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Chapter 11 Accessibility
Chapter 12 Interior Environment
Chapter 14 Exterior Walls
Chapter 17 Structural Tests and Special Inspections
Chapter
Chapter 24 Glass and Glazing
CHAPTER 51-50 WAC
STATE BUILDING CODE ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF THE 2015 EDITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
WAC 51-50-001 AUTHORITY
These rules are adopted under the authority of Chapter 19.27 RCW.
WAC 51-50-002 PURPOSE
The purpose of these rules is to implement the provisions of Chapter 19.27 RCW, which provides that the State Building Code Council shall maintain the State Building Code in a status which is consistent with the purpose as set forth in RCW 19.27.020. In maintaining the codes the Council shall regularly review updated versions of the codes adopted under the act, and other pertinent information, and shall amend the codes as deemed appropriate by the Council.
WAC 51-50-003 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
The 2015 edition of the International Building Code, including Appendix E,
published by the International Code Council is hereby adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in this chapter of the Washington Administrative Code.
The provisions of this code do not apply to the construction, alteration, or repair of temporary worker housing except as provided by rule adopted under chapter 70.114A RCW or chapter 37, Laws of 1998 (SB 6168). "Temporary worker housing" means a place, area, or piece of land where sleeping places or housing sites are provided by an employer for his or her employees or by another person, including a temporary worker housing operator, who is providing such accommodations for employees, for temporary, seasonal occupancy, and includes "labor camps" under RCW 70.54.110.
Codes referenced which are not adopted through RCW 19.27.031 or RCW 19.27A shall not apply unless specifically adopted by the authority having jurisdiction. The 2015 International Existing Buildings Code is included in the adoption of this code in Section 101.4.7 and amended in WAC 51-50480000.
WAC 51-50-008 IMPLEMENTATION
The International Building Code adopted under Chapter
51-50 WAC shall become effective in all counties and cities of this state on July 1, 2016.
WAC
51-50-005
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS FOR BARRIER-FREE ACCESSIBILITY
Chapter 11 and other International Building Code
Chapter 11 and other International Building Code 2009 and Appendix E, are adopted pursuant to Chapters 70.92 and 19.27 RCW.
Pursuant to RCW 19.27.040, Chapter 11 and requirements affecting barrier-free access shall not be amended by local governments.
WAC 51-50-007 EXCEPTIONS
The exceptions and amendments to the International Building Code contained in the provisions of Chapter 19.27 RCW shall apply in case of conflict with any of the provisions of these rules.
The provisions of this code do not apply to temporary growing structures used solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits.“Temporary growing structure” means a structure that has the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material and is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention. A temporary growing structure is not considered a building for purposes of this code.
WAC 51-50-009 RECYCLABLE MATERIALS, COMPOST, AND SOLID WASTE STORAGE
For the purposes of this section, the following definition shall apply: COMPOST means biodegradable solid wastes that are separated for composting such as food waste, food soiled paper and yard waste.
RECYCLED MATERIALS means those solid wastes that are separated for recycling or reuse, such as papers, metals and glass.
All local jurisdictions shall require that space be provided for the storage of recycled materials, compost, and solid waste for all new buildings
Exceptions: Group R-3 and Group U occupancies. The storage area shall be designed to meet the needs of the occupancy, efficiency of pickup, and shall be available to occupants and haulers.
A Effective July 1, 2016 2015 International Building Code®
First Printing: May 2014 Second Printing: July 2015 Third Printing: October
2015
ISBN: 978-1-60983-468-5 (soft-cover edition) ISBN: 978-1-60983-497-8 (loose-leaf edition)
COPYRIGHT © 2014
by
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.
Date of First Publication: May 30, 2014
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This 2015 International Building Code® is a copyrighted work owned by the International Code Council, Inc. Without advance written permission from the copyright owner, no part of this book may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, without limitation, electronic, optical or mechanical means (by way of example, and not limitation, photocopying, or recording by or in an information storage retrieval system). For information on permission to copy material exceeding fair use, please contact: Publications, 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478. 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.
T018304 PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
PREFACE
Introduction
Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date building code addressing the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The International Building Code , in this 2015 edition, is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.
