuminated by a self-contained powersource, other than batteries, and operated independently ofexternal power sources.

SELF-PRESERVATION, INCAPABLE OF. See “Incapa-ble of self-preservation.”

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITY. Real propertydesigned and used for the purpose of renting or leasing indi-vidual storage spaces to customers for the purpose of storingand removing personal property on a self-service basis.

[F] SERVICE CORRIDOR. A fully enclosed passage usedfor transporting HPM and purposes other than requiredmeans of egress.

SERVICE ENTRANCE. An entrance intended primarily fordelivery of goods or services.

SHAFT. An enclosed space extending through one or morestories of a building, connecting vertical openings in succes-sive floors, or floors and roof.

SHAFT ENCLOSURE. The walls or construction formingthe boundaries of a shaft.

SHALLOW FOUNDATION. A shallow foundation is anindividual or strip footing, a mat foundation, a slab-on-gradefoundation or a similar foundation element.

SHEAR WALL. (For Chapter 23) A wall designed to resistlateral forces parallel to the plane of a wall.

Shear wall, perforated. A wood structural panel sheathedwall with openings, that has not been specifically designedand detailed for force transfer around openings.

Shear wall segment, perforated. A section of shear wallwith full-height sheathing that meets the height-to-widthratio limits of Section 4.3.4 of AF&PA SDPWS.

SHEAR WALL (For Chapter 21)

Detailed plain masonry shear wall. A masonry shearwall designed to resist lateral forces neglecting stresses inreinforcement, and designed in accordance with Section2106.1.

Intermediate prestressed masonry shear wall. A pre-stressed masonry shear wall designed to resist lateralforces considering stresses in reinforcement, and designedin accordance with Section 2106.1.



DEFINITIONS


Intermediate reinforced masonry shear wall. Amasonry shear wall designed to resist lateral forces consid-ering stresses in reinforcement, and designed in accor-dance with Section 2106.1.

Ordinary plain masonry shear wall. A masonry shearwall designed to resist lateral forces neglecting stresses inreinforcement, and designed in accordance with Section2106.1.

Ordinary plain prestressed masonry shear wall. A pre-stressed masonry shear wall designed to resist lateralforces considering stresses in reinforcement, and designedin accordance with Section 2106.1.

Ordinary reinforced masonry shear wall. A masonryshear wall designed to resist lateral forces consideringstresses in reinforcement, and designed in accordance withSection 2106.1.

Special prestressed masonry shear wall. A prestressedmasonry shear wall designed to resist lateral forces consid-ering stresses in reinforcement and designed in accordancewith Section 2106.1 except that only grouted, laterallyrestrained tendons are used.

Special reinforced masonry shear wall. A masonryshear wall designed to resist lateral forces consideringstresses in reinforcement, and designed in accordance withSection 2106.1.

SINGLE-PLY MEMBRANE. A roofing membrane that isfield applied using one layer of membrane material (eitherhomogeneous or composite) rather than multiple layers.

[F] SINGLE-STATION SMOKE ALARM. An assemblyincorporating the detector, the control equipment and thealarm-sounding device in one unit, operated from a powersupply either in the unit or obtained at the point of installa-tion.

SITE. A parcel of land bounded by a lot line or a designatedportion of a public right-of-way.

SITE CLASS. A classification assigned to a site based on thetypes of soils present and their engineering properties asdefined in Section 1613.3.2.

SITE COEFFICIENTS. The values of Fa and Fv indicatedin Tables 1613.3.3(1) and 1613.3.3(2), respectively.

SITE-FABRICATED STRETCH SYSTEM. A system,fabricated on site and intended for acoustical, tackable or aes-thetic purposes, that is comprised of three elements:

1. A frame (constructed of plastic, wood, metal or othermaterial) used to hold fabric in place,

2. A core material (infill, with the correct properties forthe application), and

3. An outside layer, comprised of a textile, fabric or vinyl,that is stretched taut and held in place by tension ormechanical fasteners via the frame.

SKYLIGHT, UNIT. A factory-assembled, glazed fenestra-tion unit, containing one panel of glazing material that allowsfor natural lighting through an opening in the roof assemblywhile preserving the weather-resistant barrier of the roof.

SKYLIGHTS AND SLOPED GLAZING. Glass or othertransparent or translucent glazing material installed at a slopeof 15 degrees (0.26 rad) or more from vertical. Glazing mate-rial in skylights, including unit skylights, solariums, sun-rooms, roofs and sloped walls, are included in this definition.

SLEEPING UNIT. A room or space in which people sleep,which can also include permanent provisions for living, eat-ing, and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both.Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unitare not sleeping units.

[F] SMOKE ALARM. A single- or multiple-station alarmresponsive to smoke. See also definitions of “Multiple-sta-tion smoke alarm” and “Single station smoke alarm.”

SMOKE BARRIER. A continuous membrane, either verti-cal or horizontal, such as a wall, floor or ceiling assembly,that is designed and constructed to restrict the movement ofsmoke.

SMOKE COMPARTMENT. A space within a buildingenclosed by smoke barriers on all sides, including the top andbottom.

SMOKE DAMPER. A listed device installed in ducts andair transfer openings designed to resist the passage of smoke.The device is installed to operate automatically, controlled bya smoke detection system, and where required, is capable ofbeing positioned from a fire command center.

[F] SMOKE DETECTOR. A listed device that senses visi-ble or invisible particles of combustion.

SMOKE-DEVELOPED INDEX. A comparative measure,expressed as a dimensionless number, derived from measure-ments of smoke obscuration versus time for a material testedin accordance with ASTM E 84.

SMOKE-PROTECTED ASSEMBLY SEATING. Seatingserved by means of egress that is not subject to smoke accu-mulation within or under a structure.

SMOKEPROOF ENCLOSURE. An exit stairway designedand constructed so that the movement of the products of com-bustion produced by a fire occurring in any part of the build-ing into the enclosure is limited.

[F] SOLID. A material that has a melting point, decomposesor sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).

SPECIAL AMUSEMENT BUILDING. A special amuse-ment building is any temporary or permanent building or por-tion thereof that is occupied for amusement, entertainment oreducational purposes and that contains a device or systemthat conveys passengers or provides a walkway along, aroundor over a course in any direction so arranged that the means ofegress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio dis-tractions or is intentionally confounded or is not readily avail-able because of the nature of the attraction or mode ofconveyance through the building or structure.

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA. The land area sub-ject to flood hazards and shown on a Flood Insurance RateMap or other flood hazard map as Zone A, AE, A1-30, A99,AR, AO, AH, V, VO, VE or V1-30.

SPECIAL INSPECTION. Inspection of construction requir-ing the expertise of an approved special inspector in order to

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DEFINITIONS


ensure compliance with this code and the approved construc-tion documents.

Continuous special inspection. Special inspection by thespecial inspector who is present when and where the workto be inspected is being performed.

Periodic special inspection. Special inspection by thespecial inspector who is intermittently present where thework to be inspected has been or is being performed.

SPECIAL INSPECTOR. A qualified person employed orretained by an approved agency and approved by the buildingofficial as having the competence necessary to inspect a par-ticular type of construction requiring special inspection.

SPECIAL STRUCTURAL WALL. See Section 1905.1.1.

SPECIFIED. Required by construction documents.

SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OFMASONRY, f´m. Minimum compressive strength, expressedas force per unit of net cross-sectional area, required of themasonry used in construction by the construction documents,and upon which the project design is based. Whenever thequantity f´m is under the radical sign, the square root ofnumerical value only is intended and the result has units ofpounds per square inch (psi) (MPa).

SPLICE. The result of a factory and/or field method of join-ing or connecting two or more lengths of a fire-resistant jointsystem into a continuous entity.

SPRAYED FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS. Cementi-tious or fibrous materials that are sprayed to provide fire-resistant protection of the substrates.

STACK BOND. The placement of masonry units in a bondpattern is such that head joints in successive courses are verti-cally aligned. For the purpose of this code, requirements forstack bond shall apply to masonry laid in other than runningbond.

STAGE. A space within a building utilized for entertainmentor presentations, which includes overhead hanging curtains,drops, scenery or stage effects other than lighting and sound.

STAIR. A change in elevation, consisting of one or more ris-ers.

STAIR, SCISSOR. See “Scissor stair.”

STAIRWAY. One or more flights of stairs, either exterior orinterior, with the necessary landings and platforms connect-ing them, to form a continuous and uninterrupted passagefrom one level to another.

STAIRWAY, EXIT ACCESS. See “Exit access stairway.”

STAIRWAY, EXTERIOR. A stairway that is open on atleast one side, except for required structural columns, beams,handrails and guards. The adjoining open areas shall beeither yards, courts or public ways. The other sides of theexterior stairway need not be open.

STAIRWAY, INTERIOR. A stairway not meeting the defi-nition of an exterior stairway.

STAIRWAY, INTERIOR EXIT. See “Interior exit stair-way.”

STAIRWAY, SPIRAL. A stairway having a closed circularform in its plan view with uniform section-shaped treadsattached to and radiating from a minimum-diameter support-ing column.

[F] STANDPIPE SYSTEM, CLASSES OF. Standpipeclasses are as follows:

Class I system. A system providing 21/2-inch (64 mm)hose connections to supply water for use by fire depart-ments and those trained in handling heavy fire streams.

