IRC Code Requirements

May 10, 2002

R303 – Stairway Illumination
Interior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of each landing of the stairway. Exterior stairways shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the top landing of the stairway. Exterior stairways providing access to a basement from the outside grade level shall be provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate vicinity of the bottom landing of the stairway.

Exception: An artificial light source is not required at the top and bottom landing, provided an artificial light source is located directly over each stairway section.

R303.4.1 – Light Activation
The control for activation of the required interior stairway lighting shall be accessible at the top and bottom of each stair without traversing any step of the stair. The illumination of exterior stairs shall be controlled from inside the dwelling unit.

Exception: Lights that are continuously illuminated or automatically activated.

R308 – Additional Tempered Glass Requirements
All tempered glass to be noted on plans:

Sliding glass doors
Mirrored bi-pass doors
Mirrored bi-fold doors
Glass in doors and enclosures for showers, tubs, saunas, etc. Glass in any building wall enclosing these compartments where the bottom exposed edge is less than 60” AFF.
Glass in walls enclosing stairways or stairway landings. Glass within 60 inches of top and bottom of stairway AND less than 60 inches AFF.
Glass in individual fixed or operable panel that meets ALL of the following conditions: (308.4)
1. Exposed area of an individual pane grater than 9 square feet (0.836m2)
2. Bottom edge less than 18 inches (457 mm) above the floor.
3. Top edge greater than 36 inches (914 mm) above the floor.
4. One or more walking surfaces within 36 inches (914 mm) horizontally of the glazing.

R310.1 – Egress windows max. sill height to be 44 inches.

R311.5 – Exit Facilities
Exterior exit balconies, decks, stairs and similar exit facilities shall be positively anchored to the primary structure. (We will need to show joist hangers on any detail or section drawing that shows this situation.)

R314.6 – Circular Stairways
Circular stairs shall have a min. tread depth of 11 inches at a point 12 inches from the side where treads are narrower.
Refer to section R314.5 for new code on spiral staircases.

R315.1 – Handrails
Handrails shall be between 34 inches and 38 inches (measured vertically from nosing of tread) and shall be provided on at least one side of stairway. Handrails shall be continuous the full length of the stairway with two or more risers.

Exception:

Handrails permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a turn;
The use of a volute, turnout or starting easing shall be allowed over the lowest tread

R316.1 – Guard Requirements
Porches, balconies or raised floor surfaces more than 30 inches above the floor or grade shall have at least a 36 inches railing. Open sides of stairs with a total rise of 30 inches or more above floor or grade level shall have guards at least 34 inches.

R317.1 – Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms shall be installed in following locations:

In each sleeping room
Outside of each sleeping room
On each habitable story

Exception: Smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the lower level if it is less that one full story below the upper level and is without an intervening door between. *Add note to plan: “Smoke alarms to be installed in accordance with NFPA 72. All smoke alarms shall be interconnected so that the actuation of one alarm will activate all others.”

R602.7 – Required Header Sizes
Add new header charts to plans where needed (floor plan, floor framing, ceiling joists.)

R602.8 – Fireblocking Required
*Add note to plan: “Provide fireblocking in all areas as required in sections R602.8 by IRC 2000.”

M1305.1.3 – Appliances in Attic
Min. attic opening for appliances in attics to be 30 inches by 22 inches. Appliances to be located no more than 20 feet (measured along the center line of passageway) from opening.

M1305.1.3.1 – Electrical requirements
*Add note to plan: “Provide 110v outlet and light near HVAC unit for service. If location requires, provide two lights, one at unit and one at access opening on one switch.”

G2437.5.1 – Clothes Dryer Exhaust Maximum Length
The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 feet from the dryer location to the outlet terminal. The max. length of the duct will be reduced 2.5 feet for each 45-degree bend and 5 feet for each 90-dgree bend.

E3801.2.1 – Outlet Spacing
Receptacles shall be installed so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 feet (with doors in closed position).

E3801.2.2 – Wall Space Definition

Any space that is 2 feet or more in width (including around corners) that is unbroken along the floor line by doorways, fireplaces or similar openings.
Space occupied by fixed panels (windows) in exterior walls, excluding sliding doors.
Space created by fixed room dividers such as railings, half walls and free-standing bar type counters.

E3801.4.1 – Wall Counter Space
A receptacle outlet shall be installed at each wall counter space 12 inches or wider. Receptacle outlets shall be installed so that no point along the wall line is more than 24 inches, measured horizontally from a receptacle outlet in that space.

E3801.4.2 – Island Counter Space
At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each island counter space with a long dimension of 24 inches or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater.

E3801.4.3 – Peninsular Counter Space
At least one receptacle outlet shall be installed at each peninsular counter space with a long dimension of 24 inches or greater and a short dimension of 12 inches or greater. A peninsular countertop is measured from the connecting edge.

E3801.10 – Hallways
Hallways of 10 feet or more in length shall have at least one receptacle outlet. The hall length shall be considered the length measured along the centerline of the hall without passing through a doorway.

E3802.6 – Kitchen Receptacles
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles that serve countertop surfaces shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.

E3802.7 – Bar Sink Receptacles
All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles that serve a countertop surface, and are located within 6 feet of the outside edge of a wet bar sink shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protedtion for personnel. Receptacle outlets shall not be installed in a face-up position in the work surfaces or countertops.

E3803.3 – Additional Locations
At least one wall switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed in hallways, stairways, attached garages, and detached garages with electric power. At least one wall-switch-controlled lighting outlet shall be installed to provide illumination on the exterior side of each outdoor egress door having grade level access. A vehicle door in a garage shall not be considered as an outdoor egress door. Where lighting outlets are installed in interior stairways, there shall be a wall switch at each floor level to control the lighting outlet where the stairway has 6 or more risers.

Exception: In hallways, stairways and at outdoor egress doors, remote, central, or automatic control of lighting shall be permitted.

E3803.4 – Storage Or Equipment Spaces
In attics, under-floor spaces, utility rooms and basements, at least one lighting outlet shall be installed where these spaces are used for storage or contain equipment requiring servicing. Such lighting outlet shall be controlled by a wall switch or shall have an integral switch. At least one point of control shall be at the usual point of entry to these spaces. The lighting outlet shall be provided at or near the equipment requiring servicing.

IECC Recessed Lighting Fixture Requirements
Add note to electrical plan: Recessed lighting fixtures to be installed as required by IECC 502.1.3 (airtight cans or sealed gypsum box when piercing building envelope.