Residential ConstructionUnit 1

Mr. Todzia

Definition-Legal requirements designed to protect the public by providing guidelines for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical areas of a structure.

Different types of codes are used to control the design and construction of buildings

Governmental laws are imposed on the design and construction of a building through the use of codes.

Building codes are a collection of laws to ensure that minimum building standards are met.

Codes are enacted to safeguard:1. Life2. Health3. Property4. Public Welfare

Building Codes include information relating to:

1. Building Permits2. Fees3. Inspections4. Zoning5. Drawings6. Legal Documents required for approval

Zoning Codes Structural Codes Restrictive Codes Site-Related Codes Safety and Health Codes Model Codes

Zoning Codes define and restrict the occupancy and use of buildings

Zoning codes may also prescribe the type, style, and location of structures on a site

Structural Codes deal with the loading capacity of materials and the structural integrity of the building

They deal with items such as: Excavations Foundations Floors Roofs Stairs Bearing Wall Construction

There are two types of Structural Codes

Performance-Oriented Codes

Specification-Type Codes

They establish and enforce safety and performance requirements of the finished building such as Hand rails Outlet covers Working appliances

Very specific requirements for the use and location of materials and methods of construction, such as: Walls must be constructed of 2X6 Floor joist must be 2X10 or equivalent Must have 2X10 window and door

headers in load bearing walls. Sheathing Roofing Foundations Footings

The maximum permissible loads for each type of structure

Sizes of structural members that Support various loads

Structural Codes not only provide for the support of all weight in a vertical direction, but also allow for all possible horizontal loads such as: Wind Earthquakes

These codes specify materials, processes, sizes, and locations of building materials that are prohibited.

These restrictions are imposed because of potential structural or environmental problems.

What is the material in the pictures?

These codes relate to the building site. They include:

Specifications on soil percolation Soil Support capabilities Test boring Water Runoff

Other Site-Related Codes cover environmental topics such as: Endangered species habitats Wetland protection Zoning Density Location and size of building Setbacks Driveways Road right-of-ways

These codes deal with personal and public safety such as: Electrical Hazards Swimming Pool Enclosures Elevators Number and Sizes of Exits Air and Water Pollution Health and Disease Prevention

Fire Protections Codes are a subcategory of Safety and Health Codes and include items such as: Treatment of Materials Building Material Size Sprinkler Systems Escape Routes Site Security Functioning of Alarm Systems

Model Building Codes provide local authorities with a consistent and current source of code information

These codes are designed to be used as a base or a guide from which local codes can be developed.

Some examples are: NBC- National Building Code BOCA- Building Official Code

Administration IRC- International Residential Code

There are also individual Model Codes for Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing

Building Codes are extremely strict in stipulating location, traffic patterns, and structural integrity of public buildings.

Facilities, mainly industrial, such as garages and factories have rigid codes because of the possible presence of Hazardous Materials. These facilities also have to meet the

strict codes of the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

Codes are enforced through series of legal controls such as: Building Permits Notice of Commencement Inspections Certificate of

Occupancy

Before Building Permits are awarded: Plans must contain the seal

of a licensed Architect.

On larger projects you must have: Seal of a licensed Landscape Architect Plot plans must be registered with the local

municipality and must contain the seal of a licensed surveyor

Must use licensed subcontractors