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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 009-20RECORD OF ORDINANCES
BARRETT BROTHERS - DAYTON, OHIO
09-20 (Amended)
Ordinance No.
Passed
AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 150.231 OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN CODIFIED
ORDINANCE REGARDING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
WHEREAS, the City of Dublin desires to maintain property within the City and has
utilized the International Property Maintenance Code to aid in this process; and
WHEREAS, the International Property Maintenance Code has adopted updates to
their Code in 2019 which improve on the understanding and standards of the Code;
and
NOW,TH REFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Dublin, State of
Ohio, w of its elected members concurring, that:
Section 1. The City of Dublin hereby adopts by reference the 2018 International
Properly Maintenance Code and amends the Dublin Code of Ordinances as follows:
§ 150.230 ADOPTION OF PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.
A certain document, three copies of which are on file in the office of the City Clerk of
Council, being marked and designated as the 2018 International Property Maintenance
Code as published by the International Code Council, Inc. be and is hereby adopted as
the Property Maintenance Code of the City, for the control of buildings and structures
as herein provided; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions
and terms of the said 2018 International Property Maintenance Code are hereby
referred Ito, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this subchapter, with
the additions, insertions, deletions and changes , prescribed in 150.231.
§ 150.231 ADDITIONS, INSERTIONS AND CHANGES
The International Property Maintenance Code is amended and revised in the following
respects:
All references to the Code Official shall be changed to the Code Enforcement
Supervisor.
Section 1.01.1 Insert: City of Dublin
Section 1.01.3 Amend to read as follows:
The Code is intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare in all existing
structures, residential and non-residential, and on all existing premises by
establishing minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures,
equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection
from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and
sanitary maintenance; fixing the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants;
regulating the occupancy of existing structures and premises, and providing for
administration, enforcement and penalties.
Section 103.1 Delete
Section 103.2 Delete
Section 106.4 Amend to read as follows:
Any person who shall violate a provision of this Code is guilty of a fourth degree
misdemeanor. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been
served shall be deemed a separate offence.
Form 6220S
BARRETT BROTHERS • DAYTON. OHIO
Ordinance No.
RECORD OF ORDINANCES
09-20 (Amended) Pulsed Page 2 of 2
,
Section 111.1 Amend to read as follows:
Any person affected by a decision of the Code Enforcement Supervisor or a notice
or order issued under this Code shall have the right to appeal to the Board of
Zoning Appeals.
Section 111.2 through 111.8 Delete
Amend the definition of Code Enforcement Supervisor to read as follows:
Code Enforcement Supervisor: unless specifically identified shall mean the Code
Enforcement Supervisor of the City of Dublin.
Add the following definition:
Serious hazard: A hazard of considerable consequence to safety or health
through the design, location, construction, or equipment of a building, structure
or premise, or the condition thereof, which hazard has been established through
experience, testing, or research to be of certain or probably consequence, or
which can be determined to be, or which is obviously such a hazard.
Section 302.4 Amend to read as follows:
All premises shall be kept free from noxious weeds in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 95 of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Dublin.
Section 304.14 Insert: April 1 to November 1
Section 602.3 Insert: October 1 to May 1
Section 602.4 Insert: October 1 to May 1
(Ord. 72-98, passed 8-10-98; Am. Ord. 86-04, passed 1-3-05, Ordinance 16-10,
passed 5-10-10)
Section 2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect on the earliest date
permitted by law. All editions of the International Property Maintenance Code
published by the International Code Council, Inc. subsequent to the 2018 International
Property Maintenance Code adopted in Section 1 of this Ordinance shall be adopted as
the Property Maintenance Code of the City, subject to the additions, insertions, and
changes set forth herein, without requiring further action of Council; that such future
editions shall take effect within the City of Dublin on January 1 of the calendar year
following publication of said edition; and that three copies of such editions shall be
maintained on file in the office of the Clerk of Council following the effective date of
such future editions.
Passed this day of 12020.
Mayor -Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Clerk of Council
Form 6220S
City of Dublin
Office of the City Manager
5200 Emerald Parkway • Dublin, OH 43017-1090
Phone: 614.410.4400 • Fax: 614.410.4490
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager
Date: April 7, 2020
Initiated By: Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Planning Director
Jennifer D. Readler, Law Director
Thad Boggs, Asst. Law Director
Tammy Noble, Senior Planner, Long Range Planning Manager
Greg Jones, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Update
Memo
Re: Ordinance 09-20 (Amended) — Amending Code Section 150.231 of the City of
Dublin Codified Ordinance regarding Property Maintenance
Ordinance 09-20 regarding updates to the International Property Maintenance Code was
introduced to City Council on March 16, 2020. During the review of the proposed Ordinance, City
Council members referred to Section 101.3(2) that states, "Existing conditions within the structure
built before March 1, 1959 or listed on the National Register of Historic structures, are exempted
from this Code unless the condition is deemed to be a serious hazard to the health, safety or
welfare of the occupant(s)" and raised concerns regarding how this requirement would be
interpreted. After consulting with the Law Directors office, the Ordinance has been revised to
remove the section and will utilize enforcement procedures to uphold property maintenance issues
on historic structures.
Summary
On February 18, 2020, the Public Services Committee met to discuss the City's existing Code
provisions regarding property maintenance, enforcement practices, and practices of other
surrounding communities. An outcome of the discussion was a recommendation to adopt the most
recent version of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which is included in the
subsequent Ordinance. Ordinance 09-20 is a request for review and approval of the 2018
International Property Maintenance Code, with additional language to allow for any future versions
of the IPMC to be adopted without additional action by City Council.
Staff provided a brief summary of the purpose of the Property Maintenance Code, including our
Nuisance regulations, how effective our enforcement practices are in terms of compliance, national
trends that may be associated with issues of buildings in disrepair, and other practices of
communities in the central Ohio area. The outcome of the meeting was a recommendation that
Planning work with Legal to propose legislation that adopts the most recent version of the
International Property Maintenance Code, which is the 2018 version. Planning recommended that
when the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code is adopted that language be inserted in
the Code that ensures that any future versions of the Code are automatically adopted without
additional action of City Council. This will ensure the City continues to use the most recent version
of the Code and has been included in this request.
Memo re. Ord 09-20 — Property Maintenance
April 7, 2020
Page 2 of 2
Background
Property maintenance has been a discussion of City Council in various formats, including a work
session on May 14, 2018. As part of this work session, the Law Director's office provided an
extensive memo outlining various regulations that address property maintenance, including
Sections 150.230-150.231 Property Maintenance Code, 153.076 Public Nuisance Regulations,
Chapter 95 Nuisance and Weeds, and other codes related to architectural appearance. The memo
outlined the purpose of the regulations are to maintain property in a safe, sanitary, and orderly
condition and to ensure the regulations are enforceable. These regulations were noted as
enforceable in a number of ways, including a criminal citation in Mayor's Court, civil injunctions in
the Franklin County Environmental Court, Section 153.076 Public Nuisance Regulations, or as part
of an appeal process through the Board of Zoning Appeals.
At the February 18, 2020 Public Services Committee meeting, the Law Director's Office, Planning
and Code Enforcement outlined our current enforcement practices and highlighted that from 2013
to 2019, our enforcement officers reported a 98% resolution of enforcement cases, meaning they
did not require further legal action.
The Committee and staff discussed efforts of other communities that are equally addressing issues
of property maintenance, and the merits of rental and/or vacant property registration. The
Committee members identified specific properties that were in significant disrepair, specifically the
properties on Monterey Drive and two additional sites in the Historic District. These properties
highlighted a primary issue with vacant properties: the length of time the structures are vacant.
The Committed highlighted concerns that the longer the structures are vacant, the greater the
need for enforcement efforts to ensure the structure maintains its structural integrity. Committee
members asked staff to review the existing Public Nuisance Code Section 153.076 and recommend
any needed amendments, including the exclusion of plywood as an acceptable material for
securing properties.
On March 3 and 4, 2020, the City hosted Heritage Ohio as they aid the City and the Historic Dublin
Task Force. Staff, task force members and Heritage Ohio representatives extensively discussed the
challenges of vacant properties and the opportunities to address long-term vacant properties
through additional regulations. Staff is working with Heritage Ohio to understand the applicability
of these regulations to the City of Dublin.
Staff will present the initial research findings to the Planning and Zoning Commission and
Architectural Review Board for feedback and recommendations of draft regulations.
Recommendation
Approval of Ordinance 09-20, as revised.
Ordinance 09-20 - REDLINE VERSION
Submitted for City Council 4/13/20
§ 150.230 ADOPTION OF PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.
A certain document, three copies of which are on file in the office of the City Clerk of
Council, being marked and designated as the 2018 International Property Maintenance
Code as published by the International Code Council, Inc. be and is hereby adopted as
the Property Maintenance Code of the City, for the control of buildings and structures
as herein provided; and each and all of the regulations, provisions, penalties, conditions
and terms of the said 2018 International Property Maintenance Code are hereby
referred to, adopted, and made a part hereof, as if fully set out in this subchapter, with
the additions, insertions, deletions and changes , prescribed in 150.231.
§ 150.231 ADDITIONS, INSERTIONS AND CHANGES
The International Property Maintenance Code is amended and revised in the following
respects:
All references to the Code Official shall be changed to the Code Enforcement
Supervisor.
Section 101.1 Insert: City of Dublin
Section 101.3 Amend to read as follows:
The Code is intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare in all existing
structures, residential and non-residential, and on all existing premises by
establishing minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures,
equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection
from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and
sanitary maintenance; fixing the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants;
regulating the occupancy of existing structures and premises, and providing for
administration, enforcement and penalties.
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Section 103.1 Delete
Section 103.2 Delete
Section 106.4 Amend to read as follows:
Any person who shall violate a provision of this Code is guilty of a fourth degree
misdemeanor. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been
served shall be deemed a separate offence.
Section 111.1 Amend to read as follows:
Any person affected by a decision of the Code Enforcement Supervisor or a notice
or order issued under this Code shall have the right to appeal to the Board of
Zoning Appeals.
09-20 Page 2 of 2
Section 111.2 through 111.8 Delete
Amend the definition of Code Enforcement Supervisor to read as follows:
Code Enforcement Supervisor: unless specifically identified shall mean the Code
Enforcement Supervisor of the City of Dublin.
Add the following definition:
Serious hazard: A hazard of considerable consequence to safety or health
through the design, location, construction, or equipment of a building, structure
or premise, or the condition thereof, which hazard has been established through
experience, testing, or research to be of certain or probably consequence, or
which can be determined to be, or which is obviously such a hazard.
Section 302.4 Amend to read as follows:
All premises shall be kept free from noxious weeds in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 95 of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Dublin.
Section 304.14 Insert: April 1 to November 1
Section 602.3 Insert: October 1 to May 1
Section 602.4 Insert: October 1 to May 1
(Ord. 72-98, passed 8-10-98; Am. Ord. 86-04, passed 1-3-05, Ordinance 16-10,
passed 5-10-10)
Section 2. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect on the earliest date
permitted by law. All editions of the International Property Maintenance Code
published by the International Code Council, Inc. subsequent to the 2018 International
Property Maintenance Code adopted in Section 1 of this Ordinance shall be adopted as
the Property Maintenance Code of the City, subject to the additions, insertions, and
changes set forth herein, without requiring further action of Council; that such future
editions shall take effect within the City of Dublin on January 1 of the calendar year
following publication of said edition; and that three copies of such editions shall be
maintained on file in the office of the Clerk of Council following the effective date of
such future editions.
Passed this day of
Mayor - Presiding Officer
ATTEST:
Clerk of Council
2020.
City of Dublin
Office of the City Manager
5200 Emerald Parkway • Dublin, OH 43017-1090
Phone: 614.410.4400 • Fax: 614.410.4490
To: Members of the Public Service Commission
From: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager
Date: February 11, 2020
Initiated By: Jennifer M. Rauch, AICP, Interim Planning Director
Jennifer D. Readler, Law Director
Thad Boggs, Asst. Law Director
Tammy Noble, Senior Planner, Long Range Planning Manager
Greg Jones, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Re: City of Dublin Property Maintenance Code
Summary
Memo
On May 14, 2018 City Council conducted a Work Session that included the topic of our Property
Maintenance Code where members discussed concerns raised about property maintenance and
asked whether additional measures could be made to improve our Code. Additionally, Council
asked for information regarding what other Central Ohio communities are doing to address
property maintenance and if there are additional measures the City should consider. City Council
also requested information about national trends correlated to property maintenance.
Background
As part of the May 14, 2018 Work Session, Legal provided an extensive memo outlining various
regulations that address property maintenance including Section 150.230-150.231 Property
Maintenance Code, Section 153.076 Public Nuisance Regulations, Chapter 95 Nuisance and Weeds,
and other codes related to architectural appearance. The memo outlined the purpose of the
regulations are to maintain property in a safe, sanitary, and orderly condition and to ensure the
regulations are enforceable. Legal noted the regulations are enforceable in a number of ways
including a criminal citation in Mayor's Court, by civil injunctions in the Franklin County
Environmental Court, Section 153.076 Public Nuisance Regulations, or as part of the Zoning Code
may also be appealed through the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The primary mechanism the City uses for enforcement of property maintenance is the
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which is a model code that regulates minimum
maintenance regulations for existing buildings. The use of the IPMC is authorized in Code Section
150.230-150.231. This Code has been adopted by over 14,000 jurisdiction nationwide and is an
industry standard for property maintenance. The City is currently using the 2009 version of the
IPMC; however, it was recently updated in 2018, which requires an update to the City Code.
Planning intends for this to occur following City Council's direction on the larger property
maintenance subject to ensure a comprehensive approach is taken.
Current enforcement practices include complaints based action, as well as proactive "sweeps" of
neighborhoods that are conducted on a rotating schedule. Most of our enforcement efforts
concentrate on exterior conditions and typically include peeling paint, broken windows, or gutter
Memo re. Property Maintenance Code
February 11,2020
Page 2 of 3
maintenance. Enforcement effort also include interior conditions of health and safety when
hoarding conditions are identified, which includes a small but important number of cases each
year. Many of these interior inspections are prompted by other branches of enforcement including
the City of Dublin Police Department, Franklin County Board of Health, the Washington Township
Fire Department or other agencies focusing on animal cruelty cases. In instances where interior
conditions are evaluated and enforced, the conditions are severe and likely pose a health and
safety concern.
In an effort to proactive, the City provides a variety of opportunities to provide public outreach and
education regarding property maintenance. Our Code Enforcement Officers have increased their
efforts by meeting with individual homeowner associations and educating residents on local
requirements. Our officers also offer to conduct walk-throughs in neighborhoods to proactively
identify issues that need to be addressed. Our Communications & Public Information team has
enhanced public education efforts with a "Keep Dublin Beautiful" campaign aimed at educating
residents about City code and best practices for yard maintenance. The campaign includes a new
webpage (dublinohiousa.aov/living/keep-dublin-beautiful/), a "Horticulture Tips" video series, a
flier distributed at the Spring Neighborhood Leadership meeting and available on the webpage,
various social media engagement efforts and information distributed with the City's Welcome
Packets for new residents.
Other Communities
Municipalities
Planning has researched how several other suburban communities address property maintenance
including Marysville, New Albany, Newark, Grove City, Worthington, Delaware, Powell, Westerville,
Newark and Bexley. All of these communities enforce the International Property Maintenance
Code. In addition to enforcing the International Property Maintenance Code, a few communities
(include Marysville and New Albany) also require a registration process for properties that are
rented. This registration process requires that landowners provide a local contact person or agency
that can assist if any maintenance issues arise. Most communities require an annual registration
and a fee. The remaining communities (Grove City, Worthington, Delaware, Powell, Westerville,
and Bexley) Planning contacted do not have registration requirements for either rental properties
or vacant properties.
A number of communities in Ohio require registration for vacant property registration, including
Urbana, Painesville, Xenia, Millersburg, Cambridge, Sandusky and Kent, Ohio. The City of Urbana,
for example, recently adopted a registration program in 2017 and the City has been tracking
activity since March of 2018. The program is applicable to both residential and commercial
properties, but has been more widely used on commercial properties. City officials stated that of
100 buildings that has been identified as vacant and in disrepair, 38 of the buildings have been
demolished or removed.
Franklin County
The Franklin County Auditor's Department requires a Rental Registration Permit for all residential
properties that are being rented within county boundaries. This requirement is based on the Ohio
Memo re. Property Maintenance Code
February 11,2020
Page 3 of 3
Revised Code 5323.02 and requires the information be provided to the county within 60 days of a
property transfer and/or a property tax bill is received. The registration process requires a
property owner to file information with the county agency that would expedite compliance issues
identified as a code violation. This information includes the name and contact information of the
owner and if the individual resides outside the State of Ohio, a local contact must be provided.
National Trends
National trends in housing inventory show that across the United States, a large number of people
increasingly choose to rent as opposed to own a home. From 2018 to 2019, market analysis show
that for the first time in decades, the number of people renting is increasing at a higher ratio than
those buying homes at a rate almost 20 to 30% higher depending on the region. This trend has
been documented in 97 of the top 100 cities in the United States. According to the Columbus
Housing Market conducted in 2019, similar trends are occurring in our local region. In the last
three years, renting has increased 30% in the central Ohio region. Of this 30%, a majority of the
rental units are single-family, residential homes.
Vacant rates showed a noticeable increase after the economic downturn in 2007, but currently is
more apparent in metropolitan areas. According the 2019 Census, the City of Dublin had
extremely low vacancy rates of 3.6% of our overall housing units. This census estimates of 17,862
housing units in 2019, only 646 units were vacant.
Recommendation
Several options the Public Service Committee members may want to consider in addressing
property maintenance include:
1. Continue using existing City Codified Ordinances to address property maintenance.
2. Investigate the use of vacant property registration program.
3. Investigate the use of a rental registration program.
BFrost �.
rown oddif
ATTORNEYS
MEMORANDUM
To: Public Services Committee
CC: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager
From: Jennifer D. Readler, Law Director
Thaddeus M. Boggs, Assistant Law Director
Date: February 10, 2020
Re: Property Maintenance, Nuisance, and Other Code Provisions related to property
appearance and maintenance
The City of Dublin's property maintenance provisions address failures to maintain property
in a safe, sanitary, and orderly condition. They establish minimum thresholds rather than the ideal
conditions of property. The property maintenance provisions are primarily in Sections 150.230
and 150.231, the Property Maintenance Code, and Section 153.076, "Public Nuisance
Regulations." Chapter 95, "Nuisances; Weeds," also addresses topics related to property
conditions but is enforced by the Franklin County Board of Health with a focus on interior
sanitation and conditions rendering habitation unsafe.
Additionally, the City of Dublin imposes residential appearance standards and architectural
reviews for development of property. They focus upon the architectural elements and character
rather than maintenance per se. Generally, these do not perform the same function as property
maintenance codes.
As a general matter, property maintenance codes and zoning provisions may be enforced
by criminal citation in the Mayor's Court; by civil injunction in the Franklin County
Environmental Court; or both. All enforcement actions, whether criminal or civil, must comply
with due process requirements. Property owners have a right to notice of the violation; to be heard
in response; and to appeal adverse decisions.
A. Property Maintenance and Nuisance Provisions
These provisions establish minimum standards for safety and structural integrity of
structures. These provisions apply uniformly in all zoning districts of the City. While they play a
role in the aesthetic appearance of a property, they are not designed as beautification measures. A
structure may be well below the aesthetic average of its surroundings yet fully compliant with the
property maintenance and nuisance provisions of the code.
Frost Brown Todd LLC
All property maintenance codes are based upon the government's police power the power
to enforce laws "reasonably necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, and morals,
even though they result in the impairment of the full use of property by the owner thereof." State
ex rel. Jack v. Russell, 162 Ohio St. 281, 123 N.E.2d 261 (1954). In addition to the safety
considerations, there "is a legitimate governmental interest in maintaining the aesthetics of the
community and, as such, aesthetic considerations may be taken into account bythe legislative body
in enacting zoning legislation." Franchise Developers, Inc. v. City of Cincinnati, 30 Ohio St.3d
28, 505 N.E.2d 966, paragraph two of the syllabus. Ohio case law is in flux regarding whether
regulations based solely on aesthetic concerns are constitutional, but aesthetics can at least be
considered as part of the rationale for regulations. Vill. ofHudson v. Albrecht, Inc., 9 Ohio St. 3d
69, 72, 458 N.E.2d 852 (1984). Additionally, the protection of property values is a legitimate
interest that "may be preserved by the reasonable exercise of a municipality's police power ...
bear[ing] a substantial relation to the general welfare of the public .... [They] must be such that
the good to the public outweighs the detriment to the individual's rights." City of Kettering v.
Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Inc., 38 Ohio App.3d 16, 17, 525 N.E.2d 836 (2d Dist. 1987)
(emphasis added). Although governments have a recognized interest in aesthetic considerations,
provisions based entirely on this aesthetic interest generally receive more scrutiny from courts. See
21 A.L.R.3d 1222. Courts will look to the "reasonableness" of the regulation and whether it
advances the public welfare more than it detracts from individual property rights. In summary, the
more restrictive the regulation, the more scrutiny it will get from courts, especially if it is based
solely on aesthetic or value considerations as opposed to health and safety.
Sections 150.230-150.231: Propertv Maintenance Code
The City has adopted the 2009 International Property Maintenance Code published by the
International Code Council, with such revisions as are set forth in Chapter 150. The City has
adopted a purposes section stating that the Property Maintenance Code establishes "minimum
requirements and standards for premises, structures, equipment and facilities for light, ventilation,
space, heating, sanitation, protection from the elements, life safety, safety from fire and other
hazards, and for safe and sanitary maintenance." C.O. §150.231. The International Property
Maintenance Code is widely adopted and regarded as the "gold standard" among professional
planners. Cities as varied and highly regarded as Aspen, Colorado and Charleston, South Carolina
have adopted and enforce this Code.
Property maintenance code violations are fourth -degree misdemeanors in the City of
Dublin. C.O. §150.231. Each day of violation is a separate offense. Each fourth -degree
misdemeanor conviction carries potential penalties of a fine up to $250 and up to thirty days in
jail. They are criminal offenses, and so they must be proven by the City beyond a reasonable doubt;
defendants have all procedural rights afforded to criminal defendants, including right to a trial by
jury due to the offense carrying the potential of incarceration. If a person is convicted, fines and
jail time may be suspended on condition of complying with terms of community control which
may include repairs and maintenance to the property.
The general requirements of the Property Maintenance Code focus upon maintaining
structural integrity and safety of structures and premises, rather than beautification. For example,
2
exterior surfaces must be maintained in good condition and any peeling, flaking, or chipped paint
must be repainted. Joints must be water tight. Structures and exterior property must be kept free
from rodent harborage and infestation. Accumulations of trash are prohibited, as is the storage of
inoperable vehicles. Roofing must be maintained to prevent infiltration of water into the structure
and for drainage that does not become public nuisance.
Section 153.076: Public Nuisance Regulations
This section requires that every use subject to provisions of Chapter 153, the City's zoning
regulations, shall be operated "so that it will not interfere with the development and enjoyment of
adjacent property." This section regulates noise, smoke, dust, odor, fumes, and glare. For
residential properties, it also regulates certain conditions on property to eliminate "conditions
favorable to pestilence, disease, and general unsafe conditions, while at the same time improving
the quality and appearance and most likely, the value of residential property for all residents of the
municipality."
It does so by regulating accumulation of trash and building materials on properties. It also
requires exteriors to be kept in "good condition, and well-maintained, including painting, if
necessary, and" requires persons "within a reasonable time, after notice, [to] remove or remedy all
unsightly, dirty and unsafe conditions." This section empowers City officials to take corrective
action after notice to the property owner, and to bill the property owner for the costs and assess
unpaid costs to the property's taxes.
Lastly, this Section regulates permissible grass height and proliferation of noxious weeds
on property. The City may cut down tall grass and weeds after notice to the property owner, and
assess the costs to the property.
Violations of this section are minor misdemeanors, subject to fines up to $150. Each day
of violation is a separate offense. Repeat violations after convictions may rise up to third-degree
misdemeanors, which carry potential fines up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.
Chapter 95: Nuisances; Weeds
Chapter 95 of the Codified Ordinances addresses certain deficiencies in property
conditions, largely in conjunction with health and sanitation provisions adopted and enforced by
the Franklin County Board of Health through contract with the City. For example, Section 95.02
defines unclean habitations primarily in relation to interior conditions that become dangerous to
the lives or health of the occupants. Notices of violations, notices to vacate, inspections, and
hearings are all performed by agents of the Board of Health.
Despite the Chapter's title, it does not directly address overgrowth of weeds.
B. Zoning Provisions Related to Appearance
3
These provisions play a more direct role in the appearance of a structure and premises.
However, while they may require certain architectural elements when aproperty is developed, they
do not always speak to the overall maintenance or beautification of the property, or even its
structural integrity and safety.
Section 153.190: Residential Appearance Standards
These standards apply in all districts, except those in the Architectural Review District or
listed in Section 153.170. Planned Development Districts may also receive unique standards in
their texts. These standards only apply to construction, addition, and alteration of one to three-
family housing. This section prescribes architectural elements and materials to improve the
aesthetic and interest of the housing stock, but it does not address maintenance of structure or
premises.
Sections 153.170-153.180: Architectural Review
Similar to the Residential Appearance Standards, these sections create an architectural
review process and certain elements of design for the Architectural Review Board's decisions.
Sections 153.178 and 153.179 address maintenance.
Section 153.178 requires owners to maintain property and structures in the Architectural
Review District "to ensure any building's upkeep and to prevent its destruction by deterioration."
All accessory elements of the property, such as parking lots, signs, and landscaping must be
maintained "in a safe and functional condition, and be maintained to ensure its historical value."
By resolution, the Architectural Review Board may "present evidence of a violation to the city for
appropriate action." Section 153.179 provides that the subchapter should not be construed to
prevent ordinary maintenance so long as materials, arrangement, color, design, and texture are
unchanged.
Section 153.178 requires at least minimum maintenance to keep an historic structure
standing. Upkeep means to keep "in good condition" according to Merriam -Webster, and so that
might imply something more than the bare minimum of structural integrity and safety. However,
it does not imply beautification. Violation of the section is likely a minor misdemeanor, with afine
limited to $100 per occurrence, by Section 153.999.
Section 153.134(K): Dead or diseased tree removal on private property
The City Manager may order removal of dead or diseased trees on private property when
they harbor epiphytotic diseases posing a potential threat to other trees in the City, or when they
are a hazard to life and property. Again, this is a minimum standard for safety and preservation of
the City's tree stock and does not require maintenance of trees on private property to be robust or
attractive.
Section 153.135: Landscape Materials
4
This section applies to new developments and expansion of existing sites. Landscaping
materials subject to this section must be kept in a proper, neat, and orderly appearance.
CONCLUSION
The property maintenance and nuisance provisions in the Dublin Codified Ordinances are
designed to maintain minimum thresholds of safety, sanitation, and structural integrity. They do
not mandate aesthetic quality. The City's residential appearance standards and architectural review
district standards require certain architectural features and materials in new construction and
expansions, which affects appearance and maintenance of structures to the extent they require
durable, quality materials and design. But these provisions, whether in the Historic District or
elsewhere, do not govern ongoing maintenance and upkeep beyond a minimum threshold to avoid
deterioration of a structure.
0127206.0607868 4852-6888-2787t3
Office of the Cifty Manager
5200 Emerald Parkway * Dublin, OH 43017-1090
itv of Dublin
citj Phone: 614-410-4400 # Fax.- 614-410-4490
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Dana L. McDaniel, City Manager - - 4emnzzl, a
Inib"ated By,,,% Vincent A. Papsidero,, FAICP, Planning Directo
Claudia D. Husak, AICP, Senior Planner
Logan Stang, Planner I I
lli��IiJ Jill
Although PUDs are exempt from these provisions, many of the zoning ordinances and
established development texts passed after the effective date of the appearance standards
require compliance with al I applicable reg ulations. Subdivisions adhering to the residential
appearance standards, not alterect as part or the development text, include, Wyandotte
Woods, Stansbury at MuIrfield, and Riverside Woods, as examples.
Memo - Residential Appearance Standards
October 15, 2018
Page 2 of 2
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Dublin, Ohio Code of Ordinances
ITLEXV: LAND USAGE
CHAPTER 153: ZONING REGULATIONS
RESIDENTIAL APPEARANCE STANDARDS
PRESIDENTIAL APPEARANCE STANDARDS
P§153.190 RESIDENTIAL APPEARANCE STANDARDS.
(A) Residential appearance. The following findings warrant the need for exterior appearance requirements for
residential development
(1) The Community Plan recommends promoting a high quality built environment
(2) Providing for compliance with appearance regulations will assist in creating quality development within
residential neighborhoods.
(3) Limiting the garage appearance within the front elevation limits the negative visual impact
(4) A balance ofnatural and synthetic building materials allows for design creativity and promotes quality
development
(5) Trim around windows completes the appearance on every elevation.
(6) Placing windows, doors, porches, and other features on each elevation enhances the visual environment and
contributes to the overall architectural diversity of a neighborhood.
(7) The lack of detailing, architectural features, and trim on elevations detracts from a dwelling and reduces the
visual quality of a neighborhood.
(B) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide design requirements that are applicable to single-, two-,
and three -fain ly dwelling units. For purposes ofthis section, a single-, two-, and three-family dwelling unit will be
defined as a "house." These requirements are designed to increase the quality of neighborhoods, to promote positive
architectural appearance within residential areas, to encourage design flexbffity and creativity, and to establish an
interesting aesthetically pleasing residential environment It is also the intent of this section to promote durable,
quality materials that will allow residential neighborhoods to endure and mature for future generations in the city.
(1) Minimum requirements. These requirements are minimum appearance requirements applicable to all houses
in all districts, including Planned Development Districts, except as may be specifically approved in the Planned
Development District ordinance.
(2) Planned Development Districts. Residential appearance objectives for Planned Development Districts shall
be adopted by City Council These objectives explain more general intents regarding appearance in order to allow
for creativity in meeting them through the Planned Development District process. Planned Development District
proposals must demonstrate how the proposal addresses the residential appearance objectives and replace these
minimum requirements.
(C) Applicability.
(1) These requirements shall apply to the construction of all new houses, unless designated as exempt in
division (C)(3) of this section.
(2) These requirements shall apply to any addition or alteration of an existing house constructed in compliance
with the regulations of this section
(3) Houses in districts described below are exempt or must comply with these requirements as follows:
(a) Houses located within a planned district approved after the effective date of this section shall comply with
the requirements of this section, or with specific substitute residential appearance requirements contained in the
adopted planned district ordinance. These residential appearance requirements shall apply unless specifically stated
substitute requirements are approved in the planned district ordinance. In the case of absent, or non-specific
requirements in the planned district ordinance, the more restrictive requirement will apply.
(b) Those houses located within the Architectiral Review District or listed in § 153.170 are exempt from the
requirements of this section These residential units shall be regulated by the architechral review section of this Code
of Ordinances.
(D) Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following defnitions apply:
(1) BLANK ELE DATION. An elevation that lacks the minimun required openings and architectural
features, such as windows, doors, exterior chimneys, or other similar architectural features.
(2) CHIMNEY. A structure projecting from the exterior wall of a house and enclosing or appearing to enclose
a flue that carries off smoke. It may or may not extend vertically to the eaves line or have a foundation/comection to
ground.
(a) CANTILEVERED CHIMNEY. A chimney that projects from the exterior wall and does not have a
foundation or extension to the ground.
(b) SHED -TYPE CHIMNEY. A chimney that does not extend full height vertically to the eaves line. A
shed chimney typically includes a direct vent outlet in the chimney wall
(3) CORBEL. A build out of one or more courses of brick or stone from the face of a wall, traditionally to
form a support for timbers.
(4) CORNICE. Overhang of a pitched roof at the eaves line, usually consisting of a fascia board, a sollit for a
closed cornice, and appropriate moldings.
(5) DIRECT VENT OUTLET. An outlet through an exterior wall associated with the air supply and/or
exhaust of a fire burner. It may or may not occur in a projecting box/chimney.
(6) DORMER. A window set vertically in a structure projecting through a sloping roof, also the roofed
structure containing that window.
(7) EAVES. The margin or lower part of a roof projecting over the wall
(8) ELEVATION. A geometric projection of the front, side, or rear outer surface of a building onto a plane
perpendicular to the horizontal; a vertical projection
(9) FACADE. The front, sides or rear faces of a building.
(10) FASCIA. A horizontal piece (such as aboard) covering the joint between the top of a wall and the
projecting eaves, also called fascia board.
(11) FRIEZE BOARD. A decorated band along the upper part of an exterior wall. In house construction a
horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.
(12) FOUNDATION CLADDING. An aesthetic enhancement to the foundation concealing exposed
portions with an approved material.
(13) GABLE.
(a) The vertical triangular end of a building from cornice or eaves to ridge.
(b) The similar end of gambrel roof.
(c) The end wall of a building.
(d) A triangular part of a structure.
(14) MASONRY. Natural or natural -appearing stone or brick.
(15) PLINTH A continuous, usually projecting course of stone or brick forming the base or foundation of a
wall.
(16) PROJECTION. Any component of a structure that extends out from the main building.
(17) QUOIN. Comer stones that anchor the edge of the building wall or decorative feature to irritate comer
stones, which wraparound the comer of an elevation and join two abutting walls.
(18) SOFFIT. The exposed undersurface of any overhead component of a building.
(19) STUCCO. A coarse plaster composed ofportland or masonry cement, sand, and hydrated lime mixed
with water and applied in a plastic state to form a hard exterior covering.
(20) TRIM. The finished woodwork or similar architectural element used to enhance, border or protect the
edges of openings or surfaces, such as windows or doors.
(21) VINYL SIDING ACCESSORIES. Exterior design elements that serve to provide more visual interest
and complement the primary home design
(22) WATER TABLE. A projecting brick or stone stringcourse, molding or ledge placed to divert rainwater
from a building.
(E) Residential design requirements.
(1) Design requirements. In addition to all applicable zoning and development requirements, the following
design requirements shall apply as outlined in division (C) of this section.
(a) Chimneys. All chimneys must extend full height, from ground and vertically past the eaves line.
Cantilevered and shed -type chimneys are prohibited. Chimneys must be finished in masonry or stucco but need not
match the background wall in material or color.
(b) Finish building materials. Wood board or shake, brick, stone, cultured stone, fibrous cement siding
stucco, glass block and vinyl siding are the permitted finish building materials. Asphalt dimensional shingles, slate, tile,
standing seam metal, wood shingles or shakes are the permitted roof materials.
1. When a change in materials occurs at comers, the change must occur at the inside comer unless the
masonry on the street -facing facade extends at least two feet past the outside comer. If a house has a side gable and
a material change occurs on the outside comer, or if two different materials are used on the facades of main and
upper floors, rather than extending the materials around the comer, a quoin or minimum 5 1/4 -inch wide comer
board must be used along the vertical length of the non -masonry comer.
2. The number of materials used as major facades, excluding fenestration, shall not exceed three materials.
(c) Foundations. There shall be no exposed, unfinished foundation walls. All exposed foundation concrete or
concrete must be finished with one of the following: brick, veneer brick, stone, cultured stone designed by the
manufacturer for at -grade or below -grade installation, split face block, cast -in-place brick pattern concrete, or
decorative concrete block.
(d) Four-sided architecture. All sides of a house shall display a high level of quality and architectural interest.
The majority of a building's architectural features and treatments shall not be restricted to a single facade. Blank
facades are not permitted for any detached garages or accessory structures. All sides of a house should be
articulated through the use of bays, insets, balconies, porches, or stoops related to entrances and windows.
(e) For the purpose of four-sided architecture, houses on comer and through lots have more than one street -
facing elevation. Each elevation must contain at least two design elements, and each street -facing elevation must
contain at least three design elements, in any combination. Provided further that all of the following must be met:
1. At least one design element must be present in each equal one-half vertical division of the subject
elevation,
2. At least one design element shall occur from the first floor level to nine feet above the first floor level,
3. If there is any upper wall area greater than 24 feet wide and nine feet high (measured at nine feet above
the first floor level), at least one design element must be located predominately at least nine feet above the first floor
of that elevation
4. Acceptable design elements include:
a. A door of at least 17 square feet in area.
b. A window at least six square feet in area. A set of adjacent windows, such as a double or bay
window, count as one design element, however, horizontal bands of immediately adjacent window units count as one
design element for every horizontal eight feet of run
c. A chimney located along an exterior elevation.
d. An articulated decorative gable vent of at least four square feet in area.
e. A porch.
f. Asimilarsignfcantpermanentarchitecturalfeatureconsistentwiththestyleofthehouse.
5. Unacceptable design elements include:
a. Foundation cladding.
b. Water tables.
c. Sides of porches.
d. Roollines.
e. Interior chimneys.
(f) Garage doors. Garages are usually the dominant feature of most houses when seen from the street. Side -
loaded and recessed garages are encouraged.
1. Front -loaded garages shall be permitted. A garage is considered front -loaded when the vehicular access
doors are primarily oriented towards the same street right-of-way or private street as the front facade of the house.
Additionally, a garage is front -loaded when it is visible from the street and angled less than 60 degrees to the front lot
line or street tangent line. The street front for a comer or through lot is determined by the facade with the entry or
primary elevation of the house.
2. Detached front -loaded garages located more than 22 feet behind the front -most plane of the house are
exempt from the maxim= percentage of elevation requirements. Detached front -loaded garages 22 feet or less from
the front -most plane of the house shall be calculated within the elevation.
3. All garage doors must meet the following requirements:
a. No single garage door opening shall be wider than 18 feet.
b. No combination of garage door openings shall be wider than 36 feet.
c. A maximum of one 18 -foot wide garage door will be pemdtted.
d. Garage door openings shall not be higher than nine feet.
e. Color. The initial installation or replacement of garage doors must be of a low -contrast color that is the
same, or similar in hue and tonal value, as the primary color of the house. Garage door trim shall match garage doors
or the primary trim color of the house.
4. Front -loaded garages must meet the following additional requirements:
a. Not more than two garage doors may be located on the same plane. Three and four garage doors
must be located on two different planes with a minimum separation of 16 inches.
b. Garage door openings totaling 18 feet in width or less shall not makeup more than 35% of the linear
distance of the front elevation nor project more than 12 feet from the adjacent vertical wall plane. Open uncovered
porches shall not be considered a vertical wall plane.
c. Garage door openings totaling more than 18 feet to 36 feet in width shall not makeup more than 45%
of the linear distance of the front elevation nor project more than ten feet from the adjacent vertical wall plane. Open
uncovered porches shall not be considered a vertical wall plane.
(g) Roof pitch The main architectural roof of a house must have a minimum 6:12 pitch. Flat roofs may be
permitted, but not as the main architectural roof. Dormers, porches, and other similar secondary architectural
features may have roofs with a minimum 4:12 pitch Deep eaves and overhangs are encouraged.
(h) Vinyl homes. Any predominately vinyl -sided home must include complementary accessories and detailing
where vinyl sided elevations occur, as follows:
1. A detailed rain entryway by use of a minimum eight inch wide three-dimensional door -surround system;
2. Minimum six inch wide frieze or fascia boards, and
3. At least two of the following accessory types must be utilized per home. The selected accessory type
must occur on each vinyl -sided elevation as indicated on the following table. Additional accessories maybe utilized
in addition to the minimum requirements.
MINIMUMACCESSORIES FOR VINYL-
SIDED HOMES
SELECTED ACCESSORY TYPE MUST OCCUR (AT
LEAST) WHEN THE EXTERIOR WALL ELEVATION
IS VINYL
Select Tw o Accessory Types:
Front Side
Shutter Pairs
X X
Mantels
X X
Gingerbread
X
Masonry Water Table and Rinth
X
Gable Vent
X X
a. Shutter pais must occur at least on all the single and doublewide windows of any front and side vinyl -
sided elevations, where wall area penri is them Shutters shall be full height and at least one-half the width of the
single or one-quarter the width of the double window. Shutters used to meet the normal window trim requirements
may count towards these requirements.
b. Mantels must occur at least above all windows in front and side vinyl -sided elevations.
c. Gingerbread. A set of gingerbread decorations such as cornices, corbels, columns, or similar three-
dimensional elements must occur at least in the front vinyl -sided elevation, and shall occur in a consistent
arrangement and according to style of the home.
d. Masonry water table and plinth must occur at least along the front -facing facade of the vinyl -sided
house. The height of this feature shall beat least two feet as measured from grade.
e. Gable vents must be articulated decorative gable vent(s) of at least four square feet in area and occur
in at least the front, or side ofvinyl- sided elevations.
(i) Windows. Shutters or trim will be required with all windows on any elevation.
1. Shutters shall be sized to fully cover the window and shall be operable or appear as sucl-L and utilize
appropriate shutter hardware including s -clips and hinges. Shutters shall be louvered, raised or flat paneled or board
and batten and made of painted wood, vinyl, painted synthetic, PVC or Hardiplank.
2. Trim shall be required when shutters are not used. Trim shall include either a top and bottom fresh of
soldier course, rowlock, lintel or sill; or a minimum 3 1 /2 -inch board around all sides ofthe window.
(2) Building material specifications. Unless otherwise specified, all permitted building materials must be
manufactured and built to industry standards and must have a minimum 30 -year life expectancy.
(a) Vinyl All vinyl materials must have a minimum thickness of 44 mils, and must be applied over minimum
one-half inch thick oriented strand board or plywood. The siding must have a low -gloss finish All vinyl must be
properly installed according to the manufacturer's specifications to prevent warping or separation.
(b) Asphalt dimensional shingles. Asphalt dimensional shingles must be a 25 -year "true" dimensional shingle.
Painted shadows are not permitted. Shingles must have a minimum weight of 240 pounds per 100 square feet and
be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications.
(c) Garage doors. Garage doors must be of a durable material that does not sag warp, deteriorate, or de -
laminate Linder normal use and weather conditions. Materials such as particle board or Masonite are prohibited.
(Ord. 59-03, passed 11-3-03, Am Ord. 59-03, passed 3-15-04, Am Ord. 40-07, passed 7-2-07, Am Ord. 76
08, passed 2-8-10)
Editor's Note.
Ordinance No. 59-03, passed March 15, 2004, was inadvertently submitted as an amended version of
Ordinance No. 59-03, passed November 3, 2003. There are, therefore, two separate ordinances with the
designation of 59-03.
Disclaimer:
This Code of Ordinances and/or any other documents that appear on this site may not reflect the most current legislation adopted by the
Municipality. American Legal Publishing Corporation provides these documents for informational purposes only. These documents should not be
relied upon as the definitive authority for local legislation. Additionally, the formatting and pagination of the posted documents varies from the
formatting and pagination of the official copy. The official printed copy of a Code of Ordinances should be consulted prior to any action being
taken.
For further information regarding the official version of any of this Code of Ordinances or other documents posted on this site, please contact the
Municipality directly or contact American Legal Publishing toll-free at 800-445-5588.
© 2018 American Legal Publishing Corporation
techsupport amiegal.com
1.800.445.5588.
Dublin City Council Work Session
Monday, May 14, 2018
Page 12 of 14
Mr. McDaniel asked what Code does Council desire for the HD, given all of this discussion?
Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes stated that it may have to be PUD -like town centers. These seem to
work well.
Mr. Reiner stated that this should come into play for the buildings that are not historically
interesting.
Ms. Fox stated that when Bridge Street was proposed, it was fast tracked. She suggests taking
the guidelines and making revisions, but not so much that it takes away from the character. She
recommended the ARB should be the reviewing body for all related to the Historic District
streetscapes as well as the buildings. Either this is the Historic District that is different and unique
and treated that way, or it is Bridge Street District and anything is acceptable.
Mr. McDaniel stated that this "free-for-all" perception was never the intent of the Bridge Street
Code.
Ms. Fox reiterated that there needs to be a commitment that the Historic District is treated
differently, and that the guidelines become law.
Mr. McDaniel stated that he will return to Council with some high level policy guidance and how it
translates.
Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes stated that she would like to look at the PUD process for the Historic
District. It is very difficult to codify character.
Property Maintenance Code Discussion
Ms. Fox stated she hears a lot of complaints about property maintenance code issues. Is there
additional measures the City can take to improve the Code?
Mr. McDaniel stated that the Law Director provided a memo in the packet. Many cities are in a
similar situation. The property maintenance code is in place, but the enforcement must be a
balancing act. Unfortunately, there has been an issue with absentee owners allowing properties to
deteriorate. Staff is looking at examples from other cities of what and how they are more
aggressive about that. Staff needs more time to research this.
In response to Ms. Fox's question regarding fines per day for Code violations, Mr. McDaniel stated
that the City's attitude is to work cooperatively with property owners to encourage them to make
the repairs/improvements. It is not about the fines, but requiring the maintenance to be done.
Mr. Reiner asked if there are urban areas that have property maintenance requirements in the
warranty deeds for properties.
Mr. McDaniel stated that if there were deed restrictions, it would be easier, but he doesn't believe
the City can impose that.
Mr. Reiner stated he believes it should be a requirement to have this in the warranty deed.
Mr. McDaniel stated he would follow up with the law director on that.
Mr. Reiner stated he is supportive of adopting a policy that requires developers, home builders,
etc. to have a warranty deed mandating cooperation/adherence to the property maintenance code.
Dublin City Council Work Session
Monday, May 14, 2018
Page 13 of 14
Mr. McDaniel will check with the Law Director about whether that is possible to do.
Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes asked if it is possible to impose these requirements on a district.
Mr. McDaniel stated that he will consult with the Law Director.
Next Steps
Mr. McDaniel summarized the direction he has understood from tonight's meeting:
• Retreat report will be adopted at the next meeting (May 21)
• Follow-up to the Bridge Street Code discussion, "What are those fundamental principles
that are important to Council relative to the Bridge Street District going forward?" He
recommended Council contemplate that issue.
Mayor Peterson agreed it would be good to be able to point to a policy or code for
requirements/restrictions.
• Regarding incentives for development, he will circle back to Council on this issue. He
wants to ensure that there is no confusion between a TIF District that applies to a large
geographic area, but that doesn't necessarily incentivize a specific project as it may relate
to housing. The TIF helps to fund capital projects that are in that district.
Ms. De Rosa asked about the process once a TIF district is established and how the funding is
applied to that TIF district.
Mr. McDaniel stated that a policy could state, for example, that Council's intent is to maximize the
investment in the area to build the infrastructure and the amenities desired. Council can be
specific, more or less, to that, but there is need to be cautious about what is translated into use
and zoning relative to TIF districts.
Ms. De Rosa stated she is seeking clarification on the application of the funding in the district and
what is permitted.
Mr. McDaniel stated that TIFs are applied in numerous districts throughout the City, but for the
most part, 95% or more of those districts are commercial in nature. Roadways are being built to
accommodate employment, adding jobs and income tax revenue. Bridge Street District TIF was
established because it was a redevelopment scenario, which is more difficult. It was about
incenting the uses in the BSD that did include housing, but that was a one-off from what is
normally done. There have only been three times that Dublin has ever done that: Tuttle Crossing,
Bridge Street and Riviera.
Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes asked that when information is brought back regarding the TIFs,
she would like to have included what demands were placed on the services that the TIF funding
utilized.
Mr. McDaniel stated that different uses can have different demands. True senior housing, for
example, will require more medic runs and have an impact on services as Washington Township is
currently experiencing.
Ms. Fox referred to the question regarding the zoning on the six properties on North Riverview
Street. As she understands, these properties are open for purchase.
Mr. Papsidero stated that these are currently non -conforming uses.
In response to Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes' question regarding rebuilding, Mr. Papsidero stated
that they could not be rebuilt as is.
Vice Mayor Amorose Groomes stated she would like to have Council consider that if someone
wants to purchase those and remodel, one could not rebuild them as houses.
Office of the CI'ty Manager
5200 Eme
I
CAf-,% * raid Parkway * Dublin, OH 43017-1090
ultv of jjut) in Phone: 614.410.4400 * Fax: 614.410.4490
it
4-1
To: Members of Dublin City Council
From: Dana L. McDaniel, City Mana
Date: April 16, 2019
Iniffiated By,n Vincent A. Papsidero, FAICP, Director of Planning
Claudia Husak,Current Planning Manager
Greg 3ones, Code Enforcement Supervisor
Yhe International Property Maintenance Code was originally adopted in 1998 as the Property
Maintenance Code for the City of Dublin (153.076) to provide the regulations that govern the
maintenance of buildings, structures, and property. These regulations are enforced by the Planning
Division through the Code Enforcement team.
Every three years,. the International Code Council (ICC) reviews and issues updates to the
International Property Maintenance Code. In 2010, Dublin adopted the 2009 version of this code,
and the ICC most recently issued an update in 2018.
The Planning Division will be submitting a code amendment to Section 153.076 that adopts the
2018 version of the International Property Maintenance Code. As this is located in the zoning cod
the Planning and Zoning Commission will provide a review and recommendation, prior to
scheduling this amendment before City Council. I
ro
Information only.
IPMC
�•�.�.».uz•�.riara,�r_, a.
PMC
CODE AND COMMENTARY
The complete IPMC with corresponding
commentary after each section.
C,gbt OOzoneIC(�LL RIGHTS RESERVED .A,Aedby G,egoryJo...(Eopf NIblie.. oh,PZ O,d¢ NFmI,�47o 49—oc Mar 06%MO oa av AM (PST) Yrvant to Lime Ag,—^^M ICC No
AtOo,'.epod,oaoofiu ,,,,Fod,. o,,byany ,dPartyo, ia,i to,,,6o,,md &,g,�ss,ody,o y,gar.d,e o,m,g Fokbitzd ANYVNAVTHOR=DRBPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
2018 IPMC® Code and Commentary
First Printing: December 2018
ISBN: 978-1-60983-772-3 (soft-cover edition)
COPYRIGHT © 2018
by
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This 2018 International Property Maintenance Code® is a copyrighted work owned by the Interna-
tional Code Council, Inc. ("ICC'). Without advance written permission from the ICC, 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 infor-
mation on use rights and permissions, please contact: ICC Publications, 4051 Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478.
Phone 1 -888 -ICC -SAFE (422-7233).
Trademarks: "International Code Council," the "International Code Council' logo, "ICC," the "ICC' logo, "International Prop-
erty Maintenance Code," "IPMC" and other names and trademarks appearing in this book are registered trademarks of the Inter-
national Code Council, Inc., and/or its licensors (as applicable), and may not be used without permission.
T023373 PRINTED IN THE USA
C,TVYEIt OOzone ICG ALL RIGHTS RESERVED .Aro dby Y,,goryJo...(Eowapd0blm oh,P.(-)O[dsN=b¢x1008-97 oc Mar 06 xm.o 04: 47 AM (PST) MYV,PY to LomP, Agffi,vo ,nlh ICG No
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
PREFACE
The principal purpose of the Commentary is to provide a basic volume of knowledge and facts relating to existing structures as it
pertains to the regulations regarding property maintenance set forth in the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code®. The
person who is serious about effectively regulating property maintenance will find the Commentary to be a reliable data source
and reference to almost all aspects of property maintenance.
As a follow-up to the International Property Maintenance Code, we offer a companion document, the 2018 IPMC® Code and
Commentary. The basic appeal of the Commentary is thus: it provides in a small package and at reasonable cost thorough cover-
age of many issues likely to be dealt with when using the International Property Maintenance Codethensupplements that
coverage with historical and technical background. Reference lists, information sources and bibliographies are also included.
Throughout all of this, strenuous effort has been made to keep the vast quantity of material accessible and its method of pre-
sentation useful. With a comprehensive yet concise summary of each section, the Commentary provides a convenient reference
for property maintenance regulations. In the chapters that follow, discussions focus on the full meaning and implications of the
code text. Guidelines suggest the most effective method of application, and the consequences of not adhering to the code text.
Illustrations are provided to aid understanding; they do not necessarily illustrate the only methods of achieving code compliance.
The format of the Commentary includes the full text of each section, table and figure in the code, followed immediately by the
commentary applicable to that text. As stated in the preface of the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, the content of
sections in the code that begin with a letter designation (i.e., [P]502.1) are maintained by another code development committee.
Each section's narrative includes a statement of its objective and intent, and usually includes a discussion about why the require-
ment commands the conditions set forth. Code text and commentary text are easily distinguished from each other. All code text
is shown as it appears in the International Property Maintenance Code, and all commentary is indented below the code text and
begins with the symbol-*-.
Readers should note that the Commentary is to be used in conjunction with the International Property Maintenance Code and
not as a substitute for the code. The Commentary is advisory only; the code official alone possesses the authority and responsi-
bility for interpreting the code.
Comments and recommendations are encouraged, for through your input we can improve future editions. Please direct your
comments to the Codes and Standards Development Department at the Chicago District Office.
For the complete errata history of this code, please visit: https://www.iccsafe.org/errata-central/
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY iii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION.................................................. 1-1-1-16
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS.................................................................... 2-1-2-8
CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS..................................................... 3-1-3-16
CHAPTER 4 LIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS .......................... 4-1-4-14
CHAPTER 5 PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS ......................... 5-1-5-10
CHAPTER 6 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS .............................. 6-1-6-10
CHAPTER 7 FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.................................................. 7-1-7-14
CHAPTER 8 REFERENCED STANDARDS...................................................... 8-1-8-4
APPENDIX A BOARDING STANDARD......................................................... A-1— A-2
INDEX............................................................................INDEX-I—INDEX-12
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Chapter 1:
Scope and Administration
General Comments
The law of building regulation is grounded on the police
power of the state. This power is the source of all
authority to enact building regulations. In terms of how it
is used, police power is the power of the state to legis-
late for the general welfare of its citizens. This power
enables the passage of laws such as a property mainte-
nance code. It is from the police power delegated by the
state legislature that local governments are able to
enact building regulations. If the state legislature has
limited this power in any way, the municipality may not
exceed these limitations. While the municipality may not
further delegate its police power (e.g., by delegating the
burden of determining code compliance to the building
owner, contractor or architect), it may turn over the
administration of building regulations to a municipal offi-
cial, such as a code official, provided that he or she is
given sufficient criteria to clearly establish the basis for
decisions as to whether a proposed building conforms to
the code.
Chapter 1 is largely concerned with maintaining "due
process of law" in enforcing the provisions contained in
the body of the code. Only through careful observation
PART 1 — SCOPE AND APPLICATION
SECTION 101
GENERAL
❖This section sets forth the scope and intent of the
code as it applies to existing structures.
