Building Codes

Intended to protect the public by establishing minimum standards of

building safety.

Old National Codes

ICBO--Uniform Building Code --UBC written by International Conference of Building Officials

SBCCI—Standard Building Code—SBC written by Southern Building Code Congress International

BOCAI--Building Officials and Code Administrators International

CABO--Council of American Building Officials

International Building Code (IBC)

IRC---written by ICC an agency formed from the National Code makers: BOCAI, SBCCI, and ICBO (CABO).

Other Additional CodesEach publish guidelines for minimum property

standards for residential construction.HUD—Department of Housing and Urban

DevelopmentFHA--Federal Housing AuthorityADA--Americans with Disabilities Act

Choosing the Right CodeEach municipality adopt all or portions of a code. This could be

a state, national or International codeThe architect or engineer are responsible for conforming to and

ensuring that the structure complies with all required codes.Major codes are divided into sections that specify regulations

covering:Fire and life SafetyStructuralMechanical/PlumbingElectrical

OLD Building Code Map

Habitable SpaceUsed for sleeping, living, cooking, or dining

purposes.Non Habitable Space

closetspantriesbathshallwaysutility roomsstorage and garages

Doors RequirementsOne door 3’-0” (36”) wide and 6’-8” high,

usually the entry doorEgress--term used in most building codes to

specify areas of access or exits.

Windows RequirementsEgress below 4th floor

Minimum height size 24”50% must be operationalSill height maximum 44”

HallsStandard (minimum) 36” wideSome cases halls are laid out to be 42” wide,

usually in larger homes where extra space can be justified.

StairsWidth--36” min, sometimes 42”Headroom--6’-8” main stairsHeadroom—6’-4” basementCommon rise height

7”-7 1/2” (Max. 7 ¾”)Common tread width

10”-10 1/2” (Min. 10”)

IRC Max

Common

Placement of doors at StairwaysLanding must be as long as stairs is wide

Door not to swing over stairsFirst step not to exceed 7 ½” from floor

Wall Placement over StairsWall and Floor must not extend into Minimum

Headroom area

Room DimensionsOne room at least minimum of 120 sq ft (10’ x 12’)Other habitable rooms (except kitchen) to have a

minimum of 70 sq ft and not less than 7 feet in any direction.

Kitchens to be a minimum of 50 sq ft (CABO)

Ceiling Height of Habitable Rooms

50% of room with more than 7’-0” ceilings

Bathroom Space Requirements

Codes may differ24” in front space (FHA)21” in front space (Text)

Bathroom Space Requirements

Water Closet (Toilet) Space

30” width space minimum or 15” from center to each side

36” width preferred or 18” from center to each side

15”MINIMUM

Bathroom and LaundryVenting Requirements

Openable window or exhaust fan that can provide five air changes per hour.

Fans must be vented to outside air