Significant Changes to the 2018 ICC Construction Codes

Significant Changes to the 2018 ICC Construction Codes with GA Amendments Hal Chitwood, CBO Business Unit/Project Manager

DCA Georgia Construction Information Sheets Min Standard Codes Construction Code Info DCA Contact Info

New Mandatory Codes - January 1, 2020 • INTERNATION ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE (IECC), 2015 Edition – OPTIONAL: 2013 ASHRAE 90. 1 STANDARD FOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS • INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC), 2018 Edition • INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE (IRC), 2018 Edition

New Mandatory Codes – January 1, 2020 • • • INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE (IPC), 2018 Edition INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE (ISPSC), 2018 Edition INTERNATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE (IFGC), 2018 Edition INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE (IMC), 2018 Edition INTERNATIONAL FIRE CODE (IFC), 2018 Edition

Link to 2020 GA Amendments VISIT THIS WEBPAGE TO DOWNLOAD COPIES OF THE 2020 GA AMENDMENTS https: //www. dca. gov/node/5689

2018 International Residential Code 2020 GA Amendments

Chapter 3 Building Planning

R 302 Fire Resistant Construction R 302. 3 Two-family dwellings • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: A new reference to Section 703. 3 of the International Building Code (IBC) provides alternatives for determining the fire resistance rating of wall and floor/ceiling assemblies for separation of dwelling units.

R 302 Fire Resistant Construction R 302. 5. 1 GA Opening protection • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: Language removed from code section that requires doors that separate the garage from the living space by equipped with self closing or automatic closing devices. Self closing devices are NOT required in GA

302 Fire Resistant Construction R 302. 13 GA Fire protection of floors • Change Type: Deletion • Change Summary: R 302. 13 (Combustible insulation clearances) in the 2012 edition is now R 302. 14 in the 2018 edition. R 302. 13 (Fire protection of floors above crawl spaces) has been deleted from the 2018 edition.

R 302 Fire Resistant Construction R 303. 4 GA Mechanical ventilation • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: The air-infiltration rate of a dwelling-unit has been changed from 5 ACH or less to 3 ACH or less with blower-door test requires whole house ventilation.

R 304 Minimum Room Areas R 304. 1 Minimum area • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: Currently a 2018 GA amendment addressing the issue, the requirement for one habitable room with a minimum floor area of 120 square feet has been changed to require habitable room areas of not less than 70 square feet. Exception: kitchens

R 305 Ceiling Height R 305. 1 Minimum height • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: The minimum ceiling height requirement for bathrooms, toilet rooms and laundry rooms have been reduced from 7 feet to 6 feet 8 inches.

R 306. 5 GA Exterior hose bibs, sill cocks or outside hydrants • Change Type: New • Change Summary: Exterior hose bibs, sill cocks or outside hydrants are required at minimum on the side and rear of the dwelling. Not necessarily a change for GA – same read in 2012 edition amendments.

R 306. 6 GA Toilet facilities for workers • Change Type: New • Change Summary: Toilet facilities for workers was removed from the IPC and placed in the IRC. Not necessarily a change for GA – same as 2012 edition amendments.

R 308 Glazing R 308. 4. 2 Glazing adjacent to doors • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: Glazing within 24 inches of the hinge side of an in-swinging door now requires safety glazing where the safety glazing is at an angle less that 180 degrees from the plane of the door.

R 308 Glazing R 308. 4. 2 Glazing adjacent to the bottom of stair landing • Change Type: Clarification • Change Summary: Figure has been added for to more accurately reflect the related code provision

R 310. 1 exception. 2 Emergency escape and rescue opening required • Change Type: Exception added • Change Summary: Emergency escape and rescue openings are not required in basements when the dwelling unit is protected with an automatic sprinkler system and other conditions are met. • One means of egress complying with Section R 311 and one emergency escape and rescue opening. • Two means of egress complying with Section R 311.