[A] 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the
International Property Maintenance Code of [NAME OF
JURISDICTION], hereinafter referred to as "this code."
❖The purpose of this section is to identify the adopted
regulations by inserting the name of the adopting juris-
diction into the code.
[A] 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to
all existing residential and nonresidential structures and all
existing premises and constitute minimum requirements and
standards for premises, structures, equipment and facilities
for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanitation, protection
from the elements, a reasonable level of safety from fire and
other hazards, and for a reasonable level of sanitary mainte-
nance, the responsibility of owners, an owner's authorized
agent, operators and occupants, the occupancy of existing
of the administrative provisions can the code official rea-
sonably hope to demonstrate that "equal protection
under the law" has been provided. While it is generally
assumed that the administrative and enforcement sec-
tions of a code are geared toward the responsibilities of
the code official, the provisions also establish the rights
and privileges of the design professional, contractor and
building owner.
Purpose
Chapter 1 establishes the necessary legal basis for
enforcement of the code by the authority having jurisdic-
tion. All of the police powers inherent in enforcing mini-
mum standards for the use and maintenance of buildings
must follow the line of authority, from the U.S. Constitu-
tion to the state to the actual enforcer. Chapter 1 defines
the role and responsibilities of the authority having juris-
diction. To protect all parties from an unfair enforcement
action, this chapter also sets forth the due process that
requires corrective actions to be accomplished in a con-
stitutional manner. Police powers are not unlimited, and
this chapter identifies those limitations.
structures and premises, and for administration, enforcement
and penalties.
❖This section establishes the broad purpose of the
code—to protect the public health, safety and welfare
in both existing residential and nonresidential struc-
tures and on all existing premises.
Four specific areas are addressed in greater detail
in subsequent sections:
• Establishing minimum maintenance standards
for such elements as basic equipment, light,
ventilation, heating, sanitation and fire safety.
• Fixing responsibility among owners, operators
and occupants for following the code.
• Regulating the use of existing structures and
premises.
• Providing for administration, enforcement and
penalties.
These four categories provide communities with
the tools to reduce risks created by deteriorated or
unsafe buildings and help communities upgrade and
maintain other existing structures.
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SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
[A] 101.3 Intent. This code shall be construed to secure its
expressed intent, which is to ensure public health, safety and
welfare insofar as they are affected by the continued occu-
pancy and maintenance of structures and premises. Existing
structures and premises that do not comply with these provi-
sions shall be altered or repaired to provide a minimum level
of health and safety as required herein.
❖The code is intended to provide requirements
addressing public health, safety and welfare as they
relate to the use and maintenance of existing struc-
tures and premises. The code requires existing struc-
tures and premises that are not in compliance with
the code to be altered or repaired to meet the code.
The code requirements are intended to represent the
minimum acceptable level of public health and safety.
As required in Section 102.3, repairs and alterations
must comply with several International Codes° (I-
Codesj, including the International Building Code°
(IBC".
[A] 101.4 Severability. If a section, subsection, sentence,
clause or phrase of this code is, for any reason, held to be
unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of
the remaining portions of this code.
❖Only invalid sections of the code (as established by
the court of jurisdiction) can be set aside. This is
essential to safeguard the application of the code text
to situations whereby a provision of the code is
declared illegal or unconstitutional. This section pre-
serves the legislative action that put the legal provi-
sions in place.
SECTION 102
APPLICABILITY
❖ This section details how to use the code under vari-
ous conditions.
[A] 102.1 General. Where there is a conflict between a gen-
eral requirement and a specific requirement, the specific
requirement shall govern. Where differences occur between
provisions of this code and the referenced standards, the pro-
visions of this code shall apply. Where, in a specific case, dif-
ferent sections of this code specify different requirements, the
most restrictive shall govern.
❖ Specific requirements of the code override or take
precedence over general requirements. In cases
where the code establishes a specific requirement for
a certain condition, that requirement is applicable
even if it is less restrictive than a general requirement
mentioned elsewhere in the code.
102.2 Maintenance. Equipment, systems, devices and safe-
guards required by this code or a previous regulation or code
under which the structure or premises was constructed,
altered or repaired shall be maintained in good working order.
An owner, owner's authorized agent, operator or occupant
shall not cause any service, facility, equipment or utility that
is required under this section to be removed from, shut off
from or discontinued for any occupied dwelling, except for
such temporary interruption as necessary while repairs or
alterations are in progress. The requirements of this code are
not intended to provide the basis for removal or abrogation of
fire protection and safety systems and devices in existing
structures. Except as otherwise specified herein, the owner or
the owner's authorized agent shall be responsible for the
maintenance of buildings, structures and premises.
❖This section contains general maintenance require-
ments. The code specifically prohibits the disconnec-
tion of any required utilities for an occupied dwelling.
This helps to safeguard persons who have a physical
condition and are dependent on these systems.
Some examples of this include: a person who has to
have electricity to power a kidney dialysis machine, a
patient who is on an oxygen system full time, and
someone with particularly bad allergies who needs to
have an air-conditioning system to help filter the air.
Any safety system that exists in a building must be
maintained. A fire protection or safety system is not to
be removed from a building if it is required by the
code or a previous regulation or code that was in
effect when the building was built. This section also
specifies that the owner, the owner's authorized
agent, or other person having control of the structure
or premises is responsible for maintenance, not the
tenants of rental properties.
[A] 102.3 Application of other codes. Repairs, additions or
alterations to a structure, or changes of occupancy, shall be
done in accordance with the procedures and provisions of the
International Building Code, International Existing Building
Code, International Energy Conservation Code, Interna-
tional Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International
Mechanical Code, International Residential Code, Interna-
tional Plumbing Code and NEPA 70. Nothing in this code
shall be construed to cancel, modify or set aside any provi-
sion of the International Zoning Code.
❖ Repairs, additions or alterations are to be done as
required by the IBC, International Existing Building
Code° (IEBCI, International Energy Conservation
Code° (IECCJ, International Fire Code° (IFC" , Inter-
national Fuel Gas Code° (IFGC), International
Mechanical Code° (IMC"'), International Residential
Code° (IRCJ and the International Plumbing Code°
(IPC"`). The International Property Maintenance
Code° (IPMCJ is not intended to affect any of the
requirements in the International Zoning Code°
(IZCJ.
[A] 102.4 Existing remedies. The provisions in this code
shall not be construed to abolish or impair existing remedies
of the jurisdiction or its officers or agencies relating to the
removal or demolition of any structure that is dangerous,
unsafe and insanitary.
❖ Section 110 establishes one set of criteria and proce-
dures that may be used to demolish dangerous,
unsafe or insanitary buildings. This section permits a
jurisdiction to continue to use any remedies already
adopted for demolishing buildings. In essence, a
1-2 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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community may employ several procedures for
removing dangerous buildings. It is advisable that
one procedure be chosen over another to avoid con-
fusion and errors in processing the demolition.
[A] 102.5 Workmanship. Repairs, maintenance work, alter-
ations or installations that are caused directly or indirectly by
the enforcement of this code shall be executed and installed
in a workmanlike manner and installed in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
❖ATI repairs, materials, alterations and installations
must be executed in a skilled manner that allows the
performance intended and anticipated by the code to
be achieved, and must meet the criteria of the defini-
tion of "Workmanlike" in the code (see the definition
of "Workmanlike" in Chapter 2).
Equipment must comply with the manufacturer's
installation instructions for proper operation and
safety.
[A] 102.6 Historic buildings. The provisions of this code
shall not be mandatory for existing buildings or structures
designated as historic buildings where such buildings or
structures are judged by the code official to be safe and in the
public interest of health, safety and welfare.
❖ This section provides the code official with the widest
flexibility in enforcing the code where the building in
question has historic value. This flexibility, however,
is not provided without conditions. The most import-
ant criterion for application of this section is that the
building must be specifically classified as being of
historic significance by a qualified party or agent.
Usually this is done by a state or local authority after
considerable scrutiny of the historic value of the build-
ing. Most, if not all, states have such authorities, as
do many local jurisdictions. The agencies with such
authority typically exist at the state or local govern-
ment level.
[A] 102.7 Referenced codes and standards. The codes and
standards referenced in this code shall be those that are listed
in Chapter 8 and considered part of the requirements of this
code to the prescribed extent of each such reference and as
further regulated in Sections 102.7.1 and 102.7.2.
Exception: Where enforcement of a code provision would
violate the conditions of the listing of the equipment or
appliance, the conditions of the listing shall apply.
❖A referenced standard or portion thereof is enforce-
able to the same extent as if the content of the stan-
dard were included in the body of the code. For
example, Section 604.2 references NFPA 70 for siz-
ing the electrical main service for a building. The use
and application of referenced standards are limited to
those portions of the standards that are specifically
identified in the code. The code is intended to be in
harmony with the referenced standards. If conflicts
occur because of scope or purpose, the code text
governs. The exception recognizes the rare circum-
stance of the code requiring or allowing something
less restrictive or stringent than the product listing or
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
manufacturer's instructions. If the code conflicts with
or deviates from the conditions of the listing, this may
or may not mean that the code violated the listing. For
example, the listing for an appliance might allow a
particular application of an appliance that is expressly
prohibited by the code. In this case, the code has not
violated the listing, but instead has simply limited the
application allowed by the listing. The intent is for the
highest level of safety to prevail.
[A] 102.7.1 Conflicts. Where conflicts occur between provi-
sions of this code and the referenced standards, the provisions
of this code shall apply.
❖The use of referenced codes and standards to cover
certain aspects of various occupancies and opera-
tions, rather than write parallel or competing require-
ments into the code, is a longstanding code
development principle. Often, however, questions
and potential conflicts in the use of referenced codes
and standards can arise, which can lead to inconsis-
tent enforcement of the code.
[A] 102.7.2 Provisions in referenced codes and standards.
Where the extent of the reference to a referenced code or
standard includes subject matter that is within the scope of
Us code, the provisions of this code, as applicable, shall take
precedence over the provisions in the referenced code or stan-
dard.
❖ Section 102.7.2 expands upon the provisions of Sec-
tion 102.7.1 by making it clear that, even if a refer-
enced standard references other codes or standards
(secondary reference) containing requirements that
parallel the code, the provisions of the code will
always take precedence. This section provides the
policy underpinnings upon which sound code change
proposals can be based.
[A] 102.8 Requirements not covered by code. Require-
ments necessary for the strength, stability or proper operation
of an existing fixture, structure or equipment, or for the pub-
lic safety, health and general welfare, not specifically covered
by this code, shall be determined by the code official.
❖Evolving technology in our society will inevitably
result in a situation or circumstance in which the code
is comparatively silent on an identified hazard. The
reasonable application of the code to any hazardous,
unforeseen condition is provided for in this section.
Clearly such a section and the code official's judi-
cious and reasonable application are needed. The
purpose of the section, however, is not to impose
requirements that may be preferred over explicit code
requirements. Additionally, the section can be utilized
to implement the general performance -oriented lan-
guage of the code to specific enforcement situations.
[A] 102.9 Application of references. References to chapter
or 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.
❖ In a situation where the code makes reference to a
chapter or section number or to another code provi-
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SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
Sion without specifically identifying its location in the
code, assume that the referenced section, chapter or
provision is in the code and not in a referenced code
or standard.
[A] 102.10 Other laws. The provisions of this code shall not
be deemed to nullify any provisions of local, state or federal
law.
❖ In some cases, other laws enacted by the jurisdiction
or the state or federal government may be applicable
to a condition that is also governed by a requirement
in the code. In such circumstances, the requirements
of the code are in addition to the other law that is still
in effect, although the code official may not be
responsible for its enforcement.
PART 2 —ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
SECTION 103
DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE INSPECTION
[A] 103.1 General. The department of property maintenance
inspection is hereby created and the executive official in
charge thereof shall be known as the code official.
❖The executive official in charge of the property main-
tenance department is named the "code official" by
this section. In actuality, the person who is in charge
of the department may hold a different title, such as
building commissioner, existing building inspector,
housing inspector or construction official. For the pur-
pose of the code, that person is referred to as the
"code official."
[A] 103.2 Appointment. The code official shall be appointed
by the chief appointing authority of the jurisdiction.
❖ This section establishes the code official is appointed
and cannot be removed, except for cause subject to a
due process review.
[A] 103.3 Deputies. In accordance with the prescribed proce-
dures of this jurisdiction and with the concurrence of the
appointing authority, the code official shall have the authority
to appoint a deputy(s). Such employees shall have powers as
delegated by the code official.
❖ This section provides the code official with the author-
ity to appoint other individuals to assist with the
administration and enforcement of the code. These
individuals would have the authority and responsibil-
ity as designated by the code official. Such appoint-
ments, however, may be exercised only with the
authorization of the chief appointing authority.
[A] 103.4 Liability. The code official, member of the board
of appeals or employee charged with the enforcement of this
code, while acting for the jurisdiction, in good faith and with-
out malice in the discharge of the duties required by this code
or other pertinent law or ordinance, shall not thereby be ren-
dered civilly or criminally liable personally, and is hereby
relieved from all personal liability for any damage accruing
to persons or property as a result of an act or by reason of an
act or omission in the discharge of official duties.
❖The code official is not intended to be held liable for
those actions performed in accordance with the code
in a reasonable and lawful manner. The responsibility
of the code official in this regard is subject to local,
state and federal laws that may supersede this provi-
sion.
[A] 103.4.1 Legal defense. Any suit or criminal complaint
instituted against any officer or employee because of an act
performed by that officer or employee in the lawful discharge
of duties and under the provisions of this code shall be
defended by the legal representative of the jurisdiction until
the final termination of the proceedings. The code official or
any subordinate shall not be liable for costs in an action, suit
or proceeding that is instituted in pursuance of the provisions
of this code.
❖ This section establishes that code officials or subordi-
nates are not liable for costs in any legal action insti-
tuted in response to the performance of lawful duties.
These costs are to be borne by the jurisdiction. The
best way to be certain that the code official's action is
a "lawful duty" is to always cite the applicable code
section on which the enforcement action is based.
[A] 103.5 Fees. The fees for activities and services performed
by the department in carrying out its responsibilities under
this code shall be as indicated in the following schedule.
[JURISDICTION TO INSERT APPROPRIATE SCHEDULE.]
❖ A published fee schedule must be established for per-
mits and inspections. Ideally, the department should
generate revenues that cover operating costs and
expenses. The permit fee schedule is an integral part
of this process.
SECTION 104
DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE CODE OFFICIAL
[A] 104.1 General. The code official is hereby authorized
and directed to enforce the provisions of this code. The code
official shall have the authority to render interpretations of
this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to
clarify the application of its provisions. Such interpretations,
policies and procedures shall be in compliance with the intent
and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures shall
not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically pro-
vided for in this code.
❖The duty of the code official is to enforce the code.
Because the code official must respond to those who
question the requirements of the code related to this
responsibility, except as specifically exempted by
statutory requirements or elsewhere in the code, he
or she is the "authority having jurisdiction" for all mat-
ters relating to the code and its enforcement. It is the
duty of the code official both to interpret and to deter-
mine compliance with the code. Code compliance will
not always be easy to determine and will require the
judgment and expertise of the code official. In exer-
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cising this authority, however, the code official cannot
set aside or ignore any provision of the code.
[A] 104.2 Inspections. The code official shall make all of the
required inspections, or shall accept reports of inspection by
approved agencies or individuals. Reports of such inspections
shall be in writing and be certified by a responsible officer of
such approved agency or by the responsible individual. The
code official is authorized to engage such expert opinion as
deemed necessary to report on unusual technical issues that
arise, subject to the approval of the appointing authority.
❖The code official or designee is required to make the
necessary inspections to determine compliance with
the code, or may accept written reports of inspections
by an approved agency. The inspection of work in
progress or already accomplished is another signifi-
cant element in determining code compliance. While
a department does not have the resources to inspect
every aspect of all work, the required inspections are
those that are dictated by administrative rules and
procedures based on many parameters, including
available inspection resources. In order to expand the
available resources, the code official may approve an
inspection agency that, in his or her opinion, pos-
sesses the proper qualifications to perform the
inspections. When unusual or complex technical
issues arise relative to inspections, the code official
has the authority to seek the opinion and advice of
experts. A technical report from an expert requested
by the code official can be used to assist in the
approval process.
[A] 104.3 Right of entry. Where it is necessary to make an
inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or whenever
the code official has reasonable cause to believe that there
exists in a structure or upon a premises a condition in viola-
tion of this code, the code official is authorized to enter the
structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect or per-
form the duties imposed by this code, provided that if such
structure or premises is occupied the code official shall pres-
ent credentials to the occupant and request entry. If such
structure or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall
first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner, owner's
authorized agent or other person having charge or control of
the structure or premises and request entry. If entry is
refused, the code official shall have recourse to the remedies
provided by law to secure entry.
❖ This section establishes the right of the code official to
enter the premises in order to make the inspections
required by Section 104.3. The right to enter struc-
tures or premises is limited. First, to protect the right of
privacy, the owner or occupant must grant the code
official permission before an interior inspection of the
property can be conducted. Permission is not required
for inspections that can be accomplished from within
the public right-of-way. Second, such access may be
denied by the owner or occupant. Unless the inspec-
tor has reasonable cause to believe that a code viola-
tion exists, access may be unattainable.
Searches of a private residence to gather informa-
tion for the purpose of enforcing codes, ordinances or
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
regulations are considered unreasonable and are pro-
hibited by the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitu-
tion. "Reasonable cause" in the context of this section
must be distinguished from "probable cause," which is
required to gain access to property in criminal cases.
The burden of proof establishing reasonable cause
may vary among jurisdictions. Usually, an inspector
must show that the property is subject to inspection
under the provisions of the code, that the interests of
the public health, safety and welfare outweigh the indi-
vidual's right to maintain privacy, and that such an
inspection is required solely to determine compliance
with the provisions of the code.
Many jurisdictions do not recognize the concept of
an administrative warrant and may require the code
official to prove probable or reasonable cause in order
to gain access upon refusal. This burden of proof is
usually more substantial, often requiring the code offi-
cial to stipulate in advance why access is needed
(usually access is restricted to gathering evidence for
seeking an indictment or making an arrest); what spe-
cific items or pieces of information are sought; its rele-
vance to the case against the individual subject, how
knowledge of the relevance of the information or items
sought was obtained; and how the evidence sought
will be used. In all such cases, the right to privacy
must always be weighed against the right of the code
official to conduct an inspection to verify that the pub-
lic health, safety and welfare are not in jeopardy. Such
important and complex constitutional issues should be
discussed with the jurisdiction's legal counsel. Juris-
dictions should establish procedures for securing the
necessary court orders when an inspection is deemed
necessary following a refusal.
Third, code officials must present proper identifica-
tion (see commentary, Section 104.4) and request
admittance during reasonable hours—usually the nor-
mal business hours of the establishment—to be
admitted. Fourth, inspections must be aimed at secur-
ing or determining compliance with the provisions and
intent of the regulations that are specifically within the
established scope of the code official's authority.
[A] 104.4 Identification. The code official shall carry proper
identification when inspecting structures or premises in the
performance of duties under this code.
❖This section requires the code official (including by
definition all authorized representatives) to carry
identification in the course of conducting the duties of
the position. The identification removes any question
as to the purpose and authority of the inspector.
[A] 104.5 Notices and orders. The code official shall issue
all necessary notices or orders to ensure compliance with this
code.
❖ An important element of code enforcement is the nec-
essary advisement of deficiencies, which is accom-
plished through notices and orders. The code official
is required to issue orders to abate illegal or unsafe
conditions. Section 107 contains additional informa-
tion for these notices.
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 15
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
[A] 104.6 Department records. The code official shall keep
official records of all business and activities of the depart-
ment specified in the provisions of this code. Such records
shall be retained in the official records for the period required
for retention of public records.
❖ In keeping with the need for efficient business prac-
tices, the code official must keep official records per-
taining to fees collected, inspections, notices and
orders issued. Such documentation provides a valu-
able source of information if questions arise through-
out the life of the building and its occupancy
regarding outstanding preexisting code violations or
conditions.
SECTION 105
APPROVAL
[A] 105.1 Modifications. Whenever there are practical diffi-
culties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code,
the code official shall have the authority to grant modifica-
tions for individual cases upon application of the owner or
owner's authorized agent, provided that the code official shall
first find that special individual reason makes the strict letter
of this code impractical, the modification is in compliance
with the intent and purpose of this code and that such modifi-
cation does not lessen health, life and fire safety require-
ments. The details of action granting modifications shall be
recorded and entered in the department files.
❖The code official may amend or make exceptions to
the code as needed where strict compliance is
impractical. Only the code official has the authority to
grant modifications. Consideration of a particular diffi-
culty is to be based on the application of the owner
and a demonstration that the intent of the code is
accomplished. This section is not intended to permit
setting aside or ignoring a code provision, rather, it is
intended to provide for the acceptance of equivalent
protection. For example, a code official might decide
to accept the installation of a sprinkler system
throughout the building instead of upgrading certain
walls to have a fire -resistance rating. The modifica-
tion of requirements would be based on the equiva-
lent protection of the sprinkler system to the
upgraded walls. Such modifications do not, however,
extend to actions that are necessary to correct viola-
tions of the code. In other words, a code violation or
the expense of correcting one cannot constitute a
practical difficulty.
Filing the details of a modification action is neces-
sary if the reasons for the modification are subject to
review. Comprehensive written records are an essen-
tial part of an effective administrative system. Unless
clearly written records of the considerations and doc-
umentation utilized in the modification process are
created and maintained, subsequent enforcement
action will be difficult to support and will be inconsis-
te nt.
[A] 105.2 Alternative materials, design and methods of
construction and equipment. The provisions of this code
are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or
to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifi-
cally prescribed by this code, provided that any such altema-
tive has been approved. An alternative material, design or
method of construction shall be approved where the code
official finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and
complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and
that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose
intended, not less than the equivalent of that prescribed in this
code in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, dura-
bility and safety. Where the alternative material, design or
method of construction is not approved, the code official shall
respond in writing, stating the reasons why the alternative
was not approved.
❖ The code is not intended to inhibit innovative ideas or
technological advances. A comprehensive regulatory
document cannot envision and then address all future
innovations in the industry. As a result, the code must
be applicable to and provide a basis for the approval
of an increasing number of newly developed, innova-
tive materials, designs, systems and methods for
which no code text or referenced standards yet exist.
The fact that a material, product or method of con-
struction is not specifically described in the code is
not an indication that its use is intended to be prohib-
ited. The code official is expected to apply sound
technical judgment in accepting materials, systems or
methods that, while not anticipated by the drafters of
the current code text, can be demonstrated to offer
equivalent performance. The code official is responsi-
ble for determining if a requested alternative provides
the equivalent level of protection of the public health,
safety and welfare, as required by the code. When
the code official determines the alternate material,
design, method of construction or equipment is not at
least equivalent to what the code prescribes for
safety, durability, fire -resistance, etc., the code official
is required to provide a written response to the sub-
mitter.
[A] 105.3 Required testing. Whenever there is insufficient
evidence of compliance with the provisions of this code or
evidence that a material or method does not conform to the
requirements of this code, or in order to substantiate claims
for alternative materials or methods, the code official shall
have the authority to require tests to be made as evidence of
compliance without expense to the jurisdiction.
❖To provide the basis on which the code official can
make a decision regarding an alternative material or
type of equipment, sufficient technical data, test
reports and documentation must be provided for eval-
uation by the code official. If evidence satisfactory to
the code official proves that the alternative equip-
ment, material or construction method is equivalent to
that required by the code, he or she is obligated to
approve it. Any such approval cannot have the effect
of waiving any requirements of the code. The burden
of proof of equivalence lies with the applicant who
proposes the use of alternative equipment, materials
or methods.
1-6 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
1 I 7HRCopyaghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby G,,goLyJo...(Eowapd�blm oh�ss). (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar o6%MO 0447 AM (PST) Mt,mmt to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICG No
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
[A] 105.3.1 Test methods. Test methods shall be as specified
in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the
absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the code
official shall be permitted to approve appropriate testing pro-
cedures performed by an approved agency.
❖The code official must require the submission of any
appropriate information and data to assist in the
determination of equivalency. This information must
be submitted before a permit will be issued. The type
of information required includes test data in accor-
dance with the referenced standards, evidence of
compliance with the referenced standard specifica-
tions and design calculations. If no test standard is
available, the owner or owner's agent is to propose
the test procedures and submit them to the code offi-
cial for review and approval. For example, ICC Evalu-
ation Service (ICC -ES) has issued evaluation reports
that would be particularly useful in providing the code
official with the technical basis for evaluation and
approval of new and innovative plumbing materials
and components. The use of such authoritative and
credible research reports can greatly assist the code
official by reducing the time-consuming engineering
analysis necessary to review materials and products.
Failure to adequately substantiate a request for the
use of an alternative is a valid reason for the code
official to deny a request.
[A] 105.3.2 Test reports. Reports of tests shall be retained by
the code official for the period required for retention of public
records.
❖The testing agency must be approved by the code
official. The testing agency should have technical
expertise, test equipment and quality assurance to
properly conduct and report the necessary testing.
[A] 105.4 Used material and equipment. Materials that are
reused shall comply with the requirements of this code for
new materials. Materials, equipment and devices shall not be
reused unless such elements are in good repair or have been
reconditioned and tested where necessary, placed in good and
proper working condition and approved by the code official.
❖The code criteria for materials and equipment have
changed over the years. Evaluation of testing and
materials technology has facilitated the development
of new criteria that old materials may not satisfy. As a
result, used materials are required to be evaluated in
the same manner as new materials. Used (previously
installed) equipment must be equivalent to that
required by the code if it is to be used again in a new
installation.
[A] 105.5 Approved materials and equipment. Materials,
equipment and devices approved by the code official shall be
constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.
❖ The code is a compilation of criteria with which materi-
als, equipment, devices and systems must comply to
be suitable for a particular application. The code offi-
cial has a duty to evaluate such materials, equipment,
devices and systems for code compliance and, when
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
compliance is determined, approve the same for use.
The materials, equipment, devices and systems must
be constructed and installed in compliance with, and
all conditions and limitations considered as a basis
for, that approval. For example, the manufacturer's
instructions and recommendations are to be followed
if the approval of the material was based even in part
on those instructions and recommendations. The
approval authority given to the code official is a signifi-
cant responsibility and is a key to code compliance.
The approval process is first technical and then
administrative and must be approached as such. For
example, if data to determine code compliance is
required, such data should be in the form of test
reports or engineering analysis and not simply taken
from a sales brochure.
[A] 105.6 Research reports. Supporting data, where neces-
sary to assist in the approval of materials or assemblies not
specifically provided for in this code, shall consist of valid
research reports from approved sources.
❖ When an alternative material or method is proposed
for construction, it is incumbent on the code official to
determine whether this alternative is, in fact, an
equivalent to the methods prescribed by the code.
Reports providing evidence of this equivalency are
required to be supplied by an approved source,
meaning a source that the code official finds to be
reliable and accurate. The ICC -ES is an example of
an agency that provides research reports for alterna-
tive materials and methods.
SECTION 106
VIOLATIONS
[A] 106.1 Unlawful acts. It shall be unlawful for a person,
firm or corporation to be in conflict with or in violation of
any of the provisions of this code.
❖ Violations of the code are prohibited. This is the basis
for all citations and correction notices with regard to
code violations.
[A] 106.2 Notice of violation. The code official shall serve a
notice of violation or order in accordance with Section 107.
❖The code official is required to notify the person
responsible for violating the code. The section that is
allegedly being violated must be cited so that the
responsible party can respond to the notice.
[A] 106.3 Prosecution of violation. Any person failing to
comply with a notice of violation or order served in accor-
dance with Section 107 shall be deemed guilty of a misde-
meanor or civil infraction as determined by the local
municipality, and the violation shall be deemed a strict liabil-
ity offense. If the notice of violation is not complied with, the
code official shall institute the appropriate proceeding at law
or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to
require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy
of the structure in violation of the provisions of this code or
of the order or direction made pursuant thereto. Any action
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 1-7
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
taken by the authority having jurisdiction on such premises
shall be charged against the real estate upon which the struc-
ture is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate.
❖This section classifies a violation as a "strict liability
offense," which is defined in Section 202, thus, it is
not required to prove that the person intended to vio-
late the code or was negligent in doing so. All that is
required for conviction is that the notice of violation
for correction was properly served and that the per-
son failed to comply. This aids jurisdictions in prose-
cuting code violators.
The code official must pursue, through the use of
legal counsel of the jurisdiction, legal means to cor-
rect the violation.
Any extensions of time for the violations to be vol-
untarily corrected must be for a reasonable, bona fide
cause or the code official may be subject to criticism
for "arbitrary and capricious" actions. In general, it is
better to have a standard time limitation for correction
of violations. Departures from this standard must be
for a clear and reasonable purpose, usually stated in
writing by the violator. The code provides a mecha-
nism for the municipality to recover costs expended
on a property through placing a lien on the property.
For example, if an unimproved lot had to be mown
throughout the summer growing season, the cost of
the mowing could be recovered through a lien on the
property.
[A] 106.4 Violation penalties. Any person who shall violate
a provision of this code, or fail to comply therewith, or with
any of the requirements thereof, shall be prosecuted within
the limits provided by state or local laws. Each day that a vio-
lation continues after due notice has been served shall be
deemed a separate offense.
❖ An adopting jurisdiction is permitted to assess penal-
ties for violations of the code. The penalties include
monetary fines, as well as possible imprisonment.
The severity of the fine or penalty is left for the juris-
diction to establish. The local jurisdiction, through its
council and attorney or other administrative authority,
will normally designate the range for the dollar
amount of fines; however, the judge will determine
the actual fine. This encourages support and agree-
ment from all parties when enforcement action is
taken. Fines should be large enough to discourage
noncompliance with the code, but not so large as to
be inappropriate for the violation being charged.
Each day a violation continues unabated after
proper notice has been served is to be deemed a
separate offense and may be charged as such. In
general, it is better to cite violations daily. This action
may expedite a court hearing or cause the owner to
correct the violations rather than risk exorbitant fines
or imprisonment. Whether to cite violations on a daily
basis is a policy decision and should be made in
cooperation with the attorney who will prosecute the
cases.
[A] 106.5 Abatement of violation. The imposition of the
penalties herein prescribed shall not preclude the legal officer
of the jurisdiction from instituting appropriate action to
restrain, correct or abate a violation, or to prevent illegal
occupancy of a building, structure or premises, or to stop an
illegal act, conduct, business or utilization of the building,
structure or premises.
❖ Despite the assessment of a penalty in the form of a
fine or imprisonment against a violator, the violation
itself must still be corrected. Failure to make the nec-
essary corrections will result in the violator being sub-
ject to additional penalties as described in the
preceding section.
SECTION 107
NOTICES AND ORDERS
107.1 Notice to person responsible. Whenever the code offi-
cial determines that there has been a violation of this code or
has grounds to believe that a violation has occurred, notice
shall be given in the manner prescribed in Sections 107.2 and
107.3 to the person responsible for the violation as specified
in this code. Notices for condemnation procedures shall com-
ply with Section 108.3.
❖ Written notice must be given to the person responsi-
ble for the property (i.e., occupant) when the code
official observes a violation of the code. Where a
property is condemned, the person responsible for
the property must be informed of the intent to placard
and vacate the structure.
The person responsible must be notified when a
building is placarded. This is important because both
the person responsible and the owner can be
charged with a violation of the code if they fail to
vacate the structure.
It is also important for the code official to keep cop-
ies of all written notices issued. If the person respon-
sible for the property or occupants fail to abide by a
verbal order, the code official needs something more
substantial to pursue enforcement action. If further
enforcement procedures are warranted, the code offi-
cial will need a complete, chronologically written doc-
umentation of all notices and orders that have been
issued.
107.2 Form. Such notice prescribed in Section 107.1 shall be
in accordance with all of the following:
1. Be in writing.
2. Include a description of the real estate sufficient for
identification.
3. Include a statement of the violation or violations and
why the notice is being issued.
4. Include a correction order allowing a reasonable time to
make the repairs and improvements required to bring
the dwelling unit or structure into compliance with the
provisions of this code.
1-8 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
5. Inform the property owner or owner's authorized agent
of the right to appeal.
6. Include a statement of the right to file a lien in accor-
dance with Section 106.3.
❖The notice required by Section 107.1 must:
• Be in writing. A verbal notice is unreliable.
• Clearly identify the property. The address of the
property is sufficient when it is readily available.
The legal description may be necessary when
the address for the property is missing or if the
land is vacant and lacks an address.
• State why the notice is being issued, and
identify what part of the code is being violated.
• Include a correction order, and state what
repairs need to be made to bring the property
back into compliance with the code.
• Allow a reasonable time for compliance. This is
subjective. A reasonable time must not only
include adequate time to allow owners to make
repairs, but must also address the risk to the
occupants and the public. As an example, if a
portion of a building is collapsing, the owner
may believe that a reasonable time to correct
the damage should be several weeks or even
months, however, a collapsing wall creates an
immediate danger to the public. The code
official should require completion of all repairs
within a few days or, in extreme cases, in a
matter of hours.
• Provide the person responsible for the property
with a notice of his or her right to seek
modification or withdrawal of the order by
appealing to a board of appeals in accordance
with Section 111.
107.3 Method of service. Such notice shall be deemed to be
properly served if a copy thereof is: delivered personally, or
sent by certified or first-class mail addressed to the last
known address. If the notice is returned showing that the let-
ter was not delivered, a copy thereof shall be posted in a con-
spicuous place in or about the structure affected by such
notice.
❖Proper service of all notices is crucial. Improper or
inadequate service may make satisfactory pursuit of
enforcement impossible. Proper service requires one
of the following methods:
• Personal delivery to the owner or the responsible
person designated by the owner. This is the
most effective form of service. Usually, personal
service is provided by a personal service
company (i.e., a third -party agency), the code
official or the sheriff's office in the jurisdiction
where the person to be served lives.
• Delivery by certified or registered mail addressed
to the owner or the owner's designated agent at
the last known address, with a return receipt
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
requested. This is a valid method of service, but
sometimes it is not reliable. The owner may
refuse to accept or ignore the service if he or she
knows the jurisdiction plans to send notices.
Also, it may take 10 to 14 days before the code
official is notified by the post office that service
could not be made. If the notice required the
owner or owner's agent to correct something in a
short time, the time for compliance may pass
before the code official is aware the post office
has not made the delivery.
If the certified or registered letter is returned as
undelivered, posting a copy in an easy -to -see
place in or about the structure will suffice. Since
the code official must wait until the post office
returns undelivered certified letters before they
can be posted, this form of service is very time
consuming.
All of the services noted above may be expensive
and time consuming. In some communities, the
courts may consider service to be valid if the notice
was sent to the last known address of the owner or
owner's agent by regular postage and the notice was
not returned by the post office. This method of service
is obviously much cheaper and usually faster than
waiting for the return of a certified letter. It must, how-
ever, be acceptable to the court system. The jurisdic-
tion's attorney should be consulted to determine that
the type of service is legally acceptable, reasonably
cost effective and timely.
107.4 Unauthorized tampering. Signs, tags or seals posted
or affixed by the code official shall not be mutilated,
destroyed or tampered with, or removed without authoriza-
tion from the code official.
❖This section states that tampering with signs, seals or
tags posted at the property is a violation of the code.
The safety of the occupants may depend on the
warning signs posted by the code official remaining in
place.
107.5 Penalties. Penalties for noncompliance with orders and
notices shall be as set forth in Section 106.4.
❖This section references Section 106.4, which estab-
lishes penalties for violating provisions of the code.
107.6 Transfer of ownership. It shall be unlawful for the
owner of any dwelling unit or structure who has received a
compliance order or upon whom a notice of violation has
been served to sell, transfer, mortgage, lease or otherwise dis-
pose of such dwelling unit or structure to another until the
provisions of the compliance order or notice of violation have
been complied with, or until such owner or the owner's
authorized agent shall first furnish the grantee, transferee,
mortgagee or lessee a true copy of any compliance order or
notice of violation issued by the code official and shall fur-
nish to the code official a signed and notarized statement
from the grantee, transferee, mortgagee or lessee, acknowl-
edging the receipt of such compliance order or notice of vio-
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 1-9
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
lation and fully accepting the responsibility without condition
for making the corrections or repairs required by such com-
pliance order or notice of violation.
❖ When a property has a pending violation order, it is
unlawful for an owner to sell, transfer, mortgage,
lease or otherwise dispose of the property without
either following the order or advising the buyer, mort-
gagee, etc., of the pending violation. The owner must
prove that the buyer has received notice of pending
violations by providing the code official with a signed,
notarized receipt from the new transferee.
Determining the current owner of a building is a
frustrating and difficult activity. To evade code
enforcement action, owners will frequently transfer
ownership of their property. This provision of the code
permits the code official to cite the seller if he or she
did not provide the code official with the required noti-
fication when the property was transferred, thus,
even though the seller may avoid complying with the
outstanding violation orders, he or she can still be
charged with a violation for failing to provide proof
that the transferee was aware of the pending orders.
SECTION 108
UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT
108.1 General. When a structure or equipment is found by
the code official to be unsafe, or when a structure is found
unfit for human occupancy, or is found unlawful, such struc-
ture shall be condemned pursuant to the provisions of this
code.
❖This section provides a brief description of conditions
where the code official is given the authority to con-
demn an existing structure or equipment. Where a
structure or equipment is "unlawful," as described in
the text of this section, that structure or equipment
does not comply with the requirements of the code.
The deficiencies are such that an unsafe condition or
a condition that is unfit for human occupancy exists.
108.1.1 Unsafe structures. An unsafe structure is one that is
found to be dangerous to the life, health, property or safety of
the public or the occupants of the structure by not providing
minimum safeguards to protect or warn occupants in the
event of fire, or because such structure contains unsafe equip-
ment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally
unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation,
that partial or complete collapse is possible.
❖ Any building that endangers life, health, safety or
property is unsafe. A building is considered danger-
ous if it meets one or more of the following conditions:
• It lacks adequate protection from fire.
• It contains unsafe equipment.
• All or part of the building is likely to collapse.
Only structures with major defects or life-threaten-
ing conditions are considered unsafe. Minor defects,
such as an inadequate number of electrical outlets or
damaged plaster, do not necessarily create an unsafe
structure, even though they are violations of the code.
108.1.2 Unsafe equipment. Unsafe equipment includes any
boiler, heating equipment, elevator, moving stairway, electri-
cal wiring or device, flammable liquid containers or other
equipment on the premises or within the structure that is in
such disrepair or condition that such equipment is a hazard to
life, health, property or safety of the public or occupants of
the premises or structure.
❖ Equipment may become unsafe when it is a hazard to
life, health, property or safety.
The judgment of the code official is critical in deter-
mining when equipment should be deemed unsafe. If
uncertain about appropriate enforcement action, he
or she should seek additional expertise and advice
and, if necessary, err on the side of safety.
108.1.3 Structure unfit for human occupancy. A structure
is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code official finds
that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the
degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks mainte-
nance, is insanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and
contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or
heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this
code, or because the location of the structure constitutes a
hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public.
❖ A building is unfit for occupancy if it is: unsafe, unlaw-
ful, lacking maintenance to a serious degree, in disre-
pair, insanitary, vermin or rat infested, found to contain
filth, lacking essential equipment, or located such that
it is hazardous to the occupants or the public.
The list of reasons for declaring a structure unfit
requires subjective judgement. Because the conse-
quences of declaring a structure unfit for occupancy
are severe, the code official should carefully and thor-
oughly document all conditions contributing to that
determination.
108.1.4 Unlawful structure. An unlawful structure is one
found in whole or in part to be occupied by more persons than
permitted under this code, or was erected, altered or occupied
contrary to law.
❖ An unlawful structure is one that has serious deficien-
cies such that an unsafe condition or a condition that
is unfit for human occupancy exists. An unlawful
structure does not mean one where there are criminal
activities.
108.1.5 Dangerous structure or premises. For the purpose
of this code, any structure or premises that has any or all of
the conditions or defects described as follows shall be consid-
ered to be dangerous:
1. Any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other
means of egress that does not conform to the
approved building or fire code of the jurisdiction as
related to the requirements for existing buildings.
2. The walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stair-
way, exit or other means of egress is so warped, worn
loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe
and adequate means of egress.
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
3. Any portion of a building, structure or appurtenance
that has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind,
flood, deterioration, neglect, abandonment, vandal-
ism or by any other cause to such an extent that it is
likely to partially or completely collapse, or to
become detached or dislodged.
4. Any portion of a building, or any member, appurte-
nance or ornamentation on the exterior thereof that is
not of sufficient strength or stability, or is not so
anchored, attached or fastened in place so as to be
capable of resisting natural or artificial loads of one
and one-half the original designed value.
5. The building or structure, or part of the building or
structure, because of dilapidation, deterioration,
decay, faulty construction, the removal or movement
of some portion of the ground necessary for the sup-
port, or for any other reason, is likely to partially or
completely collapse, or some portion of the founda-
tion or underpinning of the building or structure is
likely to fail or give way.
6. The building or structure, or any portion thereof, is
clearly unsafe for its use and occupancy.
7. The building or structure is neglected, damaged,
dilapidated, unsecured or abandoned so as to become
an attractive nuisance to children who might play in
the building or structure to their danger, becomes a
harbor for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons, or
enables persons to resort to the building or structure
for committing a nuisance or an unlawful act.
8. Any building or structure has been constructed, exists
or is maintained in violation of any specific require-
ment or prohibition applicable to such building or
structure provided by the approved building or fire
code of the jurisdiction, or of any law or ordinance to
such an extent as to present either a substantial risk of
fire, building collapse or any other threat to life and
safety.
9. A building or structure, used or intended to be used
for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate mainte-
nance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construc-
tion or arrangement, inadequate light, ventilation,
mechanical or plumbing system, or otherwise, is
determined by the code official to be unsanitary, unfit
for human habitation or in such a condition that is
likely to cause sickness or disease.
10. Any building or structure, because of a lack of suffi-
cient or proper fire -resistance -rated construction, fire
protection systems, electrical system, fuel connec-
tions, mechanical system, plumbing system or other
cause, is determined by the code official to be a threat
to life or health.
11. Any portion of a building remains on a site after the
demolition or destruction of the building or structure
or whenever any building or structure is abandoned so
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
as to constitute such building or portion thereof as an
attractive nuisance or hazard to the public.
❖This specific section contains a general list of base-
line conditions to evaluate a structure against to
determine if its present condition is dangerous. The
purpose of this section is to allow a code official to
cite specific conditions under which he or she finds a
structure to be dangerous. The list of conditions
focuses on adequacy of the means of egress, struc-
tural, fire resistance, fire protection, and plumbing
and ventilation systems.
108.2 Closing of vacant structures. If the structure is vacant
and unfit for human habitation and occupancy, and is not in
danger of structural collapse, the code official is authorized to
post a placard of condemnation on the premises and order the
structure closed up so as not to be an attractive nuisance.
Upon failure of the owner or owner's authorized agent to
close up the premises within the time specified in the order,
the code official shall cause the premises to be closed and
secured through any available public agency or by contract or
arrangement by private persons and the cost thereof shall be
charged against the real estate upon which the structure is
located and shall be a lien upon such real estate and shall be
collected by any other legal resource.
❖Code officials are granted the authority to condemn,
placard and vacate any building that they determine
to be unsafe, unlawful or unfit for occupancy. Also,
code officials may remove unsafe equipment from
use.
No one is permitted to reoccupy or reuse any build-
ing or equipment until the code official has given his
or her approval. Unsafe structures, unsafe equip-
ment, buildings that are unfit for human occupancy
and unlawful structures are further defined in subse-
quent sections.
The ability to condemn and vacate structures is a
powerful enforcement tool. It protects occupants from
danger and prevents owners from collecting income
on their properties. Before condemning or vacating
structures, the code official should establish a clearly
defined list of violations that warrant such actions.
Additionally, it is critical to document all of the viola-
tions found in each building to be condemned. When
practical, photographs should be taken of violations.
Should litigation become necessary, photographs
provide powerful documentation.
Open, vacant buildings are an attractive nuisance
to children, a potential fire hazard, a harborage for
rodents and insects and a potential home for
vagrants. Vacant buildings also create a blighting
influence within a community.
The code official is authorized to condemn as unfit
those buildings that are vacant and open to trespass
but not in danger of collapse. When the owner has
been ordered to secure an open building but fails to
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
do so, the code official must secure the structure by
contracting with a public or private agent to close up
the building.
The costs for closing buildings are to be charged to
the property in the form of a lien. Generally, once a
lien has been filed against a property, it must be sat-
isfied before the property can be sold. This section
authorizes collection by any other legal resource. It
also allows collection by additional methods such as
small claims judgements, collection agency actions
and personal liens. This enhances the chances of
cost recovery.
108.2.1 Authority to disconnect service utilities. The code
official shall have the authority to authorize disconnection of
utility service to the building, structure or system regulated
by this code and the referenced codes and standards set forth
in Section 102.7 in case of emergency where necessary to
eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property or where
such utility connection has been made without approval. The
code official shall notify the serving utility and, whenever
possible, the owner or owner's authorized agent and occupant
of the building, structure or service system of the decision to
disconnect prior to taking such action. If not notified prior to
disconnection the owner, owner's authorized agent or occu-
pant of the building structure or service system shall be noti-
fied in writing as soon as practical thereafter.
❖ Disconnecting a service utility from the energy supply
is the most radical method of hazard abatement avail-
able to the code official and should be reserved for
cases in which all other lesser remedies have proven
ineffective. Such an action must be preceded by a
written notice to the owner and any occupants of the
building being ordered to disconnect. Disconnection
must be accomplished within the timeframe estab-
lished by the code official in the written notification.
When the hazard to the public health and welfare is
so imminent as to mandate immediate disconnection,
the code official has the authority and even the obli-
gation to cause disconnection without notice.
108.3 Notice. Whenever the code official has condemned a
structure or equipment under the provisions of this section,
notice shall be posted in a conspicuous place in or about the
structure affected by such notice and served on the owner,
owner's authorized agent or the person or persons responsible
for the structure or equipment in accordance with Section
107.3. If the notice pertains to equipment, it shall be placed
on the condemned equipment. The notice shall be in the form
prescribed in Section 107.2.
❖The condemnation notice is required to be posted at
the structure, and the owner, the owner's authorized
agent or responsible person in charge is to be served
notice in accordance with the procedure in Section
107.3, in the form prescribed in Section 107.2. If the
notice includes condemned equipment, the notice
must also be placed on that equipment.
108.4 Placarding. Upon failure of the owner, owner's autho-
rized agent or person responsible to comply with the notice
provisions within the time given, the code official shall post
on the premises or on defective equipment a placard bearing
the word "Condemned" and a statement of the penalties pro-
vided for occupying the premises, operating the equipment or
removing the placard.
❖ If the owner fails to comply with the notice, a placard
indicating that the structure is condemned as unfit for
human occupancy or use should be posted on the
property or equipment. This placard should also show
the penalty for illegal occupancy of the building or
equipment, and for removing the placard.
Immediate enforcement action should be pursued
when there is an illegal occupancy of a condemned
building or equipment. The credibility of the code
enforcement program is dependent upon the public's
belief that the code will be adequately enforced.
Any owner, owner's authorized agent, or other
responsible party who has failed to comply with a cor-
rection order must vacate the property immediately
after the time for correction has passed. All occu-
pants should be given reasonable time to find other
accommodations.
108.4.1 Placard removal. The code official shall remove the
condemnation placard whenever the defect or defects upon
which the condemnation and placarding action were based
have been eliminated. Any person who defaces or removes a
condemnation placard without the approval of the code offi-
cial shall be subject to the penalties provided by this code.
❖ Only the code official is authorized to remove a con-
demnation placard. The code official is to remove the
placard only when the defect or defects have been
corrected as required by the code. Any other person
who removes or defaces a placard is in violation of
the code and subject to its penalties.
108.5 Prohibited occupancy. Any occupied structure con-
demned and placarded by the code official shall be vacated as
ordered by the code official. Any person who shall occupy a
placarded premises or shall operate placarded equipment, and
any owner, owner's authorized agent or person responsible
for the premises who shall let anyone occupy a placarded
premises or operate placarded equipment shall be liable for
the penalties provided by this code.
❖ It is important that any unsafe structure be vacated to
help prevent possible injury to or death of its occu-
pants. The code official has the authority to require a
condemned building to be vacated. Anyone who con-
tinues to occupy a placarded building or equipment
and any owner who permits another to occupy a plac-
arded building or equipment are subject to the penal-
ties provided by the code.
108.6 Abatement methods. The owner, owner's authorized
agent, operator or occupant of a building, premises or equip-
ment deemed unsafe by the code official shall abate or cause
to be abated or corrected such unsafe conditions either by
repair, rehabilitation, demolition or other approved corrective
action.
❖This section describes the usual circumstance in
which a building has such critical violations that it is
declared unsafe by the code official. The owner,
operator or occupant should take abatement mea -
1 -12 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
sures to correct the unsafe condition. If this is not
done promptly, the code official has the authority to
directly abate the unsafe conditions and bill the owner
for the abatement work in accordance with the code.
108.7 Record. The code official shall cause a report to be
filed on an unsafe condition. The report shall state the occu-
pancy of the structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.
❖The code official must file a report on each investiga-
tion of unsafe conditions, stating the occupancy of the
structure and the nature of the unsafe condition.
SECTION 109
EMERGENCY MEASURES
109.1 Imminent danger. When, in the opinion of the code
official, there is imminent danger of failure or collapse of a
building or structure that endangers life, or when any struc-
ture or part of a structure has fallen and life is endangered by
the occupation of the structure, or when there is actual or
potential danger to the building occupants or those in the
proximity of any structure because of explosives, explosive
fumes or vapors or the presence of toxic fumes, gases or
materials, or operation of defective or dangerous equipment,
the code official is hereby authorized and empowered to order
and require the occupants to vacate the premises forthwith.
The code official shall cause to be posted at each entrance to
such structure a notice reading as follows: "Phis Structure Is
Unsafe and Its Occupancy Has Been Prohibited by the Code
Official." It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such
structure except for the purpose of securing the structure,
making the required repairs, removing the hazardous condi-
tion or of demolishing the same.
❖ If the code official has determined that failure or col-
lapse of a building or structure is imminent, failure
has occurred that results in a continued threat to the
remaining structure or adjacent properties or any
other unsafe condition as described in this section
exists in a structure, he or she is authorized to require
the occupants to vacate the premises and to post
such buildings or structures as unsafe and not occu-
piable. Unless authorized by the code official to make
repairs, secure or demolish the structure, it is illegal
for anyone to enter the building or structure. This will
minimize the potential for injury.
109.2 Temporary safeguards. Notwithstanding other provi-
sions of this code, whenever, in the opinion of the code offi-
cial, there is imminent danger due to an unsafe condition, the
code official shall order the necessary work to be done,
including the boarding up of openings, to render such struc-
ture temporarily safe whether or not the legal procedure
herein described has been instituted; and shall cause such
other action to be taken as the code official deems necessary
to meet such emergency.
❖This section recognizes the need for immediate and
effective action in order to protect the public. This
section empowers the code official to cause the nec-
essary work to be done to temporarily minimize the
imminent danger without regard for due process. This
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
section has to be viewed critically insofar as the dan-
ger of structural failure must be "imminent, that is,
readily apparent and immediate.
109.3 Closing streets. When necessary for public safety, the
code official shall temporarily close structures and close, or
order the authority having jurisdiction to close, sidewalks,
streets, public ways and places adjacent to unsafe structures,
and prohibit the same from being utilized.
❖The code official is authorized to temporarily close
sidewalks, streets and adjacent structures as needed
to provide for the public safety from the unsafe build-
ing or structure when an imminent danger exists.
Since the code official may not have the direct
authority to close sidewalks, streets and other public
ways, the agency having such jurisdiction (e.g., the
police or highway department) must be notified.
109.4 Emergency repairs. For the purposes of this section,
the code official shall employ the necessary labor and materi-
als to perform the required work as expeditiously as possible.
❖The cost of emergency work may have to be initially
paid for by the jurisdiction. The important principle
here is that the code official must act immediately to
protect the public when warranted, leaving the details
of costs and owner notification for later.
109.5 Costs of emergency repairs. Costs incurred in the per-
formance of emergency work shall be paid by the jurisdic-
tion. The legal counsel of the jurisdiction shall institute
appropriate action against the owner of the premises or
owner's authorized agent where the unsafe structure is or was
located for the recovery of such costs.
❖The cost of emergency repairs is to be paid by the
jurisdiction, with subsequent legal action against the
owner to recover such costs. This does not preclude,
however, reaching an alternative agreement with the
owner.
109.6 Hearing. Any person ordered to take emergency mea-
sures shall comply with such order forthwith. Any affected
person shall thereafter, upon petition directed to the appeals
board, be afforded a hearing as described in this code.
❖ Anyone ordered to take an emergency measure or to
vacate a structure because of an emergency condi-
tion must do so immediately.
Thereafter, any affected party has the right to
appeal the action to the appeals board to determine
whether the order should be continued, modified or
revoked.
It is imperative that appeals to an emergency order
occur after the hazard has been abated, rather than
before, to minimize the risk to the occupants, employ-
ees, clients and the public.
SECTION 110
DEMOLITION
110.1 General. The code official shall order the owner or
owner's authorized agent of any premises upon which is
located any structure, which in the code offi'cial's or owner's
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
authorized agent judgment after review is so deteriorated or
dilapidated or has become so out of repair as to be dangerous,
unsafe, insanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation or
occupancy, and such that it is unreasonable to repair the
structure, to demolish and remove such structure; or if such
structure is capable of being made safe by repairs, to repair
and make safe and sanitary, or to board up and hold for future
repair or to demolish and remove at the owner's option; or
where there has been a cessation of normal construction of
any structure for a period of more than two years, the code
official shall order the owner or owner's authorized agent to
demolish and remove such structure, or board up until future
repair. Boarding the building up for future repair shall not
extend beyond one year, unless approved by the building
official.
❖ This section describes conditions where the code offi-
cial has the authority to order the owner to remove
the structure. Conditions where the code official may
give the owner the option of repairing the structure or
boarding the structure for future repair are also in this
section. The code official should carefully document
the condition of the structure prior to issuing a demoli-
tion order to provide an adequate basis for ordering
the owner to remove the structure. Note that Appen-
dix A contains boarding provisions, but must be spe-
cifically referenced in the adopting ordinance of the
jurisdiction to be mandatory.