This comprehensive building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2015 edition is fully compatible with all of the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC) , including the International Energy Conservation Code , International Existing Building Code , International Fire Code , International Fuel Gas Code , International Green Construction Code , International Mechanical Code , ICC Performance Code , International Plumbing Code , International Private Sewage Disposal Code , International Property Maintenance Code , International Residential Code , International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, International Wildland-Urban Interface Codeand International Zoning Code .
The International Building Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for building professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of provisions.
Development
The first edition of the International Building Code (2000) was the culmination of an effort initiated in 1997 by the ICC. This included five drafting subcommittees appointed by ICC and consisting of representatives of the three statutory members of the International Code Council at that time, including: Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). The intent was to draft a comprehensive set of regulations for building systems consistent with and inclusive of the scope of the existing model codes. Technical content of the latest model codes promulgated by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI was utilized as the basis for the development, followed by public hearings in 1997, 1998 and 1999 to consider proposed changes. This 2015 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003,
2006, 2009 and 2012 editions and further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2014. A new edition such as this is promulgated every 3 years.
This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a building code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not unnecessarily 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 particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.
Adoption
The International Code Council maintains a copyright in all of its codes and standards. Maintaining copyright allows the ICC to fund its mission through sales of books, in both print and electronic formats. The International Building Code is designed for adoption and use by jurisdictions that recognize and acknowledge the ICC’s copyright in the code, and further acknowledge the substantial shared value of the public/private partnership for code development between jurisdictions and the ICC.
The ICC also recognizes the need for jurisdictions to make laws available to the public. All ICC codes and ICC standards, along with the laws of many jurisdictions, are available for free in a nondownloadable form on the ICC’s website. Jurisdictions should contact the ICC at adoptions@iccsafe.org to learn how to adopt and distribute laws based on the International Building Code in a manner that provides necessary access, while maintaining the ICC’s copyright.
2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® iii Maintenance
The International Building Code is kept up to date through the review of proposed changes submitted by code enforcing officials, industry representatives, design professionals and other interested parties. Proposed changes are carefully considered through an open code development process in which all interested and affected parties may participate.
The contents of this work are subject to change through both the code development cycles and the governmental body that enacts the code into law. For more information regarding the code development process, contact the Codes and Standards Development Department of the International Code Council.
While the development procedure of the International Building Code ensures the highest degree of care, the ICC, its members and those participating in the development of this code do not accept any liability resulting from compliance or noncompliance with the provisions because the ICC does not have the power or authority to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this code. Only the governmental 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, code change proposals to this code are considered at the Code Development Hearings by 11 different code development committees. Four of these committees have primary responsibility for designated chapters and appendices as follows:
IBC – Fire Safety
Code Development Committee [BF]: Chapters 7, 8, 9, 14, 26 IBC – General Code Development Committee [BG]: Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, Appendices A, B, C, D, K
IBC – Means of Egress
Code Development Committee [BE]: Chapters 10, 11, Appendix E IBC –Structural
Code Development Committee [BS]: Chapters 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, Appendices F, G, H, I, J, L, M
Code change proposals to sections of the code that are preceded by a bracketed letter designation, such as [A], will be considered by a committee other than the building code committee listed for the chapter or appendix above. For example, proposed code changes to Section [F] 307.1.1 will be considered by the International Fire Code Development Committee during the Committee Action Hearing in the 2016 (Group B) code development
cycle.
Another example is Section [BF] 1505.2. While code change proposals to Chapter 15 are primarily the responsibility of the IBC – Structural Code Development Committee, which considers code change proposals during the 2016 (Group B) code development cycle, Section 1505.2 is the responsibility of the IBC – Fire Safety Code Development Committee, which considers code change proposals during the 2015 (Group A) code development cycle.
The bracketed letter designations for committees responsible for portions of this code are as follows:
[A] = Administrative Code Development Committee; [BE] = IBC – Means of Egress Code Development Committee; [BF] = IBC – Fire Safety Code Development Committee; [BG] = IBC – General Code Development Committee; [BS] = IBC – Structural Code Development Committee;
[E] = International Energy Conservation Code Development Committee (Commercial Energy Committee or Residential Energy Committee, as applicable);
[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.
For the development of the 2018 edition of the I-Codes, there will be three groups of code development committees and they will meet in separate years. Note that these are tentative groupings.