R 311 Means of Egress R 311. 7. 3 Maximum stair rise between landings • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: The maximum rise of a flight of stairs has increased by 7 inches, from 144” to 151” • 2015 IRC had increased to 147” • Provides for a more uniform riser height at 7. 55”.

R 314 Smoke Alarms R 314. 2. 2 / R 314. 4 Alteration, repairs and additions / Interconnection • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: The exemption for interconnection of alarms during alterations based on feasibility has been removed from the code. • Interior alterations and repairs – SD required same as new construction and interconnected. • Exemption for exterior work • Exemption for alterations to plumbing and mechanical systems

R 315 Carbon Monoxide Alarms R 315. 2. 1 GA New construction • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: Amendment removes the conditions for requiring carbon monoxide alarms. • Carbon monoxide alarms are required in new construction regardless of presence of fuel-burning appliances or attached garage.

R 315 Carbon Monoxide Alarms R 315. 5 Interconnection • Change Type: New • Change Summary: Interconnection is now required where multiple carbon monoxide alarms are required in a dwelling unit. • Exception for existing areas where alterations or repairs result in the removal of interior finishes.

R 321 GA Elevators and Platform Lifts • Change Type: New • Change Summary: Section R 321. 1. 1 Hoistway opening framing has been added. • Clearance of ¾” for doors and gates to landing • Distance between landing door and gate to car door is 3 inches

R 324 Solar Energy Systems R 324. 4 Roof-top mounted photovoltaic systems • Change Type: New • Change Summary: Structural requirements for roof mounted photovoltaic panel systems have been revised and consolidated in Section R 324. 4 • Roof dead loads have been clarified. • Roof penetrations are required to be flashed in accordance with Chapter 9

R 324 Solar Energy Systems R 324. 6 Roof access and pathways • Change Type: New • Change Summary: Requirements for roof access and pathways have been introduced.

R 325 Mezzanines • Change Type: New • Change Summary: Mezzanine provisions were introduced in the 2015 edition of the IRC and align with provisions of the IBC • Area limitations have been increased to one-half of the area of the room containing the mezzanine if equipped with sprinkler system. • Egress and openness requirements. • A mezzanine is not considered a story.

R 325 Mezzanines 325. 6 Habitable attics • Change Type: New • Change Summary: The definition of habitable attics has been revised and the technical requirements have been placed in a new section. • Attic, Habitable. A finished or unfinished habitable space within an attic. • Not considered a story unless meeting 4 conditions.

R 326 Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs • Change Type: New • Change Summary: Section added to reference the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2018 edition. • Residential swimming pools and spas are regulated under the ISPSC. • ISPSC is a prescriptive code adopted by the state of Georgia in 2017

Chapter 4 Foundations

R 403 Footings R 403. 1. 1 Minimum size • Change Type: New (from 2015 edition) • Change Summary: Minimum footing sizes have been reduced in Tables 403. 1(1) – 403. 1(3)

R 408 Under-Floor Space R 408. 3 Unvented crawl space • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: Ventilation of underfloor space is not required when an appropriately sized dehumidifier is provided in combination with the Class 1 vapor retarder requirements

Chapter 5 Floors

R 502 Wood Floor Framing Tables R 502. 3(1), (2) Floor Joist Spans • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: The allowable spans for some grades of Southern Yellow Pine have been reduced.

R 502 Wood Floor Framing R 502. 6 GA Bearing • Change Type: Clarification • Change Summary: The language has been simplified. • Joists , beams and girder shall bear at minimum 1 ½ inches on wood or metal. • Minimum 3 inch bearing on masonry or concrete. • Approved joist hangers may be used. • 1 x 4 ribbon strip and nailed to adjacent stud alternative method

R 502 Wood Floor Framing R 502. 10 Framing of openings • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: Requirements for header joist and trimmer connections in the framing of floor openings have been deleted.