110.2 Notices and orders. Notices and orders shall comply
with Section 107.
❖ Before the code official can pursue action to demolish
a building in accordance with Section 110.1 or 110.3,
it is imperative that all owners and any other persons
with a recorded encumbrance on the property be
given proper notice of the demolition plans (see Sec-
tion 107 for notice and order requirements).
110.3 Failure to comply. If the owner of a premises or
owner's authorized agent fails to comply with a demolition
order within the time prescribed, the code official shall cause
the structure to be demolished and removed, either through an
available public agency or by contract or arrangement with
private persons, and the cost of such demolition and removal
shall be charged against the real estate upon which the struc-
ture is located and shall be a lien upon such real estate.
❖ Where the owner fails to comply with a demolition
order, the code official is authorized to take action to
have the building razed and removed. The costs are
to be charged as a lien against the real estate. To
reduce complaints regarding the validity of demolition
costs, the code official will obtain competitive bids
from several demolition contractors before authoriz-
ing any contractor to raze the structure.
110.4 Salvage materials. Where any structure has been
ordered demolished and removed, the governing body or
other designated officer under said contract or arrangement
aforesaid shall have the right to sell the salvage and valuable
materials. The net proceeds of such sale, after deducting the
expenses of such demolition and removal, shall be promptly
remitted with a report of such sale or transaction, including
the items of expense and the amounts deducted, for the per-
son who is entitled thereto, subject to any order of a court. If
such a surplus does not remain to be turned over, the report
shall so state.
❖The governing body may sell any valuables or sal-
vageable materials for the highest price obtainable.
The costs of demolition are then to be deducted from
any proceeds from the sale of salvage. If a surplus of
funds remains, it is to be remitted to the owner with
an itemized expense and income account; however,
if no surplus remains, this must also be reported.
SECTION 111
MEANS OF APPEAL
[A] 111.1 Application for appeal. Any person directly
affected by a decision of the code official or a notice or order
issued under this code shall have the right to appeal to the
board of appeals, provided that a written application for
appeal is filed within 20 days after the day the decision,
notice or order was served. An application for appeal shall be
based on a claim that the true intent of this code or the rules
legally adopted thereunder have been incorrectly interpreted,
the provisions of this code do not fully apply, or the require-
ments of this code are adequately satisfied by other means.
❖ This section allows a person with a material or defini-
tive interest in the decision of the code official to
appeal that decision. The aggrieved party may not
appeal a code requirement. The appeal process is
not intended to waive or set aside a code require-
ment, but to provide a means of reviewing a code offi-
cial's decision on an interpretation or application of
the code or to approve or reject the equivalency of
protection to the code requirement.
[A] 111.2 Membership of board. The board of appeals shall
consist of not less than three members who are qualified by
experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to prop-
erty maintenance and who are not employees of the jurisdic-
tion. The code official shall be an ex -officio member but shall
not vote on any matter before the board. The board shall be
appointed by the chief appointing authority, and shall serve
staggered and overlapping terms.
❖The concept of the board is to provide an objective
group of persons who review the matters brought to
them and make a collective decision. The members
of the board are not to be employees of the jurisdic-
tion and are to have sufficient knowledge and experi-
ence to act on the concerns that are heard. A
minimum of three board members is specified for a
fair and impartial hearing process. Staggered terms
are appropriate for uniform changeover such that a
minimum number of board members are new each
year. The number of members is to be determined by
the chief appointing authority.
[A] 111.2.1 Alternate members. The chief appointing
authority shall appoint not less than two alternate members
who shall be called by the board chairman to hear appeals
during the absence or disqualification of a member. Alternate
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
members shall possess the qualifications required for board
membership.
❖This section authorizes the chief appointing authority
to appoint two alternate members who are to be
available if the principal members of the board are
absent or disqualified. Alternate members must pos-
sess the same qualifications as the principal mem-
bers.
[A] 111.2.2 Chairman. The board shall annually select one
of its members to serve as chairman.
❖ It is customary to determine chairmanship annually
so that a regular opportunity is available to evaluate
and either reappoint the current chairman or appoint
a new one.
[A] 111.2.3 Disqualification of member. A member shall
not hear an appeal in which that member has a personal, pro-
fessional or financial interest.
❖AII members must disqualify themselves regarding
any appeal in which they have a personal, profes-
sional or financial interest.
[A] 111.2.4 Secretary. The chief administrative officer shall
designate a qualified person to serve as secretary to the board.
The secretary shall file a detailed record of all proceedings in
the office of the chief administrative officer.
❖The chief administrative officer is to designate a qual-
ified clerk to serve as secretary to the board. The sec-
retary is required to file a detailed record of all
proceedings in the office of the chief administrative
officer.
[A] 111.2.5 Compensation of members. Compensation of
members shall be determined by law.
❖ Members of the board of appeals are not required to
be compensated unless required by the local munici-
pality or jurisdiction.
[A] 111.3 Notice of meeting. The board shall meet upon
notice from the chairman, within 20 days of the filing of an
appeal, or at stated periodic meetings.
❖The board must meet within 20 days of the filing of an
appeal or at regularly scheduled meetings. This pro-
vides adequate time to coordinate the board mem-
bers' schedules, and also requires that the board
consider the appeal in a timely manner.
[A] 111.4 Open hearing. Hearings before the board shall be
open to the public. The appellant, the appellant's representa-
tive, the code official and any person whose interests are
affected shall be given an opportunity to be heard. A quorum
shall consist of not less than two-thirds of the board member-
ship.
❖AII hearings before the board must be open to the
public. The appellant, the appellant's representative,
the code official and any person whose interests are
affected must be heard.
The quorum of two-thirds of the board is to be pres-
ent for the board to take any official action.
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
[A] 111.4.1 Procedure. The board shall adopt and make
available to the public through the secretary procedures under
which a hearing will be conducted. The procedures shall not
require compliance with strict rules of evidence, but shall
mandate that only relevant information be received.
❖The board is required to establish and make available
to the public written procedures detailing how hear-
ings are to be conducted. Additionally, this section
provides that, although strict rules of evidence are not
applicable, the information presented must be
deemed relevant.
[A] 111.5 Postponed hearing. When the full board is not
present to hear an appeal, either the appellant or the appel-
lant's representative shall have the right to request a post-
ponement of the hearing.
❖ When all members of the board are not present,
either the appellant or the appellant's representative
may request a postponement of the hearing. This
request may be made even though a quorum is pres-
ent.
[A] 111.6 Board decision. The board shall modify or reverse
the decision of the code official only by a concurring vote of a
majority of the total number of appointed board members.
❖ A concurring vote of a majority of the members pres-
ent is needed to modify or reverse the decision of the
code official.
[A] 111.6.1 Records and copies. The decision of the board
shall be recorded. Copies shall be furnished to the appellant
and to the code official.
❖A formal decision is required to provide an official
record. Copies are to be furnished to both the appel-
lant and the code official. The code official is bound
by the action of the board of appeals, unless it is the
opinion of him or her that the board of appeals has
acted improperly. In such cases, relief through the
court having jurisdiction may be sought by corporate
counsel.
[A] 111.6.2 Administration. The code official shall take
immediate action in accordance with the decision of the
board.
❖To avoid any undue hindrance in the progress of con-
struction, the code official is required to act without
delay based on the board's decision. This action may
be to enforce the decision or to seek judicial relief if
the board's action can be demonstrated to be inap-
propriate.
[A] 111.7 Court review. Any person, whether or not a previ-
ous party of the appeal, shall have the right to apply to the
appropriate court for a writ of certiorari to correct errors of
law. Application for review shall be made in the manner and
time required by law following the filing of the decision in
the office of the chief administrative officer.
❖This section allows any person to request a review by
the court of jurisdiction with regard to perceived
errors of law. Application for such review must be
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 1-15
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION
made after the decision of the board is filed with the
chief administrative officer. This helps all those con-
cerned to observe due process.
[A] 111.8 Stays of enforcement. Appeals of notice and
orders (other than Imminent Danger notices) shall stay the
enforcement of the notice and order until the appeal is heard
by the appeals board.
❖The purpose of this section is to specify that if an
appeal is made, the jurisdiction is not to enforce its
notice or order until such appeal has been heard by
the board of appeals. This does not apply, of course,
to imminent danger notices.
SECTION 112
STOP WORK ORDER
[A] 112.1 Authority. Whenever the code official finds any
work regulated by this code being performed in a manner
contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or
unsafe manner, the code official is authorized to issue a stop
work order.
❖ This section provides for the suspension of work for
which a permit was issued, pending the removal or
correction of a severe violation or unsafe condition
identified by the code official.
Normally, correction notices are used to inform the
permit holder of code violations. Stop work orders are
issued when enforcement can be accomplished no
other way or when a dangerous condition exists.
[A] 112.2 Issuance. A stop work order shall be in writing and
shall be given to the owner of the property, to the owner's
authorized agent, or to the person doing the work. Upon issu-
ance of a stop work order, the cited work shall immediately
cease. The stop work order shall state the reason for the order
and the conditions under which the cited work is authorized
to resume.
❖ Upon receipt of a violation notice from the code offi-
cial, all construction activities identified in the notice
must immediately cease, except as expressly permit-
ted to correct the violation.
[A] 112.3 Emergencies. Where an emergency exists, the
code official shall not be required to give a written notice
prior to stopping the work.
❖This section gives the code official the authority to
stop the work in dispute immediately when, in his or
her opinion, there is an unsafe emergency condition
that has been created by the work. The need for the
written notice is suspended for this situation so that
the work can be stopped immediately. After the work
is stopped, immediate measures should be taken to
correct the work at issue.
[A] 112.4 Failure to comply. Any person who shall continue
any work after having been served with a stop work order,
except such work as that person is directed to perform to
remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a
fine of not less than [AMOUNT] dollars or more than [AMOUNT]
dollars.
❖ The local jurisdiction is to designate the fine that is to
apply to any person who continues work that is at
issue, other than abatement work. The dollar
amounts for the minimum and maximum fines are to
be specified in the adopting ordinance.
1-16 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
Chapter 2:
Definitions
General Comments
The words or terms defined in this chapter are deemed
to be of prime importance in both specifying the subject
matter of code provisions and giving meaning to certain
terms used throughout the code for administrative or
enforcement purposes.
Section 201 addresses the practical concerns
encountered when interpreting the code in relation to
the use of gender, tense and singular versus plural. This
section also provides the code official with guidance for
finding definitions of those words or terms not defined
herein.
Section 202 provides an alphabetical listing of those
terms that are commonly used throughout the code and
that are required for the effective application of code
requirements.
SECTION 201
GENERAL
201.1 Scope. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the follow-
ing terms shall, for the purposes of this code, have the mean-
ings shown in this chapter.
❖ In the application of the code, the terms used have
the meanings given in this chapter.
201.2 Interchangeability. Words stated in the present tense
include the future, words stated in the masculine gender
include the feminine and neuter; the singular number includes
the plural and the plural, the singular.
❖ While the definitions contained in this chapter are to
be taken literally, gender and tense are to be consid-
ered interchangeable. This is so that any grammatical
inconsistencies within the code text will not hinder the
understanding or enforcement of the requirements.
201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not
defined in this code and are defined in the International
Building Code, International Existing Building Code, Inter-
national Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, Interna-
tional Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code,
International Residential Code, International Zoning Code or
NFPA 70, such terms shall have the meanings ascribed to
them as stated in those codes.
❖ When a word or term appears in the code and that
word or term is not defined in this chapter, other refer-
ences may be used to find its definition, including the
International Building Code° (IBC'), International
Existing Building Code' (IEBC°), International Fire
Code' (IFC'), International Fuel Gas Code' (IFGC°),
International Mechanical Code' (IMC°), International
Plumbing Code" (IPC°), International Residential
Purpose
Codes, by their very nature, are technical documents.
Every word, term and punctuation mark can alter a sen-
tence's meaning and, if misused, muddy its intent.
Further, the code, with its broad scope of applicability,
includes terms inherent in a variety of construction disci-
plines. These terms can often have multiple meanings,
depending on the context or discipline being used at the
time.
For these reasons, it is necessary to maintain a con-
sensus on the specific meaning of terms contained in the
code. Chapter 2 performs this function by stating clearly
what specific terms mean for the purpose of the code.
Code' (I RC') and International Zoning Code' (IZC°).
These codes contain additional definitions (some par-
allel and duplicative) that may be used in the enforce-
ment of either this code or other codes by reference.
201.4 Terms not defined. Where terms are not defined
through the methods authorized by this section, such terms
shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context
implies.
❖Another resource for defining words or terms not
defined herein or in other codes is their "ordinarily
accepted meanings." The intent of this statement is
that a dictionary definition may suffice, provided that
the definition is in context.
Often, construction terms used throughout the
code may not be defined in this chapter or in a dictio-
nary. In such cases, one would first turn to the defini-
tions contained in the referenced standards (see
Chapter 8) and then to published textbooks on the
subject in question.
201.5 Parts. Whenever the words "dwelling unit," "dwell-
ing," `premises," "building," "rooming house," "rooming
unit," "housekeeping unit" or "story" are stated in this code,
they shall be construed as though they were followed by the
words "or any part thereof."
❖ Each and every portion of a structure, whether the
structure is used for one type of occupancy or sev-
eral, must comply with the appropriate regulations
established by the code. It is understood that every
portion or any part of a structure must comply with the
code. Instead of being wordy, "or any part thereof' is
considered to be included after "dwelling," "building,"
housekeeping unit," "rooming unit," etc.
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
DEFINITIONS
SECTION 202
GENERAL DEFINITIONS
ANCHORED. Secured in a manner that provides positive
connection.
❖This definition describes the term "anchored" for use
in determining unsafe conditions related to exterior
walls, flooring and flooring components, wall veneer
and trim, overhangs and projections, stairs, porches
and decks and foundation systems. Where it is
apparent that a positive connection at these elements
does not exist, the code official can cite the condition
as unsafe and require repair as needed (see Sections
304.1.1 and 305.1.1).
[A] APPROVED. Acceptable to the code official.
❖As related to the process of acceptance of building
installations, including materials, equipment and con-
struction systems, this definition identifies where ulti-
mate authority rests. Where this term is used, the
intent is that only the enforcing authority can accept a
specific installation or component as complying with
the code.
BASEMENT. That portion of a building that is partly or
completely below grade.
❖ This definition defines that portion of a building that is
partly or completely below grade as being a base-
ment. In this case, "grade' refers to the finished
ground level adjacent to the exterior walls at all points
around the building perimeter.
BATHROOM. A room containing plumbing fixtures includ-
ing a bathtub or shower.
❖ A bathroom is literally a room containing plumbing fix-
tures, which is used for personal hygiene.
To be considered a bathroom, such a room need
only contain one or more bathtubs or showers. Tradi-
tionally, bathrooms are designed to afford privacy to
an individual; however, such rooms may be designed
to accommodate multiple users or bathers.
In everyday usage, the term is used interchange-
ably with toilet room (see the definition of "Toilet
room') and, in this context, people expect a bathroom
to also contain plumbing fixtures used for the elimina-
tion of bodily wastes (water closets and urinals), and
fixtures used for bodily cleansing, such as lavatories
(sinks).
The typical bathroom in residential occupancies
contains a water closet, a lavatory and either a
shower or a bathtub or a shower and a bathtub. A
residential bathroom may also contain a bidet.
BEDROOM. Any room or space used or intended to be used
for sleeping purposes in either a dwelling or sleeping unit.
❖A bedroom, also referred to as a "sleeping room," is
an area or room used for sleeping purposes. A bed-
room typically contains a bed and a piece of furniture
to store clothing or a closet, although these are not
required. Bedrooms may also be temporarily used for
other purposes when containing fold -up or dual-pur-
pose furniture, such as daybeds or sleeper sofas. In
any case, bedrooms must have sufficient floor space
per person in order to be used as such in addition to
meeting all the requirements of Section 404.4. The
location and number of beds can be used to establish
where people are sleeping and how many persons
are occupying a dwelling at a given time.
[A] CODE OFFICIAL. The official who is charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or any duly
authorized representative.
❖ The statutory power to enforce the code is normally
vested in a building department (or the like) of a state,
county or municipality whose designated enforce-
ment officer is termed the "code official" (see com-
mentary, Section 104).
CONDEMN. To adjudge unfit for occupancy.
❖To condemn is to pronounce a structure as unfit for
occupancy or use. A condemnation is the result of the
most serious of code violations in that it represents a
condition that, in the opinion of the code official,
poses a serious threat to the health and safety of the
public or another structure or property. A violation
that results in condemnation is typically followed by
citations requesting immediate action. Depending on
the severity of the situation, these actions may
include vacating the premises, securing the structure
or premises and, in some cases, demolition of the
structure. When condemnation is used, care must be
taken to follow all of the provisions outlined in Sec-
tions 107 through 110 (see commentary, Section
108).
COST OF SUCH DEMOLITION OR EMERGENCY
REPAIRS. The costs shall include the actual costs of the
demolition or repair of the structure less revenues obtained if
salvage was conducted prior to demolition or repair. Costs
shall include, but not be limited to, expenses incurred or
necessitated related to demolition or emergency repairs, such
as asbestos survey and abatement if necessary; costs of
inspectors, testing agencies or experts retained relative to the
demolition or emergency repairs; costs of testing; surveys for
other materials that are controlled or regulated from being
dumped in a landfill; title searches; mailing(s); postings;
recording; and attorney fees expended for recovering of the
cost of emergency repairs or to obtain or enforce an order of
demolition made by a code official, the governing body or
board of appeals.
❖This definition summarizes the existing language of
the code text in Sections 105.5, 106.3 and 110.3. All
of these sections make reference to the jurisdiction's
ability to recover costs. This definition describes what
those "costs" are to include. Without a definition that
brings the scope of these three sections together,
there can be a lack of uniform enforcement regarding
the actual costs of actions taken by a jurisdiction.
This provides a basis of what is to be considered
when preparing an invoice of expenses paid by the
jurisdiction to protect the public due to inaction by a
property owner who has received proper notice or
orders from a code official, governing body or board
of appeals.
2-2 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
DETACHED. When a structural element is physically dis-
connected from another and that connection is necessary to
provide a positive connection.
❖This definition describes the term "detached" for use
in determining unsafe conditions related to structural
materials that may be beyond their limit state. "Limit
state' is a condition beyond which a structure or
member becomes unfit for service and is no longer
useful for its intended function. Where it is apparent
that a material is beyond its limit state due to detach-
ment, the code official can cite the condition as
unsafe and require repair as needed (see Section
306.1.1).
DETERIORATION. To weaken, disintegrate, corrode, rust
or decay and lose effectiveness.
❖This definition describes the term "deterioration" for
use in determining unsafe conditions related to struc-
tural materials that may be beyond their limit state.
"Limit state" is a condition beyond which a structure
or member becomes unfit for service and is not lon-
ger useful for its intended function. Where it is appar-
ent that a material is beyond its limit state as a result
of deterioration, the code official can cite the condi-
tion as unsafe and require repair as needed (see
Section 306.1.1).
[A] DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete,
independent living facilities for one or more persons, includ-
ing permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking
and sanitation.
❖ A dwelling unit contains elements necessary for inde-
pendent living, including provisions for living space
(family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, dens, etc.);
sleeping quarters; food preparation and eating
spaces; and personal hygiene, cleanliness and sani-
tation facilities. Section 404 establishes minimum
room sizes. Minimum required levels of light and ven-
tilation are included in Sections 402 and 403, respec-
tively.
A dwelling unit is typically occupied in one of two
ways: either through renting or ownership. The code
requirements are applied consistently to all dwellings,
regardless of the type of ownership. Both owner -
occupied and rented or leased dwellings must comply
with the requirements of the code.
A dwelling unit can exist singularly as a one -family
dwelling, or in combination with other dwelling units.
When two dwelling units are grouped together in the
same structure, the structure is considered a two-
family dwelling. Apartment houses contain three or
more dwelling units.
[Z] EASEMENT. That portion of land or property reserved
for present or future use by a person or agency other than the
legal fee owner(s) of the property. The easement shall be per-
mitted to be for use under, on or above said lot or lots.
❖ Easements are important mechanisms that allow a
local municipality's workers access to buried utilities,
such as telephone and electric. Easements also allow
access to property that would have otherwise been
DEFINITIONS
rendered landlocked or inaccessible. It is important to
note and restrict permanent improvements that limit
required access across these easements. For exam-
ple, a fence without a gate erected by a neighboring
property owner that would deny entrance to an elec-
trical transformer.
EQUIPMENT SUPPORT. Those structural members or
assemblies of members or manufactured elements, including
braces, frames, lugs, snuggers, hangers or saddles, that trans-
mit gravity load, lateral load and operating load between the
equipment and the structure.
❖This definition describes the term "equipment sup-
port' for use in determining unsafe conditions related
to structural materials, used to support equipment,
that may be beyond their limit state. "Limit state" is a
condition beyond which a structure or member
becomes unfit for service and is no longer useful for
its intended function. Where it is apparent that equip-
ment -supporting material is beyond its limit state, the
code official can cite the condition as unsafe and
require repair as needed (see Section 306.1).
EXTERIOR PROPERTY. The open space on the premises
and on adjoining property under the control of owners or
operators of such premises.
❖ Exterior property generally consists of the open
space or area outside a building or an accessory
structure on the same premises or property. It is often
referred to as "the yard area," but can also include
driveways, parking areas, portions of the public right-
of-way, vacant lots or adjoining property under the
control of the same owner.
GARBAGE. The animal or vegetable waste resulting from
the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
❖Garbage is discarded food waste and differs from
rubbish (see the definition of "Rubbish") in that it pro-
vides a food source for rodents and other animals
and insects. Garbage that is not properly handled and
disposed of regularly can cause unsanitary conditions
and infestations of many types that could be the
cause of illness in people and pets. Durable garbage
containers with tight -fitting lids offer the best protec-
tion against these conditions.
[BE] GUARD. A building component or a system of build-
ing components located at or near the open sides of elevated
walking surfaces that minimizes the possibility of a fall from
the walking surface to a lower level.
❖This is a term common to the IBC and IRC. Guards
are sometimes mistakenly referred to as "guardrails."
In actuality, the guard consists of the entire vertical
portion of the barrier, not just the top rail. The pur-
pose of guards is to minimize the potential for falls at
dropoffs adjacent to walking surfaces.
[BG] HABITABLE SPACE. Space in a structure for living,
sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets,
halls, storage or utility spaces, and similar areas are not con-
sidered habitable spaces.
❖ Habitable spaces are those spaces that are normally
considered "inhabited" in the course of residential liv-
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
DEFINITIONS
ing and accommodate the four basic activities of liv-
ing, sleeping, eating and cooking. Other spaces, such
as halls or utility rooms, are not considered habitable,
but would, in many instances, be considered occupia-
ble spaces.
[A] HISTORIC BUILDING. Any building or structure that
is one or more of the following:
1. Listed or certified as eligible for listing, by the State
Historic Preservation Officer or the Keeper of the
National Register of Historic Places, in the National
Register of Historic Places.
2. Designated as historic under an applicable state or local
law.
3. Certified as a contributing resource within a National
Register or state or locally designated historic district.
❖ The definition gives specificity as to how a building is
officially determined to be eligible for the various lists
of historic buildings. In accordance with the Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 36, Chapter I, Part 63,
determinations of eligibility for listing in the National
Register of Historic Places are made by State Historic
Preservation Offices in coordination with the Keeper
of the National Register of Historic Places. This is an
official process conducted in accordance with federal
standards. This definition aligns the code language
with the language of this official process and removes
any ambiguity as to who can make determinations of
eligibility.
HOUSEKEEPING UNIT. A room or group of rooms form-
ing a single habitable space equipped and intended to be used
for living, sleeping, cooking and eating that does not contain,
within such a unit, a toilet, lavatory and bathtub or shower.
❖ Housekeeping units differ from a traditional dwelling
unit, as defined in the IRC, in that the sanitary facili-
ties are not contained within the unit.
IMMINENT DANGER. A condition that could cause seri-
ous or life-threatening injury or death at any time.
❖ As used in the code, imminent danger refers to a con-
dition that poses a threat or danger to the building
occupants or persons in the proximity of a building or
premises. Section 109 empowers the code official to
vacate an occupied premises, order the closing of
streets or take other emergency measures to safe-
guard the public until the condition is no longer threat-
ening.
INFESTATION. The presence, within or contiguous to, a
structure or premises of insects, rodents, vermin or other
pests.
❖This definition is needed for the application of Sec-
tions 302.5 and 309.1. An infestation is the actual
presence of live insects, rodents, vermin or other
pests. If the actual presence of pests cannot be read-
ily confirmed, the presence of fresh droppings, lar-
vae, eggs, rodent holes or other such evidence can
identify a current infestation.
INOPERABLE MOTOR VEHICLE. A vehicle that cannot
be driven upon the public streets for reason including but not
limited to being unlicensed, wrecked, abandoned, in a state of
disrepair, or incapable of being moved under its own power.
❖ Motor vehicles that are in some stage of disrepair or
disassembly are often the source of property mainte-
nance complaints. This definition clearly identifies
that vehicles that are unlicensed, wrecked, aban-
doned, in a state of disrepair or incapable of moving
under their own power are inoperable.
[A] LABELED. Equipment, materials or products to which
have been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying
mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, approved
agency or other organization concerned with product evalua-
tion that maintains periodic inspection of the production of
the above -labeled items and whose labeling indicates either
that the equipment, material or product meets identified stan-
dards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified
purpose.
❖ When a product is labeled, the label indicates that the
material has been tested for conformance to an appli-
cable standard or has been determined suitable for a
specified purpose, and that the component is subject
to third -party inspection to verify that the minimum
level of quality required by the appropriate standard is
maintained. Labeling provides a readily available
source of information that is useful for field inspection
of installed products. The label identifies the product
or material and provides other information that can be
further investigated if there is any question as to its
suitability for the specific installation. The labeling
agency performing the third -party inspection must be
approved by the code official. The basis for approval
may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the
capacity and capability of the agency to perform the
specific testing and inspection.
While the code does not specifically state what
information must be contained on the label, the appli-
cable referenced standard often states the minimum
identifying information required. The data contained
on a label typically includes, but is not necessarily
limited to, the name of the manufacturer; product
name or serial number; installation specifications;
applicable tests and standards; the testing agency;
and the labeling agency.
LET FOR OCCUPANCY or LET. To permit, provide or
offer possession or occupancy of a dwelling, dwelling unit,
rooming unit, building, premise or structure by a person who
is or is not the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant to a
written or unwritten lease, agreement or license, or pursuant
to a recorded or unrecorded agreement of contract for the sale
of land.
❖ This definition refers to a legal term meaning to lease
or convey real estate or property to someone other
than the owners.
NEGLECT. The lack of proper maintenance for a building
or structure.
❖ This definition describes the term "neglect' for use in
determining if a structure or premises is dangerous in
accordance with Section 108.1.5. Where it is appar-
2-4 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FED REAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
ent that a structure or premises is dangerous due to
neglect, the code official can cite the condition as
unsafe and require repair as needed.
[A] OCCUPANCY. The purpose for which a building or
portion thereof is utilized or occupied.
❖The occupancy classification of a building is an indi-
cation of the level of hazard to which the occupants
are exposed as a function of the actual building use.
Occupancy, in terms of an occupancy group classifi-
cation, is one of the primary considerations in the
development and application of many code require-
ments designed to offset specific hazards inherent to
each occupancy group. In enforcing the code, the
approved occupancy of the building is generally an
established fact.
OCCUPANT. Any individual living or sleeping in a build-
ing, or having possession of a space within a building.
❖ By definition, a person need not have possession or
control of a space in order to be an occupant.
OPENABLE AREA. That part of a window, skylight or
door which is available for unobstructed ventilation and
which opens directly to the outdoors.
❖The openable area is the actual area of a window or
door (glazed or unglazed) through which outside air
will flow into a structure. The openable area should
be measured when the window or door is in its full,
open position. When determining openable area, only
the space between stops or between stops and
sashes is to be measured. The area of sashes, meet-
ing rails, mullions and muntins is to be deducted (see
Figure 403.1).
OPERATOR. Any person who has charge, care or control of
a structure or premises that is let or offered for occupancy.
❖This definition is needed to distinguish the unique
meaning of this term, as it is intended to be used in
the code, from the ordinarily accepted meaning of the
term "operator." An operator may not be the owner,
but may represent the owner in the care or control of
a structure.
[A] OWNER. Any person, agent, operator, firm or corpora-
tion having legal or equitable interest in the property; or
recorded in the official records of the state, county or munici-
pality as holding title to the property; or otherwise having
control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of
any such person, and the executor or administrator of the
estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real
property by a court.
❖This term defines the person or other legal entity
responsible for a building and its compliance with
code requirements.
[A] PERSON. An individual, corporation, partnership or any
other group acting as a unit.
❖A person can be an individual or group of individuals
who have formed one of several types of business
organizations. Corporations, partnerships and other
types of business entities are treated as "persons'
under the law. They are just as responsible as any
DEFINITIONS
individual for complying with the code and subject to
the penalties established under local or state law (see
Section 106.4).
PEST ELIMINATION. The control and elimination of
insects, rodents or other pests by eliminating their harborage
places; by removing or making inaccessible materials that
serve as their food or water; by other approved pest elimina-
tion methods.
❖This definition is needed since Section 309 requires
the use of approved pest elimination methods that
are not harmful to people.
[A] PREMISES. A lot, plot or parcel of land, easement or
public way, including any structures thereon.
❖ When this term is used in the code, it is intended that
the entire lot and all of the structures thereon be
included within the scope of that code requirement.
[A] PUBLIC WAY. Any street, alley or other parcel of land
that: is open to the outside air; leads to a street; has been
deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to
the public for public use, and has a clear width and height of
not less than 10 feet (3048 mm).
❖This term describes the ground on which the public
will be allowed passage.
ROOMING HOUSE. A building arranged or occupied for
lodging, with or without meals, for compensation and not
occupied as a one- or two-family dwelling.
❖A rooming house provides shelter and sleeping
arrangements for individuals. This differs from other
living arrangements in that the occupant shares a
dwelling unit rather than having his or her own com-
plete and private dwelling unit. Each person rents
individually from the owner and does not occupy the
structure as part of a family. In most cases, occu-
pants share a bathroom and cooking facilities.
Another term that could be used is "boarding house,"
and it would be classified as an Occupancy Group R-
1 or R-2, depending on the permanent or transient
nature of the occupants.
ROOMING UNIT. Any room or group of rooms forming a
single habitable unit occupied or intended to be occupied for
sleeping or living, but not for cooking purposes.
❖ Rooming units differ from dwelling units since no cook-
ing facilities are located in any rooming unit. Rooming
units contain only sleeping and living facilities.
RUBBISH. Combustible and noncombustible waste materi-
als, except garbage, the term shall include the residue from
the burning of wood, coal, coke and other combustible mate-
rials, paper, rags, cartons, boxes, wood, excelsior, rubber,
leather, tree branches, yard trimmings, tin cans, metals, min-
eral matter, glass, crockery and dust and other similar materi-
als.
❖The term is usually considered to be a synonym for
similar terms such as "refuse" or "trash" and generally
encompasses the broad range of worthless, dis-
carded materials other than garbage. The term "gar-
bage" is typically limited to describing wastes
generated by food preparation operations.
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 25
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
DEFINITIONS
[A] SLEEPING UNIT. A room or space in which people
sleep, which can also include permanent provisions for liv-
ing, eating and either sanitation or kitchen facilities, but not
both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling
unit are not sleeping units.
❖This definition is included to coordinate the Fair
Housing Accessibility Guidelines with the code. The
definition for "Sleeping unit' is needed to clarify the
differences between sleeping units and dwelling
units. Examples include a hotel guestroom, a dormi-
tory and a boarding house. Another example is an
addition to a studio apartment with a kitchenette (i.e.,
microwave, sink, and refrigerator). Since the cooking
arrangements are not permanent, this configuration is
considered a sleeping unit, not a dwelling unit. As
already defined in the code, a dwelling unit must con-
tain permanent facilities for living, sleeping, eating,
cooking and sanitation.
STRICT LIABILITY OFFENSE. An offense in which the
prosecution in a legal proceeding is not required to prove
criminal intent as a part of its case. It is enough to prove that
the defendant either did an act which was prohibited, or failed
to do an act which the defendant was legally required to do.
❖This term, along with its usage in Section 106.3,
brings the code in line with current legal terminology
in regard to the prosecution of violations. With this
term, a prosecutor is not required to prove that code
violations were intended by a defendant or were even
due to negligence. It is difficult to prove such intention
or negligence in a court of law.
[A] STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed.
❖This definition is intentionally broad so as to include
within its scope, and therefore the scope of the code
(see Section 101 .2), everything that is built as an
improvement to real property.
TENANT. A person, corporation, partnership or group,
whether or not the legal owner of record, occupying a build-
ing or portion thereof as a unit.
❖This definition parallels that of the term "occupant'
and makes it clear that, as used in the code, an
owner -occupant is considered a tenant.
TOILET ROOM. A room containing a water closet or urinal
but not a bathtub or shower.
❖ In the context of the code, a toilet room is a room that
contains plumbing fixtures used for elimination of
bodily wastes (water closets and urinals) and also
includes fixtures used for handwashing (lavatories).
Toilet rooms are typically associated with public
occupancies. Although sometimes used interchange-
ably with the term "bathroom' (see the definition of
"Bathroom'), a toilet room contains only those plumb-
ing fixtures designed for waste elimination and hand -
washing. A toilet room becomes a bathroom when it
contains a bathtub or shower.
ULTIMATE DEFORMATION. The deformation at which
failure occurs and that shall be deemed to occur if the sustain-
able load reduces to 80 percent or less of the maximum
strength.
❖This definition describes the term "ultimate deforma-
tion" for use in determining unsafe conditions related
to structural materials that may be beyond their limit
state due to ultimate deformation. "Limit state" is a
condition beyond which a structure or member
becomes unfit for service and is no longer useful for
its intended function. Where it is apparent that a
material is beyond its limit state due to ultimate defor-
mation, the code official can cite the condition as
unsafe and require repair as needed (see Section
306.1.1).
[M] VENTILATION. The natural or mechanical process of
supplying conditioned or unconditioned air to, or removing
such air from, any space.
❖ Ventilation is the process of moving air to or from build-
ing spaces. This definition is used in this chapter to
establish minimum levels of air movement within a
building for the purposes of providing a healthful interior
environment. Ventilation would include both natural
(openable exterior windows and doors for wind move-
ment) and mechanical (forced air with mechanical
equipment) methods, when permitted by the code.
WORKMANLIKE. Executed in a skilled manner; e.g., gen-
erally plumb, level, square, in line, undamaged and without
marring adjacent work.
❖ To be workmanlike, maintenance or repair work must
be performed in a manner consistent with work done
by a skilled craftsman. In general, floors should be
level, walls plumb and square and windows installed
so that they operate easily and fit within the rough
opening to exclude the elements. The use of proper
tools, methods and materials is usually necessary for
workmanlike repairs.
[Z] YARD. An open space on the same lot with a structure.
❖"Yard" is similar to "exterior property' but pertains
only to the open area on a lot with a structure. A
vacant lot or property without a structure does not
have a yard by this definition.
Bibliography
The following resource materials were used in the
preparation of the commentary for this chapter of the
code:
IBC -2018, International Building Code. Washington,
DC: International Code Council. 2017.
IEBC-2018, International Existing Building Code.
Washington, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IFC -2018, International Fire Code. Washington, DC:
International Code Council, 2017.
IFGC-2018, International Fuel Gas Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
2-6 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
DEFINITIONS
IMC -2018, International Mechanical Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IPC -2018, International Plumbing Code. Washington,
DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IRC -2018, International Residential Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IZC-2018, International Zoning Code. Washington,
DC: International Code Council. 2017.
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 2-7
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
2-8 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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TLIISA VIOLATION OP THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
Chapter 3:
General Requirements
General Comments
The title for Chapter 3 ("General Requirements')
indicates that it is broad in scope. It includes a variety of
requirements for exterior property areas, as well as
interior and exterior elements of the structure. Chapter 3
provides specific criteria for regulating the installation
and maintenance of building components. This chapter
also contains requirements regulating the safety,
sanitation and appearance of the interior and exterior of
structures and all exterior property areas.
Section 301 identifies the scope of Chapter 3 as
containing provisions for maintaining a structure and its
exterior property areas, and establishes who is
responsible for complying with the chapter's provisions.
This section also provides minimum maintenance
requirements for vacant structures and land.
Section 302 establishes criteria for maintaining
exterior property areas and accessory structures and
provides vehicle storage regulations.
Section 303 contains the requirements for swimming
pools, spas, hot tubs, protective barriers and gates in
these barriers.
Section 304 establishes maintenance requirements
for the structural, weather resistance, sanitary and
safety performance of the exterior of a structure.
Section 305 establishes maintenance requirements
for the structural, sanitary and safety performance of the
interior of a structure.
Section 306 contains provisions for maintaining
components of a structure, as well as for determining
unsafe conditions based on specific parameters.
Section 307 provides for the safety and maintenance
of handrails and guardrails.
Sections 308 and 309 establish the responsible
parties for exterminating insects and rodents, and
maintaining sanitary conditions in various types of
occupancies. When specific requirements are not
SECTION 301
GENERAL
301.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govem the
minimum conditions and the responsibilities of persons for
maintenance of structures, equipment and exterior property.
❖This chapter establishes minimum requirements for
maintenance of property areas, premises and struc-
tures. The code deals with all types and all ages of
structures; therefore, the criteria must be of a mini -
provided in the code, the following three options for
establishing the necessary criteria are available:
If the jurisdiction has already established criteria,
the code official can continue to enforce that
criteria.
The jurisdiction may adopt its own criteria and
incorporate them as an amendment to the
appropriate section of the code.
3. The code official may adopt and enforce criteria
already established by the International Building
Code' (IBC®).
Inadequate sanitation and insect or rodent infesta-
tions can have a significant impact on a community. A
poorly kept neighborhood affects the self-image of a
community, as well as the impression neighboring com-
munities and visitors have about the area. Responsible
property owners may shy away from neighborhoods that
look unkempt. As a result, property values decrease
and the cycle can continue until the neighborhood is
considered a slum.
An area that is neat, clean and well maintained
attracts owners and occupants who are usually willing to
keep the area attractive, if only to protect their own inter-
ests. The code official, with vigorous enforcement of
sanitation and extermination regulations, can help a
community maintain a positive self-image. This creates
a favorable image to the rest of the community and its
visitors.
Purpose
Chapter 3 provides requirements that are intended to
maintain a minimum level of safety and sanitation for
both the general public and the occupants of a structure,
and to maintain a building's structural and weather -
resistant performance.
mum nature, consistent with a reasonable level of
protection for the health and safety of the occupants.
301.2 Responsibility. The owner of the premises shall main-
tain the structures and exterior property in compliance with
these requirements, except as otherwise provided for in this
code. A person shall not occupy as owner -occupant or permit
another person to occupy premises that are not in a sanitary
and safe condition and that do not comply with the require-
ments of this chapter. Occupants of a dwelling unit, rooming
unit or housekeeping unit are responsible for keeping in a
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 3-1
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
clean, sanitary and safe condition that part of the dwelling
unit, rooming unit, housekeeping unit or premises they
occupy and control.
❖ The owner is responsible for complying with the
requirements of Chapter 3, except where the code
places the responsibility on the occupants to keep
their portion of the premises in a safe and sanitary
condition.
Simply stated, owners must provide a safe and
sanitary property and premises when they let it for
occupancy. Occupants must continue to keep it safe
and sanitary while they occupy, control or use the
property and premises.
301.3 Vacant structures and land. Vacant structures and
premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a
clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein
so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the
public health or safety.
❖ Both vacant structures and vacant land present spe-
cial concerns to communities. Because no one is liv-
ing on these premises, they are often ignored by the
owners. Consequently, this section establishes the
code official's authority to order the cleanup of vacant
lands and the securing of vacant structures that might
present an attractive nuisance.
When the owner fails to secure a vacant structure,
Section 108.2 provides the code official with the
authority to arrange for securing such buildings. Addi-
tionally, Section 110 authorizes the code official to
pursue demolition of any structure that is deemed
unreasonable to repair. When a structure is reason-
able to repair, the code official is authorized to require
the necessary repairs.
SECTION 302
EXTERIOR PROPERTY AREAS
302.1 Sanitation. Exterior property and premises shall be
maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occu-
pant shall keep that part of the exterior property that such
occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condi-
tion.
❖This section establishes a simple, straightforward
requirement that exterior areas shall be clean and
free from rubbish and garbage (see the definitions in
Chapter 2). The code official may find that enforce-
ment of this section is frequently neither straightfor-
ward nor simple.
Each jurisdiction has neighborhoods within the
overall community that have distinct characteristics.
Deteriorated, low-cost housing may dominate in one
area, while another has expensive, well-maintained
housing units. Sanitation standards should be
enforced uniformly and consistently.
302.2 Grading and drainage. Premises shall be graded and
maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and to prevent the
accumulation of stagnant water thereon, or within any struc-
ture located thereon.
Exception: Approved retention areas and reservoirs.
❖ Improperly graded property areas create health and
safety hazards. Stagnant water provides a home for
many nuisance insects, especially the mosquito.
Stagnant water next to a structure can cause mold
growth, which can lead to the decay of wooden mem-
bers. Ponded water is an attractive nuisance for chil-
dren and has contributed to numerous drowning
deaths.
Stagnant water is foul or stale water. Regrading the
premises may be necessary to prevent stagnant
water. If regrading is not practical, some type of
water -diversion system must be installed. Other solu-
tions include replacing nonabsorbent soil with absor-
bent soil, installing underground drain tile or building
an underground leaching pit.
Soil erosion can be a nuisance if material is being
deposited in drainage systems or on adjacent proper-
ties, and is an indication of improper grading. Planting
and maintaining an acceptable ground cover gener-
ally prevents erosion.
As indicated by the exception, water retention
areas or reservoirs are permitted by the code even
though they may contain stagnant water; however,
the code official must approve their use.
302.3 Sidewalks and driveways. Sidewalks, walkways,
stairs, driveways, parking spaces and similar areas shall be
kept in a proper state of repair, and maintained free from haz-
ardous conditions.
❖ The code official is authorized to require that all side-
walks, walkways, stairs, driveways, parking spaces,
etc., are usable and kept in proper repair. Walking
surfaces that have deteriorated to a condition that
presents a hazard to pedestrians must be repaired or
replaced to eliminate the hazard and thus reduce the
potential for accidents or injuries.
302.4 Weeds. Premises and exterior property shall be main-
tained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of [JURIS-
DICTION TO INSERT HEIGHT IN INCHES]. Noxious weeds shall
be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual
plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided;
however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and
gardens.
Upon failure of the owner or agent having charge of a
property to cut and destroy weeds after service of a notice of
violation, they shall be subject to prosecution in accordance
with Section 106.3 and as prescribed by the authority having
jurisdiction. Upon failure to comply with the notice of viola-
tion, any duly authorized employee of the jurisdiction or con -
3 -2 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION OP THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
tractor hired by the jurisdiction shall be authorized to enter
upon the property in violation and cut and destroy the weeds
growing thereon, and the costs of such removal shall be paid
by the owner or agent responsible for the property.
❖Criteria establishing maximum heights for grass and
weeds are necessary to reduce rodent shelters and
pollen dust problems.
This section provides a mechanism for removal of
weeds on neglected or abandoned properties after
proper notice has been given to the responsible
owner or agent (see Sections 107 and 108.3). It is
important that the code official acts quickly in requir-
ing weed removal to prevent the weeds from contrib-
uting to a blight condition that could eventually
become a harbor for pests and rodents.
All noxious weeds are prohibited; however, each
community has different weeds that are considered
noxious. The code official should confer with the state
or local agricultural agent to become familiar with
weeds that are noxious in his or her community.
Cultivated flowers and gardens are not considered
to be weeds. The word "cultivated" is important. Culti-
vated is defined as "to loosen or dig (soil) around
growing plants." Uncultivated gardens should be
treated the same as weeds and tall grasses.
302.5 Rodent harborage. Structures and exterior property
shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation.
Where rodents are found, they shall be promptly extermi-
nated by approved processes that will not be injurious to
human health. After pest elimination, proper precautions
shall be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent rein-
festation.
❖ Rodents carry disease organisms in their feces and
on their bodies. The code official must require the
extermination of all rodents by approved processes.
All harborage areas should be eliminated by remov-
ing piles of rubbish, towing or repairing inoperable
cars and cutting back weeds. Garbage should be
stored in solid containers with tight -fitting lids and dis-
posed of regularly.
302.6 Exhaust vents. Pipes, ducts, conductors, fans or blow-
ers shall not discharge gases, steam, vapor, hot air, grease,
smoke, odors or other gaseous or particulate wastes directly
on abutting or adjacent public or private property or that of
another tenant.
❖There are three common problems associated with
exhaust vent discharges:
Odor problems caused from exhaust gases
emanating from business and industrial
properties.
• Noise problems created by exhaust vents.
• Health and safety problems created by exhausts
that contain hazardous or potentially hazardous
discharge.
To reduce these problems, exhaust vents are pro-
hibited from discharging directly on abutting or adja-
cent public and private property.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
302.7 Accessory structures. Accessory structures, including
detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained
structurally sound and in good repair.
❖Accessory structures must be maintained in accor-
dance with the criteria established by this section.
Property owners often give detached garages, sheds,
fences, retaining walls and similar structures a lower
maintenance priority than the primary structure; thus,
these structures are more frequently in disrepair. A
thorough inspection of all property areas and acces-
sory buildings is necessary to identify violations of the
code and to improve a neighborhood's appearance.
302.8 Motor vehicles. Except as provided for in other regula-
tions, inoperative or unlicensed motor vehicles shall not be
parked, kept or stored on any premises, and vehicles shall not
at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair, or in
the process of being stripped or dismantled. Painting of vehi-
cles is prohibited unless conducted inside an approved spray
booth.
Exception: A vehicle of any type is permitted to undergo
major overhaul, including body work, provided that such
work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed
area designed and approved for such purposes.
❖ Improper storage of inoperable vehicles can be a
serious problem for a community. The vehicles are
unsightly, clutter the neighborhood, provide a harbor-
age for rodents and are an attractive nuisance for
children.
This section establishes criteria for acceptable
vehicle storage. No inoperable or unlicensed vehicles
are permitted on a property unless approved in other
regulations adopted by the community. This regula-
tion addresses two problems associated with vehicle
storage and repair:
The blighting influence that improperly stored,
inoperable vehicles have on a neighborhood.
The neighborhood mechanic who attempts to
operate a vehicle repair business from home.
Major vehicle repairs are permitted, but only if the
work is performed in a structure designed and
approved for such use. Of course, this regulation
does not affect the storage of vehicles on property
that complies with applicable zoning or license
requirements, such as repair garages, salvage yards
and similar establishments.
302.9 Defacement of property. A person shall not willfully
or wantonly damage, mutilate or deface any exterior surface
of any structure or building on any private or public property
by placing thereon any marking, carving or graffiti.
It shall be the responsibility of the owner to restore said
surface to an approved state of maintenance and repair.
❖ Graffiti, carving and damage are problems that plague
exterior surfaces of walls, fencing and sidewalks in cit-
ies and towns of all sizes. This problem begins as an
eyesore and can result in serious consequences,
including declining property values and degradation of
the structures' ability to repel rain and snow.
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 3-3
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
It is the responsibility of the owner to restore said sur-
face to an approved state of maintenance and repair.
SECTION 303
SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS AND HOT TUBS
303.1 Swimming pools. Swimming pools shall be main-
tained in a clean and sanitary condition, and in good repair.
❖ Swimming pools, if neglected, can become a health
hazard, resulting in insect -attracting stagnant water.
303.2 Enclosures. Private swimming pools, hot tubs and
spas, containing water more than 24 inches (610 mm) in
depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier
not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) in height above the fin-
ished ground level measured on the side of the barrier away
from the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-
closing and self -latching. Where the self -latching device is
less than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the bottom of the gate,
the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the
gate. Self-closing and self -latching gates shall be maintained
such that the gate will positively close and latch when
released from an open position of 6 inches (152 mm) from the
gatepost. An existing pool enclosure shall not be removed,
replaced or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness
as a safety barrier.
Exception: Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover that com-
plies with ASTM F1346 shall be exempt from the provi-
sions of this section.
❖This performance-based criteria was specifically
added to address pool -related problems where a
child could possibly drown by gaining entry into a
pool through a gate that failed to close and latch
properly. Gates that may have deteriorated over time
through age, wear and exposure to the elements are
now addressed so that they will continue to provide
the intended level of protection. The exception to this
section allows for safety covers that comply with
ASTM F1346. This exception is consistent with cur-
rent provisions in the IBC and the International Resi-
dential Code' (IRC').
ASTM F1346 requires fastening the safety cover to
the hot tub or spa via key locks, combination locks or
similar devices that will keep the cover in place; test-
ing to demonstrate that the cover can support a mini-
mum required weight; limitations on openings in the
cover; and minimum installation requirements.
SECTION 304
EXTERIOR STRUCTURE
304.1 General. The exterior of a structure shall be main-
tained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not
to pose a threat to the public health, safety or welfare.
❖The exterior of structures must perform four primary
functions:
It must be in good repair. There should be no
evidence of deterioration, or damaged or loose
elements.
• It must be structurally sound. There should not
be any loose or collapsing pieces. Stairways,
porches, balconies and similar structural
elements must safely perform their intended
functions.
• It must be kept in a sanitary condition. There
shall be no accumulation of litter or debris on
porches and other parts of the exterior structure.
• It must be capable of preventing the elements
(rain, snow and wind) and rodents from entering
the interior areas.
304.1.1 Unsafe conditions. The following conditions shall be
determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to
comply with the International Building Code or the Interna-
tional Existing Building Code as required for existing build-
ings:
1. The nominal strength of any structural member is
exceeded by nominal loads, the load effects or the
required strength.
2. The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or col-
umns, and of walls and columns to foundations is not
capable of resisting all nominal loads or load effects.
3. Structures or components thereof that have reached
their limit state.
4. Siding and masonry joints including joints between
the building envelope and the perimeter of windows,
doors and skylights are not maintained, weather resis-
tant or water tight.
5. Structural members that have evidence of deteriora-
tion or that are not capable of safely supporting all
nominal loads and load effects.
6. Foundation systems that are not firmly supported by
footings, are not plumb and free from open cracks and
breaks, are not properly anchored or are not capable
of supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load
effects.
7. Exterior walls that are not anchored to supporting and
supported elements or are not plumb and free of holes,
cracks or breaks and loose or rotting materials, are not
properly anchored or are not capable of supporting all
nominal loads and resisting all load effects.
8. Roofing or roofing components that have defects that
admit rain, roof surfaces with inadequate drainage, or
any portion of the roof framing that is not in good
repair with signs of deterioration, fatigue or without
proper anchorage and incapable of supporting all
nominal loads and resisting all load effects.
9. Flooring and flooring components with defects that
affect serviceability or flooring components that show
signs of deterioration or fatigue, are not properly
anchored or are incapable of supporting all nominal
loads and resisting all load effects.
10. Veneer, comices, belt courses, corbels, trim, wall fac-
ings and similar decorative features not properly
anchored or that are anchored with connections not
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ISA VIOLATION OP THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting
all load effects.
11. Overhang extensions or projections including, but not
limited to, trash chutes, canopies, marquees, signs,
awnings, fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts
not properly anchored or that are anchored with con-
nections not capable of supporting all nominal loads
and resisting all load effects.
12. Exterior stairs, decks, porches, balconies and all simi-
lar appurtenances attached thereto, including guards
and handrails, are not structurally sound, not properly
anchored or that are anchored with connections not
capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting
all load effects.
13. Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks and similar
appurtenances not structurally sound or not properly
anchored, or that are anchored with connections not
capable of supporting all nominal loads and resisting
all load effects.
Exceptions:
1. Where substantiated otherwise by an approved
method.
2. Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted
where approved by the code official.
❖The purpose of these requirements is to set out gen-
eral and specific delineations in a building or structure
that would make it unsafe. These delineations allow
the code official more specific references to condi-
tions that characterize an unsafe building or struc-
ture.
Section 304.1.1 describes in detail unsafe condi-
tions related to the exterior of the structure to provide
the code official the ability to require replacement or
repair.
Item 1 indicates that if the strength of the structural
member is exceeded by either the nominal loads or
load effects, the condition is to be regarded as
unsafe. Nominal loads and load effects, as defined by
the IBC and Items 2-13 of this section, are when a
structure or component is regarded as incapable of
performing its intended function and thus becomes
unsafe.
Item 2 deals with required strength of connections
between structural members. More specifically, each
connection must be able to resist nominal loads and
load effects; otherwise, the building or affected por-
tion thereof is to be regarded as unsafe. Anchorage
of various elements of a structure is essential to its
stability. When anchorage is not capable of transfer-
ring the intended loads, the structure or component is
said to be unsafe.
Item 3 specifies that any condition beyond which a
structure or member becomes unfit for service and is
no longer useful for its intended function is to be
unsafe. This includes its serviceability limit and
strength limit state. "Limit state," as defined by the
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
IBC, is a condition beyond which a structure or mem-
ber becomes unfit for service and is no longer useful
for its intended function (serviceability limit state) or to
be unsafe (strength limit state). Any structure reach-
ing this state is said to be unsafe.
Since weather penetration can degrade structural
components, Item 4 specifies that if any joint in the
building envelope allows weather to penetrate, it may
be used as a basis to classify the structure as unsafe.
This may be, in and of itself, the basis for the classifi-
cation. However, supporting evidence of deterioration
caused by the penetration would add weight to the
characterization as unsafe.
Item 5 addresses structural members. Structural
members are essential to the structural integrity of
any building. If any structural member is deteriorated
to the point that it cannot safely support the nominal
loads, the building may be regarded as unsafe.
Item 6 addresses foundations. Foundation systems
are essential to the structural integrity of any building.
If any portion of any foundation system is not sup-
ported by adequate soil, is not plumb as intended to
distribute the loads, has cracks or breaks or is inade-
quately anchored, the building may be regarded as
unsafe.
