Introduction

Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date residential construction code addressing the design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. The International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety and consider dwelling affordability in all communities, large and small.

This comprehensive, stand-alone residential construction code, which incorporates approved changes from the 1999 code development cycle, establishes minimum regulations for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses using prescriptive provisions. Additionally, the International Residential Code is designed to be compatible with the BOCA National Codes published by Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA), the Standard Codes published by the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), the Uniform Codes published by the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), and all the International Codes published by the International Code Council (ICC).

The International Residential Code provides many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for construction professionals to discuss these prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of provisions.

Development

On April 22, 1996, the ICC Board of Directors established the ICC/NAHB Task Force, charged with the examination of performance options of the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code. The Board further stated that the "purpose is to identify the issues (including the process of code development after 1998) and develop an action plan to resolve the issues."

Subsequently, the ICC/NAHB Task Force recommended to the ICC Board that the "ICC develop and maintain a stand-alone residential code that will cover the construction of detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (i.e., townhouses) not more than three stories in height with separate means of egress. This code is to be called the International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings."

A code drafting committee was formed by the International Code Council. The intent of the code drafting committee was to develop a draft of a comprehensive residential code that is consistent with and inclusive of the scope and content of the existing model building codes and the International One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code.

The technical content of the 1998 International One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, the other International Codes (including the International Building Code First Draft) and the latest building codes promulgated by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI was the nucleus for the development of this document. Other sources of relevant technical information were also considered. While there were a great many similarities among the codes, careful consideration was given to identified differences. The code drafting committee used certain principles as guidance in the resolution of technical differences. The principles were based on the intent to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a residential code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

Fuel gas provisions have been included in this edition through an agreement with the American Gas Association. The maintenance process for the fuel gas provisions of the International Residential Code will be undertaken by the International Fuel Gas Code Development Committee.

Electrical provisions have been included in this edition through an agreement with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The maintenance process for the electrical provisions of future International Residential Code editions will be undertaken by NFPA.

Adoption

The International Residential Code is available for adoption and use by jurisdictions internationally. Its use within a governmental jurisdiction is intended to be accomplished through adoption by reference in accordance with proceedings establishing the jurisdiction's laws. At the time of adoption, jurisdictions should insert the appropriate information in provisions requiring specific local information, such as the name of the adopting jurisdiction. These locations are shown in bracketed words in small capital letters in the code and in the sample adoption ordinance. The sample adoption ordinance on page v addresses several key elements of a code adoption ordinance, including the information required for insertion into the code text.

Maintenance

The International Residential Code is kept up to date through the review of proposed changes submitted by code enforcement officials, industry representatives, design professionals and other interested parties. Proposed changes are carefully considered through an open code development process in which all interested and affected parties may participate.

For more information regarding the code development process, contact BOCA, 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, Illinois 60478-5795; ICBO, 5360 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California 90601-2298; or SBCCI, 900 Montclair Road, Birmingham, Alabama 35213-1206.

While the development procedure of the International Residential Code ensures the highest degree of care, BOCA, ICBO, SBCCI, their members and those participating in the development of this code do not accept any liability resulting from compliance or noncompliance with the provisions given herein, for any restrictions imposed on materials or processes, or for the completeness of the text. BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI do not have power or authority to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this code. Only the governmental body that enacts the code into law has such authority.