R 507 Exterior Decks • Change Type: Modification • Change Summary: Prescriptive Deck Details was not brought forward with the GA Amendments. 2018 IRC reorganized R 507 and is much clearer in regards to deck materials, deck footings, joist spacing and spans and fastener requirements.

R 507 Exterior Decks R 507. 2. 1 Wood materials • No. 2 better grade • Preservative treated or naturally durable • Engineered wood products in accordance with Section R 502 • Plastic composite members comply with ASTM D 7032 • Fasteners and connectors in accordance with Section 317. 3 and Table R 507. 2. 3

R 507 Exterior Decks R 507. 3 Footings • New section added to help describe minimum prescriptive requirements based on soil quality and footing shape and size.

R 507 Exterior Decks R 507. 4 Deck Posts • New table added to provide maximum deck post height requirements for single level wood framed decks.

R 507 Exterior Decks R 507. 5 Deck Beams • The table on maximum beam span now includes single-ply beams. Beam bearing and connection to posts are clarified. • R 507. 5. 1(1) GA provides new illustration for “Corner Beam Over Post”

R 507 Exterior Decks R 507. 6 Deck Joists • Maximum joist spacing and total span length have been clarified. • Maximum span length is followed by maximum cantilever length in Table R 507. 6

R 507 Exterior Decks R 507. 9. 1. 3 GA Ledger to band joist details • Illustrations detail accepted attachment methods • Tables provided for ledger connection to band joist • Table provided for bolt placement

R 507 Exterior Decks R 507. 9. 1. 3 GA Ledger to band joist details

R 507 Exterior Decks R 507. 9. 2 GA Deck attachment for lateral loads

Chapter 6 Wall Construction

R 602 Wood Wall Framing R 602. 3. 1 Stud size, height and spacing • Change Type: Addition • Table R 602. 3. 1 is deleted in the 2015 edition. • A prescriptive requirement is added for studs greater than 10’ in height in an exception to Section R 602. 3. 1. • New Table R 602. 3(6) applies to 11’ and 12’ tall walls in one and two story buildings.

R 602 Wood Wall Framing R 602. 7 Headers • Change Type: Modification • The girder and header span tables of Chapter 5 have been moved into Chapter 6. • Multiply and single ply tables have been combined

R 602 Wood Wall Framing R 602. 7 Headers • Change Type: Addition • A new table for girder spans for open porches is added

R 602 Wood Wall Framing R 602. 7. 5 Support for headers • Change Type: Addition • Table for lateral support for headers is added.

R 602 Wood Wall Framing R 602. 10 GA Wall bracing • Change Type: Modification • Exception added to allow APA SR-102 as an alternate method of bracing subject to limitations. • Download link https: //www. apawood. org

R 606 Wood Wall Framing R 602. 10 GA Wall bracing • Change Type: Modification • Exception added to allow APA SR-102 as an alternate method of bracing subject to limitations. • Download link https: //www. apawood. org

Chapter 8 Roof-Ceiling Construction

R 802 Wood Roof Framing Tables R 802. 4, R 802. 5 Rafter and Ceiling Joist Spans • Change Type: Modification • The allowable spans for some grades of Southern Yellow Pine have been reduced.

R 807 Attic Access R 8071. 1 GA Attic service access • Change Type: Resurrection (new) • Change Summary: Georgia is bringing back the 2006 IRC amendment requiring attics containing appliances to be accessible by pull down stairs or other permanent stairs. • Opening must be sized for the removal of the largest appliance

Chapter 10 Chimneys and Fireplaces

R 1005 Factory-Built Chimneys • Change Type: Addition • Change Summary: Factory-built chimneys, which have been required to maintain a minimum clearance to insulation, are now required to have an insulation shield to provide the clearance.

Mechanical

M 1305 Appliance Access M 1305. 1. 3. 2 Pit locations • Change Type: Modification • The requirements for appliance installation in pits has been expanded to provide more detail and to be similar to language in the other ICC codes. • The minimum bottom clearance has been reduced from 6” to 3”.