Item 7 addresses exterior walls. Exterior walls are
essential to the structural integrity of any building. If
any portion of any exterior or bearing wall system is
not supported by adequate foundation, is not plumb
as intended to distribute the loads, has cracks or
breaks or is inadequately anchored, the building may
be regarded as unsafe.
Item 8 addresses roofing and roofing components.
Since weather penetration can degrade structural
components, this section specifies that if any roof
component allows weather to penetrate, it may be
used as a basis to classify the structure as unsafe.
This may be, in and of itself, the basis for the classifi-
cation. However, supporting evidence of deterioration
caused by the penetration would add weight to the
characterization as unsafe. Additionally, any struc-
tural component of the roof assembly not capable of
supporting design loads is a basis for classifying as
unsafe.
Item 9 addresses flooring and flooring components.
Walking surfaces in floors with fatigue, defects or
deterioration are a basis for determining that a build-
ing or structure is unsafe. If a floor may collapse due
to any of these conditions or is likely to cause harm or
injury, it may be regarded as unsafe.
Item 10 addresses exterior wall facings. Decorative
features either inside or outside that may become
detached and fall is a basis for classifying a building
or portion thereof as unsafe. Lateral movement, such
as an earthquake or wind, may cause any feature
such as this to fall if not secured properly.
Item 11 addresses overhangs and projections from
a building. As with decorative features, any overhang,
extension or projection (trash chutes, canopies, mar -
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 35
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
quees, signs, etc.) that is not anchored properly and
can fall is a basis for declaring that an unsafe condi-
tion exists.
Item 12 addresses exterior stairs, decks and simi-
lar appurtenances. Exterior stairs, decks, porches,
balconies and all similar appurtenances are all por-
tions of a means of egress system and as such repre-
sent a significant safety concern if left in an unsafe
condition. Should any of these elements of a means
of egress system become structurally unsound, the
building or portion thereof may be regarded as
unsafe.
Item 13 addresses chimneys, cooling towers and
similar appurtenances. As with decorative features
and other appurtenances, chimneys, cooling towers,
smokestacks or similar large vertical elements that
become structurally unsound may be regarded as
unsafe.
Exception 1 is to recognize that a qualified entity
could substantiate an alternative method or material
that meets the purpose and intent of the code. This
alternative would need to be approved by the code
official. An engineering study that substantiates the
structural integrity in a rational analysis may be the
basis for accepting a contention that the building is
not unsafe.
Exception 2 allows a building owner the option of
demolition of an unsafe condition subject to the code
official's approval. If the building or structure or por-
tion thereof is demolished, and does not exist, the
condition is considered to be resolved.
304.2 Protective treatment. Exterior surfaces, including but
not limited to, doors, door and window frames, cornices,
porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences, shall be main-
tained in good condition. Exterior wood surfaces, other than
decay -resistant woods, shall be protected from the elements
and decay by painting or other protective covering or treat-
ment. Peeling, flaking and chipped paint shall be eliminated
and surfaces repainted. Siding and masonry joints, as well as
those between the building envelope and the perimeter of
windows, doors and skylights, shall be maintained weather
resistant and water tight. Metal surfaces subject to rust or cor-
rosion shall be coated to inhibit such rust and corrosion, and
surfaces with rust or corrosion shall be stabilized and coated
to inhibit future rust and corrosion. Oxidation stains shall be
removed from exterior surfaces. Surfaces designed for stabili-
zation by oxidation are exempt from this requirement.
❖ Other sections of the code require items such as
walls, doors, windows and architectural trim to be
maintained in good repair and condition. This section
makes it clear that if paint or other protective covering
or treatment is used to provide protection from the
elements, it cannot be peeling, flaking or chipped.
Additionally, buildings with deteriorated paint, or with
masonryjoints and siding in disrepair or not weather
tight will eventually decay and exert a blighting influ-
ence on the community.
[F] 304.3 Premises identification. Buildings shall have
approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly
legible and visible from the street or road fronting the prop-
erty. These numbers shall contrast with their background.
Address numbers shall be Arabic numerals or alphabet let-
ters. Numbers shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in
height with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inch (12.7 mm).
❖ Identifying buildings during an emergency (e.g., fire,
medical, police) is greatly aided by the proper place-
ment of address identification. In other than emergen-
cies, the address identification serves as a
convenience for people attempting to locate a build-
ing. The size and contrast criteria are intended to aid
visibility from the street. Where multiple structures
are remotely located on a site or set back into a prop-
erty, at locations where multiple addresses are pro-
vided (e.g., strip malls) or where the address is not
readily visible from the public way, an approved
method of identification will also be required. The fire
code official has the authority to require that address
numbers be located in all locations deemed neces-
sary to properly identify the building by street
address. The primary concern is for emergency per-
sonnel to locate the building without going through a
lengthy search procedure. In the case of a strip mall,
identification would be provided for the backs of build-
ings that face alleys or roads since the emergency
response unit may often be directed to the back
entrance. The address numbers must be maintained
in a readily visible condition to provide for continuous
identification. This would include repainting faded
numbers or trimming trees or other vegetation that
obscures visibility of the address.
304.4 Structural members. Structural members shall be
maintained free from deterioration, and shall be capable of
safely supporting the imposed dead and live loads.
❖ Building components that must support other building
components are considered structural. Structural
members must be kept sound and capable of sup-
porting all of the dead and live loads imposed upon
them. Dead loads are the loads created by the struc-
ture itself. The footing must adequately carry the load
of the foundation, beams, joists, walls, roof and other
similar members located above it.
Live loads are the weights that are added to the fin-
ished structure. Live loads include furniture, appli-
ances, equipment and other items added to the inside
of the building. Snow, rain, ice and wind are environ-
mental conditions that are also considered live loads
in the code.
304.5 Foundation walls. Foundation walls shall be main-
tained plumb and free from open cracks and breaks and shall
be kept in such condition so as to prevent the entry of rodents
and other pests.
❖The foundation must safely support the entire struc-
ture. Minor problems left uncorrected can become
major. Major foundation problems can result in col-
lapse of the structure.
Minor damage includes hairline cracks, loose and
flaking mortar and surface deterioration of cement
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TLIISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
blocks and poured concrete walls. Major damage
includes large horizontal and vertical step cracks, and
large areas of missing foundation material (see Com-
mentary Figure 304.5).
Three of the most frequent causes of foundation
failure result from damage caused at the time of con-
struction, soil problems (settling, sliding, heaving and
expanding) and the effects of water. Water entering
the foundation through cracks, holes or breaks can
freeze and expand, causing damage to the Founda-
tion.
The code official should order replacement of
structural elements where major damage has
occurred and should order appropriate maintenance,
such as tuckpointing, if the damage is only minor.
All conditions that permit entry of rodents or other
pests must also be corrected.
304.6 Exterior walls. Exterior walls shall be free from holes,
breaks, and loose or rotting materials; and maintained weath-
erproof and properly surface coated where required to pre-
vent deterioration.
4- Holes, cracks, decayed wood or any other condition
that permits rain or dampness to enter the structure
must be repaired. Exterior surface materials must be
properly coated to prevent deterioration if they are not
naturally decay resistant. Many materials do not
require surface coating, including: certain metals (alu-
minum, copper, etc.); masonry products (bricks,
stone, stucco, etc.); naturally decay -resistant woods
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
(redwood, cedar, etc.); and woods that have been
treated with chemicals to prevent decay.
304.7 Roofs and drainage. The roof and flashing shall be
sound, fight and not have defects that admit rain. Roof drain-
age shall be adequate to prevent dampness or deterioration in
the walls or interior portion of the structure. Roof drains, gut-
ters and downspouts shall be maintained in good repair and
free from obstructions. Roof water shall not be discharged in
a manner that creates a public nuisance.
4-A secure, nonleaking roof is necessary to keep a
building properly maintained. Even small leaks can
cause thousands of dollars in damage to insulation,
plaster, studs and joists. Roof leaks usually occur
along valley areas and around plumbing vents, chim-
neys, dormers and other penetrations through the
roof.
Water runoff should be diverted away from the
structure to prevent damage to the foundation and
other structural elements. Runoff must be diverted
away from neighboring properties, public sidewalks,
alleys and streets to prevent nuisance problems. Two
problems that can result from improper water runoff
are flooding of basements and standing water or ice
buildup on sidewalks, alleys and streets. Drains, gut-
ters and downspouts must be kept in working order
so that water runoff is properly diverted.
304.8 Decorative features. Cornices, belt courses, corbels,
terra cotta trim, wall facings and similar decorative features
i
� f
Commentary Figure 304.5
MAJOR DAMAGE TO A FOUNDATION WALL
This foundation is crumbling. Failure to repair it will eventually lead to its collapse.
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
shall be maintained in good repair with proper anchorage and
in a safe condition.
❖ Exterior decorative features require regular mainte-
nance to prevent their deterioration and to keep them
from falling from the building.
304.9 Overhang extensions. Overhang extensions including,
but not limited to, canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings,
fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts shall be maintained
in good repair and be properly anchored so as to be kept in a
sound condition. Where required, all exposed surfaces of
metal or wood shall be protected from the elements and
against decay or rust by periodic application of weather -coat-
ing materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.
❖ Most problems related to overhang extensions, espe-
cially signs, marquees, fire escapes and awnings, are
a result of deterioration at the points where they are
anchored to the building. Anchorage points should be
carefully inspected on a regular basis.
Fire escapes, standpipes and exhaust ducts serve
the critical functions of providing proper exiting, fire
protection and the removal of exhaust products. Reg-
ular maintenance is important for their continued
compliance with the code.
304.10 Stairways, decks, porches and balconies. Every
exterior stairway, deck, porch and balcony, and all appurte-
nances attached thereto, shall be maintained structurally
sound, in good repair, with proper anchorage and capable of
supporting the imposed loads.
❖ Regular maintenance is required to keep stairs,
decks, porches and balconies in good repair so they
do not become a hazard to occupants or visitors.
Positive anchorage of elevated decks and exterior
stairs that may be subject to collapse is especially
important.
Although not mandated, the building code applica-
ble at the time of construction could be consulted for
the live loads that these elements are typically
required to support.
304.11 Chimneys and towers. Chimneys, cooling towers,
smoke stacks, and similar appurtenances shall be maintained
structurally safe and sound, and in good repair. Exposed sur-
faces of metal or wood shall be protected from the elements
and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather -
coating materials, such as paint or similar surface treatment.
❖ Chimneys, towers of all types and other similar
appurtenances are frequently ignored until they
become nonfunctional or are in danger of collapse.
Because of the corrosiveness of exhaust gases,
chimneys and smokestacks often deteriorate on the
inside first. The code official should examine chim-
neys and towers for excessive rust, loose or missing
mortar and cracked or disintegrating bricks.
Occasionally, deterioration may prevent the chim-
ney or smokestack from operating properly.
Obstructed chimneys have resulted in numerous car-
bon monoxide deaths. If fuel -burning appliances vent
into chimneys or smokestacks, the code official
should see that the exhaust gases are being properly
conveyed to the chimney, including the connection of
the vent to the chimney.
Weather -coating materials may be applied periodi-
cally to reduce the effects of the elements on these
items.
304.12 Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard
shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally
imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.
❖ This section provides for the safety and maintenance
of handrails and guards.
304.13 Window, skylight and door frames. Every window,
skylight, door and frame shall be kept in sound condition,
good repair and weather tight.
❖ All windows, skylights and doors must be installed in
their frames so that they are weather tight (i.e., able
to prevent wind, rain or other elements from entering
the structure). A workmanlike installation will provide
appropriate protection while maintaining operational
capability.
304.13.1 Glazing. Glazing materials shall be maintained free
from cracks and holes.
❖ATI glass is to be maintained without open cracks or
holes, which can admit wind and moisture. Defective
glass poses hazards to occupants.
304.13.2 Openable windows. Every window, other than a
fixed window, shall be easily openable and capable of being
held in position by window hardware.
❖ Windows that have broken or are missing hold -open
hardware create a dual hazard.
First, windows without hardware are frequently
propped open with sticks and other objects. These
objects can be dislodged and cause the windows to
fall, causing bodily injuries.
Second, in the event of a fire, occupants are at an
increased risk if windows cannot be readily secured
in an open position. People have died because of
inoperable windows, even though they could have
easily broken the windows and escaped. It is advis-
able for the code official to check windows to make
sure they open properly and remain open with their
own hardware.
304.14 Insect screens. During the period from [DATE] to
[DATE], every door, window and other outside opening
required for ventilation of habitable rooms, food preparation
areas, food service areas or any areas where products to be
included or utilized in food for human consumption are pro-
cessed, manufactured, packaged or stored shall be supplied
with approved tightly fitting screens of minimum 16 mesh
per inch (16 mesh per 25 mm), and every screen door used for
insect control shall have a self-closing device in good work-
ing condition.
Exception: Screens shall not be required where other
approved means, such as air curtains or insect repellent
fans, are employed.
❖ Screens reduce insect infestations. Communities are
required to establish the number of months screens
3-8 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
must be used on windows and doors to accommo-
date the time period that insects are active. Insect
populations become dormant or die during the cold
season; thus, screens would not be required during
cold months.
The requirements for tight -fitting screens (not less
than 16 mesh per 25 mm) in any food preparation,
storage or service area are extremely important.
Improper insect protection in these areas can lead to
large-scale contamination of food supplies.
As indicated in the exception, air curtains, insect
repellent fans or similar systems may be accepted.
The code official must be sure that such a system is
operational and employed whenever the doors and
windows are open. Although permitted for any open-
ing, these systems are useful for openings that are
difficult to screen properly, such as out -swinging
doors.
304.15 Doors. Exterior doors, door assemblies, operator sys-
tems if provided, and hardware shall be maintained in good
condition. Locks at all entrances to dwelling units and sleep-
ing units shall tightly secure the door. Locks on means of
egress doors shall be in accordance with Section 702.3.
❖ All exterior doors, door assemblies, operator systems
and hardware must properly perform their intended
functions (e.g., open and close easily and keep out
the elements). Locks must be readily released with-
out keys, special knowledge or effort in accordance
with Section 702.3. Security locks that comply with
this requirement must function to secure the door as
well. Malfunctioning or sticking locks that cannot
secure the door may also impede egress because of
difficulty in operation or release. The phrase "opera-
tor systems if provided" draws attention to automated
doors. Maintaining the proper performance of the
operator systems, where present, further assures
proper egress will be maintained.
304.16 Basement hatchways. Every basement hatchway
shall be maintained to prevent the entrance of rodents, rain
and surface drainage water.
❖ Basement hatchways must prevent rain, water and
rodents from entering the structure. When mainte-
nance is ignored, wood members (including doors)
decay, metal doors and latches rust and hinges
break.
Drainage must be provided to prevent water from
accumulating around hatchways and leaking inside
the structure.
304.17 Guards for basement windows. Every basement
window that is openable shall be supplied with rodent shields,
storm windows or other approved protection against the entry
of rodents.
❖ Basement windows are especially susceptible to the
entry of the Norway rat, one of several rodents that
frequently nest in the ground near structures. Rat -
proof shields, screens, storm windows or other pro-
tective materials must be installed on windows
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
capable of being opened to eliminate their use as an
entry point.
304.18 Building security. Doors, windows or hatchways for
dwelling units, room units or housekeeping units shall be pro-
vided with devices designed to provide security for the occu-
pants and property within.
❖This section establishes criteria for providing security
for occupants of dwelling units, rooming units and
housekeeping units that are rented, leased or let.
304.18.1 Doors. Doors providing access to a dwelling unit,
rooming unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let
shall be equipped with a deadbolt lock designed to be readily
openable from the side from which egress is to be made with-
out the need for keys, special knowledge or effort and shall
have a minimum lock throw of 1 inch (25 mm). Such dead -
bolt locks shall be installed according to the manufacturer's
specifications and maintained in good working order. For the
purpose of this section, a sliding bolt shall not be considered
an acceptable deadbolt lock.
❖ Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own dwell-
ing; therefore, the installation of locking hardware to
secure entry doorways is essential. Where installed
for security purposes, however, locks and latches can
intentionally prohibit the use of an egress door and
thus interfere with or prevent the egress of occupants
at the time of an emergency, such as a fire. The abil-
ity of occupants to easily egress a building in case of
a fire or emergency situation is a primary concern to
help prevent the loss of human life. Examples of spe-
cial knowledge would be a combination lock or an
unlocking device in an unknown, unexpected or hid-
den location. Special effort would require unusual
and unexpected physical ability to unlock or make the
door fully available for egress.
304.18.2 Windows. Operable windows located in whole or in
part within 6 feet (1828 mm) above ground level or a walking
surface below that provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming
unit or housekeeping unit that is rented, leased or let shall be
equipped with a window sash locking device.
❖ In order to coordinate the provisions of the code with
the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) housing quality standard
requirements for rental properties, a height require-
ment of 6 feet (1827 mm) above the ground was
established for windows. This could be considered a
security concern, thus dictating the need for window
locks.
304.18.3 Basement hatchways. Basement hatchways that
provide access to a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeep-
ing unit that is rented, leased or let shall be equipped with
devices that secure the units from unauthorized entry.
❖ Windows to basements are problematic from a secu-
rity point of view and, therefore, need to be equipped
with locking devices to provide security for the units.
304.19 Gates. Exterior gates, gate assemblies, operator sys-
tems if provided, and hardware shall be maintained in good
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
condition. Latches at all entrances shall tightly secure the
gates.
❖ Similar to Section 304.15 addressing doors, all gate
assemblies, operator systems and hardware must be
maintained to perform their intended functions (i.e.,
open and close as intended). Malfunctioning or stick-
ing latches that cannot secure the gate may also
impede egress because of difficulty in operation or
release. The phrase "operator systems if provided"
draws attention to automated doors. Maintaining the
proper performance of the operator systems, where
present, further assures proper egress will be main-
tained.
SECTION 305
INTERIOR STRUCTURE
305.1 General. The interior of a structure and equipment
therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound
and in a sanitary condition. Occupants shall keep that part of
the structure that they occupy or control in a clean and sani-
tary condition. Every owner of a structure containing a room-
ing house, housekeeping units, a hotel, a dormitory, two or
more dwelling units or two or more nonresidential occupan-
cies, shall maintain, in a clean and sanitary condition, the
shared or public areas of the structure and exterior property.
❖ The interior of a structure and its equipment must be
maintained so as not to adversely affect the occu-
pants' health and safety. A structure must protect
occupants from the exterior environment.
305.1.1 Unsafe conditions. The following conditions shall be
determined as unsafe and shall be repaired or replaced to
comply with the International Building Code or the Interna-
tional Existing Building Code as required for existing build-
ings:
1. The nominal strength of any structural member is
exceeded by nominal loads, the load effects or the
required strength.
2. The anchorage of the floor or roof to walls or columns,
and of walls and columns to foundations is not capable
of resisting all nominal loads or load effects.
3. Structures or components thereof that have reached
their limit state.
4. Structural members are incapable of supporting nomi-
nal loads and load effects.
5. Stairs, landings, balconies and all similar walking sur-
faces, including guards and handrails, are not structur-
ally sound, not properly anchored or are anchored with
connections not capable of supporting all nominal loads
and resisting all load effects.
6. Foundation systems that are not firmly supported by
footings are not plumb and free from open cracks and
breaks, are not properly anchored or are not capable of
supporting all nominal loads and resisting all load
effects.
Exceptions:
1. Where substantiated otherwise by an approved
method.
2. Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted
where approved by the code official.
❖ Section 305.1.1 describes unsafe conditions related
to the interior of the structure, and thus details situa-
tions that can prompt the code official to require
replacement or repair.
Item 1 indicates that if the strength of the structural
member is exceeded by either the nominal loads or
load effects, the condition is to be regarded as
unsafe. Nominal loads and load effects, as defined by
the IBC and Items 2-6 of this section, are when a
structure or component is regarded as incapable of
performing its intended function and thus becomes
unsafe.
Item 2 deals with required strength of connections
between structural members. More specifically, each
connection must be able to resist nominal loads and
load effects; otherwise, the building or affected por-
tion thereof is to be regarded as unsafe. Anchorage
of various elements of a structure is essential to its
stability. When anchorage is not capable of transfer-
ring the intended loads, the structure or component is
said to be unsafe.
Item 3 specifies that any condition beyond which a
structure or member becomes unfit for service and is
no longer useful for its intended function is consid-
ered to be unsafe. This includes its serviceability limit
and strength limit state. "Limit state," as defined by
the IBC, is a condition beyond which a structure or
member becomes unfit for service and is no longer
useful for its intended function (serviceability limit
state) or to be unsafe (strength limit state). Any struc-
ture reaching this state is said to be unsafe.
Items 4 through 6: The interior of a building may
contain other structural elements as well. These
items, which include stairs, walking surfaces, hand-
rails and guards, are specifically denoted as essential
structural elements that must be preserved to allow
for safe means of egress and protection.
Item 4 addresses structural members that have
become unable to support the intended loads.
Item 5 addresses interior stairs, decks, porches,
balconies and all similar elements that are portions of
a means of egress system and as such represent a
significant safety concern if left in an unsafe condi-
tion. Should any of these elements of a means of
egress system become structurally unsound, the
building or portions thereof may be regarded as
unsafe.
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Item 6 addresses foundation systems. Foundation
systems are essential to the structural integrity of any
building. If any portion of any foundation system is
not supported by adequate soil, is not plumb as
intended to distribute the loads, has cracks or breaks
or is inadequately anchored, the building may be
regarded as unsafe.
Exception 1 is to recognize that a qualified entity
could substantiate an alternative method or material
that meets the purpose and intent of the code. This
alternative would need to be approved by the code
official. An engineering study that substantiates the
structural integrity in a rational analysis may be the
basis for accepting a contention that the building is
not unsafe.
Exception 2 allows a building owner the option of
demolition of an unsafe condition subject to the code
official's approval. If the building or structure or por-
tion thereof is demolished, and does not exist, the
condition is considered to be resolved.
305.2 Structural members. Structural members shall be
maintained structurally sound, and be capable of supporting
the imposed loads.
❖ Improper original construction, unapproved additions
and repairs, water damage, deferred maintenance
and overloading of structural members will result in
structural damage and failure.
Common construction and repair defects include:
undersized structural members that, over time, sag,
crack and even collapse; inadequately fastened
structural members that loosen and separate from
each other; poor -quality construction materials;
improperly installed or oversized notches and holes
in structural members; and poorly installed structural
members.
Water is one of the most destructive elements to
structures. Water damage most frequently occurs
from roof leaks, plumbing leaks in bathrooms and
kitchens, and water penetration into basements and
crawl spaces. Unrepaired leaks can rot and decay
structural members. Areas of concern include the
bottom of columns, the outside ends of beams and
joists, flooring under bathrooms and kitchens and the
underside of roofs. Check all of these for evidence of
water penetration and damage.
Deferred maintenance is a problem with all build-
ings. A structure begins to deteriorate the moment it
is completed. Both outside and inside factors affect
structures—water, sun and wind on the outside, and
furniture, equipment and occupants on the inside. As
equipment wears out or malfunctions, it needs to be
repaired or replaced.
Structural members must be able to bear the loads
imposed upon them. Commercial and industrial build-
ings present special concerns for the code official. To
provide some level of confidence that a structure will
safely withstand the anticipated loads, the code offi-
cial may want to require the owner to provide evi-
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
dence of the load-bearing capacity of the structure,
as determined by a registered architect or engineer.
This information may be useful every time a struc-
ture changes occupancy. The code official cannot be
sure structural changes have not occurred since the
previous calculations were prepared.
305.3 Interior surfaces. Interior surfaces, including win-
dows and doors, shall be maintained in good, clean and sani-
tary condition. Peeling, chipping, flaking or abraded paint
shall be repaired, removed or covered. Cracked or loose plas-
ter, decayed wood and other defective surface conditions
shall be corrected.
❖ Interior surface damage is frequently the result of
tenant abuse or water damage. Water damage
results from leaking roofs, plumbing fixtures and
water pipes, and also damaged or open windows and
doors that permit rain to enter. Any damaged interior
surfaces are required to be repaired and the cause of
the damage must be corrected.
Interior surfaces that contain lead-based paint may
present serious health hazards to occupants, espe-
cially children. Lead is a toxic heavy metal that enters
the body by inhalation or ingestion of fine particulate.
Lead affects many organs as well as the central ner-
vous system, and is particularly toxic to young chil-
dren because it retards brain and central nervous
system development.
HUD estimates that three-quarters of the dwellings
built before 1980 contain some lead-based paint.
Because the amount of lead in paint was gradually
reduced during the 30 years prior to its prohibition in
general application in 1978 (lead-based paint is cur-
rently produced for specialized industrial applica-
tions), dwellings built before 1950 are more likely to
contain lead-based paint and paint with higher con-
centrations of lead. HUD surveys show that 90 per-
cent of dwellings built before 1940, 80 percent of
dwellings built between 1940 and 1959 and 62 per-
cent of dwellings built between 1960 and 1979 con-
tain lead-based paint. Lead-based paint is often
found under newer layers of paint that is not lead
based.
Intact lead-based paint is not an immediate hazard
because the predominant route of lead poisoning is
through ingestion or inhalation of fine lead particulate
found in contaminated dust. The risk of poisoning
becomes significant when lead-based paint contami-
nates dust through peeling, chipping, flaking and
abraded conditions identified in the code. Lead con-
tamination may also be caused by lead-based paint
that is disturbed during repair and remodeling activi-
ties such as scraping, sanding, drilling and cutting.
Lead hazard control is achieved by removing lead -
contaminated dust and eliminating the source of con-
tamination. The determination of the type of activities
(abatement, interim controls or repair) needed to cor-
rect hazardous conditions depends on the extent of
paint deterioration and the occupancy. More protec-
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 3-11
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
tive measures should be taken if children under 6
years of age are likely to occupy the building because
they are more sensitive to lead contamination. All
activities that disturb lead-based paint can generate
significant lead hazards. Precautions should be initi-
ated to protect workers, occupants and the environ-
ment. Precautions include selecting procedures that
minimize the creation of dust [such as wet sanding,
wet scraping, power tools with high -efficiency particu-
late air (NEPA) filtered vacuum attachments and heat
guns less than 1,100°F (593°C)]; containment of dust
and debris; covering and securing horizontal sur-
faces, occupants' furniture and fixtures (if exterior
work, the ground and plants) with polyethylene to pre-
vent contamination; thorough cleaning with a HEPA-
filtered vacuum and detergent; and clearance testing
to prove lead concentrations are below hazardous
levels before occupancy.
Federal regulations recognize two levels of lead -
specific hazard control measures—abatement and
interim controls. Abatement is defined as measures
designed to last more than 20 years, while less dura-
ble measures are considered interim controls. Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations or
state regulations approved by the EPA require work-
ers and supervisors to be trained and certified to
undertake activities specifically intended to abate or
control lead-based paint hazards. The same activities
that are undertaken as specific lead abatement or
interim controls (demolition, paint removal, door or
window replacement, etc.) may be undertaken by
noncertified workers and supervisors if they are a part
of general repair and remodeling activities.
More detailed information on lead hazard evalua-
tion and control is available from state and local
agencies, the National Lead Information Center (800-
424-5323) sponsored by the EPA and the HUD Office
of Lead Hazard Control. The code official can help
protect public health and safety by coordinating code
enforcement with enforcement of lead regulations
and providing lead hazard awareness and hazard
control information to contractors and property own-
ers.
305.4 Stairs and walking surfaces. Every stair, ramp, land-
ing, balcony, porch, deck or other walking surface shall be
maintained in sound condition and good repair.
❖ Handrails, treads and risers must be structurally
sound, firmly attached to the structure and properly
maintained to safely perform their intended functions.
All parts of a stair also should be inspected, including
stringers, risers, treads, balusters, guards and hand-
rails, and also all walking surfaces such as floors,
landings, decks or ramps.
305.5 Handrails and guards. Every handrail and guard shall
be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally
imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition.
❖ This section provides for the safety and maintenance
of handrails and guards. Although not mandated,
loads for handrails and guards in the applicable build-
ing code can be considered the normally imposed
loads.
305.6 Interior doors. Every interior door shall fit reasonably
well within its frame and shall be capable of being opened
and closed by being properly and securely attached to jambs,
headers or tracks as intended by the manufacturer of the
attachment hardware.
❖ The ability of a door to function as the manufacturer
intended is one of the key elements in being able to
properly exit a building. In addition to contributing to
building egress, doors are also key elements in pro-
viding for security and privacy; therefore, all interior
doors should be kept in a state of repair that will allow
them to function effectively.
SECTION 306
COMPONENT SERVICEABILITY
306.1 General. The components of a structure and equipment
therein shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound
and in a sanitary condition.
❖ Section 306.1 contains a general provision for com-
ponents and equipment related to a structure to be
maintained in sound and sanitary condition, which is
the spirit and intent of this code.
306.1.1 Unsafe conditions. Where any of the following con-
ditions cause the component or system to be beyond its limit
state, the component or system shall be determined as unsafe
and shall be repaired or replaced to comply with the Interna-
tional Building Code or the International Existing Building
Code as required for existing buildings:
1. Soils that have been subjected to any of the following
conditions:
1.1. Collapse of footing or foundation system.
1.2. Damage to footing, foundation, concrete or
other structural element due to soil expansion.
1.3. Adverse effects to the design strength of foot-
ing, foundation, concrete or other structural ele-
ment due to a chemical reaction from the soil.
1.4. Inadequate soil as determined by a geotechnical
investigation.
1.5. Where the allowable bearing capacity of the soil
is in doubt.
1.6. Adverse effects to the footing, foundation, con-
crete or other structural element due to the
ground water table.
2. Concrete that has been subjected to any of the follow-
ing conditions:
2.1.
Deterioration.
2.2.
Ultimate deformation.
2.3.
Fractures.
2.4.
Fissures.
2.5.
Spalling.
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2.6. Exposed reinforcement.
2.7. Detached, dislodged or failing connections.
3. Aluminum that has been subjected to any of the follow-
ing conditions:
3.1. Deterioration.
3.2. Corrosion.
3.3. Elastic deformation.
3.4. Ultimate deformation.
3.5. Stress or strain cracks.
3.6. Joint fatigue.
3.7. Detached, dislodged or failing connections.
4. Masonry that has been subjected to any of the follow-
ing conditions:
4.1. Deterioration.
4.2. Ultimate deformation.
4.3. Fractures in masonry or mortar joints.
4.4. Fissures in masonry or mortar joints.
4.5. Spatting.
4.6. Exposed reinforcement.
4.7. Detached, dislodged or failing connections.
5. Steel that has been subjected to any of the following
conditions:
5.1. Deterioration.
5.2. Elastic deformation.
5.3. Ultimate deformation.
5.4. Metal fatigue.
5.5. Detached, dislodged or failing connections.
6. Wood that has been subjected to any of the following
conditions:
6.1. Ultimate deformation.
6.2. Deterioration.
6.3. Damage from insects, rodents and other ver-
min.
6.4. Fire damage beyond charring.
6.5. Significant splits and checks.
6.6. Horizontal shear cracks.
6.7. Vertical shear cracks.
6.8. Inadequate support.
6.9. Detached, dislodged or failing connections.
6.10. Excessive cutting and notching.
Exceptions:
1. Where substantiated otherwise by an approved
method.
2. Demolition of unsafe conditions shall be permitted
where approved by the code official.
❖This provision specifies that each material (such as
soil, concrete, masonry, wood, steel, etc.) used to
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
create a building or structure must continue to be via-
ble.
Item 1 delineates some conditions of soil or foun-
dation stability that denote unsafe conditions. Any of
these allow the code official to determine that an
unsafe condition exists.
Items 2 through 6 delineate some conditions that, if
present in structural elements, are sufficient to deter-
mine that an unsafe condition exists.
SECTION 307
HANDRAILS AND GUARDRAILS
307.1 General. Every exterior and interior flight of stairs
having more than four risers shall have a handrail on one side
of the stair and every open portion of a stair, landing, bal-
cony, porch, deck, ramp or other walking surface that is more
than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall
have guards. Handrails shall be not less than 30 inches (762
mm) in height or more than 42 inches (1067 mm) in height
measured vertically above the nosing of the tread or above
the finished floor of the landing or walking surfaces. Guards
shall be not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in height above the
floor of the landing, balcony, porch, deck, or ramp or other
walking surface.
Exception: Guards shall not be required where exempted
by the adopted building code.
❖ Note that this section does not discuss maintenance
requirements for handrails and guards. It contains
requirements for handrail and guard installations at
specific locations in all existing buildings. If these
locations are present at an existing building, then the
minimum handrail and guard requirements are man-
dated. Handrails are required on at least one side of
all means of egress stairs more than four risers in
height. Handrails can neither be less than 30 inches
(762 mm) nor more than 42 inches (1067 mm) above
the nosing of the tread (see Commentary Figure
307.1).
Guards are required on the open side of all uneven
walking surfaces greater than 30 inches (762 mm) in
height that include stairs, landings, balconies,
porches, decks or ramps. The guard must be at least
30 inches (762 mm) above the floor in all cases.
Guards are to contain intermediate rails, balusters or
other construction to reduce the chance of an adult or
child from falling through the guard. If the guard is
missing some intermediate rails or balustrades, it is
recommended that it be repaired to its original condi-
tion if it will provide protection equivalent to that when
originally constructed.
The exception refers to the building code currently
adopted by the jurisdiction. If the current adopted
building code would not require a guard for a particu-
lar location in a new building, then a guard would not
be required in accordance with this exception.
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GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 308
RUBBISH AND GARBAGE
308.1 Accumulation of rubbish or garbage. Exterior prop-
erty and premises, and the interior of every structure, shall be
free from any accumulation of rubbish or garbage.
❖ Unsanitary houses are found in almost every commu-
nity. The code official may frequently find conditions
where occupants fail to properly store and remove
their garbage and refuse. Occasionally, the condi-
tions may be so bad that he or she must condemn the
structure as unfit for human occupancy in accordance
with Section 108.1.3. Emotional, physical and mental
problems may be contributing factors. The code offi-
cial may have to work with health officials, social
workers, child protection workers and a host of other
social service agencies to obtain a solution to the
problem.
Improperly stored garbage and rubbish in public
halls and stairways may result in insect and rodent
infestations, trip hazards and accidental fires. More
importantly, improper storage creates a hazard when
the exit must be used in an emergency, such as a
fire.
308.2 Disposal of rubbish. Every occupant of a structure
shall dispose of all rubbish in a clean and sanitary manner by
placing such rubbish in approved containers.
❖ Rubbish includes all waste materials except garbage.
Occupants are responsible for disposing of their own
rubbish in proper containers. Three frequent causes
for improper rubbish disposal are:
The occupants are careless—rubbish is stacked
and stored in a haphazard fashion.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
• Insufficient containers are provided to handle
rubbish.
• The rubbish is not being picked up frequently
enough to eliminate the volume being created.
The code official should work with occupants and
owners to determine the cause of the problem and
then order the owners or occupants to take the appro-
priate action to resolve it.
308.2.1 Rubbish storage facilities. The owner of every
occupied premises shall supply approved covered containers
for rubbish, and the owner of the premises shall be responsi-
ble for the removal of rubbish.
❖The owner is responsible for the removal of all rub-
bish. This provision is helpful as an enforcement tool.
It eliminates confusion as to whether the tenant, the
operator or the owner is responsible.
308.2.2 Refrigerators. Refrigerators and similar equipment
not in operation shall not be discarded, abandoned or stored
on premises without first removing the doors.
❖ Discarded refrigerators pose an attractive nuisance to
children. Children often climb into the refrigerator and
close the door afterward to create a hiding place. Due
to the risk of suffocation from being trapped in the
refrigerator, the doors must be removed before it is
considered safe to keep it during periods of storage
or to properly dispose of the unit.
308.3 Disposal of garbage. Every occupant of a structure
shall dispose of garbage in a clean and sanitary manner by
placing such garbage in an approved garbage disposal facility
or approved garbage containers.
❖ Garbage is the animal and vegetable waste created
from the preparation and consumption of food. Occu-
Commentary Figure 307.1
HANDRAILS AND GUARDS
FAIR
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HOR.DREPDVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
TLITIISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
pants are responsible for properly disposing of their
garbage by either using a garbage disposal (if avail-
able) or by placing the waste in approved garbage
storage containers.
Improper disposal of garbage can attract rodents,
insects, animals and vermin, produce noxious odors
and create potential health problems. Similar to rub-
bish disposal, garbage disposal problems can be the
result of:
• Careless disposal (not properly wrapped or
stored) by the occupants.
• Insufficient containers to handle the regular
amount of garbage.
• Garbage not being picked up frequently enough.
• The mechanical garbage disposal not operating.
The health consequences to the occupants and the
neighborhood are probably more severe with garbage
than rubbish; therefore, the code official must
promptly order the correction of this problem and
require an ongoing program of garbage disposal.
308.3.1 Garbage facilities. The owner of every dwelling
shall supply one of the following: an approved mechanical
food waste grinder in each dwelling unit; an approved incin-
erator unit in the structure available to the occupants in each
dwelling unit; or an approved leakproof, covered, outside
garbage container.
❖ The owner of any dwelling must provide a mechanical
garbage disposal, an approved incinerator or enough
containers to hold all garbage produced.
The storage of garbage in plastic bags is not
allowed. Animals, rodents and vermin can easily
open such bags and spread the garbage stored in
them. Garbage containers are to be placed outside of
the dwelling unit and be constructed of material that
is resistant to animals and rodents. The garbage con-
tainers are to be covered with lids.
308.3.2 Containers. The operator of every establishment
producing garbage shall provide, and at all times cause to be
utilized, approved leakproof containers provided with close -
fitting covers for the storage of such materials until removed
from the premises for disposal.
❖The operators of restaurants and similar establish-
ments that produce garbage are required to provide
sufficient numbers of containers to store the garbage
properly until such time that it is removed from the
premises.
Improper storage of animal and vegetable wastes
produces noxious odors and permits rodents and
other vermin access to the garbage. It also creates
potential health problems.
SECTION 309
PEST ELIMINATION
309.1 Infestation. Structures shall be kept free from insect
and rodent infestation. Structures in which insects or rodents
are found shall be promptly exterminated by approved pro-
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
cesses that will not be injurious to human health. After pest
elimination, proper precautions shall be taken to prevent rein-
festation.
❖There are two basic types of insect infestations: nui-
sance and wood destroying. Nuisance insects include
flies, fleas, bees, cockroaches and silverfish. Wood -
destroying insects include termites, powder -post bee-
tles and carpenter ants.
Nuisance insects are usually found near food
sources and in damp areas.
Wood -destroying insects are sometimes difficult to
find. The code official or a professional exterminator
may probe wood members for evidence of infesta-
tion. Concrete in contact with the soil should be visu-
ally checked for evidence of termite tubes leading
from the soil to wood members. Wood infested with
powder -post beetles frequently has the appearance
of having been penetrated by shotgun pellets. A large
powder -post beetle infestation leaves many small
holes in the wood. Additionally, active beetles leave a
fine wood powder called "frass" on the wood.
Eliminating nuisance insects may require treating
the building with insect spray on a regular basis.
Eliminating wood -destroying insects may require poi-
soning the soil around the building. Severe insect
infestations may necessitate replacement of struc-
tural members.
Evidence of a rodent infestation can include drop-
pings, gnaw marks and oily rub stains (imprints left
where the rodent's body rubbed against the struc-
ture). Such infestations should be ordered extermi-
nated. Additionally, corrective measures must be
taken to reduce the possibility of a reinfestation.
309.2 Owner. The owner of any structure shall be responsi-
ble for pest elimination within the structure prior to renting or
leasing the structure.
❖The owner must eliminate all rodents and insects
before a building or portion of a building can be
rented or leased. Although it would appear easy to
enforce this provision, the reality is that a new occu-
pant may not notice any insect or rodent problems
until after the building has been occupied. It may be
difficult and even impossible to determine if an infes-
tation existed before the new occupants moved in.
One practical way to resolve this problem is to require
the owner to have the building inspected for infesta-
tions before occupancy.
309.3 Single occupant. The occupant of a one -family dwell-
ing or of a single -tenant nonresidential structure shall be
responsible for pest elimination on the premises.
❖ In a single-family dwelling or a single -tenant nonresi-
dential unit, the occupant of the unit—not the
owner—is responsible for maintaining the property
free of infestation. Accordingly, the code official
should cite the occupant for rodent or insect infesta-
tions.
309.4 Multiple occupancy. The owner of a structure contain-
ing two or more dwelling units, a multiple occupancy, a
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 3-15
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
rooming house or a nonresidential structure shall be responsi-
ble for pest elimination in the public or shared areas of the
structure and exterior property. If infestation is caused by
failure of an occupant to prevent such infestation in the area
occupied, the occupant and owner shall be responsible for
pest elimination.
❖ The owners of public or shared areas in multiple -unit
residential and nonresidential buildings must elimi-
nate rodents and insects from the public or shared
areas of the structure and exterior property. If a single
unit in one of these buildings is infested, it is the
owner and occupant's responsibility to provide for the
extermination.
309.5 Occupant. The occupant of any structure shall be
responsible for the continued rodent and pest -free condition
of the structure.
Exception: Where the infestations are caused by defects
in the structure, the owner shall be responsible for pest
elimination.
❖ Occupants must maintain their units in a clean and
sanitary manner, free of rodents. If the occupants fail
to maintain their unit, then they are responsible for all
pest elimination costs.
From a practical point of view, this section is diffi-
cult to enforce. Occupants who are going to be
charged pest elimination fees may move out before
paying such a fee. Unfortunately, once the unit is
vacant the owner becomes responsible for the pest
elimination. Because the owner is responsible for cor-
recting any defects in the structure (see Section
301.2), he or she is then responsible for any infesta-
tion caused by these defects.
Bibliography
The following resource materials were used in the
preparation of the commentary for this chapter of the
code:
IBC -2018, International Building Code. Washington,
DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IRC -2018, International Residential Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
3-16 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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HOR.DREPDVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
TLIISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
Chapter 4:
Light, Ventilation and Occupancy Limitations
General Comments
Chapter 4 establishes the minimum criteria for light and
ventilation and identifies occupancy limitations.
Section 401 outlines the scope of Chapter 4 (i.e., min-
imum light, ventilation and space requirements). This
section also establishes who is responsible for comply-
ing with the provisions of the chapter, permits alterna-
tive arrangements of windows and other devices to
comply with the requirements for light and ventilation
and prohibits certain room arrangements and occu-
pancy uses.
Requirements for light, ventilation and space have not
always been incorporated in construction and occu-
pancy codes. In the United States, one of the first
attempts to establish criteria for light and ventilation
occurred with the passage of the 1867 Tenement Hous-
ing Act in New York City. A principal feature of the act
required sleeping rooms to communicate directly with
external air, or to have a ventilating window or transom
connected to a neighboring room or hall.
In 1879, New York City passed a second Tenement
Housing Act, which expanded the light and ventilation
requirements of the 1867 law by mandating that win-
dows have an opening of at least 12 square feet (1.1
m2) in every room. Finally, New York City passed the
Tenement Housing Act of 1901, which required owners
to provide additional lighting and ventilation to all tene-
ments. Many other provisions also contributed to the
health, safety and welfare of the occupants.
Light, ventilation and space requirements relate to
basic human needs. In its Basic Principles of Healthful
Housing, the Committee on the Hygiene of Housing of
the American Public Health Association (APHA) estab-
lished several principles regarding the relationship of
housing to health. These basic principles include sev-
eral that relate specifically to the need for adequate
light, ventilation and space, including physiological
needs, psychological needs and protection against dis-
ease and accidents:
Fundamental physiological needs:
An atmosphere of reasonable chemical purity
(proper ventilation removes chemicals from the
home and work environment).
Adequate daylight illumination and avoidance of
undue daylight glare.
Direct sunlight (the sun's rays assist in killing
germs).
Adequate artificial illumination and avoidance of
glare.
Adequate space for exercise and for the play of
children.
Fundamental psychological needs:
• Adequate privacy for the individual.
Facilities that make possible the performance of
household tasks without undue physical and men-
tal fatigue (adequate space and sufficient ceiling
heights reduce physical and mental fatigue).
Protection against contagion.
Sufficient space in sleeping rooms to minimize the
danger of contact infection.
Protection against accidents:
Adequate facilities for escape in case of fire.
Protection against overcrowding:
Population controls can maintain neighborhood
density, which can avoid overtaxing public facilities
such as parks and schools, and avoid accelerated
wear of dwellings.
Habitable rooms require adequate light to assist
occupants in providing for proper cleanliness and sani-
tation, and to reduce trip hazards. Well -lighted rooms
have a positive impact on mental health, while dark,
dingy rooms can have the opposite effect.
Ventilation is defined as "the natural or mechanical
process of supplying conditioned or unconditioned air
to, or removing such air from, any space." Ventilating air
into a space serves three functions:
Combustion and makeup air for fuel -burning appli-
ances is provided.
• Air being exhausted from the building through
mechanical or natural means is replaced.
• Air movement within the structure is enhanced.
Ventilation air exhausting from a structure also serves
three functions:
Excess moisture is eliminated.
Unpleasant odors, toxic fumes, dirt, dust and other
particulate matter are removed.
Air movement within the structure is enhanced.
Oversized or improperly installed mechanical ventila-
tion can cause fuel -burning appliances to backdraft into
the structure and may cause toxic materials to be
exhausted into inappropriate locations.
Adequate space provides for the physical and mental
health of occupants. Crowded conditions have a nega-
tive impact on occupants by preventing easy movement
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 4-1
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
LIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
throughout the dwelling. Crowded conditions may also
lead to accidents and injuries. Additionally, occupants
are subjected to an increase in the spread of disease
and germs through sneezing and coughing.
Overcrowding may also have a negative effect on
mental health.
SECTION 401
GENERAL
401.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govem the
minimum conditions and standards for light, ventilation and
space for occupying a structure.
❖ Buildings must comply with minimum criteria and con-
ditions for light, ventilation and space. Specific
requirements are outlined in this chapter.
401.2 Responsibility. The owner of the structure shall pro-
vide and maintain light, ventilation and space conditions in
compliance with these requirements. A person shall not
occupy as owner -occupant, or permit another person to
occupy, any premises that do not comply with the require-
ments of this chapter.
❖ The owner is responsible for complying with all light,
ventilation and space requirements established in this
chapter. A noncomplying structure cannot be occu-
pied until it is brought into compliance with the crite-
ria.
401.3 Alternative devices. In lieu of the means for natural
light and ventilation herein prescribed, artificial light or
mechanical ventilation complying with the International
Building Code shall be permitted.
❖ Light and ventilation by artificial methods are permit-
ted, such as electric lighting instead of natural light
and mechanical ventilation instead of natural ventila-
tion. Electric lighting is permitted to replace the natu-
ral light requirements of Section 402. Mechanical
ventilation is permitted to replace the natural ventila-
tion requirements of Section 403. Any alternative
method approved by the code official must also com-
ply with the installation and performance require-
ments of the building code.
SECTION 402
LIGHT
402.1 Habitable spaces. Every habitable space shall have
not less than one window of approved size facing directly to
the outdoors or to a court. The minimum total glazed area for
every habitable space shall be 8 percent of the floor area of
such room. Wherever walls or other portions of a structure
face a window of any room and such obstructions are located
less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the window and extend to a
level above that of the ceiling of the room, such window shall
Purpose
Minimum light, ventilation and space requirements are
based on the physiological and psychological impact of
these factors on building occupants. The purpose of
Chapter 4 is to set forth these requirements in the code
and to establish the minimum environment for occupia-
ble and habitable buildings.
not be deemed to face directly to the outdoors nor to a court
and shall not be included as contributing to the required mini-
mum total window area for the room.
Exception: Where natural light for rooms or spaces with-
out exterior glazing areas is provided through an adjoining
room, the unobstructed opening to the adjoining room
shall be not less than 8 percent of the floor area of the inte-
rior room or space, or not less than 25 square feet (2.33
m2), whichever is greater. The exterior glazing area shall
be based on the total floor area being served.
❖"Habitable space" is defined in Chapter 2. Habitable
spaces are those spaces that are normally considered
"inhabited" in the course of residential living and pro-
vide the four basic characteristics of living, sleeping,
eating and cooking. Other spaces, such as halls or
utility rooms, are not considered habitable, but would
in many instances be considered occupiable.
As stated in Section 401.3, natural lighting is not
required if artificial light is provided. Electric lighting is
almost always provided. Where electric lighting is pro-
vided instead of natural lighting, the code official must
rely on a light meter to assess whether the illumination
provided meets the criteria in the referenced building
code.
All habitable spaces must have one or more win-
dows and the total glazed area must equal at least 8
percent of the floor area of the room served [see
Commentary Figure 402.1(1)].
Windows must face directly to the outdoors or to a
court. Any window that faces a wall or other obstruc-
tion that is less than 3 feet (914 mm) from the window
and higher than the ceiling of the room cannot be
included in calculating the minimum total window area
needed for the room it serves [see Commentary Fig-
ure 402.1(2)].
The exception addresses a case where a space (or
room) has no glazed area open to the required courts
or yards but is adjacent to one that does. The internal
room may "borrow" natural lighting from the adjacent
space if the opening in the wall between the two
spaces is at least 8 percent of the floor area of the
interior room but not less than 25 square feet (2.3 m2).
The required glazed area facing the required court or
yard is to be based on the total floor area of all rooms
served [see Commentary Figure 402.1(3)].
In Commentary Figure 402.1(3), the glazed area
opening onto a court or yard in the space provided
4-2 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
with the openings must be greater than 8 percent of
the total floor areas served; therefore, in Commentary
Figure 402.1(3), the glazed area in Space B is
required to be equal to or greater than 0.08 (floor area
of Space A + floor area of Space B).
The next step is to require the opening between the
adjacent spaces to be a minimum of 25 square feet
(2.3 FEE) , but not less than 0.08 multiplied by the floor
area of Space A.
402.2 Common halls and stairways. Every common hall
and stairway in residential occupancies, other than in one -
and two-family dwellings, shall be lighted at all times with
not less than a 60 -watt standard incandescent light bulb for
each 200 square feet (19 m2) of floor area or equivalent illu-
mination, provided that the spacing between lights shall not
be greater than 30 feet (9144 mm). In other than residential
occupancies, interior and exterior means of egress, stairways
shall be illuminated at all times the building space served by
the means of egress is occupied with not less than 1 footcan-
dle (11 lux) at floors, landings and treads.
❖This section is intended to establish a minimum level
of lighting in common halls and stairs of residential
LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
occupancies, such as apartment buildings. Adequate
lighting in hallways and stairs is essential for safe
exiting in a fire emergency, reduces the chance of
injury due to falls during normal use and helps deter
crime.
This section contains a prescriptive requirement
[60 -watt lightbulbs for every 200 square feet (19 EI
for ease of application and enforcement (see Com-
mentary Figure 402.2). It assumes a typical ceiling
height of not more than 10 feet (3048 mm). Equiva-
lent illumination by means other than 60 -watt incan-
descent bulbs is explicitly permitted, and the code
official would establish equivalency byjudgment or by
actually measuring with a light meter. This lighting is
required to be provided at all times, since residential
buildings are typically occupied at all times.
In all occupancy groups other than residential, a
lower, minimum level of lighting [1 footcandle (11 lux)]
is required at all times when the building is occupied.
The [1 footcandle (11 lux)] threshold is consistent
with the International Fire Code° (IFC') and the Inter-
national Building Code° (IBC') for acceptable lighting
in means of egress components.
GLAZEDAREA GLAZEDAREA
8SQ. FT. �8SQ. FT.
O
BATH — GLAZEDAREA
GLAZEDAREA� 80 SQ.FT. 8SQ.F1
10 SQ.FT. EC
BEDROOMA
150 SQ.FT.
COMBINED LIVING/ BEDROOM B
DINING ROOM 180 SQ.FT.
358 SQ.FT.
KITCHEN
150 SQ. FT.
10 SQ.FT.
f
10 SQFT. —/
GLAZEDAREA
8 SQ.FT.
GLAZED AREA EACH
12 SQ.FT. EACH
(NOT TO SCALE)
IN THEABOVE EXAMPLE,ALL ROOMS EXCEPT BEDROOM B HAVE SUFFICIENT
WINDOW AREA EQUAL TO AT LEAST 8 PERCENT OF THE ROOMSFLOOR AREA.
BEDROOM B IS 180 SQ.FT. INAREA, BUTTHE WINDOW IS ONLY 8 SQ.FT.
BEDROOM B REQUIRES A MINIMUM WINDOW AREAOF 14.4 SQ.FT.; THEREFORE,
EITHERANOTHER WINDOW MUST BE INSTALLED OR THE EXISTING WINDOW
MUST BE REPLACED WITH A LARGER WINDOW.
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
Commentary Figure 402.1(1)
DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM GLAZED AREA
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 4-3
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
ACCEPTABLE AS A SOURCE
OF NATURAL LIGHT
< 3'
NOTACCEPTABLE FOR NOTACCEPTABLE FOR
NATURAL LIGHT NATURAL LIGHT
IN THE DIAGRAM ABOVE, THE FIRSTFLOORWINDOWS FACING
EACH OTHERARE NOTACCEPTABLE FOR PROVIDING NATURAL
LIGHT TO THEIR ROOMS. THE WINDOWS MUST FACE AN
OPEN SPACE AT LEAST 3 FEETAWAY FROM THE WINDOW.
OTHER METHODS OF ACCOMMODATING NATURAL LIGHT REQUIREMENTS
MUST BE CONSIDERED. PERHAPS AN INTERIOR WALL CAN BE
REMOVED TO COMBINE TWO ROOMS ORA WINDOW MAYBE
RELOCATED TO ANOTHER LOCATION THAT PROVIDES
UNOBSTRUCTED LIGHT.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Commentary Figure 402.1(2)
DETERMINATION OF NATURAL LIGHT SOURCES
OPENING BETWEEN
ADJACENT ROOMS
GLAZED AREAS
SPACE B = --t,
FLOOR AREA OF SPACE
WITH GLAZED OPENINGS
SPACE A =
FLOOR AREA OF ADJOINING
INTERIOR SPACE
Commentary Figure 402.1(3)
NATURAL LIGHT FROM ADJACENT SPACE
4-4 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
9'= WIDE COMMON HALLWAY
APT.1
APT.2
APT.3
APT.4
APT.5
O O O O O O
APT. 10
APT.9
APT.8
APT.7
APT.6
125' _
0 LIGHT FIXTURE
THE HALLWAYAND STAIRS ARE 125 FEET LONG AND 9 FEET WIDE.
