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Building Codes What are Building Codes? Building codes are a set of rules that must be followed to satisfy the minimum acceptable levels of safety for buildings and non-building structures. The objective of these guidelines is to ensure the health, safety and protection of the public when it comes to the construction and occupancy of buildings. Building codes are sets of regulations governing the design, construction, alteration, and maintenance of structures. International Building Code (IBC): Applies to almost all types of new buildings Building codes are usually applied to the engineers and architects designing the building. They also serve as guidelines for safety inspectors.Others who use them include manufacturers of building material, These rules stipulate details of the construction and maintenance of a building or construction. These include fire safety rules: safety exits in buildings, limitations regarding how far a fire should spread and the provision of adequate fire fighting equipment. There are also structural rules; buildings need to be strong enough to resist internal and external forces without collapsing. Building codes also cover health stipulations such as adequate air circulation, washrooms and plumbing facilities. Administration Building Height and Area Limits Elevator Code-Various codes listed by year. Exiting Fire Detection Systems Fire Resistance Interior Environment Plumbing Repairs, Renovations, Alterations Safety during Construction Structural Loads Types of Construction Use and Occupancy What are Seismic Codes? Some provisions within the IBC, IRC, and IEBC are intended to ensure that structures can adequately resist seismic forces during earthquakes. These seismic provisions represent the best available guidance on how structures should be designed and constructed to limit seismic risk. Changes or additions to the seismic provisions come from many different sources, including new research results and documentation of performance in past earthquakes. What about Older Buildings? Except in certain circumstances, such as when a building is significantly renovated or altered or there is a change in its use that triggers the IBC or IEBC, the code requirements for existing buildings are those that were in effect when the structure was designed and constructed. How Important Is Seismic Retrofitting? Seismic retrofitting of vulnerable structures is critical to reducing risk. It is important for protecting the lives and assets of building occupants and the continuity of their work. On the whole, communities with more retrofitted structures can recover from earthquakes more rapidly. Why Have Building Codes? Building codes embrace all aspects of building construction—structural items, fire prevention, and radon prevention, as well as the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. |
| International Building Code |
| International Building Code |
| International Building Code |
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What are Building Codes?
Building codes are usually applied to the engineers and architects designing the building. They also serve as guidelines for safety inspectors. Others who use building codes include manufacturers of building material, real estate developers. Building codes stipulate details of the construction and maintenance of a building or construction. These include fire safety rules: safety exits in buildings, limitations regarding how far a fire should spread and the provision of adequate fire fighting equipment. There are also structural rules; buildings need to be strong enough to resist internal and external forces without collapsing. Building codes also cover health stipulations such as adequate air circulation, washrooms and plumbing facilities. When do I need a building permit? A permit is required in order to construct, alter, convert, repair, enlarge, move or demolish any building or structure or part thereof, or any appurtenances connected or attached thereto including, but not limited to fences, storage buildings, pools, decks, and finishing out expandables. When is a building permit not required? Normal maintenance repairs of an existing building or structure may be made without a permit, provided such repairs do not violate any provisions of the code. What are "normal maintenance repairs"? The term, "normal maintenance repairs", means repairs to an existing building or structure, including but not limited to exterior and interior painting, papering, glazing of windows or doors, floor finishing, minor repairs to chimneys, porches, underpinning or roofing. Where do I apply for a building permit? How long is a building permit valid? A building permit does not become invalid unless the work authorized by it has not commenced within six months of its issuance, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for a period of one year after the time the work commenced. Is it okay to convert the bonus room into a bedroom? Converting other rooms of a house into sleeping rooms is not permitted unless the emergency egress window, smoke detector and septic system (if applicable) requirements are met. I am finishing out an expandable, when do I need inspections? Framing and rough-in inspections are required before installing drywall and a final inspection is required when all work is completed. A certificate of occupancy will be issued after the work has been inspected and approved. When constructing an addition, when do I need inspections? A footing/slab inspection is required before you pour concrete. Framing and rough-in inspections are required before you install drywall. Final inspections are required when all work has been completed. The building and codes department will issue a certificate of occupancy after the work has been completed and passed all required inspections. Is it okay to remove the handrails from the steps? No. Handrails are required where more than two steps occur and removal constitutes a violation of the code. Handrails are important to people's safety and should not be removed. Why do I need a permit to build or remodel my own house/property? In a word, safety - your safety, and that of your family, visitors, and guests. Can a fence be on the property line? There are no setback requirements for fences - but please take care not to encroach upon your neighbor's property, on a drainage or utility easement, or the public right of way. A building permit is required in order to construct the fence. The building and codes department will assist you in determining if easements are located on your property. How much are permits for fences, accessory buildings, etc.? The building permit fee is based on the valuation of the work. See the permit and inspection fee page for additional information. Can I obtain my own permits? Yes and no. A homeowner may obtain his or her own building, mechanical or plumbing permits. However, a licensed electrical contractor must obtain permits for any electrical work. A licensed gas contractor must obtain permits for any gas work, however, a homeowner residing in their own home and is doing the gas work themselves may obtain a gas permit. Is this the office I call to complain about neighbor's grass / abandoned inoperable vehicles? Yes. The code enforcement administrative support specialist can assist you in taking complaint information, which will then be investigated by a Codes Inspector. Call Terra Greene at 893-3750 or contact her by email tgreene@murfreesborotn.gov What is the number for __________ Codes? _________ |