Class II system. A system providing 11/2-inch (38 mm)hose stations to supply water for use primarily by thebuilding occupants or by the fire department during initialresponse.

Class III system. A system providing 11/2-inch (38 mm)hose stations to supply water for use by building occu-pants and 21/2-inch (64 mm) hose connections to supply alarger volume of water for use by fire departments andthose trained in handling heavy fire streams.

[F] STANDPIPE, TYPES OF. Standpipe types are as fol-lows:

Automatic dry. A dry standpipe system, normally filledwith pressurized air, that is arranged through the use of adevice, such as dry pipe valve, to admit water into the sys-tem piping automatically upon the opening of a hosevalve. The water supply for an automatic dry standpipesystem shall be capable of supplying the system demand.

Automatic wet. A wet standpipe system that has a watersupply that is capable of supplying the system demandautomatically.

Manual dry. A dry standpipe system that does not have apermanent water supply attached to the system. Manualdry standpipe systems require water from a fire depart-ment pumper to be pumped into the system through thefire department connection in order to meet the systemdemand.

Manual wet. A wet standpipe system connected to a watersupply for the purpose of maintaining water within thesystem but does not have a water supply capable of deliv-ering the system demand attached to the system. Manual-wet standpipe systems require water from a fire depart-ment pumper (or the like) to be pumped into the system inorder to meet the system demand.

Semiautomatic dry. A dry standpipe system that isarranged through the use of a device, such as a delugevalve, to admit water into the system piping upon activa-tion of a remote control device located at a hose connec-tion. A remote control activation device shall be providedat each hose connection. The water supply for a semiauto-matic dry standpipe system shall be capable of supplyingthe system demand.

START OF CONSTRUCTION. The date of issuance fornew construction and substantial improvements to existingstructures, provided the actual start of construction, repair,reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement or otherimprovement is within 180 days after the date of issuance.The actual start of construction means the first placement of



DEFINITIONS


permanent construction of a building (including a manufac-tured home) on a site, such as the pouring of a slab or foot-ings, installation of pilings or construction of columns.

Permanent construction does not include land preparation(such as clearing, excavation, grading or filling), the installa-tion of streets or walkways, excavation for a basement, foot-ings, piers or foundations, the erection of temporary forms orthe installation of accessory buildings such as garages orsheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the mainbuilding. For a substantial improvement, the actual “start ofconstruction” means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling,floor or other structural part of a building, whether or not thatalteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

STEEL CONSTRUCTION, COLD-FORMED. That typeof construction made up entirely or in part of steel structuralmembers cold formed to shape from sheet or strip steel suchas roof deck, floor and wall panels, studs, floor joists, roofjoists and other structural elements.

STEEL JOIST. Any steel structural member of a building orstructure made of hot-rolled or cold-formed solid or open-web sections, or riveted or welded bars, strip or sheet steelmembers, or slotted and expanded, or otherwise deformedrolled sections.

STEEL MEMBER, STRUCTURAL. Any steel structuralmember of a building or structure consisting of a rolled steelstructural shape other than cold-formed steel, or steel joistmembers.

STEEP SLOPE. A roof slope greater than two units verticalin 12 units horizontal (17-percent slope).

STONE MASONRY. Masonry composed of field, quarriedor cast stone units bonded by mortar.

Ashlar stone masonry. Stone masonry composed of rect-angular units having sawed, dressed or squared bed sur-faces and bonded by mortar.

Rubble stone masonry. Stone masonry composed ofirregular-shaped units bonded by mortar.

[F] STORAGE, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. The keep-ing, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed con-tainers, tanks, cylinders, or similar vessels; or vesselssupplying operations through closed connections to the ves-sel.

STORM SHELTER. A building, structure or portionsthereof, constructed in accordance with ICC 500 and desig-nated for use during a severe wind storm event, such as a hur-ricane or tornado.

Community storm shelter. A storm shelter not defined asa “Residential Storm Shelter.”

Residential storm shelter. A storm shelter serving occu-pants of dwelling units and having an occupant load notexceeding 16 persons.

STORY. That portion of a building included between theupper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor orroof next above (also see “Basement,” “Building height,”“Grade plane” and “Mezzanine”). It is measured as the verti-cal distance from top to top of two successive tiers of beamsor finished floor surfaces and, for the topmost story, from the

top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or, wherethere is not a ceiling, to the top of the roof rafters.

STORY ABOVE GRADE PLANE. Any story having itsfinished floor surface entirely above grade plane, or in whichthe finished surface of the floor next above is:

1. More than 6 feet (1829 mm) above grade plane; or

2. More than 12 feet (3658 mm) above the finishedground level at any point.

STRENGTH (For Chapter 21).

Design strength. Nominal strength multiplied by astrength reduction factor.

Nominal strength. Strength of a member or cross sectioncalculated in accordance with these provisions beforeapplication of any strength-reduction factors.

Required strength. Strength of a member or cross sectionrequired to resist factored loads.

STRENGTH (For Chapter 16).

Nominal strength. The capacity of a structure or memberto resist the effects of loads, as determined by computa-tions using specified material strengths and dimensionsand equations derived from accepted principles of struc-tural mechanics or by field tests or laboratory tests ofscaled models, allowing for modeling effects and differ-ences between laboratory and field conditions.

Required strength. Strength of a member, cross sectionor connection required to resist factored loads or relatedinternal moments and forces in such combinations as stip-ulated by these provisions.

Strength Design. A method of proportioning structuralmembers such that the computed forces produced in themembers by factored loads do not exceed the memberdesign strength [also called “load and resistance factordesign” (LRFD)]. The term “strength design” is used inthe design of concrete and masonry structural elements.

STRUCTURAL COMPOSITE LUMBER. Structuralmember manufactured using wood elements bonded togetherwith exterior adhesives. Examples of structural compositelumber are:

Laminated strand lumber (LSL). A compsite of woodstrand elements with wood fibers primarily oriented alongthe length of the member, where the least dimension of thewood strand elements is 0.10 inches (2.54 mm) or less andtheir average lengths are a minimum of 150 times the leastdimension of the wood strand elements.

Laminated veneer lumber (LVL). A composite of woodveneer sheet elements with wood fibers primarily orientedalong the length of the member, where the veneer elementthicknesses are 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) or less.

Oriented strand lumber (OSL). A composite of woodstrand elements with wood fibers primarily oriented alongthe length of the member, where the least dimension of thewood strand elements is 0.10 inches (2.54 mm) or less andtheir average lengths are a minimum of 75 times and lessthan 150 times the least dimension of the wood strand ele-ments.



DEFINITIONS


Parallel strand lumber (PSL). A composite of woodstrand elements with wood fibers primarily oriented alongthe length of the member where the least dimension of thewood strand elements is 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) or less andtheir average lengths are a minimum of 300 times the leastdimension of the wood strand elements.

STRUCTURAL GLUED-LAMINATED TIMBER. Anengineered, stress-rated product of a timber laminating plant,comprised of assemblies of specially selected and preparedwood laminations in which the grain of all laminations isapproximately parallel longitudinally and the laminations arebonded with adhesives.

STRUCTURAL OBSERVATION. The visual observationof the structural system by a registered design professionalfor general conformance to the approved construction docu-ments. Structural observation does not include or waive theresponsibility for the inspection required by Section 110,1705 or other sections of this code.

[A] STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed.

SUBDIAPHRAGM. A portion of a larger wood diaphragmdesigned to anchor and transfer local forces to primary dia-phragm struts and the main diaphragm.

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. Damage of any origin sus-tained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the struc-ture to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed50 percent of the market value of the structure before thedamage occurred.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any repair, recon-struction, rehabilitation, addition or improvement of a build-ing or structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50percent of the market value of the structure before theimprovement or repair is started. If the structure has sus-tained substantial damage, any repairs are considered sub-stantial improvement regardless of the actual repair workperformed. The term does not, however, include either:

1. Any project for improvement of a building required tocorrect existing health, sanitary or safety code viola-tions identified by the building official and that are theminimum necessary to assure safe living conditions.

2. Any alteration of a historic structure provided that thealteration will not preclude the structure’s continueddesignation as a historic structure.

SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURAL DAMAGE. A conditionwhere:

1. In any story, the vertical elements of the lateral force-resisting system have suffered damage such that the lat-eral load-carrying capacity of the structure in any hori-zontal direction has been reduced by more than 33percent from its predamage condition; or

2. The capacity of any vertical gravity load-carrying com-ponent, or any group of such components, that supportsmore than 30 percent of the total area of the structure’sfloors and roofs has been reduced more than 20 percentfrom its predamage condition and the remaining capac-ity of such affected elements, with respect to all deadand live loads, is less than 75 percent of that required

by this code for new buildings of similar structure, pur-pose and location.

[E] SUNROOM. A one-story structure attached to a buildingwith a glazing area in excess of 40 percent of the gross area ofthe structure’s exterior walls and roof.

[F] SUPERVISING STATION. A facility that receives sig-nals and at which personnel are in attendance at all times torespond to these signals.

