State of Virginia’s Adoption Uniform Statewide Building Code –Adopts model codes by reference Family of I Codes 2003 edition NEC 2002 edition –Statewide adoption of amendments –Uniform across State –May not be amended by City or County Expected adoption date: November 16, 2005 Mandatory enforcement after November 16, 2006.

What Codes will be adopted? Building Code (IBC 2003) Mechanical Code (IMC 2003) Plumbing Code (IPC 2003) Fuel Gas Code (IFGC 2003) Electric Code (NEC2002) Dwelling Code (IRC 2003) Energy Code (IECC 2003) Existing Building Code (IEBC 2003) Accessibility (ANSI 117) Property Maintenance Code (IPMC 2003) Virginia Construction Code (USBC2005)

Description I Codes are a family of Codes Integrated - with inter-related code provisions linked together Developed by City, County and State building safety professionals with significant input from the design community and the construction industry. Industry membership (Including HBAV) on code committees establishes a consensus-based code development process. FOR MORE INFO... (800)

Significant Changes in IRC 2003 Table R301.5 allows for attic without storage live load of 10psf. R302 Location on lot: USBC 5’ or 1 hour rating; 3’-5’ only 25% of wall permitted to have openings. Section R303.2 allows a Sunroom to provide light to interior room. Section R303.4 sets location requirements of intake and exhaust openings. R305.1 Ceiling height for bathrooms is clarified: 6’8” over fixtures. R308.4 item #9: Safety glazing is required for stair landings within 36” horizontally and 60 inches vertically of floor. R309.2 Garage separation from habitable areas with ½inch drywall on walls and 5/8 inch in floor ceiling separations. Adjacent walls supporting this must be ½ inch drywall.

Significant Changes in IRC 2003 R309.6 Automatic garage door openers must meet UL325. R310.1 Egress window requirements in basements are clarified. R Handrails required with four risers (previously three). R Access to other habitable levels must be by ramp or stair. R Handrails must be continuous for flight…terminate in newels R Handrail grip size clarified R312.1 Porches and decks with insect screening must have guards. R A 3’ X 3’ landing is required at bottom of attic stair where the room above can be habitable. R314.2 Stair riser and depth requirements remain the same: 8 ¼ inch rise; 9 inch minimum tread.

Significant Changes in 2003 IRC R317.2 Town home separation must include attached accessory structures. R323 Flood resistant requirements requires protection for mechanical and electrical systems including ductwork. As- Built drawings are now required. Section permits pre-cast concrete foundations Table R403.1 Minimum footing widths decreased. R Pier and curtain wall foundations systems are limited to two stories (without a design). Section R408.3 requires underfloor access to be 16” by 24” in wall; 18” by 24” in floor. Section R Provides a table for bolt size and spacing for deck support. Table R (1) establishes cantilever limits for floor joists. (NEW).

Significant Changes in 2003 IRC Section R502.4 Joists under bearing partitions must be sized for the load imposed (Double joists may not be enough-Beam may be needed). Table R602.3(5) Size, height and spacing of wood studs is limited to two floors and roof. R Limits drilling or notching of top plate to 50% of width. R requires 8 nails per side of strap when top plate is cut, drilled or notched over 50% of width. R prohibits water resistant Gypsum backer board over vapor retarder in tub/shower compartment. R requires special fastening methods for high wind speeds (ASTM 3161). Section R Establishes requirements for spark arrestors.

Common Code Problems Shear walls and wall bracing not being installed properly. Flood Vents not being installed; using foundation vents instead… Footings improperly dug; soil not solid. Foundation piers over 4X the height (32” for 8”) not filled. Box connection to girder missing or improper. Exterior nailing improper (6” and 12”) Excessive cutting/notching of structural members. Fireblocking missing or improperly installed. Flashing not being installed properly Pier and Curtain Wall Foundation design limited to two floors and a roof, not three floors and roof w/o design. Guards installed with improper height, intermediate picket spacing or strength. Handrails: Improper height, size of railing. Elevation certificate for BFE missing (As-built survey) Window labeling for energy code or safety glazing. Residential elevators Deck construction (Section R ) Permits for re-roofing (Required in high wind speeds)

What’s next? 2006 IRC is being printed now. State and VBCOA will begin working on adoption for next cycle immediately. Your input for State Amendments are encouraged.