Group A Codes
(Heard in 2015, Code Change Proposals Deadline: January 12, 2015)
International Building Code – Fire Safety (Chapters 7, 8, 9, 14, 26) – Means of Egress
(Chapters 10, 11, Appendix E)
– General (Chapters 2-6, 12, 27-33, Appendices A, B, C, D, K)
Group B Codes
(Heard in 2016, Code Change Proposals Deadline: January 11, 2016)
Group C Codes
(Heard in 2017, Code Change Proposals Deadline: January 11, 2017)
Administrative Provisions (Chapter 1 of all codes except IRC and IECC, administrative updates to currently referenced standards, and designated definitions) International Green Construction Code
International Fuel Gas Code
International Existing Building Code International Mechanical Code
International Plumbing Code
International Private Sewage Disposal Code
International Property Maintenance Code
International Residential Code
– IRC - Mechanical (Chapters 12-24)
– IRC - Plumbing
(Chapters 25-33, Appendices G, I, N, P)
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
International Zoning Code
International Building Code
– Structural
(Chapters 15-25, Appendices F, G, H, I, J, L, M)
International Energy Conservation Code International Fire Code
International Residential Code
– IRC - Building (Chapters 1-10, Appendices E, F, H, J, K, L, M, O, R, S, T, U)
International Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Note: Proposed changes to the ICC Performance Code will be heard by the
code development committee noted in brackets [ ] in the text of the code.
Code change proposals submitted for code sections that have a letter designation in front of them will be heard by the respective committee responsible for such code sections. Because different committees hold code development hearings in different years, proposals for this code will be heard by committees in both the 2015 (Group A) and the 2016 (Group B) code development cycles.
2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® v
For instance, every section of Chapter 16 is the responsibility of the IBC –Structural Committee, and, as noted in the preceding table, that committee will hold its committee action hearings in 2016 to consider code change proposals for the chapters for which it is responsible. Therefore any proposals received for Chapter 16 of this code will be assigned to the IBC – Structural Committee, which will consider code change proposals in 2016, during the Group B code change cycle.
As another example, every section of Chapter 1 of this code is designated as the responsibility of the Administrative Code Development Committee, and that committee is part of the Group B portion of the hearings. This committee will hold its committee action hearings in 2016 to consider all code change proposals for Chapter 1 of this code and proposals for Chapter 1 of all ICodes except the International Energy Conservation Code, International Residential Code and ICC Performance Code. Therefore, any proposals received for Chapter 1 of this code will be assigned to the Administrative Code Development Committee for consideration in 2016.
It is very important that anyone submitting code change proposals understand which code development committee is responsible for the section of the code that is the subject of the code change proposal. For further information on the code development committee responsibilities, please visit the ICC website at www.iccsafe.org/scoping.
Marginal Markings
Solid vertical lines in the margins within the body of the code indicate a
technical change from the requirements of the 2012 edition. Deletion indicators in the form of an arrow (¬) are provided in the margin where an entire section, paragraph, exception or table has been deleted or an item in a list of items or a table has been deleted.
A single asterisk [*] placed in the margin indicates that text or a table has been relocated within the code. A double asterisk [**] placed in the margin indicates that the text or table immediately following it has been relocated there from elsewhere in the code. The following table indicates such relocations in the 2015 edition of the International Building Code.
903.3.8 through 903.3.8.5 903.3.5.1.1 915 908.7 1006 1014.3, 1015, 1021 1007 1015.2, 1021.3
1019.3 1009.3 1504.2 1711.2
Coordination between the International Building and Fire Codes
Because the coordination of technical provisions is one of the benefits of adopting the ICC family of model codes, users will find the ICC codes to be a very flexible set of model documents. To accomplish 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 built environment, documents are occasionally adopted as a stand-alone regulation. When one of the model documents is adopted as the basis of a stand-alone code, that code should provide a complete package of requirements with enforcement assigned to the entity for which the adoption is being made.