[F] SUPERVISORY SERVICE. The service required tomonitor performance of guard tours and the operative condi-tion of fixed suppression systems or other systems for theprotection of life and property.

[F] SUPERVISORY SIGNAL. A signal indicating the needof action in connection with the supervision of guard tours,the fire suppression systems or equipment or the maintenancefeatures of related systems.

[F] SUPERVISORY SIGNAL-INITIATING DEVICE.An initiation device, such as a valve supervisory switch,water-level indicator or low-air pressure switch on a dry-pipesprinkler system, whose change of state signals an off-normalcondition and its restoration to normal of a fire protection orlife safety system, or a need for action in connection withguard tours, fire suppression systems or equipment or mainte-nance features of related systems.

SUSCEPTIBLE BAY. A roof or portion thereof with:

1. A slope less than 1/4-inch per foot (0.0208 rad); or

2. On which water is impounded upon it, in whole or inpart, and the secondary drainage system is functionalbut the primary drainage system is blocked.

A roof surface with a slope of 1/4-inch per foot (0.0208rad) or greater towards points of free drainage is not a suscep-tible bay.

SWIMMING POOL. Any structure intended for swimming,recreational bathing or wading that contains water over 24inches (610 mm) deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wading pools.

T RATING. The time period that the penetration firestopsystem, including the penetrating item, limits the maximumtemperature rise to 325°F (163°C) above its initial tempera-ture through the penetration on the nonfire side when testedin accordance with ASTM E 814 or UL 1479.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION AREA. Open elevatedareas or spaces intended for entertainment technicians towalk on and occupy for servicing and operating entertain-ment technology systems and equipment. Galleries, includ-ing fly and lighting galleries, gridirons, catwalks, and similarareas are designed for these purposes.

TECHNICALLY INFEASIBLE. An alteration of a build-ing or a facility that has little likelihood of being accom-plished because the existing structural conditions require theremoval or alteration of a load-bearing member that is anessential part of the structural frame, or because other exist-ing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or addi-tion of elements, spaces or features which are in full and strict

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DEFINITIONS


compliance with the minimum requirements for new con-struction and which are necessary to provide accessibility.

TENT. A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or withoutsidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable materialsupported in any manner except by air or the contents it pro-tects.

[E] THERMAL ISOLATION. A separation of conditionedspaces, between a sunroom and a dwelling unit, consisting ofexisting or new walls, doors or windows.

THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL. A plastic material thatis capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temper-ature and hardened by decrease of temperature.

THERMOSETTING MATERIAL. A plastic material thatis capable of being changed into a substantially nonreform-able product when cured.

THIN-BED MORTAR. Mortar for use in construction ofAAC unit masonry with joints 0.06 inch (1.5 mm) or less.

THROUGH PENETRATION. A breach in both sides of afloor, floor-ceiling or wall assembly to accommodate an itempassing through the breaches.

THROUGH-PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEM. Anassemblage consisting of a fire-resistance-rated floor, floor-ceiling, or wall assembly, one or more penetrating items pass-ing through the breaches in both sides of the assembly and thematerials or devices, or both, installed to resist the spread offire through the assembly for a prescribed period of time.

TIE-DOWN (HOLD-DOWN). A device used to resist upliftof the chords of shear walls.

TIE, WALL. Metal connector that connects wythes ofmasonry walls together.

TILE, STRUCTURAL CLAY. A hollow masonry unitcomposed of burned clay, shale, fire clay or mixture thereof,and having parallel cells.

[F] TIRES, BULK STORAGE OF. Storage of tires wherethe area available for storage exceeds 20,000 cubic feet (566m3).

[A] TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit con-structed in a group of three or more attached units in whicheach unit extends from the foundation to roof and with openspace on at least two sides.

[F] TOXIC. A chemical falling within any of the followingcategories:

1. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) ofmore than 50 milligrams per kilogram, but not morethan 500 milligrams per kilogram of body weight whenadministered orally to albino rats weighing between200 and 300 grams each.

2. A chemical that has a median lethal dose (LD50) ofmore than 200 milligrams per kilogram, but not morethan 1,000 milligrams per kilogram of body weightwhen administered by continuous contact for 24 hours(or less if death occurs within 24 hours) with the bareskin of albino rabbits weighing between 2 and 3 kilo-grams each.

3. A chemical that has a median lethal concentration(LC50) in air of more than 200 parts per million, but notmore than 2,000 parts per million by volume of gas orvapor, or more than 2 milligrams per liter but not morethan 20 milligrams per liter of mist, fume or dust, whenadministered by continuous inhalation for 1 hour (orless if death occurs within 1 hour) to albino rats weigh-ing between 200 and 300 grams each.

TRANSIENT. Occupancy of a dwelling unit or sleeping unitfor not more than 30 days.

TRANSIENT AIRCRAFT. Aircraft based at another loca-tion and that is at the transient location for not more than 90days.

TREATED WOOD. Wood and wood-based materials thatuse vacuum-pressure impregnation processes to enhance fireretardant or preservative properties.

Fire-retardant-treated wood. Pressure-treated lumberand plywood that exhibit reduced surface-burning charac-teristics and resist propagation of fire.

Preservative-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood prod-ucts that exhibit reduced susceptibility to damage byfungi, insects or marine borers.

TRIM. Picture molds, chair rails, baseboards, handrails,door and window frames and similar decorative or protectivematerials used in fixed applications.

[F] TROUBLE SIGNAL. A signal initiated by the firealarm system or device indicative of a fault in a monitoredcircuit or component.

TUBULAR DAYLIGHTING DEVICE (TDD). A non-operable fenestration unit primarily designed to transmit day-light from a roof surface to an interior ceiling via a tubularconduit. The basic unit consists of an exterior glazed weather-ing surface, a light-transmitting tube with a reflective interiorsurface, and an interior-sealing device such as a translucentceiling panel. The unit can be factory assembled, or field-assembled from a manufactured kit.

24-HOUR CARE. See “24-hour care” located preceding“AAC masonry.”

TYPE A UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit designedand constructed for accessibility in accordance with this codeand the provisions for Type A units in ICC A117.1.

TYPE B UNIT. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit designedand constructed for accessibility in accordance with this codeand the provisions for Type B units in ICC A117.1, consistentwith the design and construction requirements of the federalFair Housing Act.

UNDERLAYMENT. One or more layers of felt, sheathingpaper, nonbituminous saturated felt or other approved mate-rial over which a steep-slope roof covering is applied.

UNIT SKYLIGHT. See “Skylight, unit.”

[F] UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL. A material,other than an explosive, which in the pure state or as commer-cially produced, will vigorously polymerize, decompose,condense or become self-reactive and undergo other violentchemical changes, including explosion, when exposed to

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DEFINITIONS


heat, friction or shock, or in the absence of an inhibitor, or inthe presence of contaminants, or in contact with incompatiblematerials. Unstable (reactive) materials are subdivided as fol-lows:

Class 4. Materials that in themselves are readily capableof detonation or explosive decomposition or explosivereaction at normal temperatures and pressures. This classincludes materials that are sensitive to mechanical orlocalized thermal shock at normal temperatures and pres-sures.

Class 3. Materials that in themselves are capable of deto-nation or of explosive decomposition or explosive reactionbut which require a strong initiating source or which mustbe heated under confinement before initiation. This classincludes materials that are sensitive to thermal or mechan-ical shock at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Class 2. Materials that in themselves are normally unsta-ble and readily undergo violent chemical change but donot detonate. This class includes materials that canundergo chemical change with rapid release of energy atnormal temperatures and pressures, and that can undergoviolent chemical change at elevated temperatures andpressures.

Class 1. Materials that in themselves are normally stablebut which can become unstable at elevated temperaturesand pressure.

[F] USE (MATERIAL). Placing a material into action,including solids, liquids and gases.

VAPOR PERMEABLE MEMBRANE. The property ofhaving a moisture vapor permeance rating of 10 perms (5.7 ×10-10 kg/Pa × s × m2) or greater, when tested in accordancewith the desiccant method using Procedure A of ASTM E 96.A vapor permeable material permits the passage of moisturevapor.

VAPOR RETARDER CLASS. A measure of a material orassembly’s ability to limit the amount of moisture that passesthrough that material or assembly. Vapor retarder class shallbe defined using the desiccant method of ASTM E 96 as fol-lows:

Class I: 0.1 perm or less.

Class II: 0.1 < perm ≤ 1.0 perm.

Class III: 1.0 < perm ≤ 10 perm.

VEHICLE BARRIER. A component or a system of compo-nents, near open sides of a garage floor or ramp or buildingwalls that act as restraints for vehicles.

VEHICULAR GATE. A gate that is intended for use at avehicular entrance or exit to a facility, building or portionthereof, and that is not intended for use by pedestrian traffic.

VENEER. A facing attached to a wall for the purpose of pro-viding ornamentation, protection or insulation, but notcounted as adding strength to the wall.

[M] VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process ofsupplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removingsuch air from, any space.

VINYL SIDING. A shaped material, made principally fromrigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), that is used as an exteriorwall covering.

[F] VISIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE. Anotification appliance that alerts by the sense of sight.

WALKWAY, PEDESTRIAN. A walkway used exclusivelyas a pedestrian trafficway.