THE AREA COMPRISES 1,125 SOFT. THE HALLWAY, THEREFORE,
REQUIRESA MINIMUM OF SIX 60WATTLIGHTS. NO LIGHT MAY
BE SPACED MORE THAN 30 FEET FROM ANY OTHER LIGHT.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m'.
Commentary Figure 402.2
COMMON HALLWAY LIGHTING
402.3 Other spaces. Other spaces shall be provided with nat-
ural or artificial light sufficient to permit the maintenance of
sanitary conditions, and the safe occupancy of the space and
utilization of the appliances, equipment and fixtures.
❖ No specific criteria for minimum light and ventilation
are established for other spaces, such as storage and
utility rooms, closets and mud rooms. All spaces,
however, must have enough light to maintain their
cleanliness and to allow for the safe use of appli-
ances, equipment and fixtures located within them.
SECTION 403
VENTILATION
403.1 Habitable spaces. Every habitable space shall have
not less than one openable window. The total openable area
of the window in every room shall be equal to not less than 45
percent of the minimum glazed area required in Section
402.1.
Exception: Where rooms and spaces without openings to
the outdoors are ventilated through an adjoining room, the
unobstructed opening to the adjoining room shall be not
less than 8 percent of the floor area of the interior room or
space, but not less than 25 square feet (2.33 m2). The venti-
lation openings to the outdoors shall be based on a total
floor area being ventilated.
❖As stated in Section 401.3, mechanical ventilation is
an acceptable alternative to the natural ventilation
requirements in this section. Most detached single-
family dwellings utilize natural ventilation. Every hab-
itable room (see the definition of "Habitable space' in
Chapter 2) must have one window that can be easily
opened to provide natural ventilation. In order to sup-
ply adequate natural ventilation, workable windows
must be capable of opening to at least 45 percent of
the minimum glazed area required for natural light, as
established in Section 403.1 (see the definition of
"Openable area" in Chapter 2). The openable area
should be measured when the window or door is in its
full, open position. When determining openable area,
only the space between stops or between stops and
sash is to be measured. The area of sashes, meeting
rails, mullions and muntins is to be deducted (see
Commentary Figure 403.1).
The exception allows for rooms to "share' required
ventilation openings, as long as there are substantial
interior openings between the rooms. The example
given in the commentary to Section 402.1 is applica-
ble here.
403.2 Bathrooms and toilet rooms. Every bathroom and toi-
let room shall comply with the ventilation requirements for
habitable spaces as required by Section 403. 1, except that a
window shall not be required in such spaces equipped with a
mechanical ventilation system. Air exhausted by a mechani-
cal ventilation system from a bathroom or toilet room shall
discharge to the outdoors and shall not be recirculated.
❖ATI bathrooms and toilet rooms must have windows
that conform to the requirements of Section 402.1 for
natural light and Section 403.1 for natural ventilation.
If a window is not provided or not large enough to
comply with the light and ventilation requirements of
these two sections, then an approved mechanical
vent may be used.
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 45
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LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
Mechanical ventilation in dwelling unit bathrooms
and toilet rooms is required to exhaust moisture -
laden air to the exterior. The vent must not terminate
za"
M
i
v
N
SASH
a
STOP
OPENABLE AREA
s/a' JAMB
SILL
OPENABLEAREA:
HEIGHT: (48"-24"-3") =21"
WIDTH: [24" - (2 x'/e")] = 223/4"
21" HIGH x 223/4" WIDE = 3.3 SQ. FT.
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
Commentary Figure 403.1
DETERMINATION OF OPENABLE AREA
in any attic or other closed space (see Commentary
Figure 403.2), which would allow moisture to con-
dense on the building structure and lead to deteriora-
tion of the structure.
403.3 Cooking facilities. Unless approved through the certif-
icate of occupancy, cooking shall not be permitted in any
rooming unit or dormitory unit, and a cooking facility or
appliance shall not be permitted to be present in the rooming
unit or dormitory unit.
Exceptions:
1. Where specifically approved in writing by the code
official.
2. Devices such as coffee pots and microwave ovens
shall not be considered cooking appliances.
❖ Unless approval has been granted through a certifi-
cate of occupancy, cooking is prohibited in dormitory
or rooming units (see the definition of "Rooming unit"
in Chapter 2). Cooking equipment is prohibited in
these types of rooms, since cooking in sleeping areas
may create fire and health hazards, as well as odor
and moisture problems.
Exception 1 provides for the allowance of cooking
in a rooming unit or a dormitory unit based on written
approval as granted by the code official. Such an
allowance should take into consideration the types of
food to be cooked and the heat source and conditions
under which the cooking will be done. Requiring
approval in writing verifies that there will be a trace-
able, verifiable record of the conditions of approval.
Such a record is useful in enforcing the conditions of
the approval. Exception 2 allows the use of coffee
pots and microwave ovens in rooming units and dor-
mitory units. These types of appliances are typically
used for short periods of time, and are currently used
in hotel and motel units without significant problems.
MECHANICAL
EXHAUSTS
BATH
7777/777777
ce
MECHANICAL EXAUST FROM BATHROOMS
MUST TERMINATE OUTSIDE. THE VENT SHOULD NEITHER
RECIRCULATE AIR NOR TERMINATE IN THE
ATTIC OR OTHER INTERIOR SPACE.
Commentary Figure 403.2
BATHROOM EXHAUST
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403.4 Process ventilation. Where injurious, toxic, irritating
or noxious fumes, gases, dusts or mists are generated, a local
exhaust ventilation system shall be provided to remove the
contaminating agent at the source. Air shall be exhausted to
the exterior and not be recirculated to any space.
❖ A mechanical vent, hood or cabinet is required where
any process creates potentially hazardous fumes,
gases or dust. The ventilation has to be located at the
source of the contamination and must exhaust
directly to the exterior. The criteria for new exhaust
systems are found in the International Mechanical
Code° (IMC'). If the exhausted air contains dust, dirt,
chemicals or other contaminants, the exhaust may
require additional treatment to prevent contamination
of the exterior air (see Commentary Figure 403.4).
403.5 Clothes dryer exhaust. Clothes dryer exhaust systems
shall be independent of all other systems and shall be
exhausted outside the structure in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions.
Exception: Listed and labeled condensing (ductless)
clothes dryers.
❖Clothes dryers are prohibited from exhausting into
other ventilation or exhaust systems. Clothes dryers
create large volumes of lint, dust and moisture that
will clog or corrode any system not designed for this
type of exhaust. Additionally, the exhaust gases are
hot and may contain combustion products. Improper
or inadequate provisions for exhaust may create a
fire and health hazard.
Manufacturers' installation instructions must be fol-
lowed when exhausting clothes dryers. The exception
recognizes condensing ductless clothes dryers. Typi-
cally, in a condenser dryer, there are two separate
loops. The inside loop of air that is sealed from the
outside loop of environment air from within the drum
LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
is heated, then blown through the tumbling clothes,
then the moisture -laden air is passed through a heat
exchanger, where the water recondenses. The same
dry air is then reheated, where it is again blown
through the drum and clothes, and the cycle begins
again.
The outside loop in a condenser dryer consists of
either air or water. Some condenser dryer models are
air-cooled, and use the ambient room air as a heat
sink by blowing it across the outside of the heat
exchanger. These dryers will tend to heat the indoor
air in one's laundry room significantly. Note, however,
that only heat is released, and all moisture is con-
tained within the unit. The condensed water can be
either pumped away to a drain line or stored in a con-
tainer within the dryer to be emptied later.
SECTION 404
OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
404.1 Privacy. Dwelling units, hotel units, housekeeping
units, rooming units and dormitory units shall be arranged to
provide privacy and be separate from other adjoining spaces.
❖ Privacy is a fundamental psychological need. Every
person needs a space to relax, sleep and dress that
is separate from public or common rooms. Walls, cor-
ridors and doors should be arranged to offer the
occupants their own private space.
404.2 Minimum room widths. A habitable room, other than
a kitchen, shall be not less than 7 feet (2134 mm) in any plan
dimension. Kitchens shall have a minimum clear passageway
of 3 feet (914 mm) between counterfronts and appliances or
counterfronts and walls.
❖To prevent the use of inadequately sized rooms for
living space, the code establishes a minimum dimer -
PROCESS VENTILATION MUST BE LOCATED IN A
POSITION TO PREVENT FUMES FROM PERMEATING
THE GENERAL ATMOSPHERE OF THE INTERIOR SPACES.
Commentary Figure 403.4
PROCESS VENTILATION
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LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
sion of 7 feet (2134 mm) at the narrowest width of all
habitable rooms, except kitchens. Narrow rooms do
not allow for the installation of furniture without unduly
obstructing passageways through the rooms.
Kitchens require only 3 feet (914 mm) of clearance
between countertops and appliances or countertops
and walls. Kitchens are not expected to be occupied
for long periods of time, nor is it expected that kitch-
ens will be occupied by a large number of persons at
any one time.
404.3 Minimum ceiling heights. Habitable spaces, hall-
ways, corridors, laundry areas, bathrooms, toilet rooms and
habitable basement areas shall have a minimum clear ceiling
height of 7 feet (2134 mm).
Exceptions:
1. In one- and two-family dwellings, beams or girders
spaced not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) on center and
projecting not greater than 6 inches (152 mm) below
the required ceiling height.
2. Basement rooms in one- and two-family dwellings
occupied exclusively for laundry, study or recreation
purposes, having a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet
8 inches (2033 mm) with a minimum clear height of
6 feet 4 inches (1932 mm) under beams, girders,
ducts and similar obstructions.
3. Rooms occupied exclusively for sleeping, study or
similar purposes and having a sloped ceiling over all
or part of the room, with a minimum clear ceiling
height of 7 feet (2134 mm) over not less than one-
third of the required minimum floor area. In calcu-
lating the floor area of such rooms, only those por-
tions of the floor area with a minimum clear ceiling
height of 5 feet (1524 mm) shall be included.
❖ Sufficient ceiling heights are necessary to provide an
adequate volume of air for occupants in closed
spaces and to provide for their psychological well-
being. The height requirements are established by
this section.
To accommodate various conditions, the code
establishes exceptions that permit a reduction in ceil-
ing height within limited conditions. These exceptions
include the following:
Exception 1 makes provisions for beams and gird-
ers to extend into the required minimum height. This
is consistent with the IBC and the International Resi-
dential Codd' (IRC') requirements, which allow this
type of projection to accommodate structural mem-
bers.
Exception 2 is included to permit the use of existing
basements with low headroom. It is anticipated that
these rooms will be used only occasionally and will
not adversely affect the occupants' health or safety.
Exception 3 is included to accommodate the many
11/2 -story houses that have the sloped attic area fin-
ished into bedrooms and similar uses.
Similar to the previous exception, the 7 -foot -high
(2134 mm) ceiling must extend over one-third of the
required area established in Section 404.4.1. Thus, if
a room is larger than the minimum required size for
its use, the 7 -foot -high (2134 mm) portion may be
less than one-third of the room's actual floor area.
Example: A bedroom of 175 square feet (16.3 m2)
would be required to have a 7 -foot -high (2134 mm)
ceiling over not less than 23.3 square feet (2.2 m2) of
the room area. The minimum required area of a bed-
room is 70 square feet (6.5 m2) (see Section 404.4.1);
one-third of the required 70 square feet (6.5 m2) is
23.3 square feet (2.2 m2).
404.4 Bedroom and living room requirements. Every bed-
room and living room shall comply with the requirements of
Sections 404.4.1 through 404.4.5.
❖ The size of bedrooms and living rooms in a dwelling
unit are determining factors in the comfort and safety
of occupants. As such, the code establishes mini-
mum sizes and restricts certain configurations in
regard to bathrooms, means of egress and other hab-
itable rooms.
404.4.1 Room area. Every living room shall contain not less
than 120 square feet (11.2 m2) and every bedroom shall con-
tain not less than 70 square feet (6.5 m2) and every bedroom
occupied by more than one person shall contain not less than
50 square feet (4.6 m2) of floor area for each occupant
thereof.
❖The smallest living room allowed is 120 square feet
(11.1 m2). Utilizing the minimum room width of 7 feet
(2134 mm) would result in a living room size of
approximately 7 feet by 17 feet (2134 mm by 5182
mm). A more functional room size would perhaps be
10 feet by 12 feet (3048 mm by 3658 mm). The small-
est bedroom allowed is 70 square feet (6.5 m2). This
is barely enough space for a regular -sized (twin) bed
and dresser. If a bedroom is intended to accommo-
date more than one person, the room must have at
least 50 square feet (4.6 m2) per person. A sleeping
room for two people must contain at least 100 square
feet (9.3 m2), for three, 150 square feet (13.9 m2) and
so on. Inadequate sleeping space may increase the
spread of communicable diseases, reduce privacy
and provide insufficient space for clothes, furniture
and other personal belongings. See the commentary
to Section 404.5 for examples of the application of
the requirements of this section.
404.4.2 Access from bedrooms. Bedrooms shall not consti-
tute the only means of access to other bedrooms or habitable
spaces and shall not serve as the only means of egress from
other habitable spaces.
Exception: Units that contain fewer than two bedrooms.
❖ Every occupant must be provided with privacy in his
or her sleeping room. The need for privacy may lead
occupants to lock or barricade doors in certain situa-
tions; therefore, if the only access to other habitable
spaces or the means of egress is through a bedroom,
there is a possibility that the only way out of a dwell-
ing unit may be blocked in an emergency situation.
Even without an emergency, occupants may be seri-
4-8 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ously inconvenienced in their movement about the
dwelling unit. Bedrooms, therefore, must be arranged
so that other occupants and guests do not have to
pass through one bedroom to get to another bedroom
or other habitable spaces (see Commentary Figure
404.4.2). Additionally, dwelling units must be config-
ured such that occupants can egress from any habit-
able room in the dwelling unit without passing through
a bedroom. The exception would permit a dwelling
unit with only one bedroom to have an arrangement
where the only access to habitable rooms or the
means of egress is through the bedroom. It is
assumed in this case that only the occupants of the
bedroom will require access to other rooms or the
means of egress.
404.4.3 Water closet accessibility. Every bedroom shall
have access to not less than one water closet and one lavatory
without passing through another bedroom. Every bedroom in
a dwelling unit shall have access to not less than one water
closet and lavatory located in the same story as the bedroom
or an adjacent story.
❖ Every occupant of a bedroom must have access to a
water closet without having to pass through another
room used as a bedroom. Readily accessible water
closets are important for privacy. Occupants should
be able to use bathroom facilities without compromis-
ing their modesty or the privacy of the occupants in a
bedroom. The requirement that every bedroom be
LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
served by a water closet and lavatory on the same
floor level or on an adjacent level is considered an
acceptable minimum standard for the convenience of
occupants.
404.4.4 Prohibited occupancy. Kitchens and nonhabitable
spaces shall not be used for sleeping purposes.
❖The code prohibits kitchens, interior public areas and
nonhabitable spaces from being used as bedrooms.
These spaces provide neither privacy nor safety.
Such rooms may also lack adequate light, ventilation,
fire exits and sufficient habitable space.
This section provides the code official with another
tool to control overcrowding problems.
404.4.5 Other requirements. Bedrooms shall comply with
the applicable provisions of this code including, but not lim-
ited to, the light, ventilation, room area, ceiling height and
room width requirements of this chapter; the plumbing facili-
ties and water -heating facilities requirements of Chapter 5;
the heating facilities and electrical receptacle requirements of
Chapter 6; and the smoke detector and emergency escape
requirements of Chapter 7.
❖Sections 404.4.1 through 404.4.5 do not contain all
the code requirements that pertain to bedrooms. Bed-
rooms are habitable rooms (see the definition and
commentary for "Habitable room' in Chapter 2) and
as such are subject to all the code requirements that
apply to habitable rooms. The purpose of this section
THIS BEDROOM ARRANGEMENT IS
NOT ACCEPTABLE. OCCUPANT MUST
PASS THROUGH BEDROOM A TO
REACH BEDROOM B.
THIS BEDROOM ARRANGEMENT IS
ACCEPTABLE. THE OCCUPANT OF
BEDROOM B CAN GAIN ACCESS
TO THE BEDROOM WITHOUT
PASSING THROUGH BEDROOM A.
Commentary Figure 404.4.2
BEDROOM ACCESS
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LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
is to alert the code user to requirements for bedrooms
that are located in other sections and chapters of the
code. In particular, see the following sections of the
code and the associated commentary:
• Section 402.1 for minimum light requirements.
• Section 403.1 for minimum ventilation
requirements.
• Section 404.2 for minimum room width.
• Section 404.3 for minimum ceiling height.
• Section 503.2, which prohibits a toilet room from
being the only passageway to a hall or other
space from a bedroom.
• Section 505.4, which requires a provision for
combustion air in bedrooms that contain a fuel -
burning water heater.
• Sections 602.2 and 602.5 for minimum heat
required in a bedroom.
• Section 605.2, which requires at least two
separate and remote receptacle outlets in each
bedroom.
• Section 702.4 for required emergency escape
windows and doors in bedrooms.
• Section 704 for required smoke detectors in the
vicinity of the bedrooms.
404.5 Overcrowding. Dwelling units shall not be occupied
by more occupants than permitted by the minimum area
requirements of Table 404.5.
❖ Overcrowding is often a problem in rental properties
and in small, single-family dwellings. It can create
serious problems; for example, disease spreads
more easily, privacy is lost, mental health is affected
and buildings are subject to more abuse and wear.
Overcrowding can have a destructive effect on a
whole neighborhood if it takes place in several
houses on the same block or in several units in the
same apartment building. Reducing overcrowding will
reduce related health and safety hazards.
The code requires all types of dwelling units to com-
ply with occupancy area requirements. There is no
exception for owner -occupied houses; however, over-
crowding of owner -occupied, single-family residences
requires the careful thought and judgement of the code
official to determine an appropriate course of action.
Proving that a building is overcrowded may be diffi-
cult. Tenants may lie about the number of occupants
in their unit to avoid eviction. To determine the num-
ber of occupants, the code official may try to count
beds or the names on mailboxes. Neighbors may
also provide valuable information about the number
of occupants and may be able to tell when the occu-
pants are most likely to be home. It may be neces-
sary to conduct inspections during evening hours in
order to find an adult occupant at home. School
enrollment records can also provide information on
overcrowding.
Some communities have laws requiring an occu-
pancy permit to be issued before a dwelling unit can
be occupied. This allows the number of occupants
shown on the application to be checked against the
maximum occupancy of the dwelling unit as deter-
mined by an inspection [see Commentary Figure
404.5(1)].
Some floor plan arrangements would allow the din-
ing and living room areas to be considered as com-
bined dining/living/sleeping rooms. To illustrate the
alternative analytical approach for the maximum
number of occupants, consider the following example
in which two analyses will be made: the first assumes
only the three bedrooms are used for sleeping pur-
poses; the second assumes the living/dining area is
to be counted as providing sleeping space [see Com-
mentary Figure 404.5(2) for an example of an
arrangement where the access to the kitchen is not
through the dining/living room]. The requirement of
Section 404.4.2, therefore, would be met and the
maximum occupant load would be the highest of the
following two analyses.
ANALYSIS 1 OCCUPANT LOAD ANALYSIS WITH
NO COMBINED SLEEPING ROOM USAGE
Sleeping space: Section 404.4.1 indicates that
70 square feet (6.5 m2) is required for a room
occupied by one person and 50 square feet
(4.6 m2) per person is required for a room
occupied by more than one person. In this
example, we arrive at the following:
SLEEPING AREAS
ACTUAL AREA
(SQUARE FEET)
ALLOWABLE NO.
OF OCCUPANTS
Bedroom 1
113
2
Bedroom 2
127
2
Bedroom 3
92
1
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 mT.
At this point the maximum possible occupant
load is five. It can be no higher due to lack of
additional sleeping space.
2. Living, dining and kitchen space: Table 404.5
establishes the minimum required areas that
will accommodate various numbers of
occupants. By using Table 404.5, the following
is derived:
ACTUAL AREA I ALLOWABLE NO.
SPACE (SQUARE FEET) OF OCCUPANTS
Living room 220 6 or more
Dining room 100 6 or more
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 mT.
3. Maximum allowable number of occupants: The
actual living, dining and kitchen areas provide
the maximum required space for six or more
occupants; therefore, the maximum allowable
number of occupants based on this analysis,
which is five occupants, is governed by the
sleeping space provided.
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In this case, the living, dining and kitchen
areas provide the minimum required space for
any number of occupants. As such, if Bedroom
3 was 100 square feet (9.3 m2) rather than 90
square feet (8.4 me), the maximum allowable
occupant load would be six, rather than five,
because Bedroom 3 would provide adequate
sleeping space for two occupants.
ANALYSIS 2 OCCUPANT LOAD ANALYSIS WITH
COMBINED LIVING/DINING/SLEEPING SPACE
It was previously determined that the bedrooms pro-
vide sleeping space for five occupants and the living,
dining and kitchen areas are adequate for any number
of occupants; however, the code does not prohibit the
24'
LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
dual use of a room as living/sleeping or living/dining/
sleeping, as long as the room meets the requirements
for each intended use. In this example, the living/dining
room could be considered a combined living/dining/
sleeping room.
When determining the maximum occupant load for a
combined living/sleeping or living/dining/sleeping
room, Section 404.5.1 mandates that the minimum
areas required by Table 404.5 are not to be included
as sleeping areas; therefore, if the combined living/din-
ing/sleeping room were used by one person for sleep-
ing, at least 70 square feet (6.5 m) is necessary
(Section 404.4.1), leaving 250 square feet (23.2 m2)
available for combined living/dining purposes [320
square feet (29.7 m) total minus 70 square feet (6.5
BEDROOM
COMBINED LIVING/
DINING ROOM
0
N
14' 10'
BATHROOM
KITCHEN
7
KITCHEN co
6'
MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY ALLOWED
1. COMBINED LIVING/DINING ROOM = 210 SQ.FT.
THIS SPACE WOULD ACCOMMODATE NO MORE THAN FIVE OCCUPANTS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH TABLE 404.SAND SECTION 404.5.2.
2. KITCHEN = 70 SQ. FT.
THIS SPACE WOULD ACCOMMODATE AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF
OCCUPANTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH TABLE 404.5.
3. BEDROOM = 100 SQ.FT.
THIS SPACE WOULD ACCOMMODATE ONE OR TWO OCCUPANTS
IN ACCORDANCE WITH TABLE 404.5.
BECAUSE THE BEDROOM WILL ONLY PERMIT A MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY OF TWO,
THAT IS THE MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY FOR THIS ENTIRE UNIT. THE OCCUPANCY
IS LIMITED TO THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED BY THE LEASTAREA PROVIDED IN ONE OF
THE CATEGORIES IN TABLE 404.5.
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 turn. 1 square foot = 0.0929 tut.
Commentary Figure 404.5(1)
MAXIMUM OCUPANCY LOAD IN DWELLINGS
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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LIGHT, VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
i
i
i
i
AREA BREAKDOWN
BEDROOM BATH DINING LIVING
3-5 occupants
6 or more occupants
1 ROOM ROOM
LIVING ROOM =
220 sq.ft.
150
DINING ROOM =
100 sq.ft.
80
KITCHEN =
90 sq.ft.
I Shall comply with Section 404.4.1
BEDROOM 1 =
113 sq.ft.
BEDROOM 2 =
127 sq.ft.
BEDROOM 3 =
92 sq.ft.
BEDROOM
❑
BEDROOM KITCHEN
3
nn
I�Y�I
LARGE THREE-BEDROOM APARTMENT
NOT TO SCALE
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 mZ.
Commentary Figure 404.5(2)
COMBINED LIVING/DINING/SLEEPING ROOM EXAMPLE
mz) equals 250 square feet (23.2 mz)]. Table 404.5 and
Section 404.5.2 would allow a combined living/dining
room of 250 square feet (23.2 mz) to accommodate
any number of occupants (six or more), which is the
same as the first example. The total number of occu-
pants for which a sleeping area is provided is now a
maximum of six (the bedrooms accommodate five and
the combined living/dining/sleeping room accommo-
dates one); therefore, the maximum allowable occu-
pant load based on this analysis would be six.
In this example the combined living/dining/sleeping
room would be subject to all requirements for sleeping
areas, including emergency escape windows (Section
702.4) and smoke detectors (Section 704).
TABLE 404.5
MINIMUM AREA REQUIREMENTS
SPACE
MINIMUM AREA IN SQUARE FEET
1-2 occupants
3-5 occupants
6 or more occupants
Living rooma, b
120
120
150
Dining rooma, b
rNo equirement
80
100
Bedrooms
I Shall comply with Section 404.4.1
For SI: I square foot = 0.0929 mB.
a. See Section 404.5.2 for combined living room/dining room spaces.
b. See Section 404.5.1 for limitations on determining the minimum
occupancy area for sleeping purposes.
❖ Table 404.5 establishes the minimum room sizes and
the maximum occupant loads for living spaces. The
code official is to use this table to determine if a resi-
dence is overcrowded. See the commentary to Sec-
tion 404.5 for examples of the application of this
table.
404.5.1 Sleeping area. The minimum occupancy area
required by Table 404.5 shall not be included as a sleeping
area in determining the minimum occupancy area for sleep-
ing purposes. Sleeping areas shall comply with Section 404.4.
❖ The purpose of this section is to prohibit the dual use
of dining rooms and living rooms as sleeping rooms,
unless they are of sufficient size to incorporate the
minimum required space for sleeping, in addition to
the minimum required space for the dining or living
room areas listed in Table 404.5. For example, if a
dwelling is occupied by five people and one person is
using the living room as a sleeping area, the mini-
mum required size of the living room would be 190
square feet (17.7 mz). This is based on 120 square
feet (11.1 mz) for the living room, in accordance with
Table 404.5, and 70 square feet (6.5 mz) for the sin-
gle -occupant sleeping area, in accordance with Sec-
tion 404.4.1.
The code does not prohibit a living or dining room
from serving a dual purpose as a sleeping area; how-
ever, the room must be sized to accommodate both
functions. See the commentary to Section 404.5 for
additional examples of calculating the maximum
allowable occupant load in dwellings where certain
rooms are used for dual purposes.
404.5.2 Combined spaces. Combined living room and dining
room spaces shall comply with the requirements of Table
404.5 if the total area is equal to that required for separate
rooms and if the space is located so as to function as a combi-
nation living room/dining room.
-.1-When a living room and a dining room are combined
into one room, the combined area must equal the
sum of the minimum required area of each separate
room established by Table 404.5. See Analysis 2 in
the commentary to Section 404.5 for further illustra-
tion.
100849397
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Copyright @ 2018 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Acc=essed by Gregory Jones (gi ones@d,,bliv.oh.us), (-) O,de, Number 1100849398 01 Mac os, 2020 04:48 AM (PST) pu,su ant to License Agreement with ICC. No
' fu,the, reproduction, vo fucthec reproductions by any third puty, or dist,ibutiov authorized. Siegle use, only, copying and vet—k-g prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTION
IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
404.6 Efficiency unit. Nothing in this section shall prohibit
an efficiency living unit from meeting the following require-
ments:
1. A unit occupied by not more than one occupant shall
have a minimum clear floor area of 120 square feet
(11.2 m'). A unit occupied by not more than two occu-
pants shall have a minimum clear floor area of 220
square feet (20.4 m'). A unit occupied by three occu-
pants shall have a minimum clear floor area of 320
square feet (29.7 m'). These required areas shall be
exclusive of the areas required by Items 2 and 3.
2. The unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink, cooking
appliance and refrigeration facilities, each having a
minimum clear working space of 30 inches (762 mm)
in front. Light and ventilation conforming to this code
shall be provided.
3. The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom
containing a water closet, lavatory and bathtub or
shower.
4. The maximum number of occupants shall be three
❖ Efficiency units are typically very small apartments
consisting of one or two rooms and a bathroom. Effi-
ciency units that comply with this section are not
required to comply with the minimum area require-
ments for bedrooms in Section 404.4. The total allow-
able number of occupants in the dwelling, however, is
limited to two or three, depending on the area of the
unit. The purpose of efficiency units and this section
is to provide for combined use of spaces in an eco-
nomical or "efficient' manner without jeopardizing
health or comfort. This is possible because of the limit
of total occupants to two or three persons.
Item 1 establishes the minimum required area
based on the number of occupants. The item states
that these areas are exclusive of the areas required
by Items 2 and 3. For example, Item 2 requires that
the kitchen be provided with (at minimum) a sink,
cooking appliance and refrigerator. It further requires
that each of these have a 30 -inch (762 mm) clear
working space in front of the fixture or appliance. The
space taken up by the appliance and the required
clear working space of 30 inches (762 mm) in front of
each appliance cannot be included in the minimum
required floor space in Item 1 (see the last sentence
of Item 1). Similarly, the floor area of the bathroom
required in Item 3 is not included in the minimum
required floor space in Item 1. Lastly, Item 4 estab-
lishes the maximum occupant load as three.
There are no minimum floor areas required in the
kitchen or bathroom. Having enough space for the
required fixtures, appliances and working spaces is
considered sufficient to provide functional floor area.
404.7 Food preparation. Spaces to be occupied for food
preparation purposes shall contain suitable space and equip-
ment to store, prepare and serve foods in a sanitary manner.
There shall be adequate facilities and services for the sanitary
LIGHT. VENTILATION AND OCCUPANCY LIMITATIONS
disposal of food wastes and refuse, including facilities for
temporary storage.
❖ Kitchens must be provided with stoves, ovens, refrig-
erators, freezers, cabinets, countertops and drawers
in sufficient quantity and in a condition that the occu-
pants can store their food safely and at appropriate
temperatures to protect the food. All equipment must
be constructed and maintained so that it can be
cleaned.
Food preparation areas must be provided with gar-
bage disposals or containers that permit the safe
temporary storage of garbage and refuse. Containers
should be constructed and maintained to prevent
insect and rat infestations.
Bibliography
The following resource materials were used in the
preparation of the commentary for this chapter of the
code:
Basic Principles of Healthful Housing. New York: Amer-
ican Public Health Association, Committee on the
Hygiene of Housing, 1939.
IBC -2018, International Building Code. Washington,
DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IFC -2018, International Fire Code. Washington, DC:
International Code Council, 2017.
IMC -2018, International Mechanical Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IRC -2018, International Residential Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
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ISA VIOLATION OP THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
Chapter 5:
Plumbing Facilities
and Fixture Requirements
General Comments
Chapter 5 establishes the minimum criteria for the
installation, maintenance and location of plumbing
systems and facilities, including water supply systems,
water -heating appliances, sewage disposal systems
and related plumbing fixtures. Existing plumbing
installations may present unique inspection problems
for the code official. Almost all installations are
concealed by finished walls, ceilings and floors. The
code official must inspect the visible portions of the
system and assess the acceptability of the whole
installation. To help the code official make suitable
judgments, a foundation of basic principles may aid in
the enforcement process. The following is a listing of 23
basic principles of environmental sanitation and safety
for the design, installation and maintenance of plumbing
systems, which establish the fundamental concepts
behind health and safety regulations for plumbing
systems. Knowing these principles aids in
understanding the code requirements, which leads to
more effective code enforcement.
Principle No. 1: All Occupied Premises Shall Have
Potable Water
All buildings, structures and premises intended for
human habitation, occupancy, use or employment, or
the preparation or processing of food, drinks or other
materials for human consumption shall be provided
with an adequate, safe and potable water supply
through a safe system of piping to all fixtures,
appliances and appurtenances. Such a water supply
must not be connected to an unsafe water source,
nor shall it be subjected to the hazards of backflow.
Principle No. 2: Adequate Water Required
Plumbing fixtures, devices and appurtenances shall
be supplied with water in sufficient volume and at
pressures adequate to enable them to function
properly and without undue noise under normal
conditions of use.
Principle No. 3: Hot Water Required
Hot water shall be supplied to all plumbing fixtures
that normally need or require hot water for their
proper use and function.
Principle No. 4: Water Conservation
Plumbing shall be designed and adjusted to use the
minimum quantity of water consistent with proper
performance and cleaning.
Principle No. 5: Dangers of Explosion or
Overheating
Devices for heating and storing water shall be
designed and installed so as to guard against
dangers from explosion or overheating.
Principle No. 6: Use Public Water and Sewers
Where Available
Every building with installed plumbing fixtures
intended for human habitation, occupancy or use and
located where there is a public water supply and
sewer service shall have a connection with the water
supply and sewer.
Principle No. 7: Required Plumbing Fixtures
Each family dwelling unit shall have at least one
water closet, one lavatory, one kitchen -type sink and
one bathtub or shower to meet the basic
requirements of sanitation and personal hygiene. All
other structures for human occupancy or use shall be
equipped with sufficient sanitary facilities as
prescribed in the code, but with not less than one
water closet and lavatory.
Principle No. 8: Smooth Surfaces Required
Plumbing fixtures shall be made of durable, smooth,
nonabsorbent and corrosion -resistant material and
shall be free from concealed fouling surfaces.
Principle No. 9: Drainage System of Adequate Size
The drainage system shall be designed, constructed
and maintained to guard against fouling, deposit of
solids and clogging, and with adequate cleanouts
arranged so that the pipes may be readily cleaned.
Principle No. 10: Durable Materials and Good
Workmanship
The piping of the plumbing system shall be of durable
material, free from defective workmanship and
designed and constructed so as to give satisfactory
service for its reasonably expected life.
Principle No. 11: Liquid Seal Traps Required
Each fixture directly connected to the drainage
system shall be equipped with a liquid seal trap.
Principle No. 12: Trap Seals Must Be Protected
The drainage system shall be designed to provide
adequate circulation of air in all pipes without danger
of siphonage, aspiration or forcing of trap seals under
conditions of ordinary use.
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PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
Principle No. 13: Exhaust Foul Air to Outside
Each open vent terminal shall be extended to the
outdoors, and be installed so as to minimize the
possibilities of clogging and the return of foul air to
the building. Note that the International Plumbing
Code' (IPC') and the International Residential Code'
(IRC') allow for the use of air admittance valves for
vent terminals. However, each plumbing drain
system must have not less than one vent terminal
open to the outdoors.
Principle No. 14: Test the Plumbing System
The plumbing system shall be subjected to tests that
will effectively disclose all leaks and defects in the
work or material.
Principle No. 15: Exclude Certain Substances from
the Plumbing System
Storm, surface or ground water or any substance that
will clog or accentuate clogging of pipes, produce
explosive mixtures, destroy the pipes or theirjoints or
interfere unduly with the sewage disposal process
shall not be allowed to enter the building drainage
system.
Principle No. 16: Prevent Contamination
Proper protection shall be provided to prevent
contamination of food, water, sterile goods and
similar materials from backflow of sewage. When
necessary, the fixture, device or appliance shall be
connected indirectly with the building drainage
system.
Principle No. 17: Light, Heat and Ventilation
A water closet, urinal, lavatory, bathtub or shower
shall not be located in a room or compartment that is
not properly lighted, heated and ventilated in
accordance with accepted practice.
Principle No. 18: Individual Sewage Disposal Sys-
tems
If water closets or other plumbing fixtures are
installed in buildings where there is not a public
SECTION 501
GENERAL
501.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the
minimum plumbing systems, facilities and plumbing fixtures
to be provided.
❖ Buildings must comply with the minimum criteria for
the provisions of plumbing systems, facilities and fix-
tures established by this chapter. Any structure that
does not conform to these criteria is in violation of the
code and is subject to all penalties established by the
jurisdiction as indicated in Section 106.
501.2 Responsibility. The owner of the structure shall pro-
vide and maintain such plumbing facilities and plumbing fix-
sewer, provisions shall be made for disposing of the
building sewage by an approved method of treatment
and disposal.
Principle No. 19: Prevent Sewer Flooding
Where a plumbing drainage system is subject to
backflow of sewage from the public sewer, provisions
shall be made to prevent its overflow into the
building.
Principle No. 20: Proper Maintenance
Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a safe and
serviceable condition from the standpoints of both
mechanics and health.
Principle No. 21: Fixtures Shall Be Accessible
Plumbing fixtures shall be installed with regard to
spacing so access is provided for their intended use
and for cleaning.
Principle No. 22: Structural Safety
Plumbing shall be installed with due regard to
preservation of the strength of structural members
and prevention of damage to walls and other
surfaces through fixture usage.
Principle No. 23: Protect Ground and Surface Water
Sewage or other waste shall not be discharged into
surface or subsurface water unless it has first been
subjected to an approved form of treatment.
Purpose
Sanitary and clean conditions in occupied buildings
depend on certain basic plumbing principles, including
providing potable water to a building, providing fixtures
to utilize that water and removing waste from the build-
ing. Chapter 5 establishes the minimum criteria to verify
that these principles are maintained throughout the life
of a building.
tures in compliance with these requirements. A person shall
not occupy as owner -occupant or permit another person to
occupy any structure or premises that does not comply with
the requirements of this chapter.
❖ The owner is responsible for complying with the
requirements of this chapter. A structure must not be
occupied if the plumbing systems or facilities do not
conform to the minimum code requirements.
SECTION 502
REQUIRED FACILITIES
[P] 502.1 Dwelling units. Every dwelling unit shall contain
its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
sink that shall be maintained in a sanitary, safe working con-
dition. The lavatory shall be placed in the same room as the
water closet or located in close proximity to the door leading
directly into the room in which such water closet is located. A
kitchen sink shall not be used as a substitute for the required
lavatory.
❖ Every dwelling unit is to have at least one water
closet, one lavatory, one kitchen -type sink and one
bathtub or shower to meet the basic requirements for
sanitation and personal hygiene.
The lavatory must be located in the same room as
or near the door that leads to the water closet. This
requirement makes it convenient for occupants to
wash their hands after using the water closet, which
is good practice for personal hygiene and greatly
reduces the spread of germs and bacteria.
The required kitchen sink is intended to provide
separate facilities for food preparation and dishwash-
ing and is not intended for hand cleansing after using
the toilet facilities, thus reducing the likelihood of con-
tamination of surfaces that are subject to contact with
food.
[P] 502.2 Rooming houses. Not less than one water closet,
lavatory and bathtub or shower shall be supplied for each four
rooming units.
❖ Rooming houses with shared bathroom and toilet
facilities must conform to the following minimum num-
ber of fixtures: one water closet, one lavatory and one
bathtub or shower (i.e., one bathroom group) for each
four rooming units, or portion thereof.
For example, a house with 22 rooming units
requires at least six bathroom groups of plumbing fix-
tures (22 . 4 = 5.5; rounded up to 6).
[P] 502.3 Hotels. Where private water closets, lavatories and
baths are not provided, one water closet, one lavatory and one
bathtub or shower having access from a public hallway shall
be provided for each 10 occupants.
❖ Hotels with guestrooms that share bathroom and toi-
let facilities must conform to the following minimum
number of fixtures: one water closet, one lavatory and
one bathtub or shower for each 10 occupants, or por-
tion thereof.
For example, a hotel with 22 occupants requires a
minimum of three water closets, three lavatories and
three bathtubs or showers, or a combination of three
bathtubs and showers (22 . 10 = 2.2; rounded up to
3).
[P] 502.4 Employees' facilities. Not less than one water
closet, one lavatory and one drinking facility shall be avail-
able to employees.
❖To provide employees with sufficient sanitary facili-
ties, every place of employment is to have at least
one water closet, one lavatory and one drinking facil-
ity.
This is a minimum requirement that provides the
employees with at least one toilet room for their use.
Obviously, the number of employees working for a
company will affect the adequacy of providing only
PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
one water closet and one hand sink. When economi-
cally and physically practical, the code official should
encourage a place of employment to install the mini-
mum number of plumbing facilities established in the
I PC.
[P] 502.4.1 Drinking facilities. Drinking facilities shall be a
drinking fountain, water cooler, bottled water cooler or dis-
posable cups next to a sink or water dispenser. Drinking facil-
ities shall not be located in toilet rooms or bathrooms.
❖To reduce the potential of contaminating the water,
drinking facilities must be separate from toilet rooms
or bathrooms. Water shall be provided by a drinking
fountain, water cooler, bottled water cooler or dispos-
able cups located next to a sink or water dispenser.
The requirement for disposable cups should be
monitored, as many diseases are transmitted through
shared, unwashed or unsanitized eating and drinking
utensils.
[P] 502.5 Public toilet facilities. Public toilet facilities shall
be maintained in a safe, sanitary and working condition in
accordance with the International Plumbing Code. Except for
periodic maintenance or cleaning, public access and use shall
be provided to the toilet facilities at all times during occu-
pancy of the premises.
❖The purposes of this section are to establish mini-
mum maintenance provisions for public toilet facilities
and to ensure the availability of these facilities to the
public at all times the building is occupied.
SECTION 503
TOILET ROOMS
[P] 503.1 Privacy. Toilet rooms and bathrooms shall provide
privacy and shall not constitute the only passageway to a hall
or other space, or to the exterior. A door and interior locking
device shall be provided for all common or shared bathrooms
and toilet rooms in a multiple dwelling.
❖To protect human dignity and modesty, all toilet
rooms and bathrooms must afford privacy. Where toi-
let rooms or bathrooms are shared by building occu-
pants in dormitories or boarding houses, there is to
be a door with a locking device either for each water
closet compartment in a toilet room/bathroom or that
controls access to the toilet room/bathroom.
Passage through bathrooms and toilet rooms to get
to other rooms, spaces, corridors or the exterior is
inconvenient and could alsojeopardize the means of
egress because of locked doors, wet floors and
obstructions.
[P] 503.2 Location. Toilet rooms and bathrooms serving
hotel units, rooming units or dormitory units or housekeeping
units, shall have access by traversing not more than one flight
of stairs and shall have access from a common hall or pas-
sageway.
❖Occupants of hotel units, rooming units, dormitory
units or housekeeping units should not have to travel
beyond the next adjacent story or pass through
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PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
another occupant's unit to gain access to a bathroom
or toilet facility. Convenient access to facilities is a
basic necessity for their use and maintenance.
[P] 503.3 Location of employee toilet facilities. Toilet facil-
ities shall have access from within the employees' working
area. The required toilet facilities shall be located not more
than one story above or below the employees' working area
and the path of travel to such facilities shall not exceed a dis-
tance of 500 feet (152 m). Employee facilities shall either be
separate facilities or combined employee and public facilities.
Exception: Facilities that are required for employees in
storage structures or kiosks, which are located in adjacent
structures under the same ownership, lease or control,
shall not exceed a travel distance of 500 feet (152 m) from
the employees' regular working area to the facilities.
❖ Employers are required to provide toilet facilities for
employees within the employees' regular work areas.
Employees should not have to travel more than 500
feet (152 m) or beyond the next adjacent story to
reach the toilet room.
Employee toilet facilities can be for employees' use
only or they can share customer facilities.
If toilet rooms are inconvenient or located too far
from the work area, they create a physical hardship
for employees.
This section does not require storage buildings and
kiosks to contain toilet facilities, as long as there are
toilet facilities in an adjacent building such that the
distance from the work area to the toilet facilities does
not exceed 500 feet (152 m). The building with the
toilet facilities must be under the same ownership,
lease or control as the storage area. Employers can-
not expect their employees to depend on neighbor-
hood gas stations, stores or other businesses to
provide access to toilet facilities.
[P] 503.4 Floor surface. In other than dwelling units, every
toilet room floor shall be maintained to be a smooth, hard,
nonabsorbent surface to permit such floor to be easily kept in
a clean and sanitary condition.
❖A toilet room floor is much easier to maintain if the
surface is smooth, hard and nonabsorbent. In areas
such as toilet rooms where the public is likely to enter
a facility, the primary concern remains keeping the
floor area as clean as possible to safeguard against
the spread of disease.
SECTION 504
PLUMBING SYSTEMS AND FIXTURES
[P] 504.1 General. Plumbing fixtures shall be properly
installed and maintained in working order, and shall be kept
free from obstructions, leaks and defects and be capable of
performing the function for which such plumbing fixtures are
designed. Plumbing fixtures shall be maintained in a safe,
sanitary and functional condition.
❖All plumbing fixtures must operate adequately and
perform their intended functions. Fixtures must drain
quickly without permitting sewer gases to enter the
structure. Fixtures are not to leak from either the
water supply piping or the waste discharge piping.
Fixtures must not be worn or deteriorated so that
they cannot be adequately cleaned. Kitchen sinks
and lavatories that have defects that prevent them
from being kept clean increase the likelihood that dis-
ease -causing organisms can be spread to food
sources or from person to person. Fixtures with struc-
tural cracks can fail suddenly, possibly causing per-
sonal injury and further property damage.
[P] 504.2 Fixture clearances. Plumbing fixtures shall have
adequate clearances for usage and cleaning.
❖ Inadequate clearance between fixtures and adjacent
surfaces can create confined spaces that allow dis-
ease and odor -causing bacteria to multiply. For
proper sanitation, the fixture must have sufficient
clearances for proper use and cleaning.
Although the code does not specify exact clear-
ances between fixtures and adjacent surfaces, the
code official must use good judgment and must
review the required clearances for compliance with
the IPC.
[P] 504.3 Plumbing system hazards. Where it is found that
a plumbing system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the
occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service,
inadequate venting, cross connection, backsiphonage,
improper installation, deterioration or damage or for similar
reasons, the code official shall require the defects to be cor-
rected to eliminate the hazard.
❖ Any plumbing system having a deficiency or condition
that is deemed by the code official as hazardous to
the occupants or to the structure must be repaired or
altered to eliminate the hazard. Hazards in a plumb-
ing system include, but are not limited to, the follow-
ing:
• Undersized piping.
• Inadequate venting.
• Cross connections.
• Lack of backflow prevention means.
• Lack of sufficient fixtures.
• Improperly installed piping, fixtures or fittings.
• Deteriorated, damaged, worn or otherwise
defective piping, fixtures or fittings.
• Inadequately supported fixtures or piping.
• Inadequate water pressure or volume.
One of the most commonly encountered hazards is
a submerged outlet in older -style fixtures in water
closets, bathtubs, lavatories, laundry tubs and water
softeners. Cross connections and improperly pro-
tected outlets greatly increase the likelihood that con-
taminated water will be introduced into the potable
water supply.
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ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
SECTION 505
WATER SYSTEM
[P] 505.1 General. Every sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower,
drinking fountain, water closet or other plumbing fixture shall
be properly connected to either a public water system or to an
approved private water system. Kitchen sinks, lavatories,
laundry facilities, bathtubs and showers shall be supplied
with hot or tempered and cold running water in accordance
with the International Plumbing Code.
❖The water for all plumbing fixtures must be properly
connected to either a public or an approved private
water system. If there is any question about the qual-
ity of the private water source, the code official should
require that the water be tested and approved by
either a private testing service or a local health
department. A plumbing system cannot be consid-
ered adequate if the water entering the system is
contaminated or otherwise unfit for human consump-
tion and use.
The desired qualities for safe water are:
• Free of pathogenic organisms.
• Free of toxic chemicals.
• Free of odor, taste, color and turbidity.
• Free of excessive minerals.
• Relatively noncorrosive.
• Adequate in quantity and pressure.
All sinks, lavatories, bathtubs and showers must be
supplied with cold and hot or tempered running water
as regulated by the IPC. Heated water is a basic
necessity for all cleansing and bathing needs. It
should be noted that the IPC only allows tempered
water [water that is 85°F (29°C to 1 10O (43°C] to
be used for bathing and washing in nonresidential
occupancies. The IPC requires tempered water to be
supplied to hand -washing fixtures located in public
toilet facilities.
[P] 505.2 Contamination. The water supply shall be main-
tained free from contamination, and all water inlets for
plumbing fixtures shall be located above the flood -level rim
of the fixture. Shampoo basin faucets, janitor sink faucets and
other hose bibs or faucets to which hoses are attached and left
in place, shall be protected by an approved atmospheric -type
vacuum breaker or an approved permanently attached hose
connection vacuum breaker.
❖Cross connections and unprotected outlets are the
most common sources of contamination in potable
water systems. The IPC defines a cross connection
as any physical connection or arrangement between
two otherwise separate piping systems—one of
which contains potable water and the other water of
either unknown or questionable safety, steam, gas or
chemical—whereby there exists the possibility for
flow from one system to the other, with the direction
of flow depending on the pressure differential
between the two systems.
The code official might not always be able to dis-
cover all cross connections and unprotected outlets
PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
in a building, but should become familiar with the
locations where such usually occur. Many older -style
plumbing fixtures were designed or installed with
built-in submerged water supply outlets. A few of the
more common fixtures and appliances that might
have unprotected outlets include: water closets, bath-
tubs, lavatories, laundry tubs and hose bibbs (sill
cocks). Water softener drains are often improperly
connected to the drainage system, thereby creating
cross connections [see Commentary Figure
505.2(1)].
There are two basic methods of preventing con-
tamination of the potable water supply. The first is to
provide an air gap between the water outlet and the
flood level rim of the fixture. The second is to install
backflow prevention devices in the water supply line.
An air gap is the ideal solution because it does not
rely on the performance of mechanical devices to
prevent backflow into the water supply. Typically, an
air gap must be twice the diameter of the supply pipe
to the fixture, but never less than 1 inch (25 mm)
above the flood level rim. The requirements for air
gap protection of fixtures are found in Table 608.15.1
of the IPC.
An example of an unprotected outlet is identified in
Commentary Figure 505.2(2) when the following con-
ditions exist:
• The third -floor water closet has the ball cock (fill
valve) submerged in the water of the water
closet tank.
• The water pressure within the building is low
because of corrosion buildup in the water pipes
or simultaneous usage of fixtures.
• The third -floor water closet is flushed, thereby
opening the ball cock.
• Contaminated water can be drawn from the
water closet tank into the supply pipes.
In such circumstances when the sink is filling, the
pressure can be reduced to less than atmospheric at
the water closet fill valve. This creates a siphon action
in the water closet tank. A potentially hazardous
event has occurred that could introduce contaminated
water into the potable water supply.
The solution to this problem is fairly simple. The
water closet fill valve (ball cock) needs to be replaced
with an antisiphon fill valve that extends a minimum of
1 inch (25 mm) above the overflow tube in the water
closet tank. Additionally, the water pressure through-
out the building should be increased by replacing or
upsizing the water supply piping.
Another common backflow hazard can result from
hoses being attached to threaded outlets. Backflow
can occur when the open end of the hose is sub-
merged in any liquid. For example, the possibility of
backflow exists when a homeowner uses a hose to
spread chemical fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides.
If negative pressure should occur in the water supply
piping, the water and chemicals from the hose could
be siphoned into the water supply.
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
The solution to this problem is to install a hose -con- water supply, the vacuum breaker opens to the atmo-
nection-type vacuum breaker on the water supply sphere allowing air to enter the piping system, thus
outlet fitting. When a negative pressure occurs in the "breaking" the vacuum.
BATHTUB
' AIR GAP LACKING BETWEEN FAUCET
AND FLOOD LEVEL RIM
BATHTUB � WATERSUPPLY
LAVATORY
WATERCLOSET
SUBMERGED
BALL COCK
FLOOD LEVEL RIM
' AIR GAP LACKING BETWEEN FAUCET
AND FLOOD LEVEL RIM
FLOOD LEVEL RIM
Al R GAP LACKING ABOVE REFILL TUBE
REFILLTUBE
IANDLE ASSEMBLY NOT SHOWN)
Commentary Figure 505.2(1)
COMMON CROSS CONNECTIONS
TOILET HAS A
fSUBMERGED FILLER
WCC
THIRD FLOOR
KS
SECOND FLOOR
H
FIRST FLOOR
Commentary Figure 505.2(2)
WATER SUPPLY PROTECTION
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A type of cross connection occurs when a water
supply is connected directly to an appliance or a
piece of equipment. Some examples are water sup-
plies to hot water and steam boilers, lawn irrigation
systems, fire suppression systems, carbonated bev-
erage machines and equipment used for various
industrial applications, such as manufacturing. These
items are typically not able to function with an air gap
between the supply pipe and the appliance or fixture.
Consequently, some type of backflow preventer
device must be installed in the water supply line to
prevent the water flow from reversing direction. Com-
mon types of protection are pressure-type vacuum
breakers, barometric loops and reduced pressure
principle backflow preventers.
Any time there is not an obvious air gap or visible
backflow preventer device in a water supply line, the
code official should attempt to determine if a hazard
exists.
Cross connections between a private water supply
(typically a well system) and a potable public water
supply are not permitted under any circumstance. If
the ground water becomes contaminated, a cross
connection could affect the entire public water supply
system.
The code official should work with local plumbing
inspectors or water departments to identify and elimi-
nate all cross connections and unprotected potable
water outlets.
[P] 505.3 Supply. The water supply system shall be installed
and maintained to provide a supply of water to plumbing fix-
tures, devices and appurtenances in sufficient volume and at
pressures adequate to enable the fixtures to function properly,
safely, and free from defects and leaks.
❖ Inadequate water pressure or insufficient volume can
cause plumbing fixtures, washing machines, dish-
washers and other appliances to operate improperly.
Inadequate water pressure can restrict the flow of
water into bathtubs, showers and sinks to the point
that the fixtures are not usable. The code requires
enough pressure and volume so that all fixtures and
appliances are functional and free of undue hazards.
There are many causes of inadequate water pres-
sure and lack of sufficient volume. A few of the com-
mon causes include:
• Private wells.
• Inadequate ground -water supply.
• Defective pump or a pump that has lost its prime.
• Storage tank that has lost its air cushion.
• Sand or silt plugging the well point.
Municipal systems:
• Inadequate pressure in the public water main.
• Sudden loss of pressure in an area caused by
the use of a nearby fire hydrant, a broken main
water line, etc.
PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
Quite frequently, an inadequate water supply is the
result of problems within a building. A few examples
include clogged or corroded pipes, undersized piping,
crimped or bent pipes and a system that is inade-
quately designed. A change in occupancy of a build-
ing might create demands that exceed the original
water piping capacity.
[P] 505.4 Water heating facilities. Water heating facilities
shall be properly installed, maintained and capable of provid-
ing an adequate amount of water to be drawn at every
required sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower and laundry facility
at a temperature not less than 110OF (430C). A gas -burning
water heater shall not be located in any bathroom, toilet
room, bedroom or other occupied room normally kept closed,
unless adequate combustion air is provided. An approved
combination temperature and pressure -relief valve and relief
valve discharge pipe shall be properly installed and main-
tained on water heaters.
