General Code Requirements

 

This section contains general building requirements based upon the current referenced IRC 2006 Building Code.  Please refer to the Building Code for more detailed information.

 

This information is intended as a guide only and does not relieve the applicant from complying with all applicable code requirements.

 

            Window and Door Openings

 

·         Must be double studs

·         Must have double headers

·         All headers must be set on top of studs and must be set on edge

·         For all single window and door openings, not exceeding 48-inches, the headers shall not be less than double 2x4 supporting one floor or roof

·         For all twin openings not exceeding 72-inches, the headers shall not be less than double 2x6 supporting one floor or roof

·         All triple openings not exceeding 8 feet, the headers shall not be less than double 2x10 supporting one floor or roof.  All headers must be braced at the top

 

Framing

 

·         Must be spaced 16-inches on centers

·         Must be bolted to foundation with bolts of not less than one-half inch in diameter at minimum 12-inches from corners and 6 feet center-to-center spacing

·         Minimum embedded to a depth of not less than 8-inches in placed concrete

·         Less than 15-inches in width of all wall supported thereon

·         Minimum of two bolts per plate

 

Mortar Mixture

 

·         Not weaker than 1-2-3 ½ and all mixture wet, but not more then 6-3/4 gallons of water to one bag of cement of 94 pounds

 

Foundation Walls

 

·         Are required except that one story buildings may use piers

·         Foundation piers may be stone, brick or concrete block

·         Piers and all other footings must be placed below the surface of the ground and shall not be less the 40-inches (bottom of footing) and all joints must be securely cemented together

 

 Wood

·         Shall not rest upon masonry within 8-inches of the ground

·         There shall interpose between the wood and the masonry a solid continuous layer of solid block or cement mortar at least 4-inches thick, or a hood along the edges of the masonry

·        No wood within 4-feet of the ground shall be allowed to come in contact with piping, or other objects unless they have been fitted with metal shields to block the shelter tubes of termites

 

One and Two Family Dwellings Code Requirements

 

                                                   General Requirements

 

            Bedroom Window    Minimum window required – One

                                                Minimum net clear opening – 5.7 sq. ft.

                                                Minimum net clear opening height 24-inches

                                                Minimum net clear opening width 20-inches

                                                Maximum sill height 44-inches

                                    Window guard required if sill height is less than 24-inches and

                                    greater than six feet to grade

 

Hallways                      Minimum width 3-feet

 

Stairways                     Minimum clear with 3-feet

                                    Minimum tread – 9 inches

                                    Maximum riser – 8 ¼ inches

 

Ceiling Height               Habitable rooms – 7ft, 6 in

                                    Other areas – 6 ft, 8 in

                                    Under beams & ducts – 6ft, 4in

 

Bathrooms                    Non-absorbent gypsum board around shower & bath areas

                                    Tempered or safety glass all windows adjacent to tub area

 

Exit ways                 Two independent exit ways required from basement

 

Fire Stopping            All duct chasses, bulkheads, laundry chutes, metal flues, tub traps, wiring, plumbing penetrations and all shafts at each floor

 

Service Panel            Do not locate in closets or bathrooms

 

Smoke Detectors            1 required on each level, plus 1 in each bedroom and one outside of each sleeping area.  Each detector shall be hardwired and have internal battery backup

 

Stud Walls            2x4 at 16-inches on center, P.T. sole plates

 

Wall Coverings            Drywall – ½ inch

                                    Paneling Maximum smoke density –450

                                    Maximum flame spread – 200

 

Habitable Rooms            Minimum area- 70 sq. ft.

                                    Minimum horizontal dimension – 7 feet

 

Table of Building Envelope Requirements (Based upon PA Alternative Energy Code, Central Zone)

                                    Fenestration U-Factor - 0.35

                                    Skylight U-Factor  - 0.60

                                    Ceiling R-Value - 38

                                    Wood Frame Wall R-Value - 19 or 15+5

                                    Mass Wall R-Value -13

                                    Floor R-Value - R30

                                    Basement Wall R-Value  - 10/13

                                    Slab R-Value & Depth - 10,2 ft.

                                    Crawl Space Wall R-Value - 10/13

                                    Duct R-Value 8.7 in basement unconditioned spaces and outdoors

                                                          4.3 in conditioned spaces

                                    Floors outside wall areas must meet ceiling requirements

            Energy Trade Off’s can be utilized, see PA Alternative Energy Code.  Trade Off’s cannot be combined