WALL. A vertical element with a horizontal length-to-thick-ness ratio greater than three, used to enclose space.

Cavity wall. A wall built of masonry units or of concrete,or a combination of these materials, arranged to provide anairspace within the wall, and in which the inner and outerparts of the wall are tied together with metal ties.

Composite wall. A wall built of a combination of two ormore masonry units bonded together, one forming thebackup and the other forming the facing elements.

Dry-stacked, surface-bonded wall. A wall built of con-crete masonry units where the units are stacked dry, with-out mortar on the bed or head joints, and where both sidesof the wall are coated with a surface-bonding mortar.

Masonry-bonded hollow wall. A multi-wythe wall builtof masonry units arranged to provide an air space betweenthe wythes and with the wythes bonded together withmasonry units.

Parapet wall. The part of any wall entirely above the roofline.

WALL, LOAD-BEARING. Any wall meeting either of thefollowing classifications:

1. Any metal or wood stud wall that supports more than100 pounds per linear foot (1459 N/m) of vertical loadin addition to its own weight.

2. Any masonry or concrete wall that supports more than200 pounds per linear foot (2919 N/m) of vertical loadin addition to its own weight.

WALL, NONLOAD-BEARING. Any wall that is not aload-bearing wall.

WALL PIER. See Section 1905.1.1.

[F] WATER-REACTIVE MATERIAL. A material thatexplodes; violently reacts; produces flammable, toxic or otherhazardous gases; or evolves enough heat to cause autoigni-tion or ignition of combustibles upon exposure to water ormoisture. Water-reactive materials are subdivided as follows:

Class 3. Materials that react explosively with water with-out requiring heat or confinement.

Class 2. Materials that react violently with water or havethe ability to boil water. Materials that produce flammable,toxic or other hazardous gases or evolve enough heat tocause autoignition or ignition of combustibles upon expo-sure to water or moisture.

Class 1. Materials that react with water with some releaseof energy, but not violently.

WATER-RESISTIVE BARRIER. A material behind anexterior wall covering that is intended to resist liquid water



DEFINITIONS


that has penetrated behind the exterior covering from furtherintruding into the exterior wall assembly.

WEATHER-EXPOSED SURFACES. Surfaces of walls,ceilings, floors, roofs, soffits and similar surfaces exposed tothe weather except the following:

1. Ceilings and roof soffits enclosed by walls, fascia,bulkheads or beams that extend a minimum of 12inches (305 mm) below such ceiling or roof soffits.

2. Walls or portions of walls beneath an unenclosed roofarea, where located a horizontal distance from an openexterior opening equal to at least twice the height of theopening.

3. Ceiling and roof soffits located a minimum horizontaldistance of 10 feet (3048 mm) from the outer edges ofthe ceiling or roof soffits.

[F] WET-CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM. Asolution of water and potassium-carbonate-based chemical,potassium-acetate-based chemical or a combination thereof,forming an extinguishing agent.

WHEELCHAIR SPACE. A space for a single wheelchairand its occupant.

WIND-BORNE DEBRIS REGION. Areas within hurri-cane-prone regions located:

1. Within 1 mile (1.61 km) of the coastal mean high waterline where the ultimate design wind speed, Vult, is 130mph (58 m/s) or greater; or

2. In areas where the ultimate design wind speed is 140mph (63.6 m/s) or greater; or Hawaii.

For Risk Category II buildings and structures and RiskCategory III buildings and structures, except health carefacilities, the windborne debris region shall be based on Fig-ure 1609A. For Risk Category IV buildings and structuresand Risk Category III health care facilities, the windbornedebris region shall be based on Figure 1609B.

WINDFORCE-RESISTING SYSTEM, MAIN. See“Main Windforce-Resisting System.”

WIND SPEED, Vult. Ultimate design wind speeds.

WIND SPEED, Vasd. Nominal design wind speeds.

WINDER. A tread with nonparallel edges.

WIRE BACKING. Horizontal strands of tautened wireattached to surfaces of vertical supports which, when coveredwith the building paper, provide a backing for cement plaster

[F] WIRELESS PROTECTION SYSTEM. A system or apart of a system that can transmit and receive signals withoutthe aid of wire.

WOOD SHEAR PANEL. A wood floor, roof or wall com-ponent sheathed to act as a shear wall or diaphragm.

WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL. A panel manufacturedfrom veneers, wood strands or wafers or a combination ofveneer and wood strands or wafers bonded together withwaterproof synthetic resins or other suitable bonding sys-tems. Examples of wood structural panels are:

Composite panels. A wood structural panel that is com-prised of wood veneer and reconstituted wood-basedmaterial and bonded together with waterproof adhesive;

Oriented strand board (OSB). A mat-formed woodstructural panel comprised of thin rectangular woodstrands arranged in cross-aligned layers with surface lay-ers normally arranged in the long panel direction andbonded with waterproof adhesive; or

Plywood. A wood structural panel comprised of plies ofwood veneer arranged in cross-aligned layers. The pliesare bonded with waterproof adhesive that cures on appli-cation of heat and pressure.

[F] WORKSTATION. A defined space or an independentprincipal piece of equipment using HPM within a fabricationarea where a specific function, laboratory procedure orresearch activity occurs. Approved or listed hazardous mate-rials storage cabinets, flammable liquid storage cabinets orgas cabinets serving a workstation are included as part of theworkstation. A workstation is allowed to contain ventilationequipment, fire protection devices, detection devices, electri-cal devices and other processing and scientific equipment.

WYTHE. Each continuous, vertical section of a wall, onemasonry unit in thickness.

YARD. An open space, other than a court, unobstructed fromthe ground to the sky, except where specifically provided bythis code, on the lot on which a building is situated.

[F] ZONE. A defined area within the protected premises. Azone can define an area from which a signal can be received,an area to which a signal can be sent or an area in which aform of control can be executed.

[F] ZONE, NOTIFICATION. An area within a building orfacility covered by notification appliances which are acti-vated simultaneously.

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CHAPTER 3

USE AND OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION

SECTION 301GENERAL

301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall control theclassification of all buildings and structures as to use andoccupancy.

SECTION 302CLASSIFICATION

302.1 General. Structures or portions of structures shall beclassified with respect to occupancy in one or more of thegroups listed in this section. A room or space that is intendedto be occupied at different times for different purposes shallcomply with all of the requirements that are applicable toeach of the purposes for which the room or space will beoccupied. Structures with multiple occupancies or uses shallcomply with Section 508. Where a structure is proposed for apurpose that is not specifically provided for in this code, suchstructure shall be classified in the group that the occupancymost nearly resembles, according to the fire safety and rela-tive hazard involved.

1. Assembly (see Section 303): Groups A-1, A-2, A-3,A-4 and A-5

2. Business (see Section 304): Group B

3. Educational (see Section 305): Group E

4. Factory and Industrial (see Section 306): Groups F-1and F-2

5. High Hazard (see Section 307): Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 and H-5

6. Institutional (see Section 308): Groups I-1, I-2, I-3and I-4

7. Mercantile (see Section 309): Group M

8. Residential (see Section 310): Groups R-1, R-2, R-3and R-4

9. Storage (see Section 311): Groups S-1 and S-2

10. Utility and Miscellaneous (see Section 312): Group U

SECTION 303ASSEMBLY GROUP A

303.1 Assembly Group A. Assembly Group A occupancyincludes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or aportion thereof, for the gathering of persons for purposes suchas civic, social or religious functions; recreation, food ordrink consumption or awaiting transportation.

303.1.1 Small buildings and tenant spaces. A building ortenant space used for assembly purposes with an occupantload of less than 50 persons shall be classified as a GroupB occupancy.

303.1.2 Small assembly spaces. The following rooms andspaces shall not be classified as Assembly occupancies:

1. A room or space used for assembly purposes withan occupant load of less than 50 persons and acces-sory to another occupancy shall be classified as aGroup B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.

2. A room or space used for assembly purposes that isless than 750 square feet (70 m2) in area and acces-sory to another occupancy shall be classified as aGroup B occupancy or as part of that occupancy.

303.1.3 Associated with Group E occupancies. A roomor space used for assembly purposes that is associated witha Group E occupancy is not considered a separate occu-pancy.

303.1.4 Accessory to places of religious worship. Accessory religious educational rooms and religious audi-toriums with occupant loads of less than 100 are not con-sidered separate occupancies.