❖A water heater can be dangerous if it is not properly
installed and maintained. A water heater is a closed
vessel that can be subjected to high temperature and
pressure. Under the right conditions, a water heater
can explode violently and cause extensive structural
damage to buildings and personal injury or death. As
such, water heaters should be thoroughly inspected.
The following is a guide for the inspection of water
heater systems.
1. Electric water heaters:
• Is the electric service for the house
adequate to supply the normal demands of
the house as well as the increased
demands of a water heater?
• Is the electric wiring for the water heater of
adequate size and properly installed in
accordance with the electrical code?
Are all conductors properly installed and
protected against physical damage?
2. Fuel -burning water heaters:
• Which fuel is being used? Commonly used
fuels include natural gas, propane gas and
fuel oil.
• Is the fuel piping constructed from
approved materials, properly connected
and adequately supported?
• Is there a readily accessible, properly
installed shutoff valve to stop the fuel
supply?
3. Safety controls (electric and fuel -burning):
• Do the safety controls and devices appear
to be in good condition without evidence of
tampering or modification?
• Is the thermostat (temperature control)
operational and in good condition?
• Does the water heater have a temperature
and a pressure relief valve or a combina-
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PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
tion temperature and pressure relief valve?
These safety valves are necessary to
relieve excessive pressures, thereby
preventing an explosion of the water
heater. The temperature and pressure
relief valves or combination temperature
and pressure relief valve must be rated for
a pressure not higher than the working
pressure rating of the water heater, and in
no case higher than 150 pounds per
square inch (psi) (1034 kPa).
• Is the temperature relief valve sensing
element located in the top 6 inches (152
mm) of the water heater tank? This is the
hottest water in the tank.
• Is the relief valve in good condition and
free of corrosion or leakage?
• Is the relief valve rating equal to or greater
than the British thermal unit per hour (Btu/
h) input rating of the water heater? An
undersized safety relief valve does not
offer adequate protection.
• Does the relief valve have a discharge
pipe to divert heated water toward the floor
and to a point where it will not cause
damage to the structure? The discharge
pipe must be rigid piping of the same
diameter as the relief valve outlet. The
lower end of the discharge pipe must not
be closed or plugged and is not to have a
threaded end that would invite closure.
The relief valve discharge pipe must not be
located where it would be subject to
freezing, as this could result in a complete
blockage of the pipe.
4. Venting
• Do all fuel -burning water heaters vent the
combustion products to an approved
chimney or venting system?
• Does the vent have adequate clearance
from combustible materials (wood, paper,
cloth, etc.)?
Are the vent or chimney connectors
constructed of approved materials? They
should be constructed from corrosion -
resistant materials such as aluminum,
galvanized steel and stainless steel. The
joints should be fastened with sheet metal
screws, rivets or other approved means.
Does the chimney, vent or connector show
signs of deterioration, corrosion or
condensation?
Is the vent/chimney connector properly
supported and connected to the vent or
chimney?
If there is a doubt or question about a particular
installation (see Commentary Figure 505.4), plumb-
ing inspectors or water department officials should be
consulted.
Fuel -burning water heaters must not be installed in
bathrooms, toilet rooms, bedrooms or any other
rooms that are normally kept closed when in use,
unless combustion air is brought directly to the appli-
ance from outside of the room. Adequate combustion
air must always be provided regardless of the appli-
ance location. The International Mechanical Code'
(IMC') prohibits the installation of fuel -fired water
heaters in such rooms in all cases, except where the
water heater is a direct -vent type or is placed in a
VENT CONNECTOR
HOT WATER SUPPLY
I N I COLD WATER SUPPLY
COMBINATION TEMPERATURE SFT HOOD SHUTOFF VALVE
AND PRESSURE RELIEF / IV
VALVE
WATER HEATER
DISCHARGE I�THERMOSTAT
PIPE J
FUELSUPPLV LINE
— SHUTOFF VALVE
AIRGAP� I IImo— rJ_nG_Li SEDIMENT TRAP
UNION
Commentary Figure 505.4
WATER HEATER INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
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ISA VIOLATION OP THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
dedicated enclosure completely isolated from the
occupied room. Asphyxiation of the room occupants
could possibly result from inadequate combustion air,
venting system failure or appliance malfunction (see
Section 603.2).
The code official must also be sure that the water
heater is able to provide water of at least 110°F
(43°C) to every fixture requiring hot water (see Sec-
tion 505.1).
Temperature and pressure relief valves are abso-
lutely necessary to prevent the possibility of water
heater explosion resulting from overheating.
[P] 505.5 Nonpotable water reuse systems. Nonpotable
water reuse systems and rainwater collection and conveyance
systems shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition.
Where such systems are not properly maintained, the systems
shall be repaired to provide for safe and sanitary conditions,
or the system shall be abandoned in accordance with Section
505.5.1.
❖ Requirements for the design, construction and instal-
lation of water reuse systems are contained in Chap-
ter 13 of the IPC. Nonpotable water reuse systems do
require maintenance and must be kept in good repair
to provide water for the intended fixtures or other
uses. However, there will be times that abandonment
of some systems will be necessary. Section 505.1
contains requirements for abandonment of these sys-
tems.
[P] 505.5.1 Abandonment of systems. Where a nonpotable
water reuse system or a rainwater collection and distribution
system is not maintained or the owner ceases use of the sys-
tem, the system shall be abandoned in accordance with Sec-
tion 1301.10 of the International Plumbing Code.
❖Section 1301.10 of the IPC contains prescriptive
requirements to properly abandon a nonpotable
water reuse system, including requirements for the
system piping and storage tank(s).
SECTION 506
SANITARY DRAINAGE SYSTEM
[P] 506.1 General. Plumbing fixtures shall be properly con-
nected to either a public sewer system or to an approved pri-
vate sewage disposal system.
❖ Plumbing fixtures must be connected to an approved
public or private sewer system. Private systems that
should not be approved would include pit privies,
cesspools or any system that discharges to storm
drains, ponds, lakes, streams or rivers.
[P] 506.2 Maintenance. Every plumbing stack, vent, waste
and sewer line shall function properly and be kept free from
obstructions, leaks and defects.
❖All waste, soil, sewer and vent piping must be
installed and maintained so as to function properly.
Obstructions or defects that present health hazards
must be corrected. Leaking pipes or joints must be
PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
replaced or repaired. All repairs and new installations
must be in accordance with the IPC.
A thorough and accurate inspection of the plumb-
ing system requires knowledge of plumbing systems;
however, with training and experience, the code offi-
cial can identify typical problems and improper instal-
lations. In broad terms, he or she should inspect the
following elements of a plumbing system: fixtures;
sanitary drainage systems; vents and venting; traps;
drainage cleanouts; and hangers and supports.
1. Sanitary drainage system: The system must be
free of leaks. Leaking drain pipes can cause
structural damage and spread illness from the
pathogenic organisms in the waste water.
The code official should inspect all visible
drainpipes for any improper connections or
installations. A few frequently encountered
problems include the following:
a. Improperly installed materials: Materials
not designed or approved for plumbing
applications are often used for repairs and
modifications in plumbing systems. The
improper use of fittings, joining means
and connectors is common in existing
structures. Drainage piping with no slope
or reverse slope can promote blockages.
b. Joints and pipes that have been "patched"
with tape, putty, caulking or tar thus
indicating past or current leakage in the
drainage system.
c. Unworkmanlike installation: This often
indicates that an untrained handyman has
made repairs.
The code official should check the
entire system for any indications of
unvented fixtures, improper materials or
other typical violations. Additionally, it
should be determined whether permits
were obtained to install the work.
2. Vents and venting: Plumbing systems are
designed with an integral venting system to pre-
vent loss of the water seals in fixture traps. Fix-
ture vents must be provided and maintained
where necessary to protect traps from pressure
fluctuations and siphon action that cause loss
of the water seal.
3. Traps: Each plumbing fixture must have a trap
at the connection to the sanitary drainage sys-
tem. A trap creates a water seal that prevents
sewer gas from entering the structure. Sewer
gases can be toxic and carry bacteria -laden
aerosols. Some types of sewer gases are even
explosive.
4. Hangers and supports: Improperly or inade-
quately supported waste and vent piping fre-
quently indicates a nonprofessional installation.
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PLUMBING FACILITIES AND FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
All piping is required to be adequately sup-
ported to maintain pitch and alignment and pre-
vent strain on connections andjoints.
In general, the code official should inspect the
entire visible plumbing system for: leakage; the pres-
ence of fixture, standpipe and floor drain traps;
approved materials (with approved connections) and
an acceptable venting system.
[P] 506.3 Grease interceptors. Grease interceptors and auto-
matic grease removal devices shall be maintained in accor-
dance with this code and the manufacturer's installation
instructions. Grease interceptors and automatic grease
removal devices shall be regularly serviced and cleaned to
prevent the discharge of oil, grease, and other substances
harmful or hazardous to the building drainage system, the
public sewer, the private sewage disposal system or the sew-
age treatment plant or processes. Records of maintenance,
cleaning and repairs shall be available for inspection by the
code official.
❖This section clarifies that grease interceptors and
automatic grease removal devices require ongoing,
routine maintenance in order to perform their
intended functions. Any such maintenance should be
in accordance with the manufacturer's maintenance
criteria. The language is coordinated with the provi-
sions of Section 1003.1 of the IPC, which establishes
when these devices are required to be installed. Fail-
ure to maintain these devices results in public health
risks via sanitary sewer overflows into buildings,
roads and streams and premature deterioration and
failure of public and private sewage systems.
SECTION 507
STORM DRAINAGE
[P] 507.1 General. Drainage of roofs and paved areas, yards
and courts, and other open areas on the premises shall not be
discharged in a manner that creates a public nuisance.
❖ Storm water must be discharged so that it does not
pond in paved areas, yards, courts or open areas.
Standing water can freeze in cold climates, thereby
causing a slip hazard. In warm weather, standing
water can create an insect breeding ground.
Roof gutters and downspouts are not required, pro-
vided that storm water is discharged in such a man-
ner that it does not create a public nuisance.
The code official should also check local ordi-
nances to determine if run-off storm drainage water
and sump pumps can be allowed to enter the sanitary
sewer system. Most communities require all storm
drainage water to be separated from the sanitary
sewer system. Disconnecting the storm water from
the sanitary sewer system can reduce the costs of
sewage treatment and eliminate an overload of the
treatment facility.
The emphasis in storm drainage is to remove the
water quickly without creating hazards to pedestrians
or causing damage to any structures on the same or
neighboring property.
Bibliography
The following resource materials were used in the
preparation of the commentary for this chapter of the
code:
IFGC-2018, International Fuel Gas Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IMC -2018, International Mechanical Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IPC -2018, International Plumbing Code. Washington,
DC: International Code Council, 2017.
5-10 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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Chapter 6:
Mechanical and Electrical Requirements
General Comments
Chapter 6 establishes minimum criteria for the installa-
tion and maintenance of the following: heating and air-
conditioning equipment, appliances and systems; water -
heating equipment, appliances and systems; cooking
equipment and appliances; ventilation and exhaust
equipment; gas and liquid fuel distribution piping and
components; fireplaces and solid fuel -burning appli-
ances; chimneys and vents; electrical services; lighting
fixtures; electrical receptacle outlets; electrical distribu-
tion system equipment, devices and wiring; and eleva-
tors, escalators and dumbwaiters.
The primary objectives of mechanical and heating
equipment inspections are to detect, identify and abate
any condition that is a potential fire or explosion hazard;
is a potential cause of asphyxiation or carbon monoxide
poisoning; poses the risk of physical injury to an occu-
pant; prevents the equipment from adequately perform-
ing its intended function; or otherwise endangers the
occupants or the structure.
The primary objectives of electrical equipment and
system inspections are to detect, identify and abate any
condition that is a potential fire hazard or electrical
shock hazard. Any condition that inadequately provides
for the supply and distribution of electrical power
SECTION 601
GENERAL
601.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govem the
minimum mechanical and electrical facilities and equipment
to be provided.
❖ Minimum performance guidelines for mechanical and
electrical facilities and equipment are established in
this chapter. Installations that do not conform to these
minimum criteria are unacceptable.
601.2 Responsibility. The owner of the structure shall pro-
vide and maintain mechanical and electrical facilities and
equipment in compliance with these requirements. A person
shall not occupy as owner -occupant or permit another person
to occupy any premises that does not comply with the
requirements of this chapter.
❖ It is the responsibility of the owner of the structure to
provide and maintain the required electrical and
mechanical facilities. An owner must not occupy or
allow any other person to occupy a structure that is
not in compliance with this chapter; thus, the require-
ments of this chapter are the minimum necessary to
make a structure occupiable.
throughout the structure must also be detected, identi-
fied and abated.
All mechanical and electrical facilities must be capa-
ble of providing the minimum levels of safety, illumina-
tion, comfort, utility and convenience as prescribed in
this chapter.
Purpose
All mechanical and electrical equipment, appliances and
systems must be properly installed to serve the
intended purpose. Proper installation, however, does
not in itself guarantee safety or performance. In addition
to proper installation, all such equipment, appliances
and systems must be maintained, as they are subject to
deterioration, wear and aging, and may require clean-
ing, lubrication, adjustment, etc. All materials and com-
ponents used to construct mechanical and electrical
systems have a limited life span, and require repair or
replacement at various time intervals that are specific to
the material or component.
The purpose of Chapter 6 is to establish minimum
performance requirements for electrical and mechanical
facilities and to establish minimum standards for the
safety of such facilities.
SECTION 602
HEATING FACILITIES
602.1 Facilities required. Heating facilities shall be pro-
vided in structures as required by this section.
❖This section establishes the scope of requirements in
Section 602 [see the International Mechanical Code'
(IMC') for space -heating requirements for new struc-
tures].
602.2 Residential occupancies. Dwellings shall be provided
with heating facilities capable of maintaining a room tem-
perature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms
and toilet rooms based on the winter outdoor design tempera-
ture for the locality indicated in Appendix D of the Interna-
tional Plumbing Code. Cooking appliances shall not be used,
nor shall portable unvented fuel-buming space heaters be
used, as a means to provide required heating.
Exception: In areas where the average monthly tempera-
ture is above 30°F (-1'C), a minimum temperature of 65°F
(18°C) shall be maintained.
❖This section establishes the following minimum
requirements for space heating in residential struc-
tures.
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
Adequate heat is required for human health and
comfort. The elderly, infirm and very young are most
susceptible to illness and death from inadequate
space heating.
Heating equipment must be provided and main-
tained by the owner and must be able to heat all habit-
able rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms to at least
68°F (20°C) based on the outside design temperature
established for each locality adopting the code. This
68°F (20°C) standard is believed to be the minimum
indoor temperature at which people can be reason-
ably comfortable and can maintain healthy living. This
is intended as an absolute minimum since most dwell-
ing occupants will seek indoor temperatures 5°F to
10°F (-15°C to -12°C) higher than this.
The outdoor design temperatures are listed in
Appendix D of the lntemational Plumbing Code'
(IPC'). Outdoor design temperatures provide a base-
line from which heat load calculations are made.
Heating system capacity is dependent on the pre-
dicted outdoor temperatures during the heating sea-
son. As the outdoor temperature falls, the heat input
to a building must increase to offset the increasing
heat losses through the building envelope. Heating
systems are designed to have the capacity to main-
tain the desired indoor temperature when the outdoor
temperature is at or above the outdoor design tem-
perature. When the outdoor temperatures are below
the outdoor design temperature, the heating system
will not be able to maintain a desired indoor tempera-
ture. It would be impractical, for example, to design a
heating system based on the assumption that some-
day it might be -20°F (-29°C) outdoors if the outdoor
temperature in that region rarely, if ever, dropped that
low. In such a case, the heating system would be
oversized and, thereby, less efficient and economical.
The winter outdoor design temperature is defined
as follows: For 97.5 percent of the total hours in the
northern hemisphere heating season, from Decem-
ber through February, the predicted outdoor tempera-
tures will be at or above the values given in Appendix
D of the IPC. It would be unreasonable to expect any
heating system to maintain a desired indoor tempera-
ture when the outdoor temperature is below the
design temperature. When the 97.5 percent column
in Appendix D of the IPC is used, it can be assumed
that the actual outdoor temperature will be at or
below the design temperature for roughly 54 hours of
the total of 2,160 hours in the months of December
through February (2'/2% of 2,160 = 2,160 hours x
0.025 = 54).
The lack of adequate space -heating systems can
result in the misuse of cooking appliances. It is not
uncommon for occupants to use fuel -fired ovens and
cooktop burners to supply space heating when the
minimum required indoor temperature cannot be
maintained, and unfortunately, the typical occupant is
not aware of the danger in doing so. Fuel -fired cook-
ing appliances in almost all occupancies are
unvented and, therefore, discharge all products of
combustion directly to the occupied space. Prolonged
use of such appliances can produce dangerously
high levels of carbon monoxide and other contami-
nants, especially considering that the occupants will
not be opening windows or operating exhaust sys-
tems in an effort to conserve heat.
Also, cooking appliances are not designed for the
purpose of space heating, and like all appliances,
could be dangerous if used in any way other than
intended by the manufacturer. Cooking appliances
are not designed for continuous or unattended use,
and open flames, heat radiation and high surface
temperatures pose a significant fire hazard when the
appliance is misused.
This section also prohibits the use of fuel -burning,
unvented space heaters as a means to provide any
portion of the heating that is required for residential
occupancies. Similar to cooking appliances, fuel -
burning, portable unvented space heaters can be
dangerous, especially when used as one of the
essential means of providing the required heat. Occu-
pants are likely to locate portable space heaters in
rooms where they should not be and also locate such
heaters too close to combustible materials and fur-
nishings.
The exception recognizes that in warmer portions
of the country, where the average monthly tempera-
ture meets or exceeds 30°F (1°C), the minimum
inside temperature can be 65°F (18°C). As a result of
this code requirement, the occupants are ensured of
having a comfortable interior environment.
602.3 Heat supply. Every owner and operator of any build-
ing who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or
sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to fur-
nish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the
period from [DATE] to [DATE] to maintain a minimum tem-
perature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms
and toilet rooms.
Exceptions:
1. When the outdoor temperature is below the winter
outdoor design temperature for the locality, mainte-
nance of the minimum room temperature shall not
be required provided that the heating system is oper-
ating at its full design capacity. The winter outdoor
design temperature for the locality shall be as indi-
cated in Appendix D of the International Plumbing
Code.
2. In areas where the average monthly temperature is
above 30°F (-1°C), a minimum temperature of 65°F
(18°C) shall be maintained.
❖ The owner or operator of a rental residential property
who agrees to provide heat by express agreement or
implication must provide it to all habitable rooms,
bathrooms and toilet rooms. The heat supply must be
capable of maintaining a temperature of at least 68°F
(20°C), 24 hours per day. The occupants could set
the temperature in the space under their control at a
lower temperature if desired, but 68°F (20°C) must be
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attainable. Based on local climatic conditions, each
community needs to establish the period of the year
during which heating equipment must be in operation
in order to maintain the required temperatures. This
section is intended to protect tenants from being sub-
jected to uncomfortable and unhealthy conditions cre-
ated by undersized, malfunctioning, defective or
otherwise inadequate space -heating systems. Having
adequate space heating also helps eliminate the
need for auxiliary room/space heaters, as well as the
unsafe use of cooking appliances for space heating
(see Section 602.2). When tenants are forced to use
room/space heaters, the risk of fire and asphyxiation
increases because of improper use, contact with or
close proximity to combustible materials; overloaded
wiring and extension cords; lack of ventilation and the
user's typical lack of understanding of the potential
hazards.
Exception 1 recognizes the limitations of all heating
systems that operate when the outdoor temperature
is below the design temperature. This exception
states that the minimum indoor temperature require-
ment of 68°F (20°C) does not apply when the outdoor
temperature is below the design temperature for the
heating system. The exception addresses only the
circumstance where the heating system cannot keep
up because the outdoor conditions exceed that for
which it was designed (see Section 602.2). The
exception applies only to heating systems that are
operating at their full design capacity (heat output). It
does not apply to improperly designed systems,
undersized systems or any system operating at less
than its full output for whatever reason. On those rare
days when the outdoor temperature is lower than
what the heating system was designed to handle, it is
anticipated that the indoor temperature might not be
attainable. Heating systems that were sized based on
outdoor temperatures above the actual outdoor
design temperature for the locality in which they are
installed are improperly designed, and as such, do
not comply with the intent of the exception (see com-
mentary, Section 602.2).
Exception 2 is the same as the exception to Sec-
tion 602.2.
602.4 Occupiable work spaces. Indoor occupiable work
spaces shall be supplied with heat during the period from
[DATE] to [DATE] to maintain a minimum temperature of 65°F
(18°C) during the period the spaces are occupied.
Exceptions:
1. Processing, storage and operation areas that require
cooling or special temperature conditions.
2. Areas in which persons are primarily engaged in
vigorous physical activities.
❖ Mercantile, business, factory and similar occupancies
in which people are employed must be kept at a tem-
perature of at least 65°F (18°C) during the hours that
employees are working. People cannot be expected
to work productively and remain in good health if their
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
workplace is uncomfortable. The 65°F (18°C) mini-
mum is lower than required for residential occupan-
cies and is intended to apply to the typical workplace
having sedentary employee activities.
Exception 1 recognizes that some occupancies
have operations and processes that require tempera-
tures lower than 65°F (18°C), including meat -packing
plants, canneries and manufacturing facilities.
Exception 2 recognizes that a minimum tempera-
ture of 65°F (18°C) is not necessary where employ-
ees are engaged in physical activities such as
construction, fabrication and loading in factories.
The period of the year during which structures must
comply with this section is to be established by each
locality based on local climatic conditions.
602.5 Room temperature measurement. The required room
temperatures shall be measured 3 feet (914 mm) above the
floor near the center of the room and 2 feet (610 mm) inward
from the center of each exterior wall.
❖To determine compliance with Section 602, tempera-
ture measurements are required to be taken at multi-
ple locations. For example, in a room with two
exterior walls, a total of three measurements is
required. The room temperature requirements of Sec-
tion 602 must be met in all of the measurement loca-
tions. The intent is to make sure that the required
temperature will be uniformly reached throughout the
occupiable portions of the room or space. The coldest
part of a room during the heating season will typically
be at the floor level by an outside wall. The measure-
ments are taken at points that are expected to be
occupied and that do not reflect the potential tem-
perature extremes in a space (see Commentary Fig-
ure 602.5).
Any space that cannot maintain the minimum
indoor temperatures as established in Section 602
when the outdoor temperature is at or above the
design temperature for the locality should be posted
as unfit for human occupancy until enough heat can
be supplied.
SECTION 603
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT
603.1 Mechanical equipment and appliances. Mechanical
equipment, appliances, fireplaces, solid fuel -burning appli-
ances, cooking appliances and water heating appliances shall
be properly installed and maintained in a safe working condi-
tion, and shall be capable of performing the intended func-
tion.
❖ Because appliances, mechanical equipment and fire-
places are subject to aging, wear and deterioration,
periodic inspection and servicing is required to main-
tain performance and to verify continued safe opera-
tion. Fireplaces and solid fuel -burning appliances
must be properly installed, inspected and maintained.
They require frequent inspection and maintenance
because of the extreme temperatures and corrosive
flue gases to which they are subjected. Routine
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MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
cleaning is required to remove the highly flammable
creosote deposits found in chimneys and connectors.
Inspections should include such related items such
as chimney flues, chimney caps, dampers, doors,
screens, connectors, hearth extensions and clear-
ances to combustibles.
Appliances located in buildings that are not owner
occupied are less likely to receive attention or be
observed and are therefore more likely to be
neglected. Appliances of concern include water heat-
ers, furnaces, boilers, room heaters, clothes dryers
and cooking appliances.
Fireplaces and solid fuel -burning appliances must
be installed and maintained in accordance with the
IMC.
The appliance manufacturer's installation instruc-
tions and the IMC, International Fuel Gas Code'
(IFGC°) and IPC should be consulted in determining
if an appliance or mechanical equipment is installed
properly.
603.2 Removal of combustion products. Fuel -burning
equipment and appliances shall be connected to an approved
chimney or vent.
Exception: Fuel -burning equipment and appliances that
are labeled for unvented operation.
❖ All fuel -burning appliances are required to discharge
the products of combustion (flue gases) to an
approved chimney or vent (see exception). Chimneys
and vents must be capable of creating sufficient draft
to properly vent the appliances served. Appliances
that are listed and labeled for unvented operation
such as domestic cooking appliances, room heaters
and gas-fired refrigerators are exempt from this
requirement.
Some components of the combustion products pro-
duced by fuel -burning appliances are toxic to humans
and animals and can cause illness and death. The
most harmful component of combustion products is
carbon monoxide (CO). Typical symptoms of CO poi-
soning are nausea, headache, dizziness, disorienta-
tion, confusion, rapid breathing, fatigue, flu-like
symptoms and loss of consciousness. Exposure to
CO is detrimental to health in all cases and can be
lethal depending upon its concentration, the duration
of exposure and the condition of the occupants. Com-
bustion products must not be allowed to enter or leak
into any occupiable or habitable space.
Chimneys and vents should be periodically
inspected for deterioration or blockage that could
impair their operation or allow combustion products to
leak into the building. The appliance and equipment
connections to a chimney or vent should also be
inspected for deterioration, blockage or separation of
connections.
Evidence of chimney or vent connector decay or
rusting generally indicates improper draft. A venting
system that creates insufficient draft or that is subject
to backdraft (reverse flow) will experience acceler-
ated deterioration because of the corrosive effect of
the combustion products (flue gases). "Draft" is the
pressure differential necessary to cause the flow of
flue gases from the appliance or equipment to the
chimney or vent and up to the outdoor atmosphere.
Proper draft should be verified by a trained heating
technician and should be checked each time the
appliance or equipment is serviced.
The exception recognizes that a chimney or vent is
not required for fuel -burning appliances listed and
labeled for unvented operation. It is imperative that
unvented appliances be operated and maintained in
strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions
(see the IFGC for additional requirements for
unvented room heaters).
3'ABOVE FLOORAND
2111 FROM CENTER
OF EXTERIOR WALL
ROOM TO BE
MEASURED
FORTEMPERATURE' • • MIDPOINT
3'ABOVE FLOOR
AND NEAR CENTER
OFROOM
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
Commentary Figure 602.5
ROOM TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS
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ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
603.3 Clearances. Required clearances to combustible mate-
rials shall be maintained.
❖ Proper clearances must be maintained between com-
bustible materials and all heat -producing appliances
and equipment. Adequate clearances are necessary
to prevent the possible ignition of combustibles. The
required clearances for the labeled appliances and
equipment must be maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer's requirements. Clearances for
chimneys, vents and their connectors are also speci-
fied in the IMC and IFGC.
Frequently, an inspector will encounter combusti-
ble materials that have been placed too close to heat -
producing appliances and equipment after the initial
installation. Combustible storage, furnishings and
remodeling are typical examples of such encounters.
Most occupants are unaware of the hazard created
when they store combustibles near or in contact with
heat -producing appliances.
It is imperative that adequate clearances be main-
tained to avoid a potential fire hazard.
603.4 Safety controls. Safety controls for fuel-buming
equipment shall be maintained in effective operation.
❖AII appliances and heating equipment are equipped
with safety controls and devices intended to prevent
fire or explosion in the event of equipment malfunc-
tion or abnormal operation. Typical controls and
devices are as follows: temperature limit switches;
pressure limit switches; pressure relief valves; low-
water cutoffs; stack controls; pilot safety controls;
draft monitoring controls and flame supervision con-
trols. These controls are designed to prevent such
conditions as overheating, excessive pressures, loss
of heat transfer medium, loss of ignition source, loss
of venting means and loss of main flame, among oth-
ers.
All such safety controls must be periodically tested
and inspected to verify their proper functioning and
assess their reliability. Such testing and inspection
should be performed by trained technicians when the
appliances are serviced and cleaned.
An inoperative or otherwise malfunctioning safety
control or device could create an extreme life safety
hazard.
603.5 Combustion air. A supply of air for complete combus-
tion of the fuel and for ventilation of the space containing the
fuel-buming equipment shall be provided for the fuel-buming
equipment.
❖Combustion air includes the air necessary for com-
plete combustion of the fuel, the air required for draft
hood dilution and the air necessary for ventilation of
the enclosure in which the appliance is located. A
lack of combustion air will result in the incomplete
combustion of fuel that, in turn, causes soot produc-
tion, increased CO production, serious appliance
malfunction and the risk of fire or explosion. The lack
of draft hood dilution air will result in improper draft
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
and appliance venting. The incomplete combustion of
fuel and improper draft and venting compound each
other and greatly increase the risk of CO poisoning.
The lack of ventilation air can result in excessive tem-
peratures in the appliance enclosure, thereby intro-
ducing the risk of overheating the appliance and the
risk of fire.
In existing structures, adequate combustion air pro-
visions are often lacking or have been blocked, cov-
ered or otherwise defeated. Looking for proper
combustion air supply is an important part of any
inspection.
Fuel -burning equipment must be provided with
combustion air in accordance with the IMC and IFGC.
603.6 Energy conservation devices. Devices intended to
reduce fuel consumption by attachment to a fuel-buming
appliance, to the fuel supply line thereto, or to the vent outlet
or vent piping therefrom, shall not be installed unless labeled
for such purpose and the installation is specifically approved.
❖ Energy-saving devices are required to bear the label
of an approved testing agency, must be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer's installation
instructions and must be installed with the specific
approval of the code official.
Improperly installed or applied energy-saving
devices can adversely affect the operation of an
appliance and cause it to become unsafe. A common
example would be the improper installation of a flue
damper or restrictor device in the chimney or vent
connector of a fuel -burning appliance. The resultant
installation could cause vent failure and subject the
occupants to CO poisoning.
The installation of such devices would require a
permit under the IFGC or IMC.
SECTION 604
ELECTRICAL FACILITIES
604.1 Facilities required. Every occupied building shall be
provided with an electrical system in compliance with the
requirements of this section and Section 605.
❖This section prescribes the minimum electrical facili-
ties that must be installed and maintained in all build-
ings used for human occupancy.
604.2 Service. The size and usage of appliances and equip-
ment shall serve as a basis for determining the need for addi-
tional facilities in accordance with NFPA 70. Dwelling units
shall be served by a three -wire, 120/240 volt, single-phase
electrical service having a minimum rating of 60 amperes.
❖This section prescribes the minimum size of the elec-
trical service that must be provided for all structures.
The electrical service consists of the service entrance
conductors, metering devices, service grounding
means, main disconnect, main overcurrent device
and, typically, the distribution panelboard and all
overcurrent devices. The size of the service is depen-
dent upon the size of the load (demand). The total
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 65
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MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
electrical usage or load must be determined as pre-
scribed in NFPA 70. For dwelling units, the IRC also
provides load calculation methods.
If the actual load exceeds the capacity of the ser-
vice, this section is intended to prompt added capac-
ity. In no case is the service for a dwelling unit
permitted to be less than 60 amperes. Additionally, all
dwelling unit services are to be 120/240 volt (three
wire). The electrical usage in a typical dwelling unit
today requires a service of at least a 60 -ampere
capacity to meet the occupants' needs. The require-
ment for a three -wire (120/240 volt) service is
intended to allow the use of 240 -volt appliances, such
as clothes dryers, air conditioners and ranges. Addi-
tionally, appliances that operate at 240 volts con-
sume less current, thereby conserving the remaining
capacity of the service.
Overloading or constant loading to capacity sub-
jects the service to excessive heating and component
stress. Not only does this invite failure, but it also
increases the risk of fire and creates the inconve-
niences of a nuisance circuit breaker tripping or fuse
blowing. Nuisance fuse blowing, in turn, encourages
the dangerous practice of replacing blown fuses with
fuses of larger size. Overfusing is one of the largest
potential causes of fire in any electrical system.
An inadequately sized service could also restrict
the occupants' use of appliances by imposing nonsi-
multaneous use to avoid overloading the service.
A service determined to be undersized in accor-
dance with this section and the requirements of
NFPA 70 or the IRC should be enlarged as neces-
sary.
604.3 Electrical system hazards. Where it is found that the
electrical system in a structure constitutes a hazard to the
occupants or the structure by reason of inadequate service,
improper fusing, insufficient receptacle and lighting outlets,
improper wiring or installation, deterioration or damage, or
for similar reasons, the code official shall require the defects
to be corrected to eliminate the hazard.
❖Any electrical system deficiency or condition that is
deemed hazardous to the occupants or to the struc-
ture must be abated to eliminate the hazard. Electri-
cal system hazards include, but are not limited to, the
following:
• Inadequate (undersized) service.
• Improper fusing and overcurrent protection
• Insufficient receptacle distribution.
• Lack of sufficient lighting fixtures.
• Deteriorated, damaged, worn or otherwise defec-
tive wiring, equipment and appliances.
• Improperly installed or protected wiring methods.
• Lack of proper service or equipment grounding.
• Open splices in wiring.
• Inadequately supported devices, wiring or equip-
ment.
Any exposed conductors or components constitut-
ing a shock hazard.
• Missing or damaged device cover plates.
• Excessive use of extension cords.
• Overloaded receptacles or circuitry.
Lack of ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) pro-
tection.
The most common hazard is improper overcurrent
protection of conductors. Fuses and circuit breakers
are devices designed to limit current flow to the maxi-
mum safe current -carrying capacity (ampacity) of a
conductor. With rare exception, the conductor's cur-
rent -carrying capacity (ampacity) must be greater
than or at least equal to the ampere rating of the over -
current device that supplies it. If a fuse or circuit
breaker has a larger ampere -rating capacity than the
conductors it is intended to protect, the device will
permit the conductors to carry currents in excess of
the conductors' capacity. The resultant overload will
cause conductor heating, insulation deterioration and,
possibly, a fire. The typical scenario involves an occu-
pant who thinks he or she has "cured" a fuse -blowing
problem by substituting fuses that are larger in size.
In actuality, an extreme fire hazard has been created
by eliminating the circuit conductor overcurrent pro-
tection. Type S tamper -proof fuses and adapters can
be installed to prevent the occupants from installing
the wrong size fuses.
604.3.1 Abatement of electrical hazards associated with
water exposure. The provisions of this section shall govem
the repair and replacement of electrical systems and equip-
ment that have been exposed to water.
❖ The purpose of this section is to provide enforceable
provisions to the code official that address hazards in
electrical equipment that has been exposed to water.
These provisions are derived from "Guidelines for
Handling Water -damaged Electrical Equipment," pub-
lished by the National Electrical Manufacturers Asso-
ciation (NEMA).
Section 604.3.1 defines the scope of the section as
pertaining to electrical equipment and systems that
have been exposed to water.
604.3.1.1 Electrical equipment. Electrical distribution
equipment, motor circuits, power equipment, transformers,
wire, cable, flexible cords, wiring devices, ground fault cir-
cuit interrupters, surge protectors, molded case circuit break-
ers, low -voltage fuses, luminaires, ballasts, motors and
electronic control, signaling and communication equipment
that have been exposed to water shall be replaced in accor-
dance with the provisions of the International Building Code.
Exception: The following equipment shall be allowed to
be repaired where an inspection report from the equipment
manufacturer or approved manufacturer's representative
indicates that the equipment has not sustained damage that
requires replacement:
1. Enclosed switches, rated not more than 600 volts
or less.
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2. Busway, rated not more than 600 volts.
3. Panelboards, rated not more than 600 volts.
4. Switchboards, rated not more than 600 volts.
5. Fire pump controllers, rated not more than 600
volts.
6. Manual and magnetic motor controllers.
7. Motor control centers.
8. Alternating current high-voltage circuit breakers.
9. Low -voltage power circuit breakers.
10. Protective relays, meters and current transformers.
11. Low- and medium -voltage switchgear.
12. Liquid -filled transformers.
13. Cast -resin transformers.
14. Wire or cable that is suitable for wet locations and
whose ends have not been exposed to water.
15. Wire or cable, not containing fillers, that is suit-
able for wet locations and whose ends have not
been exposed to water.
16. Luminaires that are listed as submersible.
17. Motors.
18. Electronic control, signaling and communication
equipment.
❖ Listed in this section are certain types of electrical
equipment that, if exposed to conditions such as sub-
mersion in floodwater or inundation by fire sprinkler
discharge, must be replaced. Protective compo-
nents—such as circuit breakers, overload relays, low
voltage or medium voltage protective devices within a
switchgear assembly, and fuses—are necessary for
the safe operation of the distribution circuits and
should be replaced when exposed to water. The abil-
ity of a transformer to operate as intended can be
impaired by corrosion to the transformer core, flood
debris deposited inside the transformer, or contami-
nation of the transformer fluid. The exception to this
section allows for repair of certain components of an
electrical distribution system and certain electrical
equipment provided that an inspection report from the
equipment manufacturer or approved manufacturer's
representative is submitted to the code official indi-
cating that the level of damage to the equipment does
not warrant replacement. Note that panelboards and
switchboards listed in the exception refer to the
boards, busses and related hardware, not the circuit
breakers that they hold.
604.3.2 Abatement of electrical hazards associated with
fire exposure. The provisions of this section shall govern the
repair and replacement of electrical systems and equipment
that have been exposed to fire.
❖This section defines the scope of the section as per-
taining to electrical equipment and systems that have
been exposed to fire.
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
604.3.2.1 Electrical equipment. Electrical switches, recepta-
cles and fixtures, including furnace, water heating, security
system and power distribution circuits, that have been
exposed to fire, shall be replaced in accordance with the pro-
visions of the International Building Code.
Exception: Electrical switches, receptacles and fixtures
that shall be allowed to be repaired where an inspection
report from the equipment manufacturer or approved man-
ufacturer's representative indicates that the equipment has
not sustained damage that requires replacement.
❖This section lists the type of electrical components
and equipment that must be replaced, where they
have been exposed to fire. Note that the code does
not elaborate on what is meant by "exposed to fire,"
but the assumption is that the equipment and compo-
nents have been subjected to heat, smoke and/or
direct flame impingement. The ability of electrical
switches, receptacles and fixtures—including fur-
nace, water heating, security system and power dis-
tribution circuits—to operate as intended can be
impaired by exposure to fire. The exception to this
section allows for repair of these components pro-
vided that an inspection report from the equipment
manufacturer or approved manufacturer's represen-
tative is submitted to the code official indicating that
the level of damage to the equipment does not war-
rant replacement.
SECTION 605
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
605.1 Installation. Electrical equipment, wiring and appli-
ances shall be properly installed and maintained in a safe and
approved manner.
❖This section provides necessary safety requirements
for electrical equipment, wiring and appliances.
All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances
must be properly installed and maintained in accor-
dance with this code and NFPA 70 or the Interna-
tional Residential Code' (IRC'). It is the responsibility
of the building owner or operator to provide and
safely maintain the electrical facilities required herein.
605.2 Receptacles. Every habitable space in a dwelling shall
contain not less than two separate and remote receptacle out-
lets. Every laundry area shall contain not less than one
grounding -type receptacle or a receptacle with a ground fault
circuit interrupter. Every bathroom shall contain not less than
one receptacle. Any new bathroom receptacle outlet shall
have ground fault circuit interrupter protection. All receptacle
outlets shall have the appropriate faceplate cover for the loca-
tion.
❖ Every room or space in a dwelling unit that is used for
living, sleeping, eating or cooking must be provided
with at least two separate receptacle outlets. Such
outlets must be as remote from each other as practi-
cable. The quantity of receptacles required by this
section is far less than that required by NFPA 70 and
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MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
the IRC for new construction, but is considered to be
a reasonable compromise for existing structures.
This provision is intended to minimize or eliminate
the use of extension cords. The amount of electrical
current that any extension cord can safely conduct is
limited by the size of its conductors. This principle is
not understood by much of the general population. As
a result, extension cords are commonly overloaded
by the connection of either too many appliances or
any loads in excess of the cord's capacity. Overload-
ing extension cords causes an increase in the con-
ductor's temperature. This increase can exceed the
temperature rating of the conductor's insulation,
causing it to melt, decompose or burn. The burning
insulation can easily start a fire, and the resultant loss
of conductor insulation can cause a short circuit or
ground fault that can also act as a source of ignition.
The buildup of heat in an extension cord is often
made worse by excessive cord length and by the
insulating effect of rugs that often cover these cords.
Extension cords are much more susceptible to physi-
cal damage than permanent wiring methods. Dam-
age to cords increases the likelihood of shorts,
ground faults and poor connections, all of which can
cause a fire. In addition to the fire hazard, extension
cords pose a tripping hazard to the occupants and,
when damaged, pose an electric shock hazard.
Every laundry room is required to have at least one
grounded -type receptacle outlet. Appliances typically
used in a laundry room require a grounding conductor
for safe operation. Grounding appliances reduces the
risk of electrical shock, which can occur when an
occupant comes in contact with a defective appli-
ance. This section appears to allow a GFCI-protected
receptacle outlet in lieu of a grounded -type recepta-
cle; however, this is only allowed for very limited cir-
cumstances by NFPA 70. As a general rule, GFCI
protection is not a substitute for grounding -type
receptacles. Where grounding -type receptacles can-
not be installed, a GFCI receptacle offers a measure
of protection from electrical shock. Adding GFCI pro-
tection to existing receptacle outlets is generally sim-
ple and inexpensive. Where existing boxes are small
or crowded, surface extension boxes can be added to
make room or GFCI circuit breakers can be used for
the branch circuit.
Every bathroom must have at least one receptacle
outlet to accommodate the many grooming and per-
sonal hygiene appliances that are commonly used in
bathrooms. This requirement also applies to toilet
rooms with lavatories that do not contain bathing fix-
tures, as they could also be used for grooming and
personal hygiene purposes. If a bathroom receptacle
outlet has to be installed in order to achieve compli-
ance with this section, this code, NFPA 70 and the
IRC, all would require GFCI protection for such outlet.
To protect occupants from accidental contact with
electrical wiring or components, appropriate face-
plates are required for all receptacles.
The installation of a receptacle where one previ-
ously did not exist is considered new work and must
comply with the provisions of NFPA 70 or the IRC.
605.3 Luminaires. Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet
room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room and fur-
nace room shall contain not less than one electric luminaire.
Pool and spa luminaires over 15 V shall have ground fault
circuit interrupter protection.
❖ Permanent lighting outlets must be provided to illumi-
nate hallways, stairways, kitchens, bathrooms and
laundry, toilet, furnace and boiler rooms. The activi-
ties in such spaces are not compatible with portable
lighting such as floor or table lamps; therefore, per-
manent lighting outlets (fixtures/luminaires) are
required. In all other spaces, it is assumed that the
occupants will provide lamps or other portable fix-
tures to meet their artificial lighting needs when natu-
ral lighting does not exist. Adequate lighting is
necessary for occupants to traverse stairs and corri-
dors without undue hazard, to allow for the proper
use of plumbing fixtures and appliances, and to allow
for inspection and servicing of appliances.
Furnace and boiler rooms are defined terms in the
IMC, and the term "furnace room' also applies to a
room containing a water heater.
Lighting related to pools and spas is required to be
protected with GFCIs when it is over 15 volts. Provid-
ing this protection in these wet locations results in
safer conditions for the users.
605.4 Wiring. Flexible cords shall not be used for permanent
wiring, or for running through doors, windows, or cabinets,
or concealed within walls, floors, or ceilings.
❖ The use of flexible cords in place of permanent fixed
wiring is typically an indication of inadequate electri-
cal wiring capacity or incompatible demands. Physi-
cal damage to flexible cords caused by concealment
or improper or inadequate maintenance could result
in localized resistance heating, shorts and ground
faults.
The amount of electrical current that any flexible
cord can safely conduct is limited by the size of its
conductor, its insulation type and its environment.
This principle is often not understood by the general
public. As a result, extension cords are commonly
overloaded by connecting appliances and other loads
in excess of the cord's capacity.
Overloading of flexible cords causes an increase in
the conductor's temperature. This increase in tem-
perature can exceed the temperature rating of the
conductor insulation, causing it to melt, decompose
or burn. The burning insulation can ignite other com-
bustible materials. The resulting loss of conductor
insulation can also cause a short circuit or ground
fault that can act as a source of ignition. The buildup
of heat in an extension cord is often made worse by
excessive cord length and by the insulating effect of
rugs that often cover extension cords. Flexible cords
are much more susceptible to physical damage than
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TLIISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
permanent wiring. Damage to flexible cords
increases the likelihood of shorts and poor connec-
tions, both of which can cause a fire.
In addition to the fire hazard, extension cords pose
a tripping hazard to the occupants and, when dam-
aged, can pose an electrical shock hazard. Securing
flexible cords to a wall baseboard, doorjambs, etc.,
with nails, staples or other fasteners to eliminate trip-
ping hazards can create another dangerous condition
by pinching or piercing the cord and causing shorts or
faults that could lead to ignition.
SECTION 606
ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS AND DUMBWAITERS
606.1 General. Elevators, dumbwaiters and escalators shall
be maintained in compliance with ASME A17.1. The most
current certificate of inspection shall be on display at all
times within the elevator or attached to the escalator or dumb-
waiter, be available for public inspection in the office of the
building operator or be posted in a publicly conspicuous
location approved by the code official. The inspection and
tests shall be performed at not less than the periodic intervals
listed in ASME A17.1, Appendix N, except where otherwise
specified by the authority having jurisdiction.
❖ Elevators, escalators and dumbwaiters must be
maintained in compliance with ASME A17.1, Safety
Code for Elevators and Escalators. ASME Al 7.1 con-
tains requirements for the periodic inspection and
testing necessary to detect any possible defects. The
safety of the occupants is dependent upon routine
safety checks performed by competent elevator ser-
vice technicians.
Displaying the certificate of inspection is an aid to
building inspectors and provides the users of the
machinery with some confidence in its safety. This
requirement will also encourage the owner to obtain
the required inspections. Additionally, the option to
post the certificate in a publicly conspicuous location
approved by the code official allows a building opera-
tor to request that the certificate be placed in a loca-
tion other than in the elevator or on the escalator or
dumbwaiter, provided that the location is publicly con-
spicuous and approved by the code official.
606.2 Elevators. In buildings equipped with passenger eleva-
tors, not less than one elevator shall be maintained in opera-
tion at all times when the building is occupied.
Exception: Buildings equipped with only one elevator
shall be permitted to have the elevator temporarily out of
service for testing or servicing.
❖ If a building has more than one passenger elevator,
at least one such elevator must be kept operational
during all periods of building occupancy. As indicated
in the exception, a building with only one elevator is
allowed to have its elevator temporarily out of service
only for the purpose of maintenance, repair or testing.
MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
SECTION 607
DUCT SYSTEMS
607.1 General. Duct systems shall be maintained free of
obstructions and shall be capable of performing the required
function.
❖ Exhaust ducts for toilet rooms, bathrooms, kitchens
and clothes dryers require maintenance to prevent
blockages and obstructions that can cause appliance/
equipment malfunction, poor performance and poten-
tial fire hazards. Heating, cooling and ventilation
ducts also must be maintained to allow proper airflow,
to maintain proper HVAC equipment operation and to
help eliminate airborne contaminants that could
cause health hazards. Ducts can collect hazardous
quantities of grease, lint, dust and debris that could
be potential fire hazards. Duct systems of all types
are typically ignored by building owners and occu-
pants and thus receive little or no maintenance.
Bibliography
The following resource materials were used in the
preparation of the commentary for this chapter of the
code:
ASME Al 7.1/CSA 344-2013, Safety Code For Eleva-
tors and Escalators. New York: American Society of
Mechanical Engineers, 2013.
IFGC-2018, International Fuel Gas Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IMC -2018, International Mechanical Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IPC -2018, International Plumbing Code. Washington,
DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IRC -2018, International Residential Code. Washing-
ton, DC: International Code Council, 2017.
NFPA 70-14, National Electrical Code. Quincy, MA:
National Fire Protection Association, 2013.
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6-10 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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Tkl-ISA VIOLATION OP THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
Chapter 7:
Fire Safety Requirements
General Comments
Chapter 7 establishes minimum requirements for fire
safety facilities and fire protection systems.
A critical element that must be investigated during an
inspection is the condition of fire safety systems.
These provisions take on even greater importance in
those jurisdictions where periodic fire inspections are
not conducted in accordance with a comprehensive fire
code.
In jurisdictions where fire inspections are regularly
performed on existing facilities, all inspections must be
coordinated between the appropriate officials to allevi-
ate multiple and duplicative notices and, at the worst,
conflicting instructions.
A great potential for fatal fires exists where people
sleep—dwelling units, hotels, motels, nursing homes,
etc. The reasons for the increased hazard are obvious:
there are often delayed reactions before people notice a
fire (occupants waking from sleep are temporarily con-
SECTION 701
GENERAL
❖This section establishes the overall goal of the chap-
ter and outlines who is responsible for complying with
its provisions.
701.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govem the
minimum conditions and standards for fire safety relating to
structures and exterior premises, including fire safety facili-
ties and equipment to be provided.
❖ In the International Codes' (I -Codes°), the foremost
code to address fire safety in existing buildings is the
International Fire Code° (IFC°). Fire safety is also
within the scope of this code; however, for correlation
with the IFC most of the requirements of Chapter 7
either parallel or directly reference that code. As
stated in the preface to this commentary, sections of
this chapter with the [F] designation in front of the
section number are controlled initially by the Interna-
tional Fire Code Development Committee during the
annual code change process of the International
Code Council° (ICC°), thereby preventing conflicts
between this code and the IFC.
Fire safety requirements having to do with means
of egress, fire -resistance rating of building elements
and fire protection systems, such as sprinklers and
smoke detectors, are addressed in this chapter. Fire
safety topics such as storage of combustibles, use or
storage of hazardous materials and the regulation of
certain activities or operations within buildings that
fused), rooms are darkened and the occupants are
dressed in bedclothes. All of these circumstances
reduce the reaction time of the occupants and increase
the likelihood that they will make a fatal misjudgment.
Purpose
Building codes regulating new construction are intended
to verify, prior to occupancy, that the building has been
constructed in a manner that will provide the occupants
a relatively safe and secure environment. Once these
new structures are occupied, a variety of hazards inher-
ent in their use may arise. Often, these hazards are
unanticipated and can affect the overall safety of the
occupants.
The purpose of Chapter 7 is to address those fire haz-
ards that arise as the result of a building's occupancy. It
also provides minimum requirements for the fire safety
issues that are most likely to arise in older buildings.
contribute to the fire hazard are covered exclusively
in the IFC.
701.2 Responsibility. The owner of the premises shall pro-
vide and maintain such fire safety facilities and equipment in
compliance with these requirements. A person shall not
occupy as owner -occupant or permit another person to
occupy any premises that do not comply with the require-
ments of this chapter.
❖The owner of the premises should provide and main-
tain such fire safety facilities and equipment in com-
pliance with these requirements. A person should not
occupy as owner -occupant or allow another person to
occupy any premises that does not comply with the
requirements of this chapter.
This section clearly establishes that the owner of
the premises is responsible for compliance with these
requirements. Whereas occupants who are not own-
ers have some responsibility in regard to clean and
safe conditions within individual dwelling units (see
Section 301.2), the requirements of this chapter per-
tain to building systems and components that are not
typically under the control of the occupants.
SECTION 702
MEANS OF EGRESS
❖ Means of egress in existing buildings is regulated by
the IFC. The IFC contains provisions for number of
exits, egress width, stairs, guards, handrails, corri-
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FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
dors, dead ends, obstructed exits, exit signs and
other requirements for evaluating the means of
egress in existing buildings. Aisles, locked doors and
emergency escape openings are life safety features
that are frequently affected by routine operations in
existing buildings, and can be inspected by property
maintenance inspectors in the course of a typical
inspection. These topics, therefore, are included in
the subsections of Section 702.
[F] 702.1 General. A safe, continuous and unobstructed path
of travel shall be provided from any point in a building or
structure to the public way. Means of egress shall comply
with the International Fire Code.
❖ Even a slight delay in a fire situation can mean the
difference between life and death. Dangerous levels
of smoke can develop in a deceptively quick manner
at the early stages of a fire, and obstruction to means
of egress or insufficient means of egress very often
leads to tragedy in a fire.
This section prohibits obstruction of corridors, hall-
ways and stairs by miscellaneous storage that could
delay egress. It also prohibits dead-end corridors or
passageways that could cause confusion or require
occupants to retrace their steps to find a way out of
the building. Specific requirements for means of
egress, such as permissible length of dead-end corri-
dors or required means of egress width, are found in
the IFC.
[F] 702.2 Aisles. The required width of aisles in accordance
with the International Fire Code shall be unobstructed.
❖ Assembly occupancies that contain seats, tables, dis-
plays and similar furnishings or equipment present a
unique challenge for efficient and orderly exiting in an
emergency situation. For this reason, the IFC con-
tains detailed requirements for the configuration,
width and availability of aisles in these occupancies.
This section requires aisles to be unobstructed so
that they will serve their intended (and required) func-
tion.
[F] 702.3 Locked doors. Means of egress doors shall be
readily openable from the side from which egress is to be
made without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort,
except where the door hardware conforms to that permitted
by the International Building Code.
❖ One of the fundamental principles of means of egress
in both new and existing buildings is that doors must
be readily operable from the "egress side' (the side
occupants approach in order to exit the building).
Locks that require key operation from the inside are
prohibited except in very limited circumstances
involving security at main entrance doors for certain
occupancies as prescribed in the International Build-
ing Code' (IBC'). Locks that are operated from the
interior, such as thumb turns or flush bolts, are typi-
cally prohibited since they require special knowledge
or effort, although this is subject to the judgement of
the code official in existing buildings. Doors that are
locked from the exterior of the building but are
released by the unlatching mechanism from the inte-
rior, such as panic hardware and security hardware
involving doorknobs or lever mechanisms, are the
preferred alternative if security is needed.
[F] 702.4 Emergency escape openings. Required emergency
escape openings shall be maintained in accordance with the
code in effect at the time of construction, and the following.
Required emergency escape and rescue openings shall be
operational from the inside of the room without the use of
keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are per-
mitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue open-
ings provided that the minimum net clear opening size
complies with the code that was in effect at the time of con-
struction and such devices shall be releasable or removable
from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater
than that which is required for normal operation of the escape
and rescue opening.
