1. PERMITS & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT
ADOPTING THE
2006 INTERNATIONAL CODES
RESIDENTIAL (IRC)
COMMERCIAL (IBC)
HVAC (IMC)
PLUMBING (IPC)

2. IMPORTANT DATES To date new codes have not been adopted by BOCC
All code updates will be presented to the Commissioners for adoption and a public hearing will be held
New codes will be phased in similar to the 2003 code implementation

3. IRC 2006 SECTION 301.5 R301.5 Minimum uniformly distributed live load
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R301.5 Minimum uniformly distributed live load
Attics with limited storage 20 PSF
Attics without storage 10 PSF

4. R302.1 Exterior Wall and Opening Protection
IRC 2006 SECTION 302
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R302.1 Exterior Wall and Opening Protection
Exterior walls are now required to have a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating where the separation distance is less than 5 feet.
Unprotected openings are permitted in limited quantities for fire separation distance between 3 and 5 feet

6. IRC 2006 SECTION 310 R310.1 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings
BY LOCAL AMENDMENT
Basements in new construction and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency and rescue opening.
R310.5 Emergency Openings under decks
Emergency escape windows are allowed to be installed under decks provided the window may be fully opened and provide a path not less than 36” high to yard.

7. IRC 2006 SECTION 313 R313.1 Smoke Alarms and Fire Alarm Systems
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R313.1 Smoke Alarms and Fire Alarm Systems
All smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL217and installed in accordance with this code and NFPA72
R Smoke alarms in existing dwellings When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in an existing dwelling, the individual dwelling unit shall be provided with smoke alarms located as required for a new dwelling; the smoke alarms shall be interconnected and hard wired.

8. IRC 2006 SECTION 313.2.1 EXCEPTIONS:
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
EXCEPTIONS:
1. Interconnection and hard wiring of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where the 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.
2. Work involving exterior surfaces.

9. IRC 2006 SECTION 403
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R403 FOOTINGS
R403.1 All structures requiring continuous footings shall be reinforced with a minimum two (2) #4 reinforcing bars or as specified by a design professional.
exception: footings are not required to be continuous where changes of elevation exceed 4 ft.. Such footings shall be connected by masonry lintels with a minimum of 18” bearing on steel reinforced footings.

10. IRC 2006 SECTION 403
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R403 FOOTINGS
R Except where otherwise protected from frost, foundation walls, piers and other permanent supports of buildings and structures shall be protected from frost by one or more of the following methods:
1. Extended below the frost line specified in
Table R301.2.(1)
2. Erected on solid rock

11. IRC 2006 SECTION 400 R403.1.6 Foundation Anchorage
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R Foundation Anchorage
The wood sole plates on exterior walls on monolithic slabs and wood sill plates shall be anchored to the foundation with anchor bolts space a maximum of
4-feet (1219mm) on center.
exception:
Foundation anchorage, spaced as required to provide equivalent anchorage to ½-inch-diameter anchor bolts

12. ANCHOR BOLTS EMBEDDED
IN FOUNDATION 4FT OC MAX

13. IRC 2006 SECTION 400 R404 FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R404 FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS
R404.1 Concrete and masonry foundation walls when constructed in accordance with section 404, ACI318, ACI332, NCMA TR68-A or ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 are not required to bear the seal of the architect or engineer responsible for the design.
TABLES R404.1(1), R404.1(2), & R404.1(3) ARE DELETED
R404.3 Wood Sill plates
Wood sill plates shall be a minimum of 2-inch by 6-inch nominal lumber for basements and crawl spaces with walls with unbalanced fill greater than4-feet in height. Other plates shall be 2-inch by 4-inch.

14. IRC 2006 SECTION 400 R404.5 Retaining Walls
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R404.5 Retaining Walls
Retaining walls that are not laterally supported at the top and that retain in excess of 36-inches of unbalanced fill shall be designed to ensure stability against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation pressure, and water uplift. Retaining wall shall be designed for a safety factor of 1.5 against lateral sliding and overturning

15. IRC 2006 SECTION 400 R408 UNDER FLOOR SPACE
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R UNDER FLOOR SPACE
R408.2 Openings for under-floor ventilation shall not be less than 1 sq. ft. for each 150 sq. ft. of floor space area.
One such ventilation opening shall be within 3 ft of each corner of the building.