303.2 Assembly Group A-1. Assembly uses, usually withfixed seating, intended for the production and viewing of theperforming arts or motion pictures including, but not limitedto:

Motion picture theatersSymphony and concert hallsTelevision and radio studios admitting an audienceTheaters

303.3 Assembly Group A-2. Assembly uses intended forfood and/or drink consumption including, but not limited to:

Banquet hallsCasinos (gaming areas)NightclubsRestaurants, cafeterias and similar dining facilities

(including associated commercial kitchens) Taverns and bars

303.4 Assembly Group A-3. Assembly uses intended forworship, recreation or amusement and other assembly usesnot classified elsewhere in Group A including, but not limitedto:

Amusement arcadesArt galleriesBowling alleysCommunity hallsCourtroomsDance halls (not including food or drink consumption)Exhibition hallsFuneral parlorsGymnasiums (without spectator seating)Indoor swimming pools (without spectator seating)Indoor tennis courts (without spectator seating)Lecture hallsLibraries





MuseumsPlaces of religious worshipPool and billiard parlorsWaiting areas in transportation terminals

303.5 Assembly Group A-4. Assembly uses intended forviewing of indoor sporting events and activities with specta-tor seating including, but not limited to:

ArenasSkating rinksSwimming poolsTennis courts

303.6 Assembly Group A-5. Assembly uses intended forparticipation in or viewing outdoor activities including, butnot limited to:

Amusement park structuresBleachersGrandstandsStadiums

SECTION 304BUSINESS GROUP B

304.1 Business Group B. Business Group B occupancyincludes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or aportion thereof, for office, professional or service-type trans-actions, including storage of records and accounts. Businessoccupancies shall include, but not be limited to, the follow-ing:

Airport traffic control towersAmbulatory care facilities Animal hospitals, kennels and poundsBanksBarber and beauty shopsCar washCivic administrationClinic, outpatientDry cleaning and laundries: pick-up and delivery stations

and self-serviceEducational occupancies for students above the 12th gradeElectronic data processingLaboratories: testing and researchMotor vehicle showroomsPost officesPrint shopsProfessional services (architects, attorneys, dentists,

physicians, engineers, etc.)Radio and television stationsTelephone exchangesTraining and skill development not within a school or

academic program

304.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chap-ter 2:

AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY.

CLINIC, OUTPATIENT.

SECTION 305EDUCATIONAL GROUP E

305.1 Educational Group E. Educational Group E occu-pancy includes, among others, the use of a building or struc-ture, or a portion thereof, by six or more persons at any onetime for educational purposes through the 12th grade.

305.1.1 Accessory to places of religious worship. Reli-gious educational rooms and religious auditoriums, whichare accessory to places of religious worship in accordancewith Section 303.1.4 and have occupant loads of less than100, shall be classified as Group A-3 occupancies.

305.2 Group E, day care facilities. This group includesbuildings and structures or portions thereof occupied by morethan five children older than 21/2 years of age who receiveeducational, supervision or personal care services for fewerthan 24 hours per day.

305.2.1 Within places of religious worship. Rooms andspaces within places of religious worship providing suchday care during religious functions shall be classified aspart of the primary occupancy.

305.2.2 Five or fewer children. A facility having five orfewer children receiving such day care shall be classifiedas part of the primary occupancy.

305.2.3 Five or fewer children in a dwelling unit. Afacility such as the above within a dwelling unit and hav-ing five or fewer children receiving such day care shall beclassified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply withthe International Residential Code.

SECTION 306FACTORY GROUP F

306.1 Factory Industrial Group F. Factory Industrial GroupF occupancy includes, among others, the use of a building orstructure, or a portion thereof, for assembling, disassembling,fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair orprocessing operations that are not classified as a Group Hhazardous or Group S storage occupancy.

306.2 Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1.Factory industrial uses which are not classified as FactoryIndustrial F-2 Low Hazard shall be classified as F-1 Moder-ate Hazard and shall include, but not be limited to, the follow-ing:

Aircraft (manufacturing, not to include repair)AppliancesAthletic equipmentAutomobiles and other motor vehiclesBakeriesBeverages: over 16-percent alcohol contentBicyclesBoatsBrooms or brushesBusiness machinesCameras and photo equipmentCanvas or similar fabricCarpets and rugs (includes cleaning)Clothing





Construction and agricultural machineryDisinfectantsDry cleaning and dyeingElectric generation plantsElectronicsEngines (including rebuilding)Food processing and commercial kitchens not associated

with restaurants, cafeterias and similar dining facilitiesFurnitureHemp productsJute productsLaundriesLeather productsMachineryMetalsMillwork (sash and door)Motion pictures and television filming (without

spectators)Musical instrumentsOptical goodsPaper mills or productsPhotographic filmPlastic productsPrinting or publishingRecreational vehiclesRefuse incinerationShoesSoaps and detergentsTextilesTobaccoTrailersUpholsteringWood; distillationWoodworking (cabinet)

306.3 Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2. Factoryindustrial uses that involve the fabrication or manufacturingof noncombustible materials which during finishing, packingor processing do not involve a significant fire hazard shall beclassified as F-2 occupancies and shall include, but not belimited to, the following:

Beverages: up to and including 16-percent alcohol contentBrick and masonryCeramic productsFoundriesGlass productsGypsumIceMetal products (fabrication and assembly)

SECTION 307HIGH-HAZARD GROUP H

[F] 307.1 High-hazard Group H. High-hazard Group Hoccupancy includes, among others, the use of a building orstructure, or a portion thereof, that involves the manufactur-ing, processing, generation or storage of materials that consti-tute a physical or health hazard in quantities in excess ofthose allowed in control areas complying with Section 414,based on the maximum allowable quantity limits for control

areas set forth in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2). Hazardousoccupancies are classified in Groups H-1, H-2, H-3, H-4 andH-5 and shall be in accordance with this section, the require-ments of Section 415 and the International Fire Code. Haz-ardous materials stored, or used on top of roofs or canopiesshall be classified as outdoor storage or use and shall complywith the International Fire Code.

Exceptions: The following shall not be classified asGroup H, but shall be classified as the occupancy that theymost nearly resemble.

1. Buildings and structures occupied for the applica-tion of flammable finishes, provided that suchbuildings or areas conform to the requirements ofSection 416 and the International Fire Code.

2. Wholesale and retail sales and storage of flamma-ble and combustible liquids in mercantile occupan-cies conforming to the International Fire Code.

3. Closed piping system containing flammable orcombustible liquids or gases utilized for the opera-tion of machinery or equipment.

4. Cleaning establishments that utilize combustibleliquid solvents having a flash point of 140°F(60°C) or higher in closed systems employingequipment listed by an approved testing agency,provided that this occupancy is separated from allother areas of the building by 1-hour fire barriersconstructed in accordance with Section 707 or 1-hour horizontal assemblies constructed in accor-dance with Section 711, or both.

5. Cleaning establishments that utilize a liquid sol-vent having a flash point at or above 200°F (93°C).

6. Liquor stores and distributors without bulk storage.

7. Refrigeration systems.

8. The storage or utilization of materials for agricul-tural purposes on the premises.

9. Stationary batteries utilized for facility emergencypower, uninterruptable power supply or telecom-munication facilities, provided that the batteriesare provided with safety venting caps and ventila-tion is provided in accordance with the Interna-tional Mechanical Code.

10. Corrosives shall not include personal or householdproducts in their original packaging used in retaildisplay or commonly used building materials.

11. Buildings and structures occupied for aerosol stor-age shall be classified as Group S-1, provided thatsuch buildings conform to the requirements of theInternational Fire Code.

12. Display and storage of nonflammable solid andnonflammable or noncombustible liquid hazardousmaterials in quantities not exceeding the maximumallowable quantity per control area in Group M orS occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5.

13. The storage of black powder, smokeless propellantand small arms primers in Groups M and R-3 and





special industrial explosive devices in Groups B, F,M and S, provided such storage conforms to thequantity limits and requirements prescribed in theInternational Fire Code.

[F] 307.1.1 Hazardous materials. Hazardous materials inany quantity shall conform to the requirements of thiscode, including Section 414, and the International FireCode.

[F] 307.2 Definitions. The following terms are defined inChapter 2:

AEROSOL.

Level 1 aerosol products.



AEROSOL CONTAINER.

BALED COTTON.

BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED.

BARRICADE.

Artificial barricade.

Natural barricade.

BOILING POINT.

CLOSED SYSTEM.

COMBUSTIBLE DUST.

COMBUSTIBLE FIBERS.

COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID.

Class II.

Class IIIA.

Class IIIB.

COMPRESSED GAS.

CONTROL AREA.

CORROSIVE.

CRYOGENIC FLUID.

DAY BOX.

DEFLAGRATION.

DETONATION.

DISPENSING.

EXPLOSION.

EXPLOSIVE.

High explosive.

Low explosive.

Mass-detonating explosives.

UN/DOTn Class 1 explosives.

Division 1.1.

Division 1.2.

Division 1.3.

Division 1.4.

Division 1.5.

Division 1.6.FIREWORKS.

Fireworks, 1.3G.

Fireworks, 1.4G.

FLAMMABLE GAS.

FLAMMABLE LIQUEFIED GAS.

FLAMMABLE LIQUID.

Class IA.

Class IB.

Class IC.

FLAMMABLE MATERIAL.

FLAMMABLE SOLID.

FLASH POINT.

HANDLING.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

HEALTH HAZARD.

HIGHLY TOXIC.

INCOMPATIBLE MATERIALS.

INERT GAS.

OPEN SYSTEM.

OPERATING BUILDING.

ORGANIC PEROXIDE.

Class I.

Class II.

Class III.

Class IV.

Class V.

Unclassified detonable.

OXIDIZER.

Class 4.

Class 3.

Class 2.

Class 1.

OXIDIZING GAS.

PHYSICAL HAZARD.

PYROPHORIC.

PYROTECHNIC COMPOSITION.

TOXIC.

UNSTABLE (REACTIVE) MATERIAL.