❖This section takes into account that many changes
have occurred over the years in the many editions of
the construction codes. The provisions for emergency
escape and rescue openings are only subject to the
code that is in effect at the time of construction, rather
than expecting all structures to retroactively meet the
requirements of each new code.
"Required emergency escape openings" refers to
the escape windows and doors that are required for
sleeping rooms and basements in new construction.
In the IBC, emergency escape openings are required
from all basements as well as all sleeping rooms;
however, codes for new construction prior to the
development of the IBC did not require emergency
escape windows in basements without sleeping
rooms.
This section is intended to ensure that emergency
escape openings required at the time of a building's
construction remain unobstructed. It prohibits the
installation of security devices on these required
openings unless the windows or doors provide a net
clear opening of at least that which is required for
new construction in accordance with the IBC. If
installed, these devices must be removable (or mov-
able to provide the required net clear opening space)
in a manner that facilitates the quick use of the win-
dow in an emergency situation; therefore, security
devices that require the unscrewing of screws or
bolts, prying with a bar or unlocking with a key in
order to be removed or moved are not permitted on
these openings. In addition, they must not require
excessive force for their removal, since they may
need to be operated by children or the elderly.
SECTION 703
FIRE -RESISTANCE RATINGS
❖ Required fire -resistance -rated walls and opening pro-
tectives are those elements that are required to be
rated in accordance with the code that was in effect at
the time of construction. This section requires that
these be maintained so that they will perform their
intended function.
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ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
[F] 703.1 Fire -resistance -rated assemblies. The provisions
of this chapter shall govern maintenance of the materials, sys-
tems and assemblies used for structural fire resistance and
fire -resistance -rated construction separation of adjacent
spaces to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke
within a building and the spread of fire to or from buildings.
❖This section introduces the requirements for main-
taining the integrity of fire -resistance -rated assem-
blies and prescribes the types of floor opening
protection required in existing buildings. The provi-
sions of this section apply to the ongoing mainte-
nance of the materials, assemblies and systems used
to protect against the passage of fire and smoke
within and between buildings. The assemblies out-
lined herein provide various degrees of protection.
The required fire -resistance rating varies with the
potential fire hazard associated with type of construc-
tion, occupancy, height and area of the building and
degree of protection for different elements of the
means of egress. The potential fire hazard associ-
ated with various occupancies is reflected in the IBC.
Chapter 7 of the IBC provides the details and the
extent of the protection (horizontal and vertical conti-
nuity); however, the actual fire -resistance -rated con-
struction is mandated by provisions in Chapters 4, 5,
6, 7 and 10 of the IBC.
[F] 703.2 Unsafe conditions. Where any components are not
maintained and do not function as intended or do not have the
fire resistance required by the code under which the building
was constructed or altered, such components or portions
thereof shall be deemed unsafe conditions in accordance with
Section 111.1.1 of the International Fire Code. Components
or portions thereof determined to be unsafe shall be repaired
or replaced to conform to that code under which the building
was constructed or altered. Where the condition of compo-
nents is such that any building, structure or portion thereof
presents an imminent danger to the occupants of the building,
structure or portion thereof, the fire code official shall act in
accordance with Section 111.2 of the International Fire
Code.
❖This section is intended to clarify to code officials,
designers, contractors and property owners that a
building's fire -resistance -rated construction must be
maintained at the original level of safety required by
the codes that were applicable when the building was
constructed or last remodeled. Failure to maintain
fire-resistant components to that level of safety will
result in the component being declared unsafe in
accordance with Section 108.1 of the code and repair
or restoration being required.
The requirement that components meet the
requirements of the applicable code at the time the
building was constructed or last remodeled is some-
times viewed as difficult to enforce given uncertainty
over the relevant code. However, communities
should have some record of when a building was
constructed, and knowing the year of construction
should make it relatively easy to determine an edition
of the code that was published close to or prior to that
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
year. In many communities, local historical societies
can also be helpful in doing architectural historical
research to determine the year of construction. These
types of methods for determining the originally appli-
cable code, if any, could be viewed as haphazard and
arbitrary, but they can be considered better than try-
ing to make a building constructed 30, 50 or 100
years ago comply with today's requirements. In the
event that no information of any kind can be found to
shed light on an original construction date, this chap-
ter provides for an acceptable level of safety and can
be retroactively required where deemed appropriate
by the fire code official.
This section also provides that where component
conditions are so bad due to lack of maintenance as
to constitute a clear and present threat to the safety
of the occupants, the fire code official must take the
steps required by Section 108.2.
[F] 703.3 Maintenance. The required fire -resistance rating
of fire -resistance -rated construction, including walls,
firestops, shaft enclosures, partitions, smoke barriers, floors,
fire -resistive coatings and sprayed fire-resistant materials
applied to structural members and joint systems, shall be
maintained. Such elements shall be visually inspected annu-
ally by the owner and repaired, restored or replaced where
damaged, altered, breached or penetrated. Records of inspec-
tions and repairs shall be maintained. Where concealed, such
elements shall not be required to be visually inspected by the
owner unless the concealed space is accessible by the
removal or movement of a panel, access door, ceiling tile or
entry to the space. Openings made therein for the passage of
pipes, electrical conduit, wires, ducts, air transfer and any
other reason shall be protected with approved methods capa-
ble of resisting the passage of smoke and fire. Openings
through fire -resistance -rated assemblies shall be protected by
self- or automatic -closing doors of approved construction
meeting the fire protection requirements for the assembly.
❖The code mandates that all equipment, systems,
devices and safeguards required by the current and
previously adopted codes be maintained in good
working order (see Section 102.2). This section reit-
erates that requirement specifically for fire -resis-
tance -rated assemblies in existing buildings.
Once a building is occupied, its component parts
are often damaged, altered or penetrated for installa-
tion of new piping, wiring and the like. These actions
may reduce the effectiveness of assemblies that
must be fire -resistance rated. This section requires
the building owner, annually, to visually inspect non -
concealed elements and that any damage to a fire -
resistance -rated assembly be repaired in a manner
that restores the original required performance char-
acteristics. Concealed elements must be visually
inspected if they may be accessed by a door, remov-
able ceiling tile, access panel or the like. Similarly, if a
fire -resistance -rated assembly is altered or pene-
trated, the alteration or penetration must comply with
the applicable requirements of the IBC for the particu-
lar type of alteration or penetration.
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FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
This section also requires that written records of
maintenance and repairs to rated assemblies be kept
and should indicate the date and time of, and the
name of the person conducting the inspection or
repair for each rated assembly. These records must
be maintained by the owner and made available to
the fire code official for review when requested. This
requirement relieves the fire code official of the
administrative burden of maintaining test records.
[F] 703.3.1 Fire blocking and draft stopping. Required fire
blocking and draft stopping in combustible concealed spaces
shall be maintained to provide continuity and integrity of the
construction.
❖ Fireblocking and draftstopping, as defined in Chapter
2 of the IBC, slow the spread of fire and the products
of combustion through concealed spaces within a
building. To fulfill their intended function, fireblocking
and draftstopping must be properly maintained. Most
frequently, damage or repairs to other building com-
ponents, such as mechanical piping, results in fire -
blocking or draftstopping being removed and not
properly replaced. This section specifically requires
that the fireblocking or draftstopping in these areas
be maintained and therefore replaced or restored.
[F] 703.3.2 Smoke barriers and smoke partitions.
Required smoke barriers and smoke partitions shall be main-
tained to prevent the passage of smoke. Openings protected
with approved smoke barrier doors or smoke dampers shall
be maintained in accordance with NFPA 105.
❖ Smoke barriers divide areas of a building into sepa-
rate smoke compartments to create an area of safety
for occupants. A smoke barrier is designed and
installed in accordance with IBC Section 709 to resist
fire and smoke spread so that occupants can be
evacuated or relocated to adjacent smoke compart-
ments (see Chapter 2 of the IBC for definitions of
"Smoke barrier" and "Smoke compartment'). This
concept has proven effective in Group 1-2 and 1-3
occupancies, and Sections 407.5 and 408.6 of the
IBC identify where smoke barriers are required in
those occupancies. Smoke barriers may also be used
as portions of other applications, such as smoke con-
trol systems (see Section 909.5 of the IBC), separa-
tion of accessible areas of refuge in accessible
means of egress (see Section 1009.6.4 of the IBC),
compartmentation of underground buildings (see
Section 405.4.2 of the IBC) and elevator lobbies in
underground buildings (see Section 405.4.3 of the
IBC), FSAE lobbies (see Section 3007.6.2 of the IBC)
and occupant evacuation elevator lobbies (see Sec-
tion 3008.6.2 of the IBC), among others. Other than
the wall itself, all of the elements in the smoke barrier
that can potentially allow smoke travel through the
smoke barrier are required to have a quantified resis-
tance to leakage. This includes doors, joints, through
penetrations and dampers. The maximum leakage
limits are as established in the individual code sec-
tions referenced above for each element. A smoke
barrier is not intended or expected to be exposed to
fire for extended periods and is, therefore, not
required to have a fire -resistance rating exceeding 1
hour. Also, the occupancies in which smoke barriers
are required are generally required to be sprinklered
by Section 903 of the code. Smoke barriers are to be
continuous from outside wall to outside wall and from
the top of the foundation or floor/ceiling assembly
below to the underside of the floor or roof sheathing,
deck or slab. The provisions require the barrier to be
continuous through all concealed and interstitial
spaces, including suspended ceilings and the space
between the ceiling and the floor or roof sheathing,
deck or slab above. Smoke barriers are not required
to extend through interstitial spaces if the space is
designed and constructed such that fire and smoke
will not spread from one smoke compartment to
another; therefore, the construction assembly forming
the bottom of the interstitial space must provide the
required fire -resistance rating and be capable of
resisting the passage of smoke from the spaces
below.
Smoke partitions are nonrated walls that serve to
resist the spread of fire and the unmitigated move-
ment of smoke for an unspecified period of time.
Their primary purpose is to prevent the ready and
quick passage of smoke into corridors in Group 1-2 or
for elevator lobby protection in a sprinklered building.
Unlike 1 -hour fire -resistance -rated smoke barriers,
unless required by the IBC, smoke partitions are not
required to have a fire -resistance rating. Smoke parti-
tions are intended to provide less protection than a
smoke barrier, and therefore are not required to be
continuous through the concealed spaces and
through the ceiling. The construction of a smoke par-
tition is prescribed in Section 710 of the IBC; how-
ever, the level of performance or a method of testing
them is not provided.
Because these assemblies and their opening pro-
tectives are critical life safety components of a build-
ing, they must be maintained throughout the life of
the building. Opening protective maintenance provi-
sions for these types of assemblies are contained in
NFPA 105. For further information on incidental uses,
smoke barriers and smoke partitions, see the com-
mentary to Sections 509, 709 and 710 of the IBC,
respectively.
[F] 703.3.3 Fire walls, fire barriers, and fire partitions.
Required fire walls, fire barriers and fire partitions shall be
maintained to prevent the passage of fire. Openings protected
with approved doors or fire dampers shall be maintained in
accordance with NFPA 80.
❖ Fire walls, fire barriers and fire partitions are also key
components in a passive fire- and life -safety design.
Fire walls constructed in accordance with Section
706 of the IBC serve to create separate buildings
(see the commentary to the definition of "Area, build-
ing" in Chapter 2); therefore, all applicable provisions
of the code are applied individually to the building on
each side of the fire wall. As such, the fire wall must
also provide the same protection afforded by exterior
7-4 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
walls, namely: structural integrity, structural indepen-
dence and adequate fire resistance for exposure pro-
tection.
Fire barriers constructed in accordance with Sec-
tion 707 of the IBC provide a higher degree of protec-
tion than fire partitions, but lack the inherent structural
integrity of fire walls. Unlike fire partitions, there are
no circumstances under which a fire barrier wall is
permitted to terminate at a ceiling. Fire barriers are
used for a variety of purposes, including but not lim-
ited to, separating exits and certain areas of refuge,
mixed occupancies and incidental use areas, shafts,
floor opening enclosures, hazardous materials con-
trol areas and fire areas. It is important to note that,
since fire barriers are intended to provide a reliable
subdivision of areas, the construction that structurally
supports the assembly is required to provide and
maintain at least the same hourly fire -resistance rat-
ing as the fire barrier being supported.
Fire partitions constructed in accordance with Sec-
tion 708 of the IBC are wall assemblies that enclose
exit access corridors; separate tenant spaces in cov-
ered malls, dwelling units and sleeping units; and
separate elevator lobbies from the balance of a floor.
Openings in fire partitions must be properly pro-
tected, but the total area of openings in a fire partition
is not limited. Unlike the continuity requirements for
fire walls and fire barriers, fire partition continuity
must only be continuous from floor slab to the floor
slab or roof deck above or to the ceiling of a fire -resis-
tance -rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly.
Although fire partitions must normally be supported
by construction having a comparable fire -resistance
rating in buildings of Type IIB, IIIB and VB construc-
tion, as defined in the IBC, Section 708.4 of that code
does not require such supportive construction for
sleeping units and tenant separations and exit access
corridor walls.
The IBC includes requirements for fire -resistance
rating, continuity and opening and penetration protec-
tion in these types of assemblies. Because these
assemblies and their opening protectives are critical
life safety components of a building, they must be
maintained throughout the life of the building. Open-
ing protective maintenance provisions for these types
of assemblies are contained in NFPA 80. For further
information on fire walls, fire barriers and fire parti-
tions, see the commentaries to Sections 706, 707
and 708 of the IBC, respectively.
[F] 703.4 Opening protectives. Opening protectives shall be
maintained in an operative condition in accordance with
NFPA 80. The application of field -applied labels associated
with the maintenance of opening protectives shall follow the
requirements of the approved third -party certification organi-
zation accredited for listing the opening protective. Fire doors
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
and smoke barrier doors shall not be blocked or obstructed, or
otherwise made inoperable. Fusible links shall be replaced
whenever fused or damaged. Fire door assemblies shall not
be modified.
❖Openings in fire -resistance -rated assemblies must be
protected to prevent the passage of fire in accor-
dance with Section 716 of the IBC. After opening pro-
tectives are installed and approved, they may
become damaged, corroded or otherwise less effec-
tive than required. This section specifically requires
that all opening protectives required by the IBC be
maintained in compliance with NFPA 80 so that they
can perform their intended function, which is to pre-
vent the passage of smoke, fire or combustion prod-
ucts through openings in fire -resistance -rated walls,
ceilings and shafts during a fire emergency. Sections
703.4.2 and 703.4.3 of this code indicate specific
points of inspection and enforcement regarding these
doors. Prohibited modifications to fire door assem-
blies include the attachment of materials, cutting, bor-
ing holes or other alterations that could affect the
performance of the door as a fire protection -rated
assembly.
This section also addresses the very real issue of
maintaining labeled opening protectives by requiring
field -applied labels to follow the requirements of the
third -party certification organization, which is accred-
ited for listing the specific opening protective. The
relabeling of existing fire doors is a common practice
and, due to the importance of the rating require-
ments, a level of monitoring by a third party to ensure
the labeling matches the rating of the door assembly
is necessary.
In the listing documentation, there are specific cri-
teria for field application of labels. One of the criteria
is whether the local fire code official allows this prac-
tice, and this section provides guidance in this area to
the fire code official. IBC Section 716.2.9.1 requires
that new fire doors or new fire door assemblies must
be labeled at the factory (see the definition of
"Labeled" in Chapter 2 of this code). However, it is
not uncommon for an existing fire door to have either
a damaged or missing label, or a label that has been
painted over or otherwise obscured. The fire code
official needs to make a determination as to whether
field application of the label is acceptable. If field
application is allowed, then the certification organiza-
tion can follow the proper criteria for labeling the
opening protective.
Proper maintenance necessitates that the manu-
facturer's installation instructions and the listing orga-
nization's instructions are followed in order to
maintain the listing and proper operation of the
assemblies and devices as required by the code, the
manufacturer and the listing organization.
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 75
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
[F] 703.4.1 Signs. Where required by the code official, a sign
shall be permanently displayed on or near each fire door in
letters not less than 1 inch (25 mm) high to read as follows:
1. For doors designed to be kept normally open: FIRE
DOOR — DO NOT BLOCK.
2. For doors designed to be kept normally closed: FIRE
DOOR — KEEP CLOSED.
❖ Any door in a fire -resistance -rated wall assembly rep-
resents a potential "weak link" in maintaining the
degree of compartmentation intended by the code.
That is the reason for requiring a rated assembly. The
IBC calls for adequate opening protection in the form
of a door with a specified fire protection rating. This
section allows the code official to require signage on
or near the rated doors to make the occupants aware
of the importance of the door as a fire- and life -safety
feature. Also, see the commentary to Section 703.4.2
for a discussion on door closing and the improper use
of props to hold doors open.
[F] 703.4.2 Hold -open devices and closers. Hold -open
devices and automatic door closers shall be maintained.
During the period that such a device is out of service for
repairs, the door it operates shall remain in the closed posi-
tion.
❖The only devices acceptable for holding fire doors
open are fire -detector -activated automatic -closing
devices that automatically close the doors (or allow
the doors to swing closed using self-closing devices)
in the event of a fire. Numerous devices, such as
electromagnetic hold -opens, pneumatic systems and
systems of pulleys and weights connected to a fusible
link, are available.
The detection method for the closing device must
be consistent with the purpose of the opening protec-
tive; that is, doors in smoke barriers must be acti-
vated by smoke detectors. Heat detectors or fusible
links are adequate where maintenance of the fire -
resistance rating alone is required.
Where smoke -detector -activated automatic door
closers are used and the detectors are intercon-
nected with a required fire alarm system, the devices
and wiring methods must be checked for compatibility
with the fire alarm system control panel before instal-
lation. Some fire alarm control equipment is compati-
ble only with the manufacturer's automatic smoke
detectors.
Wooden wedges, rubber wedges and kick -down -
type doorstops are common violations of basic safety
principles and this section of the code. Doorstops
render fire doors and smoke barrier doors totally inef-
fective as opening protectives. Building maintenance
personnel who do not understand the purpose of
these doors often use doorstops to aid movement of
people, equipment or air in a hallway or other area
without realizing the potential hazard to life safety if a
fire were to occur. This violation is especially prob-
lematic as it pertains to means of egress stairwells or
horizontal exit doors. For further information on door
closing requirements for fire doors, see Section
716.2.6.1 of the IBC.
[F] 703.4.3 Door operation. Swinging fire doors shall close
from the full -open position and latch automatically. The door
closer shall exert enough force to close and latch the door
from any partially open position.
❖ Fire doors must be closed to be effective. Swinging
fire doors should be frequently checked to make sure
they close and latch on their own power from any
position.
[F] 703.5 Ceilings. The hanging and displaying of salable
goods and other decorative materials from acoustical ceiling
systems that are part of a fire -resistance -rated horizontal
assembly shall be prohibited.
❖This section is only applicable to acoustical ceiling
systems that are a component of an approved fire -
resistance -rated floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assembly
required to be rated by the type of construction of the
building. Fire -resistance -rated floor/ceiling and roof/
ceiling assemblies must be tested using the methods
in ASTM E119 to demonstrate a fire -resistance rat-
ing. Locating a substantial fuel load and additional
weight directly beneath an acoustical ceiling, how-
ever, may expose the ceiling to a direct fire source
and weight overload not contemplated in the ASTM
E119 testing. Such exposure could breach the ceil-
ing, which is an integral part of the tested assembly.
Depending on the contribution of the ceiling to the
overall fire -resistance rating, this may result in the
assembly not functioning as the code intends or fail-
ing completely.
New acoustical ceiling systems, whether or not they
are a component of an approved fire -resistance -rated
assembly, are required to comply with Section 808 of
the IBC. Section 808.1.1 of the IBC requires that
acoustical ceiling systems comply with the manufac-
turer's installation instructions. Section 808.1.1.1 of the
IBC further requires compliance with several ASTM
standards that govern the installation of such systems.
Those standards do not contemplate the addition of
loads to the metal support framework of the system
beyond the load of the system itself plus light fixtures,
or other components that might be part of the
approved design. Adding any weight to the system
beyond that which it was designed for and approved
by the building official could lead to failure of the sys-
tem and should only be done after a review of the
structural components by a registered design profes-
sional.
[F] 703.6 Testing. Horizontal and vertical sliding and rolling
fire doors shall be inspected and tested annually to confirm
operation and full closure. Records of inspections and testing
shall be maintained.
❖Annual tests are intended to determine whether
required fire doors operate freely and close com-
pletely. Where fusible links are used as the releasing
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mechanism, the link may be temporarily removed
rather than activated during testing. Fusible links in
poor condition must be replaced as part of the main-
tenance of fire -resistance components. Smoke detec-
tors and heat detectors other than fusible links must
be tested as required by the manufacturer's instruc-
tions (see NFPA 72 for recommended testing proce-
dures for various fire detectors).
This section also requires that written records of
inspection and testing of opening protectives must be
kept and should indicate the date, the time and the
name of the person conducting the inspection or
repair for each rated assembly. These records must
be maintained by the owner and should be made
available to the fire code official for review when
requested. This requirement relieves the code official
of the administrative burden of maintaining test
records.
[F] 703.7 Vertical shafts. Interior vertical shafts, including
stairways, elevator hoistways and service and utility shafts,
which connect two or more stories of a building shall be
enclosed or protected as required in Chapter 11 of the Inter-
national Fire Code. New floor openings in existing buildings
shall comply with the International Building Code.
❖ Vertical openings that are not properly protected can
act as a chimney for smoke, hot gases and products
of combustion. Unprotected floor openings have been
a major contributing factor in many large loss -of -life
fires. Unless indicated otherwise, Chapter 11 of the
IFC retroactively requires the enclosure of vertical
openings between floors with approved fire barriers.
See the commentary to Sections 1103.4 through
1103.4.10 of the IFC.
[F] 703.8 Opening protective closers. Where openings are
required to be protected, opening protectives shall be main-
tained self-closing or automatic -closing by smoke detection.
Existing fusible -link -type automatic door -closing devices
shall be replaced if the fusible link rating exceeds 135°F
(57°C).
❖This section requires that fire door assemblies pro-
vided for protecting openings in vertical enclosures
be self-closing or automatic -closing in order to main-
tain the integrity of the vertical opening enclosure.
This section also recognizes that some opening pro-
tectives in existing buildings may already be
equipped with heat -actuated closing devices rather
than the smoke -detector -actuated devices otherwise
required by the section. Such devices are allowed to
continue in service, provided that the temperature rat-
ing of their fusible element is as low as is available
[i.e., 135°F (57°C)] to provide the fastest possible
operation in the event of a fire. In the event that an
existing fusible link on an opening protective is rated
higher than the maximum 135°F (57°C) allowed by
this section, it would need to be removed and the
door maintained as self-closing or be replaced with a
smoke -detector -actuated closer in accordance with
this section and Section 907.3 if the IBC. New open-
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
ing protectives must comply with Section 716 of the
IBC. See the commentary to that section for further
information.
SECTION 704
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
[F] 704.1 Inspection, testing and maintenance. Fire detec-
tion, alarm and extinguishing systems, mechanical smoke
exhaust systems, and smoke and heat vents shall be main-
tained in accordance with the International Fire Code in an
operative condition at all times, and shall be replaced or
repaired where defective.
❖Adequate maintenance, inspection and periodic test-
ing of all fire protection systems, equipment and
devices, including equipment and systems related to
mechanical smoke exhaust and smoke and heat
vents, is necessary so that the systems are ready to
perform their intended functions should fire occur.
An inspection consists of a visual check of a sys-
tem or device to verify that it is in operating condition
and free from defects or damage. Indicating valves,
gauges and indicator lamps are a few of the features
required by the codes to facilitate this activity. Obvi-
ous damage and the general condition of the system,
particularly the presence of corrosion, both external
and internal, must always be noted and recorded.
Partially because they are less detailed, inspections
are conducted more frequently than tests and mainte-
nance. Because special knowledge and tools are not
required, inspections may be performed by any rea-
sonably competent person.
Periodic tests following standardized methods are
intended to confirm the results of inspections, deter-
mine that all components function properly and that
systems meet their original design specifications.
Tools, devices or equipment are usually required for
these tests.
Because tests are more detailed than inspections,
they are usually conducted only once or twice per
year in most cases. Some tests, however, may be
required as frequently as bimonthly or quarterly (for
example, some fire alarm system equipment) or as
infrequently as 5-, 6- or 12 -year intervals (for exam-
ple, portable fire-extinguisher hydrostatic tests).
Since specialized knowledge and equipment are
required, testing is usually done by technicians or
specialists trained in the proper conduct of the test
methods involved.
Periodic maintenance keeps systems in good
working order and may be used to repair damage or
defects discovered during inspections or testing. Spe-
cialized tools and training are required to perform
maintenance. Only properly trained technicians or
specialists should perform required periodic mainte-
nance. Most maintenance is required only as needed,
but many manufacturers suggest or require regular
periodic replacement of parts subject to wear or
abuse.
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FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
[F] 704.1.1 Installation. Fire protection systems shall be
maintained in accordance with the original installation stan-
dards for that system. Required systems shall be extended,
altered or augmented as necessary to maintain and continue
protection where the building is altered or enlarged. Alter-
ations to fire protection systems shall be done in accordance
with applicable standards.
❖This section emphasizes that systems installed and
maintained in compliance with the codes and stan-
dards in effect at the time they were placed in service
must remain operational at all times. The code does
not require existing systems that are otherwise not
being altered to comply with current code and stan-
dard requirements. An existing system, even if it does
not meet current standards, is allowed to continue in
service as long as it continues to provide no less
quality in service than what was originally in place.
Hence, if an alteration or expansion of the system is
proposed, the key is whether or not the level of pro-
tection afforded by the system is the same or greater
than it was before the alteration or expansion was
considered. Any added sections of the system must
meet the requirements for new fire protection accord-
ing to the system involved.
[F] 704.1.2 Required fire protection systems. Fire protec-
tion
roteation systems required by this code, the International Fire
Code or the International Building Code shall be installed,
repaired, operated, tested and maintained in accordance with
this code. A fire protection system for which a design option,
exception or reduction to the provisions of this code, the
International Fire Code or the International Building Code
has been granted shall be considered to be a required system.
❖ Fire protection systems that are required by Chapter
9 or by another section of either the IBC or IFC must
be considered as required systems. The fire protec-
tion system is an integral component of the protection
features of the building and must be properly
installed, repaired, operated, tested and maintained
in accordance with the code. Improperly installed or
maintained systems can fail to provide the anticipated
protection and, in some cases, create a hazard.
Although the code may not require a fire protection
system for a specific building or portion of a building
because of its occupancy, the fire protection system
would still be considered a required system if some
other code alternative, exception or reduction was
taken based on the installation of that fire protection
system. For example, a typical small office building
may not require an automatic sprinkler system solely
because of its Group B occupancy classification.
However, if an exit access corridor fire -resistance -rat-
ing reduction is taken as allowed by Table 1020.1 for
buildings equipped throughout with an NFPA 13
sprinkler system, that sprinkler system is now consid-
ered a required system. Code tradeoffs, exceptions,
reductions or other design options are not unique to the
IBC. Such tradeoffs occur more than 60 times in the code.
[F] 704.1.3 Fire protection systems. Fire protection systems
shall be inspected, maintained and tested in accordance with
the following International Fire Code requirements.
1. Automatic sprinkler systems, see Section 903.5.
2. Automatic fire -extinguishing systems protecting com-
mercial cooking systems, see Section 904.12.5.
3. Automatic water mist extinguishing systems, see Sec-
tion
eo-tion 904.11.
4. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, see Section
904.8.
5. Carbon monoxide alarms and carbon monoxide detec-
tion systems, see Section 915.6.
6. Clean -agent extinguishing systems, see Section
904.10.
7. Dry -chemical extinguishing systems, see Section
904.6.
8. Fire alarm and fire detection systems, see Section
907.8.
9. Fire department connections, see Sections 912.4 and
912.7.
10. Fire pumps, see Section 913.5.
11. Foam extinguishing systems, see Section 904.7.
12. Halon extinguishing systems, see Section 904.9.
13. Single- and multiple -station smoke alarms, see Sec-
tion
eo-tion 907.10.
14. Smoke and heat vents and mechanical smoke removal
systems, see Section 910.5.
15. Smoke control systems, see Section 909.20.
16. Wet -chemical extinguishing systems, see Section
904.5.
❖ This section simply points the user of the code to the
fire protection provisions of the IFC that must be
maintained in accordance with this code.
[F] 704.2 Standards. Fire protection systems shall be
inspected, tested and maintained in accordance with the refer-
enced standards listed in Table 704.2 and as required in this
section.
❖ Specific requirements related to inspection practices,
testing schedules and maintenance procedures are
dependent on the type of fire protection system and
its corresponding referenced NFPA standard as indi-
cated in Table 901.6.1.
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TABLE 704.2
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE STANDARDS
SYSTEM
STANDARD
Portable fire extinguishers
NFPA 10
Carbon dioxide fire -extinguishing system
NFPA 12
Halon 1301 fire -extinguishing systems
NFPA 12A
Dry -chemical extinguishing systems
NFPA 17
Wet -chemical extinguishing systems
NFPA 17A
Water-based fire protection systems
NFPA 25
Fire alarm systems
NFPA 72
Smoke and heat vents
NFPA 204
Water -mist systems
NFPA 750
Clean -agent extinguishing systems
NFPA 2001
❖Table 704.2 lists the NFPA referenced standards to
be used for the inspection, testing and maintenance
criteria for various fire protection systems. Many of
the testing and maintenance requirements are
included elsewhere in Chapter 9 of the code.
[F] 704.2.1 Records. Records shall be maintained of all sys-
tem inspections, tests and maintenance required by the refer-
enced standards.
❖ Accurate, up-to-date records are required to docu-
ment the history of system inspection, testing and
maintenance. Record keeping is not intended simply
to prove to the code official that required inspection,
testing and maintenance are being performed, but to
assist the owner or his or her agent in performing
these functions. A well -kept log helps an owner or
technician determine how the system is performing
over time and how changes inside and outside of the
protected premises are affecting system perfor-
mance. For example, automatic sprinkler system
main drain test results may indicate whether the pub-
lic water supply is being degraded by development,
thereby impairing sprinkler system capabilities. Simi-
larly, a history of accidental alarms at a specific
smoke detector may indicate that the device requires
cleaning or maintenance.
[F] 704.2.2 Records information. Initial records shall
include the: name of the installation contractor; type of com-
ponents installed; manufacturer of the components; location
and number of components installed per floor; and manufac-
turers' operation and maintenance instruction manuals. Such
records shall be maintained for the life of the installation.
❖ When fire protection systems are first installed, an
accurate inventory must be compiled so that future
owners and officials can refer back to the documents
for maintenance and operational requirements. Addi-
tionally, if a recall is required, the installation inven-
tory will be able to identify if any of the components
subject to the recall are installed. By including the
installation contractor's information in the list, a reso-
lution of any legal aspects of defective components
can be more readily obtained. Also, if operations or
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
maintenance change during the life of the installation
and a public notice is provided, the building owner will
have the information necessary to know and apply
the new requirements. The requirement to collect and
maintain this information is already within many of the
standards referenced in the code. This requirement
gives the code official enforcement language and
assists the building owner in understanding the
responsibilities associated with having these fire pro-
tection systems installed in the building.
[F] 704.3 Systems out of service. Where a required fire pro-
tection system is out of service, the fire department and the
fire code official shall be notified immediately and, where
required by the fire code official, either the building shall be
evacuated or an approved fire watch shall be provided for all
occupants left unprotected by the shutdown until the fire pro-
tection system has been returned to service. Where utilized,
fire watches shall be provided with not less than one
approved means for notification of the fire department and
shall not have duties beyond performing constant patrols of
the protected premises and keeping watch for fires. Actions
shall be taken in accordance with Section 901 of the Interna-
tional Fire Code to bring the systems back in service.
❖The protection afforded by a required fire protection
system must not be diminished in any existing build-
ing except for the purpose of conducting tests, main-
tenance or repairs. The length of service interruptions
must be kept to a minimum. The fire department and
the fire code official must be notified of any service
interruptions. They must carefully evaluate the contin-
ued operation or occupancy of buildings and struc-
tures where protection is interrupted. Whenever
possible, all unaffected portions of the system should
be kept in service. Until protection is restored, haz-
ardous processes or operations should be sus-
pended and alternative special protection should be
considered in addition to an approved fire watch.
The code text only addresses when a required sys-
tem is placed out of service. However, if a system is
in place, even though it is not required by the code or
the IBC, it would be an appropriate courtesy to inform
the fire department of any fire protection system
being discontinued or temporarily taken out of ser-
vice. If the nonrequired system is to be placed out of
service for an extended period of time, the code offi-
cial has the authority to address the condition under
Section 901.4.5 of the IFC and require that the sys-
tem be either placed back into operation or removed
so as not to create a false impression of protection.
[F] 704.3.1 Emergency impairments. Where unplanned
impairments of fire protection systems occur, appropriate
emergency action shall be taken to minimize potential injury
and damage. The impairment coordinator shall implement the
steps outlined in Section 901.7.4 of the International Fire
Code.
❖ Unplanned impairments, of course, go beyond typical
testing and maintenance procedures but are also not
necessarily indicative of a fire event. For example, an
unplanned emergency impairment might occur if a
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FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
sprinkler head or pipe was found leaking or was acci-
dentally impacted by a fork-lift truck. To reduce water
damage and to repair the sprinkler system, the valve
controlling the water supply to the affected area
would need to be closed, thereby impairing protection
to the area protected by that portion of the sprinkler
system. The impairment coordinator must follow the
procedures in Section 901.7.4 of the IFC to restore
protection in minimum time.
[F] 704.4 Removal of or tampering with equipment. It
shall be unlawful for any person to remove, tamper with or
otherwise disturb any fire hydrant, fire detection and alarm
system, fire suppression system or other fire appliance
required by this code except for the purposes of extinguishing
fire, training, recharging or making necessary repairs.
❖Tampering with or unauthorized alteration of any fire
protection system or component is illegal. A person
who unlawfully tampers with equipment could face
potential criminal charges. Tampering could include
intentionally pulling a manual fire alarm box when no
emergency exists, playing with matches to set off a
smoke detector or flowing a city fire hydrant. The use
of fire protection systems, equipment and other fire
appliances is limited to those people authorized to
conduct repairs and maintenance unless approved by
the code official.
[F] 704.4.1 Removal of or tampering with appurtenances.
Locks, gates, doors, barricades, chains, enclosures, signs, tags
and seals that have been installed by or at the direction of the
fire code official shall not be removed, unlocked, destroyed
or tampered with in any manner.
❖ Removing or vandalizing appurtenances that are in
place to prevent tampering with the system compo-
nents is also prohibited. For example, sprinkler sys-
tem control valves are routinely chained and locked in
the open position in addition to being equipped with
electronically monitored tamper switches. Gates at
fire apparatus roads, authorized by Section 503.6
must not have the locks changed or operation altered
unless approved by the fire code official. Any unau-
thorized removal or tampering with these types of
devices is strictly prohibited.
[F] 704.4.2 Removal of existing occupant -use hose lines.
The fire code official is authorized to permit the removal of
existing occupant -use hose lines where all of the following
apply:
1. The installation is not required by the International
Fire Code or the International Building Code.
2. The hose line would not be utilized by trained person-
nel or the fire department.
3. The remaining outlets are compatible with local fire
department fittings.
❖ The current IFC and IBC do not require occupant -use
hoses in as many locations as were required in previ-
ous editions of the codes and referenced standards.
There also has been a shift in the philosophy of fire
service leaders as to whether occupants should
attempt to extinguish the fire via occupant -use hose
stations or evacuate the structure. Most of the popu-
lation is now being taught to evacuate the building,
not to fight the fire. This shift is mainly due to the
safety risk of having an untrained person attempting
to fight a fire with more than a fire extinguisher.
Another consideration was the ongoing cost to build-
ing owners to comply with maintenance and testing
requirements for the hoses and their racks. Many
jurisdictions have enacted local legislation or code
changes to address this issue, and the addition of this
new section updates the code to reflect conventional
wisdom on this topic. This section provides safe-
guards in the form of several conditions for the fire
code official to consider in formulating an approval for
removal of occupant -use hoses. The first condition
makes common sense where a new building of the
same characteristics would not be required to have
hose stations installed. The second condition
assumes there is not a fire brigade on the premises
trained to use the hose stations as first responders in,
for example, an industrial setting. Condition 2 also
recognizes that fire departments typically will not use
private hose stations for fire attack due to the ques-
tionable quality of their maintenance. Condition 3 was
included to ensure that any remaining outlets are
useable by the fire department by requiring that their
threads be compatible with local fire department fire
hose fittings, such as American National Fire Hose
Connection Screw Thread (NH).
[F] 704.4.3 Termination of monitoring service. For fire
alarm systems required to be monitored by the International
Fire Code, notice shall be made to the fire code official
whenever alarm monitoring services are terminated. Notice
shall be made in writing by the provider of the monitoring
service being terminated.
❖This section requires the monitoring service itself to
notify the fire code official of service being termi-
nated. Although the ultimate responsibility rests with
the building owner, he or she is not cited in this sec-
tion since if they discontinued the service, they would
likely not understand the implications, and if they did
would have no incentive to contact the fire code offi-
cial.
[F] 704.5 Fire department connection. Where the fire
department connection is not visible to approaching fire
apparatus, the fire department connection shall be indicated
by an approved sign mounted on the street front or on the side
of the building. Such sign shall have the letters "FDC' not
less than 6 inches (152 mm) high and words in letters not less
than 2 inches (51 mm) high or an arrow to indicate the loca-
tion. Such signs shall be subject to the approval of the fire
code official.
❖ The section acknowledges that fire department con-
nections (FDCs) on existing buildings are not always
readily visible from the street or nearest point of fire
department vehicle access. In those instances, the
location of the connection must be clearly marked
with signage. The FDC may be located on the side of
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'TTISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
the building or in an alley, not visible to arriving fire-
fighting forces. A sign is necessary so that those driv-
ing the arriving apparatus know where to maneuver
the vehicle to get close to the FDC. This language is
also found in Section 912.2.2 of the IBC.
[F] 704.5.1 Fire department connection access. Ready
access to fire department connections shall be maintained at
all times and without obstruction by fences, bushes, trees,
walls or any other fixed or movable object. Access to fire
department connections shall be approved by the fire chief.
Exception: Fences, where provided with an access gate
equipped with a sign complying with the legend require-
ments of Section 912.5 of the International Fire Code and
a means of emergency operation. The gate and the means
of emergency operation shall be approved by the fire chief
and maintained operational at all times.
❖The FDC must be readily accessible to fire fighters
and allow fire -fighting personnel an adequate area to
maneuver a hose for the connection. Landscaping
design must not block a clear view of the FDC from
arriving fire department vehicles. Depending on the
type of landscaping materials, an active maintenance
program may be necessary to maintain ready access
over time. This section also recognizes that the
obstructing objects regulated here can be either fixed
or movable (outdoor furnishings, shopping cart queue
areas, etc.). Note that no specific dimension is given.
This performance language avoids previous misinter-
pretations that the code intended to allow obstruc-
tions to FDC access as long as they were kept 3 feet
(914 mm) away. Since fireground operations are
based on local operational procedures, it is only rea-
sonable that the fire chief of thejurisdiction have final
approval authority over the access to the FDC.
The exception recognizes the practical fact that
sometimes, security or other considerations make
installation of a fence around a building necessary as
long as the fence meets the stated criteria. The sign
requirement is intended to provide a visual location
cue to approaching fire apparatus where the height of
the fence may obscure the visibility of the FDC.
[F] 704.5.2 Clear space around connections. A working
space of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in width, 36 inches
(914 mm) in depth and 78 inches (1981 mm) in height shall
be provided and maintained in front of and to the sides of
wall -mounted fire department connections and around the
circumference of free-standing fire department connections.
❖ Care must be taken so that fences, utility poles, barri-
cades and other obstructions do not prevent access
to and use of FDCs. A clear space of 3 feet (914 mm)
must be maintained in front of and to either side of
wall -mounted FDCs and around free-standing FDCs
to allow easy hose connections to the fitting and effi-
cient use of spanner wrenches and other tools
needed by the apparatus engineer.
Though not specifically mentioned in this section, it
is also important that FDCs be installed with the hose
connections well above adjoining grade to accommo-
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
date the free turning of a spanner wrench when con-
necting hoses to the FDC.
[F] 704.6 Single- and multiple -station smoke alarms. Sin-
gle- and multiple -station smoke alarms shall be installed in
existing Group I-1 and R occupancies in accordance with
Sections 704.6.1 through 704.6.3.
❖This section introduces the requirements for the
installation of smoke alarms in existing Group 1-1 and
R occupancies. These requirements recognize the
benefit of installing smoke alarms in existing struc-
tures, but provide several exceptions for buildings
that are not undergoing substantial renovations.
These provisions also correlate with Section 704.2 for
single- or multiple -station smoke alarm requirements
for existing Group R dwellings.
[F] 704.6.1 Where required. Existing Group I-1 and R occu-
pancies shall be provided with single -station smoke alarms in
accordance with Sections 704.6.1.1 through 704.6.1.4. Inter-
connection and power sources shall be in accordance with
Sections 704.6.2 and 704.6.3.
Exceptions:
1. Where the code that was in effect at the time of con-
struction required smoke alarms and smoke alarms
complying with those requirements are already pro-
vided.
2. Where smoke alarms have been installed in occu-
pancies and dwellings that were not required to have
them at the time of construction, additional smoke
alarms shall not be required provided that the exist-
ing smoke alarms comply with requirements that
were in effect at the time of installation.
3. Where smoke detectors connected to a fire alarm
system have been installed as a substitute for smoke
alarms.
❖This section requires that Group 1-1 and R occupan-
cies without smoke alarms be provided with single -
station smoke alarms. Reference is made to Sections
704.6.1.1 through 704.6.1.4 for the primary location
requirements. Three exceptions are also provided to
address possible scenarios where smoke alarms
have already been installed but the installation does
not meet the current code requirements. These
exceptions recognize the code permits existing
smoke alarm installations to continue unchanged
where they meet the code that was in effect at the
time they were installed.
Exception 1 indicates that smoke alarms which
have been installed and maintained in accordance
with the applicable code at the time of construction
can continue unchanged. Exception 2 indicates that
smoke alarms, which were not required by the code
at the time of construction, but were later installed,
can continue where they meet the requirements of
the applicable code at the time of installation. Excep-
tion 3 indicates that smoke detectors connected to a
fire alarm system may be used in lieu of smoke
alarms.
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In summary, this section requires the installation of
smoke alarms in Group I-1 and R occupancies that
do not currently have any smoke alarms. It does not
mandate compliance with current smoke alarm
requirements if the building already has smoke
alarms meeting the requirements applicable when
they were installed. The focus here is not to have the
owner replace or revise his or her smoke alarms any
time the code requirements for new construction
change.
[F] 704.6.1.1 Group R-1. Single- or multiple -station smoke
alarms shall be installed in all of the following locations in
Group R-1:
1. In sleeping areas.
2. In every room in the path of the means of egress from
the sleeping area to the door leading from the sleeping
unit.
3. In each story within the sleeping unit, including base-
ments. For sleeping units with split levels and without
an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a
smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice
for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower
level is less than one full story below the upper level.
❖ Because the occupants of a sleeping unit or suite
may be asleep and unaware of a fire developing in
the room or in the egress path, single- or multiple -sta-
tion smoke alarms must be provided in the sleeping
unit and in any intervening room between the sleep-
ing unit and the exit access door from the room. If the
sleeping unit or suite involves more than one level, a
smoke alarm must also be installed on every level.
See the commentary to Section 202 definition of
"Sleeping unit."
Smoke alarms are required in split-level arrange-
ments, except those that meet the conditions
described in Item 3. In accordance with Section
704.6.2, all smoke alarms within a sleeping unit or
suite must be interconnected so that actuation of one
alarm will actuate the alarms in all smoke alarms
within the sleeping unit or suite.
[F] 704.6.1.2 Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1. Single- or mul-
tiple -station smoke alarms shall be installed and maintained
in Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and I-1 regardless of occupant load
at all of the following locations:
1. On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping
area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms.
2. In each room used for sleeping purposes.
3. In each story within a dwelling unit, including base-
ments but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable
attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels
and without an intervening door between the adjacent
levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall
suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the
lower level is less than one full story below the upper
level.
❖ Because the occupants of a dwelling unit may be
asleep and unaware of a fire developing in the room
or in an area within the dwelling unit that will affect
their ability to escape, single- or multiple -station
smoke alarms must be installed in every bedroom, in
the vicinity of all bedrooms (e.g., hallways leading to
the bedrooms) and on each story of the dwelling unit
(see the commentary to Section 202 for the definition
of "Dwelling unit').
If a sprinkler system was installed throughout the
building in accordance with NFPA 13, 13R or 13D, if
applicable, smoke alarms would still be required in
the bedrooms even if residential sprinklers were
used.
Smoke alarms are required in split-level arrange-
ments. As required by Section 704.6.2, all smoke
alarms within a dwelling unit must be interconnected
so that actuation of one alarm will actuate the alarms
in all detectors within the dwelling unit.
These provisions do not apply to one- and two-fam-
ily dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses) not more than three stories in height
with a separate means of egress that are regulated
by the IRC. The IRC is intended to be a stand-alone
document, but, if the residential units do not fall within
the scope of the IRC or for other reasons are
intended to be subject to this code, the requirements
of this section would apply. IFC Committee Interpre-
tation No. 42-03 addresses this condition and con-
tains additional explanatory information about the
IRC and its relationship to the other lntemational
Codes.
Although the occupants of a sleeping unit in a
Group 1-1 occupancy may be asleep, they are still
considered capable of self-preservation. Regardless,
smoke alarms are required in sleeping units.
[F] 704.6.1.3 Installation near cooking appliances. Smoke
alarms shall not be installed in the following locations unless
this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm in a location
required by Section 704.6.1.1 or 704.6.1.2.
1. Ionization smoke alarms shall not be installed less than
20 feet (6096 m) horizontally from a permanently
installed cooking appliance.
2. Ionization smoke alarms with an alarm -silencing
switch shall not be installed less than 10 feet (3048
mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking
appliance.
3. Photoelectric smoke alarms shall not be installed less
than 6 feet (1829 mm) horizontally from a permanently
installed cooking appliance.
❖ This section and the following section are intended to
reduce nuisance alarms attributed to locating smoke
alarms in close proximity to cooking appliances and
bathrooms in which steam is produced. The provi-
sions are consistent with similar requirements
included in Section 29.8.3.4 of the 2010 and 2013
editions of NFPA 72.
[F] 704.6.1.4 Installation near bathrooms. Smoke alarms
shall be installed not less than 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally
from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bath -
7 -12 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
11 1 CopyagbtO@zN8ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby G,,goryJo...(Eowapd�blm oh,P.(-)O,d¢N=b¢x,008-97 oc Mar 06%MO 0447 AM (PST) Mt,mmt to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICG No
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ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
tub or shower unless this would prevent placement of a
smoke alarm required by Section 704.6.1.1 or 704.6.1.2.
❖ See the commentary to Section 704.6.1.3.
[F] 704.6.2 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke
alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling
or sleeping unit, the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in
such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate
all of the alarms in the individual unit. Physical interconnec-
tion of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wire-
less alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation
of one alarm. The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bed-
rooms over background noise levels with all intervening
doors closed.
Exceptions:
1. Interconnection is not required in buildings that are
not undergoing alterations, repairs or construction
of any kind.
2. Smoke alarms in existing areas are not required to
be interconnected where alterations or repairs do
not result in the removal of interior wall or ceiling
finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an
attic, crawl space or basement available that could
provide access for interconnection without the
removal of interior finishes.
❖The installation of smoke alarms in areas remote
from the sleeping area will be of minimal value if the
alarm is not heard by the occupants. Interconnection
of multiple smoke alarms within an individual dwelling
unit or sleeping unit is required in order to alert a
sleeping occupant of a remote fire within the unit
before the combustion products reach the smoke
alarm in the sleeping area and thus provide additional
time for evacuation.
The term "interconnection" refers to either hard-
wired systems or listed wireless systems. UL has
listed smoke detectors that use this technology. It is
presumed that on safely evacuating the unit or room
of fire origin, an occupant will notify other occupants
by actuating the manual fire alarm system or using
other available means.
Exception 1 exempts buildings that are not under-
going any new work (alterations, additions, repairs,
etc.) from providing interconnection between smoke
alarms. This is to recognize that interconnection
could require removal and replacement of interior fin-
ishes.
Exception 2 exempts areas of buildings that are not
being altered or repaired to result in the removal of
interior finishes. Where interior finishes are being
removed, interconnection is required.
[F] 704.6.3 Power source. Single -station smoke alarms shall
receive their primary power from the building wiring pro-
vided that such wiring is served from a commercial source
and shall be equipped with a battery backup. Smoke alarms
with integral strobes that are not equipped with battery
backup shall be connected to an emergency electrical system.
Smoke alarms shall emit a signal when the batteries are low.
FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting
switch other than as required for overcurrent protection.
Exceptions:
1. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery
operated in existing buildings where construction is
not taking place.
2. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery
operated in buildings that are not served from a
commercial power source.
Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery
operated in existing areas of buildings undergoing
alterations or repairs that do not result in the
removal of interior walls or ceiling finishes expos-
ing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space
or basement available that could provide access for
building wiring without the removal of interior fin-
ishes.
❖Smoke alarms are required to use AC as a primary
power source and battery power as a secondary
source to improve their reliability. For example, during
a power outage, the probability of fire is increased
because of the use of candles or lanterns for tempo-
rary light. Required backup battery power is intended
to provide continued functioning of the smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms are commonly designed to emit a
recurring signal when batteries are low and need to be
replaced.
Certain occupancies may already have an emer-
gency electrical system in the building to monitor other
building system conditions. The emergency electrical
system provides a level of reliability equivalent to bat-
tery backup.
Exception 1 allows DC power operation only where
no construction work is being done.
Exception 2 allows DC power operation only where
buildings do not have commercial electrical service.
Exception 3 allows DC operation only in areas of
buildings that are not being altered or repaired to
result in the removal of interior finishes. Where interior
finishes are being removed, DC powerwill be required
unless Exception 2 is met.
[F] 704.6.4 Smoke detection system. Smoke detectors listed
in accordance with UL 268 and provided as part of the build-
ing's fire alarm system shall be an acceptable alternative to
single- and multiple -station smoke alarms and shall comply
with the following:
1. The fire alarm system shall comply with all applicable
requirements in Section 907 of the International Fire
Code.
2. Activation of a smoke detector in a dwelling or sleep-
ing unit shall initiate alarm notification in the dwelling
or sleeping unit in accordance with Section 907.5.2 of
the International Fire Code.
3. Activation of a smoke detector in a dwelling or sleeping
unit shall not activate alarm notification appliances out-
side of the dwelling or sleeping unit, provided that a
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 7-13
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FIRE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
supervisory signal is generated and monitored in accor-
dance with Section 907.6.6 of the International Fire
Code.
❖This section specifically allows the use of an auto-
matic smoke detection system as an alternative to
smoke alarms. In the past, when this concept was
proposed it was only specifically allowed through the
alternative method and materials approach (see Sec-
tion [A] 105.2 of the code), because in concept it pro-
vides the same level of protection. Such systems
provide the same safety features necessary for occu-
pants but are simply part of a fire alarm system. Note
that if a detector activates within a sleeping or dwell-
ing unit, the occupant notification system is not
intended to activate. This is consistent with the opera-
tion of smoke alarms. Item 3 specifically requires the
notification to be only to occupants of the sleeping
unit or dwelling unit.
[F] 704.7 Single- and multiple -station smoke alarms. Sin-
gle- and multiple -station smoke alarms shall be tested and
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. Smoke alarms that do not function shall be replaced.
Smoke alarms installed in one- and two-family dwellings
shall be replaced not more than 10 years from the date of
manufacture marked on the unit, or shall be replaced if the
date of manufacture cannot be determined.
❖This section states that smoke alarms shall be
replaced when they fail to respond to operability
tests, or when they exceed 10 years from the date of
manufacture, unless an earlier replacement is speci-
fied in the manufacturer's published instructions. The
replacement of smoke alarms when they exceed 10
years from the date of manufacture is considered to
be an operational and maintenance requirement for
new and existing smoke alarms and not a construc-
tion requirement. It is the intent of this section to
maintain a fully operational smoke alarm system, and
the 10 -year replacement criterion is a maximum
equipment life span.
SECTION 705
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS AND DETECTION
[F] 705.1 General. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be
installed in dwellings in accordance with Section 1103.9 of
the International Fire Code, except that alarms in dwellings
covered by the International Residential Code shall be
installed in accordance with Section R315 of that code.
❖This section correlates the requirements for mainte-
nance of carbon monoxide alarms and detection sys-
tems in IFC Section 915.6, as referenced in Section
1103.9 of that code. NFPA 720 is the referenced stan-
dard for maintenance of these devices.
[F] 705.2 Carbon monoxide alarms and detectors. Carbon
monoxide alarms and carbon monoxide detection systems
shall be maintained in accordance with NFPA 720. Carbon
monoxide alarms and carbon monoxide detectors that
become inoperable or begin producing end -of -life signals
shall be replaced.
❖ This section is simply a reference to the maintenance
requirements of NFPA 720. In addition, when detec-
tors become inoperable or start producing end -of -life
signals, they are required to be replaced.
Bibliography
The following resource materials were used in the
preparation of the commentary for this chapter of the
code:
IBC -2018, International Building Code. Washington,
DC: International Code Council, 2017.
IFC -2018, International Fire Code. Washington, DC:
International Code Council. 2017.
7-14 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
1 I'IlCopyagbtO@zN8ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby G,,goryJo...(Eowapd�blm oh�ss).(-)O,d¢Numb¢x,oo8-97 oc Mar o6%MO oa 47 AM(PST)pu�rvPot to Lime Ag,,Attt ICG No
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ISA VIOLATION OP THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
Chapter 8:
Referenced Standards
General Comments
Chapter 8 contains a comprehensive list of all standards
that are referenced in the code. It is organized in a man-
ner that makes it easy to locate specific references.
This chapter lists the standards that are referenced in
various sections of this document. The standards are
listed herein by the promulgating agency of the stan-
dard, the standard identification, the effective date and
title and the section or sections of this document that
reference the standard. The application of the refer-
enced standards shall be as specified in Section 102.7.