M 1502 Clothes Dryer Exhaust M 1502. 3. 1 Exhaust termination outlet and passageway • Change Type: New • A minimum area of 12. 5 square inches has been established for the terminal outlet of a dryer duct exhaust. • Passageway must be undiminished in size.

M 1502 Clothes Dryer Exhaust M 1502. 4. 2 Duct installation • Change Type: Modification • Wall and ceiling cavities enclosing dryer exhaust ducts must provide sufficient space that the 4” duct is not squeezed out of its round shape.

M 1502 Clothes Dryer Exhaust M 1502. 4. 4 Dryer exhaust duct power ventilators • Change Type: Addition • The code now recognizes the use of dryer exhaust duct power ventilators to increase the allowable exhaust duct length.

M 1502 Clothes Dryer Exhaust M 1502. 4. 6 Length identification • Change Type: Modification • A permanent length identification label is no longer required when exhaust duct length does not exceed 35’. • For exhaust duct lengths >35’, a label is required whether the duct is concealed or not.

M 1503 Domestic Cooking Exhaust Equipment • Change Type: Reorganization • “Domestic cooking exhaust equipment” is the preferred terminology for kitchen exhaust because it is more descriptive and includes all of the components of the exhaust system. • Section 1504 Installation of Microwave Ovens has been deleted • Section 1505 Overhead Exhaust Hoods has been deleted and is moved to Section 1503. 2. 1 and renamed, “Open Top Broiler Exhaust”.

M 1503 Domestic Cooking Exhaust Equipment M 1503. 6 Makeup air required • Change Type: Modification • Make-up air for domestic cooking exhaust systems is no longer required if all fuel-burning appliances in the dwelling unit have a direct vent or mechanical draft vent system.

M 1504 Exhaust Ducts and Exhaust Openings M 1504. 2 Duct length • Change Type: Addition • Maximum duct lengths are now based on duct diameter, type of duct and the exhaust fan airflow rating. M 1504. 2 Duct length

M 1601 Duct Construction M 1601. 2 Underground duct systems • Change Type: Modification • Underground ducts including both directburial and those encased in concrete, require sealing and testing.

M 1601 Ranges and Ovens M 1901. 2 GA Cooking Appliances • Change Type: Modification • Exception added to allow commercial cooking appliances in domestic kitchens when designed and accepted by a Georgia licensed Professional Engineer.

M 1601 Ranges and Ovens M 1901. 2 GA Cooking Appliances • Change Type: Modification • Exception added to allow commercial cooking appliances in domestic kitchens when designed and accepted by a Georgia licensed Professional Engineer.

Fuel Gas

G 240 Appliance Location G 2406. 2 Prohibited locations • Change Type: Modification • A gas fired clothes dryer is now allowed to be installed in a bathroom or toilet room where permanent opening communicates with other permitted spaces.

G 2411 Electrical Bonding G 2411. 2 CSST • Change Type: New • Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) that is not listed with arc-resistant jacket or coating shall be bonded to the grounding electrode system.

G 2411 Electrical Bonding G 2411. 3 Arc-resistant CSST • Change Type: New • Arc –resistant jacketed CSST shall be considered to be bonded where it is connected to an appliance that is connected to the appliance grounding conductor.

G 2415 Piping System Installation G 2415. 6 GA Piping through foundation wall • Change Type: Substitution • GA amendment allows for underground piping through foundation wall. • Piping shall be protected through protective sleeve • Annular space between pipe and sleeve shall be sealed

G 2420 Shutoff Valves G 2420. 6 Shutoff valves in tubing system • Change Type: New • Shutoff valves in gas tubing systems require rigid support separate from the tubing to prevent damage at the valve connection.

Appendix Q

Appendix Q Tiny Houses • Change Type: New • GA amendment provides requirements for tiny house construction. • Appendix is not mandatory unless specifically adopted by local ordinance.