Class 4.

Class 3.

Class 2.

Class 1.





WATER-REACTIVE MATERIAL.

Class 3.

Class 2.

Class 1.

[F] 307.3 High-hazard Group H-1. Buildings and structurescontaining materials that pose a detonation hazard shall beclassified as Group H-1. Such materials shall include, but notbe limited to, the following:

Detonable pyrophoric materialsExplosives:

Division 1.1Division 1.2Division 1.3Division 1.4Division 1.5Division 1.6

Organic peroxides, unclassified detonableOxidizers, Class 4Unstable (reactive) materials, Class 3 detonable and Class 4

[F] 307.3.1 Occupancies containing explosives not clas-sified as H-1. The following occupancies containingexplosive materials shall be classified as follows:

1. Division 1.3 explosive materials that are used andmaintained in a form where either confinement orconfiguration will not elevate the hazard from amass fire to mass explosion hazard shall be allowedin H-2 occupancies.

2. Articles, including articles packaged for shipment,that are not regulated as a Division 1.4 explosiveunder Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms andExoplosives regulations, or unpackaged articlesused in process operations that do not propagate adetonation or deflagration between articles shall beallowed in H-3 occupancies.

[F] TABLE 307.1(1)MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa, j, m, n, p

(continued)

MATERIAL CLASS

GROUP WHEN THE MAXIMUM

ALLOWABLE QUANTITY IS EXCEEDED

STORAGEb USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSb USE-OPEN SYSTEMSb

Solid pounds (cubic feet)

Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Gas(cubic feet

at NTP)


Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Gas(cubic feet

at NTP)


Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Combustible dust N/A H-2 Note q N/A N/A Note q N/A N/A Note q N/A

Combustible liquidc, i

IIIIIAIIIB

H-2 or H-3H-2 or H-3

N/AN/A

120d, e

330d, e

13,200e, fN/A N/A

120d

330d

13,200fN/A N/A

30d

80d

3,300f

Combustible fiber LooseBaledo H-3

(100)(1,000)

N/A N/A(100)

(1,000)N/A N/A

(20)(200)

N/A

Consumer fireworks 1.4G H-3 125d, e, l N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Cryogenics, flammable

N/A H-2 N/A 45d N/A N/A 45d N/A N/A 10d

Cryogenics, inert N/A N/A N/A N/A NL N/A N/A NL N/A N/A

Cryogenics, oxidizing

N/A H-3 N/A 45d N/A N/A 45d N/A N/A 10d

Explosives

Division 1.1Division 1.2Division 1.3Division 1.4

Division 1.4GDivision 1.5Division 1.6

H-1H-1

H-1 or H-2H-3H-3H-1H-1

1e, g

1e, g

5e, g

50e, g

125d, e, l

1e, g

1d, e, g

(1)e, g

(1)e, g

(5)e, g

(50)e, g

N/A(1)e, g

N/A

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

0.25g

0.25g

1g

50g

N/A0.25g

N/A

(0.25)g

(0.25)g

(1)g

(50)g

N/A(0.25)g

N/A

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

0.25g

0.25g

1g

N/AN/A0.25g

N/A

(0.25)g

(0.25)g

(1)g

N/AN/A

(0.25)g

N/A

Flammable gas Gaseous

LiquefiedH-2 N/A

N/A(150)d,e

1,000d,e

N/AN/A

N/A(150)d,e

1,000d,e

N/AN/A N/A

Flammable liquidc 1A

1B and 1CH-2

or H-3N/A

30d, e

120d, e N/A N/A30d

120d N/A N/A10d

30d

Flammable liquid, combination (1A, 1B, 1C)

N/AH-2

or H-3N/A 120d, e, h N/A N/A 120d, h N/A N/A 30d, h





[F] TABLE 307.1(1)—(continued)MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS POSING A PHYSICAL HAZARDa, j, m, n, p

For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.NL = Not Limited; N/A = Not Applicable; UD = Unclassified Detonablea. For use of control areas, see Section 414.2.b. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.c. The quantities of alcoholic beverages in retail and wholesale sales occupancies shall not be limited provided the liquids are packaged in individual containers

not exceeding 1.3 gallons. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmeticscontaining not more than 50 percent by volume of water-miscible liquids with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited,provided that such materials are packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.

d. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance withSection 903.3.1.1. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.

e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, day boxes, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures or inlisted safety cans in accordance with Section 5003.9.10 of the International Fire Code. Where Note d also applies, the increase for both notes shall be appliedaccumulatively.

f. The permitted quantities shall not be limited in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.g. Permitted only in buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.h. Containing not more than the maximum allowable quantity per control area of Class IA, IB or IC flammable liquids.i. The maximum allowable quantity shall not apply to fuel oil storage complying with Section 603.3.2 of the International Fire Code.j. Quantities in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at the head of each column.k. A maximum quantity of 200 pounds of solid or 20 gallons of liquid Class 3 oxidizers is allowed when such materials are necessary for maintenance purposes,

operation or sanitation of equipment. Storage containers and the manner of storage shall be approved.l. Net weight of the pyrotechnic composition of the fireworks. Where the net weight of the pyrotechnic composition of the fireworks is not known, 25 percent of

the gross weight of the fireworks, including packaging, shall be used.m.For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with Section 5003.1.2 of the International Fire Code.n. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5, see Tables 414.2.5(1) and

414.2.5(2).o. Densely packed baled cotton that complies with the packing requirements of ISO 8115 shall not be included in this material class.p. The following shall not be included in determining the maximum allowable quantities:

1. Liquid or gaseous fuel in fuel tanks on vehicles.2. Liquid or gaseous fuel in fuel tanks on motorized equipment operated in accordance with this code.3. Gaseous fuels in piping systems and fixed appliances regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code.

4. Liquid fuels in piping systems and fixed appliances regulated by the International Mechanical Code.q. Where manufactured, generated or used in such a manner that the concentration and conditions create a fire or explosion hazard based on information

prepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3.

MATERIAL CLASS

GROUP WHEN THE MAXIMUM

ALLOWABLE QUANTITY IS EXCEEDED

STORAGEb USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSb USE-OPEN SYSTEMSb


Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Gas(cubic feet

at NTP)


Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Gas(cubic feet

at NTP)


Liquid gallons

(pounds)

Flammable solid N/A H-3 125d, e N/A N/A 125d N/A N/A 25d N/A

Inert gas Gaseous

LiquefiedN/AN/A

N/AN/A

N/AN/A

NLNL

N/AN/A

N/AN/A

NLNL

N/AN/A

N/AN/A

Organic peroxide

UDIIIIIIIVV

H-1H-2H-3H-3N/AN/A

1e, g

5d, e

50d, e

125d, e

NLNL

(1)e, g

(5)d, e

(50)d, e

(125)d, e

NLNL

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

0.25g

1d

50d

125d

NLNL

(0.25)g

(1)d

(50)d

(125)d

NLNL

N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A

0.25g

1d

10d

25d

NLNL

(0.25)g

(1)d

(10)d

(25)d

NLNL

Oxidizer

43k

21

H-1H-2 or H-3

H-3N/A

1e, g

10d, e

250d, e

4,000e, f

(1)e, g

(10)d, e

(250)d, e

(4,000)e, f

N/AN/AN/AN/A

0.25g

2d

250d

4,000f

(0.25)g

(2)d

(250)d

(4,000)f

N/AN/AN/AN/A

0.25g

2d

50d

1,000f

(0.25)g

(2)d

(50)d

(1,000)f

Oxidizing gas Gaseous

LiquefiedH-3

N/AN/A

N/A(150)d,e

1,500d,e

N/AN/AN/A

N/A(150)d,e

1,500d,e

N/AN/AN/A

N/AN/A

Pyrophoric material N/A H-2 4e, g (4)e, g 50e, g 1g (1)g 10g 0 0

Unstable (reactive)

4321

H-1H-1 or H-2

H-3N/A

1e, g

5d, e

50d, e

NL

(1)e, g

(5)d, e

(50)d, e

NL

10g

50d, e

250d, e

NL

0.25g

1d

50d

NL

(0.25)g

(1)d

(50)d

NL

2e, g

10d, e

250d, e

NL

0.25g

1d

10d

NL

(0.25)g

(1)d

(10)d

NL

Water reactive 321

H-2H-3N/A

5d, e

50d, e

NL

(5)d, e

(50)d, e

NL

N/AN/AN/A

5d

50d

NL

(5)d

(50)d

NL

N/AN/AN/A

1d

10d

NL

(1)d

(10)d

NL





[F] 307.4 High-hazard Group H-2. Buildings and structurescontaining materials that pose a deflagration hazard or a haz-ard from accelerated burning shall be classified as Group H-2. Such materials shall include, but not be limited to, the fol-lowing:

Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids whichare used or stored in normally open containers or sys-tems, or in closed containers or systems pressurized atmore than 15 psi (103.4 kPa) gage

Combustible dusts where manufactured, generated or usedin such a manner that the concentration and conditionscreate a fire or explosion hazard based on informationprepared in accordance with Section 414.1.3

Cryogenic fluids, flammableFlammable gasesOrganic peroxides, Class IOxidizers, Class 3, that are used or stored in normally

open containers or systems, or in closed containers orsytems pressurized at more than 15 psi (103 kPa) gage