It is important to understand that not every document
related to building design and construction is qualified to
be a "referenced standard." The ICC has adopted a cri-
terion that standards referenced in the International
Codes' (I -Codes) and standards intended for adoption
into the I -Codes must meet in order to qualify as a refer-
enced standard. The policy is summarized as follows:
Code references: The scope and application of the
standard must be clearly identified in the code text.
Standard content: The standard must be written in
mandatory language and appropriate for the sub-
ject covered. The standard shall not have the
effect of requiring proprietary materials or prescrib-
ing a proprietary testing agency.
Standard promulgation: The standard must be
readily available and developed and maintained in
a consensus process such as ASTM or ANSI.
The ICC Code Development Procedures, of which the
standards policy is a part, are updated periodically. A
copy of the latest version can be obtained from the ICC
offices.
Once a standard is incorporated into the code through
the code development process, it becomes an enforce-
able part of the code. When the code is adopted by a
jurisdiction, the standard also is part of thatjurisdiction's
adopted code. It is for this reason that the criteria were
developed. Compliance with this policy provides that
documents incorporated into the code are developed
through the use of a consensus process, are written in
mandatory language and do not mandate the use of
proprietary materials or agencies. The requirement for a
standard to be developed through a consensus process
is vital, as it means that the standard will be representa-
tive of the most current body of available knowledge on
the subject as determined by a broad spectrum of inter-
ested or affected parties without dominance by any sin -
gle interest group. A true consensus process has many
attributes, including, but not limited to:
An open process that has formal (published) pro-
cedures that allow for the consideration of all view-
points.
A definitive review period that allows for the stan-
dard to be updated or revised.
A process of notification to all interested parties.
An appeals process.
Many available documents related to plumbing sys-
tem design, installation and construction, though useful,
are not "standards," and are not appropriate for refer-
ence in the code. Often, these documents are devel-
oped or written with the intention of being used for
regulatory purposes, and are unsuitable for use as a
regulation due to extensive use of recommendations,
advisory comments and nonmandatory terms. Typical
examples of such documents include installation
instructions, guidelines and practices.
The objective of the ICC's standards policy is to pro-
vide regulations that are clear, concise and enforceable;
thus the requirement for standards to be written in man-
datory language. This requirement is not intended to
mean that a standard cannot contain informational or
explanatory material that will aid the user of the stan-
dard in its application. When it is the desire of the stan-
dard's promulgating agency for such material to be
included, however, the information must appear in a
nonmandatory location, such as an annex or appendix,
and be clearly identified as not being part of the stan-
dard.
Overall, standards referenced by the code must be
authoritative, relevant, up to date and, most important,
reasonable and enforceable. Standards that comply
with ICC's standards policy fulfill these expectations.
Purpose
As a performance -oriented code, the code contains
numerous references to documents that are used to
regulate materials and methods of construction. The ref-
erences to these documents within the code text consist
of the promulgating agency's acronym, its publication
designation (e.g., IBC) and a further indication that the
document being referenced is the one that is listed in
Chapter 8. Chapter 8 contains all of the information that
is necessary to identify the specific referenced docu-
2018 IBC° CODE and COMMENTARY 8-1
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
REFERENCED STANDARDS
ment. Included is the following information on a docu-
ment's promulgating agency (see Figure 8):
The promulgating agency (i.e., the agency's title)
• The promulgating agency's acronym.
• The promulgating agency's address.
For example, a reference to an ICC standard within
the code indicates that the document is promulgated by
the International Code Council° (ICC'), which is located
in Washington, D.C. Chapter 8 lists the standards agen-
cies alphabetically for ease of identification.
Chapter 8 also includes the following information on the
referenced document itself (see Commentary Figure 8):
The document's publication designation
• The document's edition year.
• The document's title.
PROMULGATING
AGENCY'S
ACRONYM
ICC
PROMULGATING
AGENCY'S ADDF
Any addenda or revisions to the document known
at the time of the code's publication.
Every section of the code in which the document is
referenced.
The heading designations are listed in alphabetical
order. In this case, there is only one referenced in Com-
mentary Figure 8.
Chapter 8 identifies that ICC, IBC -18 is titled the inter-
national Building Code', the applicable edition (i.e., its
year of publication) is 2018 and it is referenced in four
specific sections of the code.
The key aspect of the manner in which standards are
referenced by the code is that a specific edition of a
specific standard is clearly identified. In this manner, the
requirements necessary for compliance can be readily
determined. The basis for code compliance is, there-
fore, established and available on an equal basis to the
code official, contractor, designer and owner.
PROMULGATING
AGENCY'S TITLE
International Code Council
500 New Jersey Avenue, NW
6th Floor
IBC -18: International Building Code®
102.3, 201.3, 304.1.1, 305.1.1, 306.1.1, 401.3, 604.3.1.1, 604.3.2.1,
702.3, 703.7, 704.1.2, 704.4.2
EDITION
YEAR TITLE OF STANDARD
PUBLICATION SECTION(S) OF THE
CODE IN WHICH THE
DESIGNATION STANDARD IS
REFERENCED
Commentary Figure 8
REFERENCED STANDARDS
Washington, DC 20001
8-2 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
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ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
REFERENCED STANDARDS
User note:
About this chapter. This code contains numerous references to standards promulgated by other organizations that are used to provide
requirements for materials and methods of construction. Chapter 8 contains a comprehensive list of all standards that are referenced in this
code. These standards, in essence, are part of this code to the extent of the reference to the standard.
This chapter lists the standards that are referenced in various sections of this document, The standards are listed herein by the promulgating
agency of the standard, the standard identification, the effective date and title and the section or sections of this document that reference the
standard. The application of the referenced standards shall be as specified in Section 102,7
ASMEAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
Two Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016-5990
ASME A171-2016/CSA B44-16: Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
606.1
ASTM M ASTM International
100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700
West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
F1346-91 (2010): Performance Specifications for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas
and Hot Tubs
//�� //��
303.2
1CCInternational Code Council
500 New Jersey Avenue, NW
6th Floor
Washington, DC 20001
IBC -18: International Building Code®
102.3, 201.3, 304.1.1, 305.1.1, 306.1.1, 401.3, 604.3.1.1, 604.3.2.1, 702.3, 704.4.2
IECC-18: International Energy Conservation Code®
102.3
IEBC-18: International Existing Building Code®
102.3, 201.3, 304.1.1, 305.1.1, 306.1.1
IFC -18: International Fire Code®
102.3, 201.3, 604.3.1.1, 702.1, 702.2, 704.1, 704.1.2, 704.1.3, 704.3, 704.3.1,
704.4.2, 704.4.3, 704.5.1, 704.6.4, 705.1
IFGC-18: International Fuel Gas Code®
102.3, 201.3
IMC -18: International Mechanical Code®
102.3, 201.3
IPC -18: International Plumbing Code®
102.3, 201.3, 502.5, 505.1, 505.5.1, 602.2, 602.3
IRC -18: International Residential Code®
102.3, 201.3
IZC-18: International Zoning Code®
102.3, 201.3
NFPA
10-17: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
Table 704.2
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169-7471
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY 8-3
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
REFERENCED STANDARDS
N F PA—continued
12-15: Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
Table 704.2
12A-15: Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems
Table 704.2
17-17: Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems
Table 704.2
17A-17: Standard for Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems
Table 704.2
25-17: Standard for the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water -Based Fire Protection Systems
Table 704.2
70-17: National Electrical Code
102.3, 201.3, 604.2
72-16: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
Table 704.2
80-16: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
703.3.3, 703.4
105-16: Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives
703.3.2
204-15: Standard for Smoke and Heat Venting
Table 704.2
720-15: Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection and Warning Equipment
[171 705.2
750-14: Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems
Table 704.2
2001-15: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
Table 704.2
UL
268-09: Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems
704.6.4
Underwriters Laboratories, LLC
333 Pflngsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60062
8-4 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
" ' CopyaghtOoz.01.0ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby G,,goryJo...a twapd�blm oh�ss). (-)O,d¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar o6%MO 0447 AM (PST) Mt,mmt b Lime Ag,e^ ,^^M ICC No
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TLITIISA VIOLATION OP THE FED REAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
Appendix A:
Boarding Standard
User Note:
Appendix provides minimum specifications for boarding a structure. This can he utilized by ajunsdiction as a set of minimum requirements in
order to result in consistent boarding quality. These requirements also provide a reasonable means to eliminate having to approve numerous
methods or materials for the boarding and securing of a structure. It is important to note that the provisions of Appendix A are not mandatory
unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance ofthejunsdiction having authority.
The provisions contained in this appendix are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopting ordinance.
A101
GENERAL
A101.1 General. Windows and doors shall be boarded in an
approved manner to prevent entry by unauthorized persons
and shall be painted to correspond to the color of the existing
structure.
A102
MATERIALS
A102.1 Boarding sheet material. Boarding sheet material
shall be minimum '/2 -inch -thick (12.7 mm) wood structural
panels complying with the International Building Code.
A102.2 Boarding framing material. Boarding framing
material shall be minimum nominal 2 -inch by 4 -inch (51 mm
by 102 mm) solid sawn lumber complying with the Interna-
tional Building Code.
A102.3 Boarding fasteners. Boarding fasteners shall be
minimum'/g-inch-diameter (9.5 mm) carriage bolts of such a
length as required to penetrate the assembly and as required
to adequately attach the washers and nuts. Washers and nuts
shall comply with the International Building Code.
A103
INSTALLATION
A103.1 Boarding installation. The boarding installation
shall be in accordance with Figures A103.1(1) and A103.1(2)
and Sections A103.2 through A103.5.
A103.2 Boarding sheet material. The boarding sheet mate-
rial shall be cut to fit the door or window opening neatly or
shall be cut to provide an equal overlap at the perimeter of the
door or window.
A103.3 Windows. The window shall be opened to allow the
carriage bolt to pass through or the window sash shall be
removed and stored. The 2 -inch by 4 -inch (51 mm by 102
mm) strong back framing material shall be cut minimum 2
inches (51 mm) wider than the window opening and shall be
placed on the inside of the window opening 6 inches (152
mm) minimum above the bottom and below the top of the
window opening. The framing and boarding shall be pre-
drilled. The assembly shall be aligned and the bolts, washers
and nuts shall be installed and secured.
A103.4 Door walls. The door opening shall be framed with
minimum 2 -inch by 4 -inch (51 mm by 102 mm) framing
material secured at the entire perimeter and vertical members
at a maximum of 24 inches (610 mm) on center. Blocking
shall also be secured at a maximum of 48 inches (1219 mm)
on center vertically. Boarding sheet material shall be secured
with screws and nails alternating every 6 inches (152 mm) on
center.
A103.5 Doors. Doors shall be secured by the same method as
for windows or door openings. One door to the structure shall
be available for authorized entry and shall be secured and
locked in an approved manner.
A104
REFERENCED STANDARD
IBC18 International Building Code A102.1,
A102.2, A102.3
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY APPENDIX A-1
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ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
APPENDIX A
3/e" carriage bolts.
Bolts shall be long enough to extend from the
exterior plywood through the interior plywood
and strong backs and fastened from the interior
OSB.
xcks
ks
Bolts shall be long enough to extend from the
exterior plywood through the interior plywood
and strong backs and fastened from the interior
with a nut.
FIGURE A103.1(1)
BOARDING OF DOOR OR WINDOW
V2 INCH CDX PLYWOOD OR PERFORMANCERATEDOBS SHALLBE SECURED
TO HEADER, BSE PLATE, STUDS, STILES,AND EDGE BLOCKING USING ALTERNATE
SCREWS AND NAILS AT A MAXIMUM OF 6 INCHES O.C.
2 INCH x 4INCH EDGE BLOCKING
EITHER HORIZONTALLY OR VERTICALLY
ALONG EDGE OF EACH SHEET OF
PLYWOOD OR OSB.
For SI 1 Inch -254 mm.
INCH x 4 INCH HEADER
INCH x 4 INCH STILE
DOOR WALL FRAME
i
e ,2 INCH x 4 INCH BASE PLATE
2 INCH x 4 INCH STUDS
SPACED 24 INCHES ON CENTER
FIGURE A103.1(2)
BOARDING OF DOOR WALL
APPENDIX A-2 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
" ' C,gbt OOzo,e ICG ALL RIGHTS RESERVED .A—LPdby GregoryJo...hEowapd�blm oh,ss).(-)Ord¢Nw,i*1008-97 oc Mar 06, m00447 AM (PST) purrvant to Lime Ago—,Adc ICC No
r I ( Ard—rep,od,Noaoofiu ,,,,Fod,No,,byany ,dputyo,ia,i tocmWo,,md 9cgle,ss¢ody,oycgmd,G o,H,gp,okbJzd ANYVNAIITHOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBIITIOI
ISA VIOLATION 01 THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
►e1
/210143 *&�
INDEX
Emergency egress ........................702
102.10
From bedrooms .......................
404.4.2
Plumbing fixtures, access for cleaning ........504.2
202
To public way ...........................702.1
105.2
Toilet room as passageway ................503.1
104.1, 105.2
Water closet ..........................
404.4.3
ADJACENT
105.6
Privacy (hotel units, rooming units) ...........
404.1
ADMINISTRATION
605.3
Scope.................................101.2
503.1
AGENT (See also OPERATOR, OWNER)
105.2
Definition ................................
202
AIR
603.6
Combustion air ..........................603.5
308.3.1
AISLES
105.1
Minimum width ..........................702.2
105.4
ALTERATION
506.1
Applicability of other codes.................102.3
401.3
Inspection..............................104.2
402.3
Prosecution.............................106.3
Unlawful acts ...........................106.1
302.8
ANCHOR
Anchored, definition .......................
202
Architectural trim .........................304.8
Signs, marquees and awnings ..............304.9
Unsafe conditions ......................
304.1.1
APPEAL
Application .............................111.1
Board decision ..........................111.6
Board of appeals ........................111.2
Court review ............................111.7
Disqualification ........................
111.2.3
Financial interest ......................
111.2.3
Hearing, emergency orders ................109.6
Membership ............................111.2
Notice of appeal .........................111.1
Postponed hearing .......................111.5
Records ...............................104.6
Right to appeal ..........................111.1
Vote ..................................111.6
APPLIANCE
Cooking .........................
403.3, 602.2
Mechanical.............................603.1
APPLICABILITY
Application of references ..................102.9
General................................102.1
Other laws ............................
102.10
Referenced codes and standards...........
102.7
APPROVAL
202
Alternatives ............................
105.2
Authority .........................
104.1, 105.2
Modifications ...........................
105.1
Research reports .......................
105.6
Used material and equipment ..............
105.4
APPROVED
605.3
Alternative materials, methods and
503.1
equipment ...........................
105.2
Definition ................................
202
Energy conservation devices ..............
603.6
Garbage storage facilities ................
308.3.1
Modifications ...........................
105.1
Used materials and equipment .............
105.4
ARTIFICIAL
506.1
Lighting of habitable rooms ................
401.3
Lighting of other spaces ..................
402.3
AUTOMOBILE
Motor vehicles ..........................
302.8
AWNING
Signs, marquees and awnings .............
304.9
-YA1141430111
Handrails and guardrails .................
304.12
BASEMENT
Definition ................................
202
Hatchways ...........................
304.16
Windows .............................
304.17
BATHROOM
Common bathrooms ................
502.3, 503.1
Hotels ................................
502.3
Lighting ...............................
605.3
Locks .................................
503.1
Outlets required ........................
605.2
Privacy ...............................
503.1
Ventilation .............................
403.2
BATHTUB
Dwelling units ..........................
502.1
Rooming houses ........................
502.2
Sewage system .........................
506.1
Water -heating facilities ...................
505.4
Water system ..........................
505.1
BOARDING
Boarding standard ...................
Appendix A
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY INDEX -1
I I I I Co VYghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby Y,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh,P. (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar 06%MO 0447 AM (PST) MYV,PY to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICC No
( 'OP,'.epod,oaoofiu ,,,,Fod,. o,,byany ,dPartyo, ia,i to,,,6o,,md &,g,�ss,ody,o y,gmd,G o,Hcg FokbJzd ANYVNAVTHOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
INDEX
BOILER
Unsafe equipment ..................... 108.1.2
Heating facilities .............. 602.2, 602.3, 602.4
CAR (See AUTOMOBILE)
Membership of board of appeals ............
CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS AND DETECTION
Installation .............................
705.1
Maintenance ...........................
705.2
CEILING
Basement rooms ........................
404.3
Fire -resistance ratings ....................
703.1
Interior surfaces .........................
305.3
Minimum height .........................
404.3
Sleeping rooms .........................
404.3
CHANGE, MODIFY
107.6
Application of other codes .................
102.3
CHIMNEY
111.2, 111.6
Exterior structure .......................
304.11
Flue ............................
603.2, 603.3
CLEANING
Access for cleaning ......................
504.2
Disposal of garbage ......................308.3
Disposal of rubbish ......................
308.2
Interior and exterior sanitation ..............
308.1
Interior surfaces .........................
305.3
Plumbing facilities, maintained .............
504.1
Required plumbing facilities .................
502
Responsibility of persons ..................
305.1
Trash containers ......................
308.3.2
Vacant structures and land ................
301.3
CLEARANCE
106.1
Heating facilities .........................
603.3
Plumbing fixtures ........................
504.2
CLOSING
505.4
Streets................................109.3
505.1
Vacant structures ........................
108.2
CLOTHES DRYER
101.2
Exhaust...............................403.5
CODE OFFICIAL
308.3.2
Condemnation ..........................108.1
308.2.1
Demolition ..............................
110
Duties ..................................
104
Emergency order .........................
109
Enforcement authority ....................
104.1
Failure to comply with demolition order.......
110.3
Identification ............................
104.3
Inspections.............................104.2
Liability, relief of personal ..................
103.4
Membership of board of appeals ............
111.2
Notice of violation ....................
104.5, 107
Notices and orders ........................
107
Official records ..........................104.6
Personal liability .........................
103.4
Placarding .............................108.4
Prosecution ............................106.3
Removal of placard ....................
108.4.1
Right of entry ...........................
104.3
Transfer of ownership ....................
107.6
Vacant structures ........................
108.2
Voting of appeals board .............
111.2, 111.6
COMBUSTION
Combustion air ..........................
603.5
COMPONENT SERVICEABILITY
Unsafe conditions ......................
306.1.1
CONDEMNATION
Closing of vacant structures ................
108.2
Failure to comply ........................
110.3
General...............................108.1
Notices and orders .................
108.2, 108.3
Placarding .............................108.4
Removal of placard ....................
108.4.1
CONFLICT
Conflict of interest .....................
111.2.3
Violations ..............................
106.1
CONNECTION
Sewage system .........................
506.1
Water heating ...........................
505.4
Water system ...........................
505.1
CONSTRUCTION
Existing structures .......................
101.2
CONTAINER
Garbage .............................
308.3.2
Rubbish storage .......................
308.2.1
CONTINUOUS
Unobstructed egress .....................
702.1
CONTROL
Rodent control ....................
302.5, 304.5
Safety controls ..........................
603.4
Weed.................................302.4
COOLING
Cooling towers .........................
304.11
CORRIDOR
Accumulation of rubbish ...................
308.1
Light..................................402.2
Lighting fixtures .........................
605.3
Obstructions ......................
702.1, 702.2
Ratings maintained .......................
703
INDEX -2 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
I I CopyaghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby G,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh�ss). (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar o6%MO 0447 AM (PST) Mt,mmt to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICC No
IITL4 I ( fiuih¢�ep4odw.tioaoo fiuih¢�ep4odw.tio¢tbyanylhudParty o�Aatri60tiocaNho4isd&,g,,,ody,oycgmd,Go,Hcg,okbJzdANY.N HOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OP THE PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
DAMP,DAMPNESS
Roofs .................................304.7
506
Window, door frames ....................304.13
702.4
DANGEROUS, HAZARDOUS
702.1
Condemnation ..........................108.1
304.9
Demolition ...............................
110
Electrical hazards.................604.3,
604.3.1
Existing remedies ........................102.4
403.4
Imminent danger ..........................202
305.5, 307.1
Unsafe equipment .....................
108.1.2
Unsafe structures or premises ............
108.1.5
DECKS
604.1
Handrails and guardrails ..................304.12
602
Maintenance .....................
304.2, 304.10
DEMOLITION
604.1
Existing remedies ........................102.4
604.3
Failure to comply ........................110.3
605.1
General.................................110
605.3
Order .................................110.2
604.3, 605.2
Salvage materials ........................110.4
601.2
DETECTORS
604.2
Smoke .................................704
Condemnation ..........................
DETERIORATION
General ...............................
Components of systems .................
306.1.1
Definition ................................
202
Exterior structure ......................
304.1.1
Exterior walls ...........................304.6
Emergency measures ......................109
DIRECT
Emergency orders .......................
Egress ................................702.1
ENFORCEMENT
DISPOSAL
Duties and powers ........................104
Disposal of garbage ......................308.3
Scope ................................
Disposal of rubbish .......................308.2
EQUIPMENT
DOOR
Alternative .............................
Exit doors..............................702.3
Combustion air .........................
Fire...................................703.2
Hardware .............................304.15
Insect screens .........................304.14
Interior surfaces .........................305.3
Locks ..........................
304.15, 702.3
Maintenance ....................
304.13, 304.15
Weather tight ..........................304.13
Window and door frames .................304.13
DORMITORY (ROOMING HOUSE, HOTEL, MOTEL)
Locked doors ...........................702.3
Privacy ..........................
503.1, 503.2
DRAFT STOPPING
Maintenance ..........................
703.3.1
DRAIN, DRAINAGE
Basement hatchways ....................304.16
INDEX
Plumbing connections ......................
506
Storm drainage ...........................507
702.4
DUCT
702.1
Exhaust duct ...........................
304.9
Duct systems ............................
607
DUST
702.1
Process ventilation ......................
403.4
DWELLING
305.5, 307.1
Cleanliness .......................
305.1,308.1
Definition................................202
604.3.2
Electrical ..............................
604.1
Heating facilities ..........................
602
Required facilities .........................
502
E
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Aisles ................................
702.2
Emergency escape ......................
702.4
General ...............................
702.1
Lighting ...............................
402.2
Locked doors ..........................
702.3
Obstructions prohibited ...................
702.1
Stairs, porches and railings ...............
304.10,
305.4,
305.5, 307.1
ELECTRIC, ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Abatement of hazards, fire exposure .......
604.3.2
Abatement of hazards, water exposure
..... 604.3.1
Condemnation ..........................
108.1
Electrical equipment ..................
604.3.1.1
Facilities required .......................
604.1
Hazards ...............................
604.3
Installation .............................
605.1
Lighting fixtures .........................
605.3
Receptacles ......................
604.3, 605.2
Responsibility ..........................
601.2
Service ...............................
604.2
ELEVATOR, ESCALATORS, DUMBWAITERS
Condemnation ..........................
108.1
General ...............................
606.1
Maintenance ......................
606.1,606.2
EMERGENCY
Emergency escape openings ..............
702.4
Emergency measures ......................109
Emergency orders .......................
109.1
ENFORCEMENT
Duties and powers ........................104
Scope ................................
101.2
EQUIPMENT
Alternative .............................
105.2
Combustion air .........................
603.5
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY INDEX -3
I I I I Co VYghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED .A-LPdby Y,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh,P. (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar 06, V20 0447 AM (PST) MYV,PY to Lime Ag, - ,^^M ICC No
( 'OP,'.epod,oaoofiu ,,,,Fod,. o,,byany ,dPartyo, ia,i to,,,6o,,md &,g,�ss,ody,o y,gmd,G o,Hcg FokbJzd ANYVNAVTHOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
I S A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
INDEX
Condemnation ...................
108.1.2, 108.3
Electrical installation .....................
605.1
Emergency order ........................
109.1
Energy conservation devices ...............
603.6
Installation .............................
603.1
Interior structure .........................
305.1
Placarding .......................
108.4, 108.5
Prohibited use ..........................
108.5
Responsibility ...........................
601.2
Safety controls ..........................
603.4
Scope.................................101.2
704.1.2, 704.2.2
Scope, mechanical and electrical ...........
601.1
Support, definition ........................
202
Unsafe ..............................
108.1.2
Used .................................105.4
704.1, 704.1.3, 704.2
EXHAUST
Clothes dryer ...........................
403.5
Exhaust ducts ..........................
304.9
Process ventilation .......................
403.4
EXISTING
703.3.1
Remedies..............................102.4
703.3.3
Scope.................................101.2
703.3.3
Structural members ...............
304.1.1, 304.4
Structures .............................101.3
703.4
EXTERIOR
Decorative features ......................
304.8
Exterior structure .........................
304
Exterior walls ...........................
304.6
Painting .........................
304.2, 304.6
Rodent harborage .................
302.5, 304.5
Sanitation ..............................
304.1
Scope.................................301.1
404.4.1
Stair.................................304.10
703.1
Street numbers .........................
304.3
Unsafe conditions .....................
304.1.1
Weather tight ..........................
304.13
F
;TA 01
Exhaust vents ..........................302.6
704.5.1, 704.5.2
FEES, EXPENSES, COST
Closing vacant structures .................
108.2
Demolition ..................
110.1, 110.3, 110.4
Extermination.......... 309.2,
309.3, 309.4, 309.5
General...............................103.5
704.1, 704.1.3, 704.2
Relief from personal liability ................
103.4
FENCE
704.1, 704.1.3, 704.2
Accessory .............................302.7
704.3
Maintenance ...........................
304.2
FIRE
704.1.2, 704.2.2
Blocking Maintenance ..................
703.3.1
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Connection access ..............
704.5.1, 704.5.2
Connections............................704.5
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Emergency impairments ................
704.3.1
Equipment ...............704.4,
704.4.1, 704.4.2
Inspection .................
704.1, 704.1.3, 704.2
Installation ...........................
704.1.1
Maintenance ...............
704.1, 704.1.3, 704.2
Out of service ...........................
704.3
Records of maintenance ................
704.2.1
Required systems ..............
704.1.2, 704.2.2
Smoke alarms ..........................704.6
Smoke detections systems ..............
704.6.4
Termination of service ..................
704.4.3
Testing ...................
704.1, 704.1.3, 704.2
FIRE -RESISTANCE RATINGS
Ceilings ...............................703.5
Draft stopping ........................
703.3.1
Fire barriers ..........................
703.3.3
Fire blocking .........................
703.3.1
Fire partitions .........................
703.3.3
Fire walls ............................
703.3.3
Maintenance ...........................703.3
Opening protective .......................
703.4
Shafts.................................703.7
Smoke barriers ........................
703.3.2
Smoke partitions ......................
703.3.2
Unsafe conditions ........................703.2
FLAMMABLE LIQUID
Containers ...........................
108.1.2
FLOOR, FLOORING
Area for sleeping purposes ..............
404.4.1
Fire -resistance ratings ....................
703.1
I nterior surfaces ...................
305.1, 305.3
Space requirements ...............
404.4.1, 404.6
FOOD PREPARATION
Cooking equipment ......................
403.3
Sanitary condition ..................
305.1, 404.7
Ventilation .............................403.4
FOUNDATION
Condemnation ........................
108.1.1
Foundation walls ........................
304.5
Unsafe conditions ...............
304.1.1, 305.1.1
FRAME
Window and door frames .................
304.13
G
GAS
Energy conservation devices ............... 603.6
Exhaust vents...........................302.6
INDEX -4 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
I I CoV`,ghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby G,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh�ss). (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar o6%MO 0447 AM (PST) Mt,mmt to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICC No
IITL4 I ( fiuih¢�ep4odw.tioaoo fiuih¢�ep4odw.tio¢tbyanylhudParty o�Aatri60tiocaNho4isd&,g,,,ody,oycgmd,Go,Hcg,okbJzdANY.N HOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OP THE PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
GLAZING
Materials ............................
304.13.1
GRADE
402
Drainage ...........................
302.2,507
GUARD
605.3
Anchorage and maintenance ..............304.12
502
Basement windows ....................
304.18.2
Definition ................................
202
r
:Fell=31/ell=319
Definition ................................
202
Light ...................................
402
Minimum ceiling height....................404.3
108.1.3
Minimum room width .....................404.2
605.3
Required plumbing facilities .................
502
Residential heating facilities..........
602.2, 602.3
Space requirements ....................
404.4.1
Ventilation ...............................
403
HANDRAILS AND GUARDRAILS
309
Handrails ..................304.12,
305.5, 307.1
Stairs and porches ......................304.10
104.2
HARDWARE
104.3
Door hardware ...................
304.15, 702.3
Openable windows ....................
304.13.2
HAZARDOUS (See DANGEROUS, HAZARDOUS)
HEAT, HEATING
Records ...............................
Energy conservation devices ...............603.6
INTENT
Fireplaces..............................603.1
Code .................................
Heating................................603.1
INTERIOR
Mechanical equipment ....................603.1
Interior structure ..........................
Required capabilities ......................
602
Residential heating .................
602.2, 602.3
Supply.................................602.3
Sanitation .............................
Water heating facilities ....................505.4
Unsafe conditions ......................
Water system ............................
505
HEIGHT
Minimum ceiling height....................404.3
HOT (See HEAT, HEATING)
HOTELS, ROOMING HOUSES AND DORMITORY
UNITS, MOTELS
Definition ................................
202
Locked doors ...........................702.3
Required facilities .........................
502
Toilet rooms .............................
503
HOUSEKEEPING UNIT
Definition ................................
202
INDEX
IDENTIFICATION
Code official ...........................
104.4
INFESTATION
404.2
Condemnation .........................
108.1.3
Definition................................202
605.3
Insect and rodent ...........
302.5, 304.14, 309.1
INSECTS
Infestation .............................
309.1
Insect screens .........................
304.14
Pest elimination ...........................
309
INSPECTIONS
General ...............................
104.2
Right of entry ...........................
104.3
INSPECTOR
Identification ...........................
104.4
Inspections ............................
104.2
Records ...............................
104.6
INTENT
Code .................................
101.3
INTERIOR
Interior structure ..........................
305
Interior surfaces ........................
305.3
Means of egress ..........................702
Sanitation .............................
305.1
Unsafe conditions ......................
305.1.1
J
JURISDICTION
Title .................................. 101.1
-19
11143:Ig01
Electrical outlets required .................
605.2
Minimum width .........................
404.2
Prohibited use .........................
404.4.4
Room lighting ..........................
605.3
Water heating facilities ...................
505.4
L
Will 0111110110
Handrails and guards ................... 304.12,
305.5, 306.1
Maintenance ..................... 304.10,305.4
LAUNDRY
Room lighting .......................... 605.3
Water -heating facilities ................... 505.4
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY INDEX -5
I 1 1 1 Co VYght Ooz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Aro dby Y,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh,P. (-)O,d¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar 06, V20 0447 AM (PST) MYV,PY to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICC No
( 'OP,'.epod,oaoofiu ,,,,Fod,. o,,byany ,dPartyo, ia,i to,,,6o,,md &,g,�ss,ody,o y,gmd,G o,Hcg FokbJzd ANYVNAVTHOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
INDEX
LAVATORY
Hotels.................................502.3
404.4.1
Required facilities ........................
502
Rooming houses ........................
502.2
Sanitary drainage system ..................
506
Water -heating facilities ...................
505.4
Water system ............................
505
LEASE (SELL, RENT)
107
Heat supplied ...........................
602.3
Salvage materials .......................
110.4
Transfer of ownership ....................
107.6
LIEN
107.6
Closing of vacant structures ...............
108.2
Demolition .............................
110.3
Failure to comply ........................
110.3
LIGHT, LIGHTING
404.3
Common halls and stairways.........
402.2, 605.3
General ................................
402
Habitable rooms .........................
402.1
Kitchen................................605.3
111.1
Laundry rooms ..........................
605.3
Luminaires.............................605.3
Other spaces...........................402.3
Responsibility ...........................
401.2
Scope.................................101.2
Toilet rooms............................605.3
LIVING ROOM
Room area ...........................
404.4.1
LOAD, LOADING
Elevators, escalators and dumbwaiters.......
606.1
Handrails and guardrails ...........
304.12, 305.5
Live load ........................
304.4, 305.2
Stairs and porches ................
304.10, 305.2
Structural members ................
304.4, 305.2
M
MAINTENANCE
404.4.1
Required ..............................102.2
401.3, 403
MATERIAL
Alternative .............................105.2
Salvage ...............................110.4
Used .................................105.4
107.3
MEANS OF EGRESS (See EGRESS)
107
MECHANICAL
107.1
Installation .............................
603.1
Responsibility ...........................
601.2
Scope.................................601.1
107.6
Ventilation, general .......................
403
Ventilation, toilet rooms ...................
403.2
MINIMUM
Ceiling height ...........................
404.3
Room area ...........................
404.4.1
Room width ............................404.2
401.3, 403
MODIFICATION
Approval...............................105.1
MOTEL (See HOTELS)
MOTOR VEHICLES
107.3
Inoperative.............................302.8
107
Painting ...............................302.8
107.1
T
01 Fill I111]:7e1I
Lighting ............................
401.3, 402
Ventilation .........................
401.3, 403
NOTICES AND ORDERS
Appeal................................111.1
Form..................................107.2
Method of service ........................
107.3
Orders .................................
107
Owner, responsible person ................
107.1
Penalties ..............................107.5
703.4.3
Placarding of structure ....................
108.4
Transfer of ownership ....................
107.6
Unauthorized tampering ...................
107.4
Vacating structure .......................
108.2
NOXIOUS
Process ventilation .......................
403.4
Weeds................................302.4
NUISANCE
Closing of vacant structures ................
108.2
F
A]=1911.1110110701
Light..................................402.1
Right of entry ...........................
104.3
OCCUPANCY (See USE)
OPENABLE
Locked doors...........................702.3
Windows .......................
304.13.2, 403.1
OPENING PROTECTIVES
Closers ...............................703.8
Door operation .......................
703.4.3
Hold -open devices .....................
703.4.2
Maintenance............................703.4
Signs ...............................
703.4.1
Testing................................703.6
OPERATOR
Definition ...............................
202
ORDER (See NOTICE)
ORDINANCE, RULE
Applicability .............................
102
Application for appeal .....................
111.1
INDEX -6 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
I I CopyaghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby G,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh�ss). (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar o6%MO 0447 AM (PST) Mt,mmt to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICC No
IITL4 I ( fiuih¢�ep4odw.tioaoo fiuih¢�ep4odw.tio¢tbyanylhudParty o�Aatri60tiocaNho4isd&,g,,,ody,oycgmd,Go,Hcg,okbJzdANY.N HOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OP THE PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
OUTLET
504.2
Electrical ...............................605.2
505.1
OWNER
505.2
Closing of vacant structures ................108.2
503.3
Definition ................................
202
Demolition ...............................
110
Failure to comply ........................110.3
501.2
Insect and rat control ..........302.5,
309.2, 309.4
Notice ...........................
107.1, 108.3
Pest elimination .........................309.2
Placarding of structure ....................108.4
505.3
Responsibility ...........................301.2
505.4
Responsibility, fire safety ..................701.2
202
Responsibility, light, ventilation..............401.2
304.14, 309.1
Responsibility, mechanical and electrical
......601.2
Responsibility, plumbing facilities ............
501.2
Right of entry ...........................104.3
309.4, 309.5
Rubbish storage .......................
308.2.1
Scope.................................101.2
505.3
Transfer of ownership .....................107.6
i
]e1cl-fe[51 A4r/e\ I
Common hall and stairway .................402.2
504.2
Interior surfaces .........................305.3
505.1
Toilet rooms, direct access.................503.1
505.2
PENALTY
503.3
Notices and orders .......................107.5
504.1
Placarding of structure ....................108.4
502
Prohibited occupancy .....................108.5
501.2
Removal of placard .....................
108.4.1
Scope.................................101.2
501.1
Violations ..............................106.4
PEST ELIMINATION
505.3
Condemnation ..........................108.1
505.4
Definition ................................
202
Insect and rodent control 302.5, 304.5,
304.14, 309.1
Pest elimination .........................309.1
304.10
Responsibility of owner ..............
301.2, 309.2
Responsibility of tenant-occupant.309.3,
309.4, 309.5
PLACARD,POST
Closing................................108.2
505.3
Condemnation ..........................108.1
Demolition ...............................
110
Emergency, notice .......................109.1
404.1
Notice to owner ....................
107.1, 108.3
Placarding of structure ....................108.4
506.1
Prohibited use...........................108.5
503.1
Removal.............................108.4.1
505.1
PLUMBING
Clean and sanitary .......................504.1
308.1
INDEX
Clearance .............................
504.2
Connections ...........................
505.1
Contamination ..........................
505.2
Employee's facilities .....................
503.3
Fixtures ...............................
504.1
Required facilities .........................
502
Responsibility ..........................
501.2
Sanitary drainage system ...................
506
Scope ................................
501.1
Storm drainage ...........................507
Supply ................................
505.3
Water heating facilities ...................
505.4
PORCH
Handrails .............................
304.12
Structurally sound ......................
304.10
PORTABLE (TEMPORARY)
Cooking equipment ......................
603.1
PRESSURE
Water supply ...........................
505.3
PRIVATE, PRIVACY
Bathtub or shower .......................
503.1
Occupancy limitations ....................
404.1
Required plumbing facilities .................
502
Sewage system .........................
506.1
Water closet and lavatory .................
503.1
Water system ..........................
505.1
PROPERTY, PREMISES
Cleanliness .......................304.1,
308.1
Condemnation ............................
108
Definition................................202
Demolition...............................110
Emergency measures ......................109
Exterior areas ............................302
Failure to comply ........................
110.3
Grading and drainage ....................
302.2
Pest elimination, multiple occupancy ...
302.5, 309.4
Pest elimination, single occupancy.....
302.5, 309.3
Responsibility ..........................
301.2
Scope ................................
301.1
Storm drainage ...........................507
Vacant structures and land ................
301.3
PROTECTION
Basement windows .....................
304.17
Fire protection systems .....................
704
Signs, marquees and awnings .............
304.9
PUBLIC
Cleanliness .......................304.1,
305.1
Egress ................................
702.1
Hallway ...............................
502.3
Sewage system .........................
506.1
Toilet facilities ......................
502.5, 503
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY INDEX -7
I I I I C,TVYghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED .A--dby Y,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh,P. (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar 06%MO 0447 AM (PST) MYV,PY to Lime Ag, - ,^^M ICC No
( A.Oo,'.epod,oaoofiu ,,,,Fod,. o,,byany ,dPartyo, ia,i to,,,6o,,md &,g,�ss,ody,o y,gmd,G o,Hcg FokbJzd ANYVNAVTHOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
INDEX
Vacant structures and land ................ 301.3
Water system ............................ 505
PUBLIC WAY
Definition ............................... 202
T
RAIN (PREVENTION OF ENTRY INTO BUILDING
EXTERIOR ENVELOPE)
Condemnation ...........................
Basement hatchways ....................
304.16
Exterior walls ...........................
304.6
Grading and drainage ....................
302.2
Roofs.................................304.7
Insect and rodent control ..................
Window and door frames .................
304.13
RECORD
ROOF
Official records ..........................
104.6
REPAIR
Roofs.................................304.7
Application of other codes .................
102.3
Chimneys .............................
304.11
Demolition .............................
110.1
Exterior surfaces ........................
304.1
Intent.................................101.3
Direct access...........................503.2
Maintenance ...........................
102.2
Signs, marquees and awnings ..............
304.9
Stairs and porches ......................
304.10
Weather tight ..........................
304.13
Workmanship...........................102.5
Minimum width ..........................
REPORTS
Overcrowding...........................404.5
Test reports ..........................
105.3.2
RESIDENTIAL
Temperature............................602.5
Pest elimination ..........................
309
Residential heating ......................
602.2
Scope.................................101.2
ROOMING HOUSES (See DORMITORY)
RESPONSIBILITY
RUBBISH
Pest elimination ..........................
309
Fire safety .............................
701.2
Garbage disposal ........................
308.3
General...............................301.2
Garbage facilities ......................
Mechanical and electrical .................
601.2
Persons...............................301.1
Placarding of structure ....................
108.4
Plumbing facilities .......................
501.2
Rubbish storage .......................
308.2.1
Scope ...........................
101.2, 301.1
REVOKE, REMOVE
Demolition ..............................
110
Existing remedies .......................
102.4
Removal of placard ....................
108.4.1
Rubbish removal ......................
308.2.1
RIGHT OF ENTRY
Duties and powers of code official...........
104.3
Inspections.............................104.2
RODENTS
Basement hatchways ....................
304.16
Condemnation ...........................
108
Foundations............................304.5
Guards for basement windows .............
304.17
Harborage .............................302.5
Insect and rodent control ..................
309.1
Pest elimination .....................
302.5, 309
ROOF
304.1
Exterior structure ........................
304.1
Roofs.................................304.7
302.1
Storm drainage ...........................
507
ROOM
Bedroom and living room ..................
404.4
Cooking facilities ........................
403.3
Direct access...........................503.2
Habitable ..............................
402.1
Heating facilities ..........................
602
Light ...................................
402
Minimum ceiling heights ...................
404.3
Minimum width ..........................
404.2
Overcrowding...........................404.5
Prohibited use ........................
404.4.4
Temperature............................602.5
Toilet ..................................
503
Ventilation ..............................
403
ROOMING HOUSES (See DORMITORY)
RUBBISH
Accumulation ...........................
308.1
Definition ...............................
202
Disposal...............................308.2
Garbage facilities ......................
308.3.1
Rubbish storage .......................
308.2.1
SAFETY,SAFE
Fire safety requirements .......
701, 702, 703, 704
Safety controls ..........................
603.4
SANITARY
Cleanliness .......................
304.1, 305.1
Disposal of garbage ......................308.3
Disposal of rubbish .......................308.2
Exterior property areas ....................
302.1
Exterior structure ........................
304.1
Food preparation ........................404.7
Furnished by occupant ....................
302.1
Grease interceptors ......................
506.3
I nterior surfaces .........................305.3
Plumbing fixtures ........................
504.1
Required plumbing facilities .................
502
Scope.................................101.2
INDEX -8 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
I I CopyaghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.A-LPdby G,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh�ss). (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar o6%MO 0447 AM (PST) Mt,mmt to Lime Ag, - ,^^M ICC No
IITL4 I ( fiuih¢�ep4odw.tioaoo fiuih¢�ep4odw.tio¢tbyanylhudParty o�Aatri60tiocaNho4isd&,g,,,ody,oycgmd,Go,Hcg,okbJzdANY.N HOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OP THE PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
SCREENS
Insect screens .........................304.14
402
SECURITY
403
Basement hatchways ..................
304.18.3
Building ..............................304.18
404.1
Doors ..............................
304.18.1
Vacant structures and land.................301.3
Windows............................304.18.2
304.11
SELF-CLOSING SCREEN DOORS
Insect screens .........................304.14
402.2
SEPARATION
305.4
Fire -resistance ratings .....................
703
Privacy ................................404.1
304.12, 305.5
Separation of units .......................404.1
605.3
SERVICE
304.10
Electrical ...............................604.2
Method................................107.3
102.7
Notices and orders .................
107.1, 108.3
Service on occupant ......................108.3
112.1
SEWER
112.3
General................................506.1
112.4
Maintenance............................506.2
112.2
SHOWER
Bathtub or shower .......................502.1
404.7
Rooming houses .........................502.2
308.3
Water -heating facilities ....................505.4
308.2.1
Water system ............................
505
SIGN
Fire door signs ........................
703.4.1
Signs, marquees and awnings ..............304.9
108.2
Unauthorized tampering ...................107.4
202
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
Extermination ............................309
110
SINK
304.1
Kitchen sink ............................502.1
305.1
Sewage system ..........................506
108.4
Water supply............................505.3
301.1
SIZE
304.4, 305.2
Efficiency unit ...........................404.6
301.3
Habitable room, light .......................
402
Habitable room, ventilation ..................
403
Room area ...........................
404.4.1
SMOKE ALARMS
505.4
Group R-1 ...........................704.6.1.1
505.3
Groups R-2, R-3, R-4 and 1-1 ............704.6.1.2
505
Installation near bathrooms .............704.6.1.4
Installation near cooking appliances .......
704.6.1.3
Interconnection .......................704.6.2
305.3
Power source .........................
704.6.3
Testing ................................704.7
303.2
Where required ........................
704.6.1
INDEX
SPACE
General, light .............................
402
General, ventilation ........................
403
Occupancy limitations ......................404
Privacy ...............................
404.1
Scope ................................
401.1
STACK
Smoke ...............................
304.11
STAIRS
Common halls and stairways, light..........
402.2
Exit facilities ...........................
305.4
Exterior property areas ...................
302.3
Handrails ........................
304.12, 305.5
Lighting ...............................
605.3
Stairs and porches .....................
304.10
STANDARD
Referenced ............................
102.7
STOP WORK ORDER
Authority ..............................
112.1
Emergencies ...........................
112.3
Failure to comply ........................
112.4
Issuance ..............................
112.2
STORAGE
Food preparation ........................
404.7
Garbage storage facilities .................
308.3
Rubbish storage facilities ................
308.2.1
Sanitation .............................
308.1
STRUCTURE
Accessory structures .....................
302.7
Closing of vacant structures ...............
108.2
Definition ................................
202
Emergency measures ......................109
General, condemnation .....................
110
General, exterior ........................
304.1
General, interior structure .................
305.1
Placarding of structure ...................
108.4
Scope ................................
301.1
Structural members .................
304.4, 305.2
Vacant structures and land ................
301.3
SUPPLY
Combustion air .........................
603.5
Public water system .....................
505.1
Water -heating facilities ...................
505.4
Water supply ...........................
505.3
Water system ............................
505
SURFACE
Exterior surfaces ...................
304.2, 304.6
Interior surfaces ........................
305.3
SWIMMING
Enclosure .............................
303.2
Safety covers ..........................
303.2
Swimming pools ........................
303.1
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY INDEX -9
I I I I Co VYght Ooz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Aro dby G,egoryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh,P. (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar 06, V20 0447 AM (PST) MYV,PY to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICC No
( 'OP,'.epod,oaoofiu ,,,,Fod,. o,,byany ,dPartyo, ia,i to,,,6o,,md 9cgle�ss,ody,o y,gmd,G o,Hcg FokbJzd ANYVNAVTHOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
INDEX
III
11:1Ji1»:7e\11J:79
Nonresidential structures ..................
602.4
Residential buildings .....................
602.2
Water -heating facilities ...................
505.4
TENANT
108.6
Scope.................................101.2
108.1.5
TEST, TESTING
108.1.2
Agency ..............................
105.3.1
Methods .............................
105.3.1
Reports .............................
105.3.2
Required ..............................105.3
107, 108.3
TOXIC
403
Process ventilation .......................
403.4
TRASH
403.4
Rubbish and garbage .....................
308
oil
1101101 1:11101A
Access to public way .....................
702.1
General, egress .........................
702.1
UNSAFE STRUCTURES AND EQUIPMENT
108.2
Abatement methods ......................
108.6
Dangerous structure or premises .........
108.1.5
Equipment ...........................
108.1.2
Existing remedies .......................
102.4
General, condemnation ................
108, 110
General, demolition .......................
110
Notices and orders ...................
107, 108.3
Record................................108.7
403
Structures ...........................
108.1 .1
USE
403.4
Application of other codes .................
102.3
General, demolition .......................
110
UTILITIES
304.16
Authority to disconnect .................
108.2.1
1T1
V/iT400111
Abatement methods ......................
108.6
Authority to disconnect service utilities .....
108.2.1
Closing of vacant structures ...............
108.2
Emergency measure ......................
109
Method of service .................
107.3, 108.3
Notice to owner or to
304.5
person responsible .................
107, 108.3
Placarding of structure ....................
108.4
Record................................108.7
603.5
Vacant structures and land ................
301.3
VAPOR
403
Exhaust vents ..........................302.6
403.1
VEHICLES
Inoperative.............................302.8
Painting ...............................302.8
VENT
302.7
Plumbing hazard ........................
504.3
Exhaust vents...........................302.6
304.6
Flue ..................................603.2
304.5
VENTILATION
703.1
Clothes dryer exhaust ....................
403.5
Combustion air ..........................
603.5
Definition ...............................
202
General, ventilation .......................
403
Habitable rooms .........................
403.1
Process ventilation .......................
403.4
Recirculation .....................
403.2, 403.4
Toilet rooms............................403.2
VERMIN
304.16
Condemnation ...........................
108
Insect and rodent control ..............
302.5, 309
VERTICAL SHAFTS
Required enclosure ......................
703.7
VIOLATION
Condemnation ...........................
108
Enforcement ............................
106.2
General ................................
106
Notice .............................
107,108.3
Separate offenses .......................
106.4
Placarding of structure ....................
108.4
Prosecution ............................106.3
Strict liability offense .................
106.3, 202
Transfer of ownership ....................
107.6
n
ITITIA
Sidewalks..............................302.3
WALL
Accessory structures .....................
302.7
Exterior surfaces ..................
304.2, 304.6
Exterior walls ...........................
304.6
Foundation walls ........................
304.5
General, fire -resistance rating ..............
703.1
Interior surfaces .........................
305.3
Outlets required .........................
605.2
Temperature measurement ................
602.5
WASTE
Disposal of garbage ......................308.3
Disposal of rubbish .......................308.2
Garbage storage facilities ...............
308.3.1
WATER
Basement hatchways ....................
304.16
Connections............................506.1
INDEX -10 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
I I CoV`,ghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby G,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh�ss). (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar o6%MO 0447 AM (PST) Mt,mmt to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICC No
IITL4 I ( fiuih¢�ep4odw.tioaoo fiuih¢�ep4odw.tio¢tbyanylhudParty o�Aatri60tiocaNho4isd&,g,,,ody,oycgmd,Go,Hcg,okbJzdANY.N HOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OP IML PBDBBAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
INDEX
Contamination ..........................505.2
General, sewage .........................506
General, storm drainage ....................
507
General, water system .....................
505
Heating................................505.4
Hotels.................................502.3
Kitchen sink ............................502.1
Nonpotable water reuse ............505.5,
505.5.1
Required facilities .........................
502
Rooming houses .........................502.2
Supply.................................505.3
System .................................505
Toilet rooms .............................
503
Water -heating facilities ....................505.4
WEATHER, CLIMATE
Heating facilities ..........................
602
WEEDS
Noxious weeds ..........................302.4
WIDTH
Minimum room width .....................404.2
WINDOW
Emergency escape .......................702.4
Glazing .............................
304.13.1
Guards for basement windows.............304.17
Habitable rooms .........................402.1
Insect screens .........................304.14
Interior surface ..........................305.3
Light ...................................
402
Openable windows ....................
304.13.2
Toilet rooms............................403.2
Ventilation ...............................
403
Weather tight ..........................304.13
Window and door frames .................304.13
WORKMANSHIP
General................................102.5
2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY INDEX -11
I I I I Co VYghtOoz.010ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ar LPdby Y,,goryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh,P. (-)OPd¢N=b¢*1008 97 oc Mar 06%MO 0447 AM (PST) MYV,PY to Lime Ag, ,^^M ICC No
( 'OP,'.epod,oaoofiu ,,,,Fod,. o,,byany ,dPartyo, ia,i to,,,6o,,md &,g,�ss,ody,o y,gmd,G o,Hcg FokbJzd ANYVNAVTHOR.DREPRODVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
I S A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
INDEX-12 2018 IPMC° CODE and COMMENTARY
" ' CopyagbtO@zN8ICC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED .A,aLPdby G,egoryJowa-(Eowapd�blm oh�ss).(-)O,d¢Numb¢x1oo8-97 oc Mar o6%MO oa av AM(PST)p,,mmt to Lime Ag,—,M, ICC No
S I ( Ati o,od,. oatofit ,,,,Fod,. o,,byany ,dpu. o, dim,b tocmLho,isd 9cgle�ss¢ody,o ycgmd,G o,Hcg Fokbtzd AN U.N RO
HOR.DREPDVCIIONORDISTRIBVTIOI
ISA VIOLATION OP THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT. AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER
®ICC
EVALUATION
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Invest in Your Future
Join the ICC community and get connected now
No other building code association offers more I -Code° resources and training
to help you achieve your career goals than the International Code Councils
(ICC®)
Exclusive member benefits include:
• Free I -Code Book— New Members receive a free I -Code book or download.
• Free Code Opinions — Access to expert code opinions and tech assistance.
• Earn CEUs — Get involved in the code development process, and earn valuable CEUs
for your time.
• Exclusive access — To 'Member News' articles in the Building Safety Journal.
• Member Discounts — Enjoy substantial member discounts on I -code resources, train-
ing and other products.
• Career Center — Post resumes and search for new job opportunities in the building
industry.
• Corporate and Governmental Members: Your staff can receive free benefits too.*
Coln now to get connected. There's an ICC Membership category that's right for you.
Visit www.iccsafe.orgtmem1 or please call 888 -ICC -SAFE (422-7233) x33804.
*Some restrictions apply Speak with an ICC Member Services Representative for details
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ASSESSMENT
The ICC Assessment Center (formerly known as ICC Certification & Testing) provides nationally recognized
credentials that demonstrate a confirmed commitment to protect public health, safety, and welfare. Raise the
professionalism of your department and further your career by pursuing an ICC Certification.
ICC Certifications offer:
Nationwide recognition
Increased earning potential
Career advancement
Superior knowledge
Validation of your expertise
Personal and professional satisfaction
Exams are developed and maintained to the highest standards, which includes continuous peer review by
national committees of experienced, practicing professionals. ICC is continually evolving exam offerings,
testing options, and technology to ensure that all building and fire safety officials have access to the tools and
resources needed to advance in today's fast -paced and rapidly -changing world.
Enhancing Exam Options
Effective July 2018, the Assessment Center enhanced and streamlined exam options and now offers only
computer based testing (CBT) at a test site and PRONTO. We no longer offer paper/pencil exams.
Proctored Remote Online Testing Option (PRONTO)
Taking your next ICC certification exam is more convenient, more
comfortable and more efficient than ever before with PRONTO.
PRONTO provides a convenient testing experience that is accessible
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Required hardware/
software is minimal —you will need a webcam and microphone, as
well as a reasonably recent operating system.
Whether testing in your office or in the comfort of your home, your ICC exam will continue to maintain its
credibility while offering more convenience, allowing you to focus on achieving your professional goals.
The Assessment Center continues to add exams to the PRONTO exam catalog regularly.
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