2018 International Plumbing Code 2020 GA Amendments

Chapter 3 General Regulations

305 Pipe Protection 305. 6 Protection from physical damages • Change Type: Modification • For piping installed through bored holes or in notches, the minimum clearance from the concealed edge of the framing member has been reduced from 1 ½ inches to 1 ¼ inches. Protection is required for piping installed less than 1 ¼ “ from the edge of the framing member.

308 Piping Support 308. 10 Thermal expansion tanks • Change Type: New • Thermal expansion tanks cannot be supported by the piping connected to the tank.

Chapter 5 Water Heaters

501 General 501. 9 GA Water heaters over 200, 000 BTU/hr • Change Type: New • GA requirements for pressure vessels over 200, 000 BTU/hr, 210 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 gallon capacity are established by Title 25 Chapter 15 of State Fire Marshal’s office.

504 Safety Devices 504. 6 GA Requirements for discharge piping • • Change Type: Modification Item 2 removed - Discharge through an air gap Item 8 removed – Not be trapped. New item 7 – when relief valve discharge goes upward, a thermal expansion control device shall be installed on the cold-water distribution or service pipe. If the discharge is trapped, provisions shall be made to drain the low point of the trapped portion.

504 Safety Devices 504. 7 Require pan • Change Type: Modification • Aluminum and plastic are approved drain pan materials. • Plastic drain pans must not be under gas-fired water heaters.

GA 506 Minimum Capacities 506. 1 General • Change Type: Addition • Table 506 has been modified for simplicity. • Storage requirements have been removed

Chapter 6 Water Supply and Distribution

608 Protection of Potable Water 608. 17. 5 GA Connections to lawn irrigation systems • Change Type: Modification • GA amendment adds double-check backflow prevention assembly to the list of allowable backflow preventers for lawn irrigation systems

802 Indirect Wastes 802. 4. 3. 1 Connection of laundry tray to standpipe • Change Type: New • An alternative method for connecting a laundry tub drain without a fixture trap, to a clothes washer standpipe is added to the code

2015 International Energy Conservation Code 2020 GA Amendments

Chapter 4 Residential Energy Efficiency

R 401 General R 401. 2 GA Compliance • Change Type: Revision • “Mandatory” provisions of Chapter 4 and one of the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Sections R 401 through R 404. Section R 405 Simulated Performance Alternatives Section R 406 Energy Rating Index Compliance Alternative Most recent version of REScheck, keyed to the 2015 IECC.

R 401 General R 401. 2 GA Compliance • Mandatory provisions of Chapter 4 GAR 401. 3 Certificate GA 402. 1. 6 Compliance Alternative Constraints R 402. 4 Air leakage R 402. 5 Maximum fenestration U-factor and SHGC GAR 403. 1. 2 Heating/Cooling controls GAR 403. 3. 3 Duct testing R 403. 3. 3. 5 Building cavities R 403. 5. 1 Heated water circulation and temperature maintenance systems GAR 403. 6 Mechanical ventilation GAR 403. 7 Equipment sizing and efficiency rating R 403. 8 Systems serving multiple dwellings R 403. 9 Snow melt and ice systems controls R 403. 10 Pools and permanent spa energy consumption R 403. 11 Portable spas R 404. 1. 1 Lighting equipment

R 401 General R 401. 3 GA Compliance • Change Type: New • Mandatory Compliance Certificate • Posted at electrical panel or air handler • Completed by builder or registered design professional

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope Table R 402. 1. 2 GA Insulation and fenestration requirements • Change Type: Revision • Climate zones 2, 3 and 4(except marine) revised

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope Table R 402. 1. 4 GA Equivalent U-factors • Change Type: Revision • Climate zones 2, 3 and 4(except marine) revised

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope R 402. 1. 6 GA Compliance Alternative Constraints • Change Type: New • New section address requirements for minimum insulation Rvalues for envelope components when trade-offs are used. • References new table R 402. 1. 6

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope Table R 402. 1. 6 GA R-Values when trade-offs are used • Change Type: New • New table address requirements for minimum insulation R-values for envelope components when trade-offs are used.