Pyrophoric liquids, solids and gases, nondetonableUnstable (reactive) materials, Class 3, nondetonableWater-reactive materials, Class 3

[F] 307.5 High-hazard Group H-3. Buildings and structurescontaining materials that readily support combustion or thatpose a physical hazard shall be classified as Group H-3. Suchmaterials shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Class I, II or IIIA flammable or combustible liquids thatare used or stored in normally closed containers or systems pressurized at 15 pounds per square inch gauge

(103.4 kPa) or lessCombustible fibers, other than densely packed baled

cottonConsumer fireworks, 1.4G (Class C, Common)Cryogenic fluids, oxidizingFlammable solidsOrganic peroxides, Class II and IIIOxidizers, Class 2Oxidizers, Class 3, that are used or stored in normally

closed containers or systems pressurized at 15 poundsper square inch gauge (103 kPa) or less

Oxidizing gasesUnstable (reactive) materials, Class 2Water-reactive materials, Class 2

[F] 307.6 High-hazard Group H-4. Buildings and structureswhich contain materials that are health hazards shall be clas-sified as Group H-4. Such materials shall include, but not belimited to, the following:

CorrosivesHighly toxic materialsToxic materials

[F] 307.7 High-hazard Group H-5. Semiconductor fabrica-tion facilities and comparable research and developmentareas in which hazardous production materials (HPM) areused and the aggregate quantity of materials is in excess ofthose listed in Tables 307.1(1) and 307.1(2) shall be classi-fied as Group H-5. Such facilities and areas shall be designedand constructed in accordance with Section 415.10.

[F] TABLE 307.1(2)MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE QUANTITY PER CONTROL AREA OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL POSING A HEALTH HAZARDa, b, c, i

For SI: 1 cubic foot = 0.028 m3, 1 pound = 0.454 kg, 1 gallon = 3.785 L.a. For use of control areas, see Section 414.2.b. In retail and wholesale sales occupancies, the quantities of medicines, foodstuffs, consumer or industrial products, and cosmetics, containing not more than 50

percent by volume of water-miscible liquids and with the remainder of the solutions not being flammable, shall not be limited, provided that such materialsare packaged in individual containers not exceeding 1.3 gallons.

c. For storage and display quantities in Group M and storage quantities in Group S occupancies complying with Section 414.2.5, see Tables 414.2.5(1) and414.2.5(2).

d. The aggregate quantity in use and storage shall not exceed the quantity listed for storage.e. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent in buildings equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance

with Section 903.3.1.1. Where Note f also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.f. Maximum allowable quantities shall be increased 100 percent when stored in approved storage cabinets, gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in

the International Fire Code. Where Note e also applies, the increase for both notes shall be applied accumulatively.g. Allowed only when stored in approved exhausted gas cabinets or exhausted enclosures as specified in the International Fire Code.h. Quantities in parenthesis indicate quantity units in parenthesis at the head of each column.i. For gallons of liquids, divide the amount in pounds by 10 in accordance with Section 5003.1.2 of the International Fire Code.

MATERIALSTORAGEd USE-CLOSED SYSTEMSd USE-OPEN SYSTEMSd


Liquid gallons (pounds)e, f

Gas (cubic feet at NTP)e Solid poundse Liquid gallons

(pounds)eGas (cubic feet

at NTP)e Solid poundse Liquid gallons (pounds)e

Corrosive 5,000 500Gaseous 810f

Liquefied(150)h

5,000 500Gaseous 810f

Liquefied(150)h

1,000 100

Highly toxic 10 (10)hGaseous 20g

Liquefied (4)g,h

10 (10)iGaseous 20g

Liquefied (4)g,h

3 (3)i

Toxic 500 (500)hGaseous 810f

Liquefied(150)f,h

500 (500)iGaseous 810f

Liquefied(150)f,h

125 (125)





[F] 307.8 Multiple hazards. Buildings and structures con-taining a material or materials representing hazards that areclassified in one or more of Groups H-1, H-2, H-3 and H-4shall conform to the code requirements for each of the occu-pancies so classified.

SECTION 308INSTITUTIONAL GROUP I

308.1 Institutional Group I. Institutional Group I occupancyincludes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or aportion thereof, in which care or supervision is provided topersons who are or are not capable of self-preservation with-out physical assistance or in which persons are detained forpenal or correctional purposes or in which the liberty of theoccupants is restricted. Institutional occupancies shall beclassified as Group I-1, I-2, I-3 or I-4.


24-HOUR CARE.

CUSTODIAL CARE.

DETOXIFICATION FACILITIES.

FOSTER CARE FACILITIES.

HOSPITALS AND PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS.

INCAPABLE OF SELF-PRESERVATION.

MEDICAL CARE.

NURSING HOMES.

308.3 Institutional Group I-1. This occupancy shall includebuildings, structures or portions thereof for more than 16 per-sons who reside on a 24 hour basis in a supervised environ-ment and receive custodial care. The persons receiving careare capable of self preservation. This group shall include, butnot be limited to, the following:

Alcohol and drug centersAssisted living facilitiesCongregate care facilitiesConvalescent facilitiesGroup homesHalfway housesResidential board and custodial care facilitiesSocial rehabilitation facilities

308.3.1 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facilitysuch as the above with five or fewer persons receivingsuch care shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall complywith the International Residential Code provided an auto-matic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Sec-tion 903.3.1.3 or with Section P2904 of the InternationalResidential Code.

308.3.2 Six to sixteen persons receiving care. A facilitysuch as above, housing not fewer than six and not morethan 16 persons receiving such care, shall be classified asGroup R-4.

308.4 Institutional Group I-2. This occupancy shall includebuildings and structures used for medical care on a 24-hourbasis for more than five persons who are incapable of self-

preservation. This group shall include, but not be limited to,the following:

Foster care facilitiesDetoxification facilitiesHospitalsNursing homesPsychiatric hospitals

308.4.1 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facilitysuch as the above with five or fewer persons receivingsuch care shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall complywith the International Residential Code provided an auto-matic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Sec-tion 903.3.1.3 or with Section P2904 of the InternationalResidential Code.

308.5 Institutional Group I-3. This occupancy shall includebuildings and structures that are inhabited by more than fivepersons who are under restraint or security. An I-3 facility isoccupied by persons who are generally incapable of self-preservation due to security measures not under the occu-pants’ control. This group shall include, but not be limited to,the following:

Correctional centersDetention centersJailsPrerelease centersPrisonsReformatories

Buildings of Group I-3 shall be classified as one of theoccupancy conditions indicated in Sections 308.5.1 through308.5.5 (see Section 408.1).

308.5.1 Condition 1. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is allowed fromsleeping areas, and other spaces where access or occu-pancy is permitted, to the exterior via means of egresswithout restraint. A Condition 1 facility is permitted to beconstructed as Group R.

308.5.2 Condition 2. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is allowed fromsleeping areas and any other occupied smoke compartmentto one or more other smoke compartments. Egress to theexterior is impeded by locked exits.

308.5.3 Condition 3. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is allowedwithin individual smoke compartments, such as within aresidential unit comprised of individual sleeping units andgroup activity spaces, where egress is impeded by remote-controlled release of means of egress from such a smokecompartment to another smoke compartment.

308.5.4 Condition 4. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is restrictedfrom an occupied space. Remote-controlled release is pro-vided to permit movement from sleeping units, activityspaces and other occupied areas within the smoke com-partment to other smoke compartments.

308.5.5 Condition 5. This occupancy condition shallinclude buildings in which free movement is restrictedfrom an occupied space. Staff-controlled manual release is





provided to permit movement from sleeping units, activityspaces and other occupied areas within the smoke com-partment to other smoke compartments.

308.6 Institutional Group I-4, day care facilities. Thisgroup shall include buildings and structures occupied bymore than five persons of any age who receive custodial carefor fewer than 24 hours per day by persons other than parentsor guardians, relatives by blood, marriage or adoption, and ina place other than the home of the person cared for. Thisgroup shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Adult day careChild day care

308.6.1 Classification as Group E. A child day care facil-ity that provides care for more than five but no more than100 children 21/2 years or less of age, where the rooms inwhich the children are cared for are located on a level ofexit discharge serving such rooms and each of these childcare rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior, shallbe classified as Group E.

308.6.2 Within a place of religious worship. Rooms andspaces within places of religious worship providing suchcare during religious functions shall be classified as part ofthe primary occupancy.

308.6.3 Five or fewer persons receiving care. A facilityhaving five or fewer persons receiving custodial care shallbe classified as part of the primary occupancy.

308.6.4 Five or fewer persons receiving care in a dwell-ing unit. A facility such as the above within a dwellingunit and having five or fewer persons receiving custodialcare shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shallcomply with the International Residential Code.

SECTION 309MERCANTILE GROUP M

309.1 Mercantile Group M. Mercantile Group M occupancyincludes, among others, the use of a building or structure or aportion thereof, for the display and sale of merchandise andinvolves stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental tosuch purposes and accessible to the public. Mercantile occu-pancies shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Department storesDrug storesMarketsMotor fuel-dispensing facilitiesRetail or wholesale storesSales rooms

309.2 Quantity of hazardous materials. The aggregatequantity of nonflammable solid and nonflammable or non-combustible liquid hazardous materials stored or displayed ina single control area of a Group M occupancy shall notexceed the quantities in Table 414.2.5(1).