The model codes can also be adopted as a family of complementary codes. When adopted together there should be no conflict of any of the technical provisions. When multiple model codes are adopted in a jurisdiction, it is important for the adopting authority to evaluate the provisions in each code
document and determine how and by which agency(ies) they will be enforced. It is important, therefore, to understand that where technical provisions are duplicated in multiple model documents, the enforcement duties must be clearly assigned by the local adopting jurisdiction. ICC remains committed to providing state-of-the-art model code documents that, when adopted locally, will reduce the cost to government of code adoption and enforcement and protect the public health, safety and welfare.
Italicized Terms
Selected terms set forth in Chapter 2, Definitions, are italicized where they appear in code text (except those in Sections 1903 through 1905, where italics indicate provisions that differ from ACI 318). Such terms are not italicized where the definition set forth in Chapter 2 does not impart the intended meaning in the use of the term. The terms selected have definitions that the user should read carefully to facilitate better understanding of the code.
2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE® vii viii 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
The International Building Code (IBC) is a model code that provides minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. The IBC is fully compatible with the ICC family of codes, including: International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Fire Code (IFC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Green Construction Code (IgCC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), ICC Performance Code (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),
International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) and International Zoning Code (IZC).
The IBC addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, accessibility, energy conservation and life safety in regard to new and existing buildings, facilities and systems. The codes are promulgated on a 3-year cycle to allow for new construction methods and technologies to be incorporated into the codes. Alternative materials, designs and methods not specifically addressed in the code can be approved by the code official where the proposed materials, designs or methods comply with the intent of the provisions of the code (see Section 104.11).
The IBC applies to all occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not within the scope of the IRC. The IRC is referenced for coverage of detached one- and twofamily dwellings and townhouses as defined in the exception to Section 101.2 and the definition for “Townhouse” in Chapter 2. The IRC can also be used for the construction of Live/Work units (as defined in Section 419) and small bed and breakfaststyle hotels where there are five or fewer guest rooms and the hotel is owner occupied. 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 2015 IBC
Before applying the requirements of the IBC, it is beneficial to understand its arrangement and format. The IBC, like other codes published by ICC, is arranged and organized to follow sequential steps that 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
35 Referenced standards
Appendices A-M Appendices
The IBC requirements for hazardous materials, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures are directly correlated with the requirements of the IFC. The following chapters/sections of the IBC are correlated to the IFC:
IBC
Chapter/Section Sections 307, 414, 415 Chapter 7
IFC
Chapter/Section Chapters 50-67 Chapter 7
Chapter 8 Chapter 8
Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 27
Section 3103 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Section 604 Chapter 31
Subject
Hazardous materials and Group H requirements Fire-resistance-rated construction (Fire and smoke protection features in the IFC)
Interior finish, decorative materials and furnishings
Fire protection systems
Means of egress
Standby and emergency power
Temporary structures
The IBC requirements for smoke control systems, and smoke and fire dampers are directly correlated to the requirements of the IMC. IBC Chapter
28 is a reference to the IMC and the IFGC for chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues, and all aspects of mechanical systems. The following chapters/ sections of the IBC are correlated with the IMC:
IBC
Chapter/Section Section 717 Section 909
IMC
Chapter/Section Section 607 Section 513
Subject
Smoke and fire dampers Smoke control
The IBC requirements for plumbing fixtures and toilet rooms are directly correlated to the requirements of the IPC. The following chapters/sections of the IBC are correlated with the IPC:
IBC
Chapter/Section Chapter 29
IPC Subject Chapter/Section
Chapters 3 & 4 Plumbing fixtures and facilities
The following is a chapter-by-chapter synopsis of the scope and intent of the provisions of the International Building Code.
Chapter 1 Scope and Administration. Chapter 1 establishes the limits of applicability of the code 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 (Sections 103-116).
Section 101 identifies which buildings and structures come under its purview and references other ICC codes as applicable. Standards and codes are scoped to the extent referenced (see Section 102.4).
The building code is intended to be adopted as a legally enforceable document and it cannot be effective without adequate provisions for its administration and enforcement. The provisions of Chapter 1 establish the authority and duties of the code official appointed by the jurisdiction having authority and also establish the rights and privileges of the design professional, contractor and property owner.
Chapter 2 Definitions. An alphabetical listing of all defined terms is located in Chapter 2. Defined terms that are pertinent to a specific chapter or section are also found in that chapter or section with a reference back to Chapter 2
for the definition. While a defined term may be listed in one chapter or another, the meaning is applicable throughout the code.