16. IRC 2006 SECTION 400 R408.3 Unvented Crawl Spaces
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R408.3 Unvented Crawl Spaces
Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in section R408.1 & R408.2 shall not be required where:
1. Exposed earth is covered with a continuous vapor retarder. All joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6-inches and shall be sealed or taped.The edges shall extend at least 6-inches up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall: and

17. IRC 2006 SECTION 400
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R408.3 Unvented Crawl Spaces
R408.3 (cont.)
2. One of the following is provided for the under-floor space: a. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1cfm for each 50 sq. ft. of crawl space area and the perimeter walls insulated in accordance with section N , b. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cfm per 50 sq. ft. of under-floor area and perimeter walls insulated
c. Plenum complying with N if under-floor spaces used as plenum

18. IRC 2006 SECTION 600 R613.2 Window Sills
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R Window Sills
Where window opening is > = 72” above grade :
1. Lowest part of clear opening of the window shall be a minimum of 24” above finished floor;
2. Glazing between the floor and 24” shall be fixed or have an opening such that a 4” sphere cannot pass through .
Exception:
Openings that are provided with a window guards that comply with ASTM F2006 or F2090

19. IRC 2006 SECTION 613.2

20. IRC 2006 SECTION 700 as a backer behind tiled tub and shower walls
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
R Cement, Fiber-Cement, and Glass Mat Gypsum Backers
Green Gypsum board is no longer allowed to be used
as a backer behind tiled tub and shower walls

21. IRC 2006 CHAPTER 11 MARYLAND STATE ENERGY CODE
As part of the International Energy Conservation Code the state of Maryland has adopted the Maryland Energy Code with no local amendments allowed. Washington County will perform energy code inspections, including verifying proper installation, flame and smoke developed index on insulation.
INSULATION INSPECTION WILL NOW BE REQUIRED
N Certificate
A permanent certificate shall be posted inside the electrical distribution panel completed by the builder listing:
1. R-values installed in ceiling/roof, walls, foundation, and ducts outside conditioned spaces;
2. U-values & solar heat gain coefficient of all windows
3. Type & efficiency of heating, cooling, and service water heating equipment.

22. IRC 2006 APPENDIX F Radon Control Methods
CODE SECTION DESCRIPTION
Radon Control Methods
AF101 Scope. This appendix contains requirements
For new construction in jurisdictions where radon resistance construction is required.
Exception:
Radon control methods will not be required for crawl spaces when:
1. Ventilation is provided to the outside per section &408.2
2. All penetrations through the floor/ceiling assembly comply with Section AF
3. Crawl space access is provided in accordance with AF

23. A-2 Occupancies (Restaurants, Clubs, Bars, Banquet Halls)
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
A-2 Occupancies (Restaurants, Clubs, Bars, Banquet Halls)
Shall be provided with a sprinkler system when
The fire area exceeds 5,000 sq. ft.
The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more
The fire area is on a floor other than the level of exit discharge
Exemption added to increase mezzanine size in Type I or II construction with sprinkler system & emergency communication system.
Labeling & Identification of Fire Doors
Separation of Occupancies Table Change
International Existing Building Code

24. INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
The protection of exterior egress elements to prevent the accumulation of ice and snow is no longer required.
Single means of egress from group E daycare occupancy has been reduced from 50 to 10 occupants.
Residential daycare inspection will now be done solely by Fire Marshall's Office
Chapter 11 deleted in its entirety
Replaced with the Maryland Accessibility Code

25. INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
BY LOCAL AMENDMENT
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008
ALL MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS DOING BUSINESS
IN WASHINGTON COUNTY MUST:
1. REGISTER WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
PERMITS & INSPECTIONS; AND
2. DISPLAY NAME OF LICENSEE AND REGISTRATION
NUMBER ON ALL VEHICLES
3. PAY A REGISTRATION FEE
Appeals for HVAC decisions are heard by
the Washington County Plumbing and HVAC Board

26. INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
M Service & Inspection Access
M Clear Passage Way

27. Boilers, Water Heaters, and Pressure Vessels
INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
Chapter 10
Boilers, Water Heaters, and Pressure Vessels
Section
The sale, installation,or use of outdoor wood boilers as defined and prohibited by Maryland Statute (COMAR§ ) is hereby prohibited in Washington County Maryland.

28. INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
Chapter 10

29. ELECTRICAL CODE
THE WASHINGTON COUNTY ELECTRICAL BOARD of EXAMINERS AND SUPERVISORS has recommended to the BOCC the adoption of The ICC Electrical Code 2006 Administrative Provisions.
Chapter 12 has been deleted by Local Amendment
NEC 2008 and Local amendments will be reviewed and considered for adoption next year

30. CIVIL CITATIONS
The Washington County Department of Permits & Inspections is charged with the enforcement of the Washington County building codes to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of its residents. The Code authorizes the County to establish civil penalties for violations of the code in the event a violation is not corrected in a reasonable period of time. The goal of enforcing the code through the issuance of citations is not to generate revenue, but to encourage those in violation to bring their properties into compliance with the building codes.

31. Civil Citations will only be issued for the following violations:
1. Work started without proper permits
2. Notice of stop work (Unlawful Continuance )
3. Violation of an unsafe structure posting
4. Violation of a certificate of Occupancy