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope R 402. 2. 3 GA Eave baffles • Change Type: Revision • Code language has been substituted for clarity. • Baffles required for blown-in insulation • Minimum 4 inch clearance above top of insulation • Any suitable material allowed • Reference to Appendix RA for clarity

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope R 402. 2. 4 GA Access hatches and doors • Change Type: Revision • • • Code language has been substituted for clarity. Vertical hinged doors – R-5 minimum Scuttle holes – R-19 minimum Pull down stairs – R-5 minimum w/ 75% coverage Insulation dam/retainer at horizontal openings

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope R 402. 2. 11 GA Crawl space walls • Change Type: Revision • • Alternative to floor insulation in un-vented crawl spaces R-13 insulation permanently fastened to wall to within 9” of grade 3” inspection strip immediately below floor joists Class 1 vapor retarded 100% coverage with sealed overlapping joints and sealed edges extending 6” up wall.

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope R 402. 4. 1. 1 GA Installation • Change Type: Revision • Building thermal envelope components shall be installed per Appendix RA

R 402 Building Thermal Envelope R 402. 4. 1. 2 GA Testing • Change Type: Revision • Building thermal envelope components and duct system shall meet less than 5 ACH @ 50 Pascals. • Test performed by a certified DET verifier • Written report signed by verifier provided to Building Official Note: R 303. 4 requires whole house mechanical ventilation for 3 ACH or less when tested with blower door

R 303. 4 GA Mechanical ventilation M 1505 allows 3 options 1. Duct sized per Tables M 1505. 4. 3(1) & M 1505. 4. 3(2) Worst of three because system is unbalanced 2. Duct run into return system with a mechanical damper control to activate blower at peak optimal times as needed. Most cost effective for builder 3. Install an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) system that controls both outdoor and exhaust air being used within the house. Best overall but expensive

R 303. 4 GA Mechanical ventilation Best way to avoid this requirement Meet Your Numbers ! Stay above 3 ACH and below 5 ACH

R 403 Systems R 403. 3. 2 GA Sealing (Mandatory) • Change Type: Revision • Ducts, air-handlers and filter boxes shall be sealed per section R 403. 3. 6 GA (new section added) – – All joints, longitudinal and transverse seams, and connections in ductwork Securely fastened and sealed Mastic is required as a sealant (1/8” thickness) Unlisted duct-tape is not permitted as a sealant

R 403 Systems R 403. 3. 3 GA Duct testing (Mandatory) • Change Type: Revision • Ducts tightness shall be test one of two methods – Rough-in (25 Pa across system) – Post Construction (25 Pa across system) • Exceptions – Ducts and air handlers located entirely within the building thermal envelope – Existing duct unless more than 50% of system is modified – Replacement of air handler, furnace or evaporator coil on existing system connections to plenum within 5 feet of new work is visually inspected for sealing requirements by licensed HVAC contractor or certified DET verifier.

R 403 Systems R 403. 3. 4 GA Duct leakage (Mandatory) • Change Type: Revision • Ducts leakage shall be measured one of two methods – Rough-in (6 cubic feet/minute per 100 square feet) – Post Construction (6 cubic feet/minute per 100 square feet) • Exceptions – Ducts and air handlers located entirely within the building thermal envelope – Existing duct unless more than 50% of system is modified – Replacement of air handler, furnace or evaporator coil on existing system connections to plenum within 5 feet of new work is visually inspected for sealing requirements by licensed HVAC contractor or certified DET verifier.

Appendix RA Air Sealing Key Points

Appendix RC Third Party Verifification

Appendix RC Third Party Verification • Change Type: NEW – Must be adopted by local ordinance – Provides definition of third party verifier – Provides qualifications of third party verifier • Residential • Commercial – Provides information regarding third party verifier inspections • Residential • Commercial

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