Codes are technical documents and every word, term and punctuation mark can impact the meaning of the code text and the intended results. The code often uses terms that have a unique meaning in the code and the code meaning can differ substantially from the ordinarily understood meaning of the term as used outside of the code. Where understanding of a term’s definition is especially key to or necessary for understanding a particular code provision, the term is shown in italics wherever it appears in the code. x 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
The user of the code should be familiar with and consult this chapter because the definitions are essential to the correct interpretation of the code. Where a term is not defined, such terms shall have the ordinarily accepted meaning.
Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification. Chapter 3 provides for the classification of buildings, 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 classified. Sections 303 through 312 identify the occupancy characteristics of each group classification. In some sections, specific group classifications having requirements in common are collectively organized such that one term applies to all. For example, Groups A-1, A-2, A-3, A-4 and A-5 are individual groups for assembly-type buildings. The general term “Group A,” however, includes each of these individual groups. Other groups include Business (B), Educational (E), Factory (F-1, F-2), High Hazard (H-1, H-2, H3, H-4, H-5), Institutional (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4), Mercantile (M), Residential (R1, R-2, R-3, R-4), Storage (S-1, S-2) and Utility (U). In some occupancies, the smaller number means a higher hazard, but that is not always the case.
Defining the use of the buildings is very important as it sets the tone for the remaining chapters of the code. Occupancy works with the height, area and construction type requirements in Chapters 5 and 6, as well as the special provisions in Chapter 4, to determine “equivalent risk,” or providing a reasonable level of protection or life safety for building occupants. The determination of equivalent risk involves three interdependent considerations:
(1) the level of fire hazard associated with the specific occupancy of the facility; (2) the reduction of fire hazard by limiting the floor area and the height of the building based on the fuel load (combustible contents and burnable building components); and (3) the level of overall fire resistance provided by the type of construction used for the building. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type.
Occupancy classification also plays a key part in organizing and prescribing the appropriate protection measures. As such, threshold requirements for fire protection and means of egress systems are based on occupancy classification (see Chapters 9 and 10). Other sections of the code also contain requirements respective to the classification of building groups. For example, Section 706 specifies requirements for fire wall fire-resistance ratings that are tied to the occupancy classification of a building and Section 803.11 contains interior finish requirements that are dependent upon the occupancy classification. The use of the space, rather than the occupancy of the building, is utilized for determining occupant loading (Section 1004) and live loading (Section 1607).
Over the useful life of a building, the activities in the building will evolve and change. Where the provisions of the code address uses differently, moving from one activity to another or from one level of activity to another is, by definition, a change of occupancy. The new occupancy must be in compliance with the applicable provisions.
Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based On Use and Occupancy.
Chapter 4 contains the requirements for protecting special uses and occupancies, which are supplemental to the remainder of the code. Chapter 4 contains provisions that may alter requirements found elsewhere in the code; however, the general requirements of the code still apply unless modified within the chapter. For example, the height and area limitations established in Chapter 5 apply to all special occupancies unless Chapter 4 contains height and area limitations. In this case, the limitations in Chapter 4 supersede those in other sections. An example of this is the height and area limitations for open parking garages given in Section 406.5.4, which supersede the limitations given in Sections 504 and 506.
In some instances, it may not be necessary to apply the provisions of Chapter 4. For example, if a covered mall building complies with the provisions of the code for Group M, Section 402 does not apply; however, other sections that address a use, process or operation must be applied to that specific occupancy, such as stages and platforms, special amusement buildings and hazardous materials (Sections 410, 411 and 414).
The chapter includes requirements for buildings and conditions that apply to one or more groups, such as high-rise buildings, underground buildings or atriums. Special uses may also imply specific occupancies and operations, such as for Group H, hazardous materials, application of flammable finishes, drying rooms, organic coatings and combustible storage or hydrogen fuel gas rooms, all of which are coordinated with the IFC. Unique consideration is taken for special use areas, such as covered mall buildings, motor-vehiclerelated occupancies, special amusement buildings and aircraft-related occupancies. Special facilities within other occupancies are considered, such as stages and platforms, motion picture projection rooms, children’s play structures and storm shelters. Finally, in order that the overall package of protection features can be easily understood, unique considerations for specific occupancies are addressed: Groups I-1, I-2, I-3, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, ambulatory care facilities and live/work units.
Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas. Chapter 5 contains the provisions that regulate the minimum type of construction for area limits and height limits based on the occupancy of the building. Height and area increases (including allowances for basements, mezzanines and equipment platforms) are permitted based on open frontage for fire department access, and the type of sprinkler protection provided and separation (Sections 503506, 510). These thresholds are reduced for buildings over three stories in height in accordance with Sections 506.2.3 and 506.2.4. Provisions include the protection and/or separation of incidental uses (Table 509), accessory occupancies (Section 508.2) and mixed uses in the same building (Sections 506.2.2, 506.2.4, 508.3, 508.4 and 510). Unlimited area buildings are permitted in certain occupancies when they meet special provisions (Section 507).
Tables 504.3, 504.4 and 506.2 are the keystones in setting thresholds for
building size based on the building’s use and the materials with which it is constructed. If one then looks at Tables 504.3, 504.4 and 506.2, the relationship among group classification, allowable heights and areas and types of construction becomes apparent. Respective to each group classification, the greater the fireresistance rating of structural elements, as represented by the type of construction, the greater the floor area and height allowances. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type. In the 2015 edition, the table that once contained both height and area has been separated and these three new tables address the topics individually. In addition, the tables list criteria for buildings containing automatic sprinkler systems and those that do not.
Chapter 6 Types of Construction.
The interdependence of these fire safety considerations can be seen by first looking at Tables 601 and 602, which show the fire-resistance ratings of the principal structural elements comprising a building in relation to the five classifications for types of construction. Type I construction is the classification that generally requires the highest fire-resistance ratings for structural elements, whereas Type V construction, which is designated as a combustible type of construction, generally requires the least amount of fire-resistance-rated structural elements. The greater the potential fire hazards indicated as a function of the group, the lesser the height and area allowances for a particular construction type. Section 603 includes a list of combustible 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 fundamental concepts of fire performance that all buildings are expected to achieve in some form. This chapter identifies the acceptable materials, techniques and methods by which proposed construction can be designed and evaluated against to determine a building’s ability to limit the impact of fire. The fire-resistance-rated construction requirements within Chapter 7 provide passive resistance to the spread and effects of fire. Types of separations addressed include fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, horizontal assemblies, smoke barriers and smoke partitions. A fire produces heat that can weaken structural components and smoke products that cause property damage and place occupants 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 requirements (Chapter 10) to contain a fire should it occur while helping ensure occupants are able to safely exit.
Chapter
8
Interior Finishes.
This chapter contains the performance requirements for controlling fire growth within buildings by restricting interior finish and decorative materials. Past fire experience has shown that interior finish and decorative materials are key elements in the development and spread of fire. The provisions of Chapter 8 require materials used as interior finishes and decorations to meet certain flame-spread index or flamepropagation criteria based on the relative fire hazard associated with the occupancy. As smoke is also a hazard associated with fire, this chapter contains limits on the smoke development characteristics of interior finishes. The performance of the material is evaluated based on test standards.
xii 2015 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE®
Chapter 9 Fire Protection Systems. Chapter 9 prescribes the minimum requirements for active systems of fire protection equipment to perform the following functions: detect a fire; alert the occupants or fire department of a fire emergency; and control smoke and control or extinguish the fire. Generally, the requirements are based on the occupancy, the height and the area of the building, because these are the factors that most affect firefighting capabilities and the relative hazard of a specific building or portion thereof. This chapter parallels and is substantially duplicated in Chapter 9 of the International Fire Code (IFC); however, the IFC Chapter 9 also contains periodic testing criteria that are not contained in the IBC. In addition, the special fire protection system requirements based on use and occupancy found in IBC Chapter 4 are duplicated in IFC Chapter 9 as a user convenience.
Chapter
10
Means of Egress.
The general criteria set forth in Chapter 10 regulating the design of the means of egress are established as the primary method for protection of people in buildings by allowing timely relocation or evacuation of building occupants. Both prescriptive and performance language is utilized in this chapter to provide for a basic approach in the determination of a safe exiting system for all occupancies. It addresses all