SECTION 310RESIDENTIAL GROUP R

310.1 Residential Group R. Residential Group R includes,among others, the use of a building or structure, or a portionthereof, for sleeping purposes when not classified as an Insti-tutional Group I or when not regulated by the InternationalResidential Code.


BOARDING HOUSE.

CONGREGATE LIVING FACILITIES.

DORMITORY.

GROUP HOME.

PERSONAL CARE SERVICE.

TRANSIENT.

310.3 Residential Group R-1. Residential occupancies con-taining sleeping units where the occupants are primarily tran-sient in nature, including:

Boarding houses (transient) with more than 10 occupantsCongregate living facilities (transient) with more than 10

occupantsHotels (transient)Motels (transient)

310.4 Residential Group R-2. Residential occupancies con-taining sleeping units or more than two dwelling units wherethe occupants are primarily permanent in nature, including:

Apartment housesBoarding houses (nontransient) with more than 16

occupantsCongregate living facilities (nontransient) with more

than 16 occupantsConventsDormitoriesFraternities and sororitiesHotels (nontransient)Live/work unitsMonasteriesMotels (nontransient)Vacation timeshare properties

310.5 Residential Group R-3. Residential occupancieswhere the occupants are primarily permanent in nature andnot classified as Group R-1, R-2, R-4 or I, including:

Buildings that do not contain more than two dwellingunits

Boarding houses (nontransient) with 16 or feweroccupants

Boarding houses (transient) with 10 or fewer occupantsCare facilities that provide accommodations for five or

fewer persons receiving careCongregate living facilities (nontransient) with 16 or

fewer occupantsCongregate living facilities (transient) with 10 or fewer

occupants





310.5.1 Care facilities within a dwelling. Care facilitiesfor five or fewer persons receiving care that are within asingle-family dwelling are permitted to comply with theInternational Residential Code provided an automaticsprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section903.3.1.3 or with Section P2904 of the International Resi-dential Code.

310.6 Residential Group R-4. This occupancy shall includebuildings, structures or portions thereof for more than five butnot more than 16 persons, excluding staff, who reside on a24-hour basis in a supervised residential environment andreceive custodial care. The persons receiving care are capa-ble of self-preservation. This group shall include, but not belimited to, the following:

Alcohol and drug centers Assisted living facilitiesCongregate care facilitiesConvalescent facilitiesGroup homesHalfway housesResidential board and custodial care facilitiesSocial rehabilitation facilities

Group R-4 occupancies shall meet the requirements forconstruction as defined for Group R-3, except as otherwiseprovided for in this code.

SECTION 311STORAGE GROUP S

311.1 Storage Group S. Storage Group S occupancyincludes, among others, the use of a building or structure, or aportion thereof, for storage that is not classified as a hazard-ous occupancy.

311.2 Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1. Buildingsoccupied for storage uses that are not classified as Group S-2,including, but not limited to, storage of the following:

Aerosols, Levels 2 and 3Aircraft hangar (storage and repair)Bags: cloth, burlap and paperBamboos and rattanBasketsBelting: canvas and leatherBooks and paper in rolls or packsBoots and shoesButtons, including cloth covered, pearl or boneCardboard and cardboard boxesClothing, woolen wearing apparelCordageDry boat storage (indoor)FurnitureFursGlues, mucilage, pastes and sizeGrainsHorns and combs, other than celluloidLeatherLinoleumLumber

Motor vehicle repair garages complying with the maximum allowable quantities of hazardous materialslisted in Table 307.1(1) (see Section 406.8)

Photo engravingsResilient flooringSilksSoapsSugarTires, bulk storage ofTobacco, cigars, cigarettes and snuffUpholstery and mattressesWax candles

311.3 Low-hazard storage, Group S-2. Includes, amongothers, buildings used for the storage of noncombustiblematerials such as products on wood pallets or in paper cartonswith or without single thickness divisions; or in paper wrap-pings. Such products are permitted to have a negligibleamount of plastic trim, such as knobs, handles or film wrap-ping. Group S-2 storage uses shall include, but not be limitedto, storage of the following:

AsbestosBeverages up to and including 16-percent alcohol in

metal, glass or ceramic containersCement in bagsChalk and crayonsDairy products in nonwaxed coated paper containersDry cell batteriesElectrical coilsElectrical motorsEmpty cansFood productsFoods in noncombustible containersFresh fruits and vegetables in nonplastic trays or

containersFrozen foodsGlassGlass bottles, empty or filled with noncombustible liquidsGypsum boardInert pigmentsIvoryMeatsMetal cabinetsMetal desks with plastic tops and trimMetal partsMetalsMirrorsOil-filled and other types of distribution transformersParking garages, open or enclosedPorcelain and potteryStovesTalc and soapstonesWashers and dryers

SECTION 312UTILITY AND MISCELLANEOUS GROUP U

312.1 General. Buildings and structures of an accessorycharacter and miscellaneous structures not classified in any





specific occupancy shall be constructed, equipped and main-tained to conform to the requirements of this code commen-surate with the fire and life hazard incidental to theiroccupancy. Group U shall include, but not be limited to, thefollowing:

Agricultural buildingsAircraft hangars, accessory to a one- or two-family

residence (see Section 412.5)BarnsCarportsFences more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in heightGrain silos, accessory to a residential occupancyGreenhousesLivestock sheltersPrivate garagesRetaining wallsShedsStablesTanksTowers




CHAPTER 4

SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE AND OCCUPANCY

SECTION 401SCOPE

401.1 Detailed use and occupancy requirements. In addi-tion to the occupancy and construction requirements in thiscode, the provisions of this chapter apply to the special usesand occupancies described herein.

SECTION 402COVERED MALL AND OPEN MALL BUILDINGS

Section 402 has been completely reorganized from the 2009code; therefore, the * and ** margin indicators have not beenincluded for clarity.

402.1 Applicability. The provisions of this section shallapply to buildings or structures defined herein as covered oropen mall buildings not exceeding three floor levels at anypoint nor more than three stories above grade plane. Exceptas specifically required by this section, covered and openmall buildings shall meet applicable provisions of this code.

Exceptions:

1. Foyers and lobbies of Groups B, R-1 and R-2 are notrequired to comply with this section.

2. Buildings need not comply with the provisions ofthis section where they totally comply with otherapplicable provisions of this code.

402.1.1 Open space. A covered mall building andattached anchor buildings and parking garages shall besurrounded on all sides by a permanent open space or notless than 60 feet (18 288 mm). An open mall building andanchor buildings and parking parking garages adjoiningthe perimeter line shall be surrounded on all sides by apermanent open space of not less than 60 feet (18 288mm).

Exception: The permanent open space of 60 feet (18288 mm) shall be permitted to be reduced to not lessthan 40 feet (12 192 mm), provided the followingrequirements are met:

1. The reduced open space shall not be allowed formore than 75 percent of the perimeter of the cov-ered or open mall building and anchor buildings;

2. The exterior wall facing the reduced open spaceshall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than3 hours;

3. Openings in the exterior wall facing the reducedopen space shall have opening protectives with afire protection rating of not less than 3 hours; and

4. Group E, H, I or R occupancies are not locatedwithin the covered or open mall building oranchor buildings.

402.1.2 Open mall building perimeter line. For the pur-pose of this code, a perimeter line shall be established. The perimeter line shall encircle all buildings and struc-tures which comprise the open mall building and shallencompass any open-air interior walkways, open-aircourtyards or similar open-air spaces. The perimeter lineshall define the extent of the open mall building. Anchorbuildings and parking structures shall be outside of theperimeter line and are not considered as part of the openmall building.


ANCHOR BUILDING.

COVERED MALL BUILDING.

Mall.

Open mall.

Open mall building.

FOOD COURT.

GROSS LEASABLE AREA.

402.3 Lease plan. Each owner of a covered mall building orof an open mall building shall provide both the building andfire departments with a lease plan showing the location ofeach occupancy and its exits after the certificate of occupancyhas been issued. No modifications or changes in occupancyor use shall be made from that shown on the lease plan with-out prior approval of the building official.

402.4 Construction. The construction of covered and openmall buildings, anchor buildings and parking garages associ-ated with a mall building shall comply with Sections 402.4.1through 402.4.3.

402.4.1 Area and types of construction. The buildingarea of any covered mall or open building, includinganchor buildings, of Types I, II, III and IV constructionshall not be limited provided the anchor buildings do notexceed three stories above grade plane.

The construction type of open parking garages andenclosed parking garages shall comply with Sections406.5 and 406.6, respectively.

Exception: The type of construction allowable build-ing height and building area of anchor buildingsgreater than three stories above grade plane shall com-ply with Section 503, as modified by Sections 504 and506.

402.4.2 Fire-resistance-rated separation. Fire-resis-tance-rated separation is not required between tenantspaces and the mall. Fire-resistance-rated separation is notrequired between a food court and adjacent tenant spacesor the mall.

