Transcript The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code

The Virginia Uniform Statewide
Building Code
2003 Edition Effective
November 16, 2005
The Virginia Uniform Statewide
Building Code (USBC)
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The USBC is divided into 3 parts.
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Part 1 – The Virginia Construction Code - VCC
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Part 2 – The Virginia Rehabilitation Code
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Applies to all new construction, additions and alterations including plan reviews,
permits, inspections and certificates of occupancy.
Adopts by reference: the 2003 I-codes.
Optional regulations specific to rehabilitation of existing buildings.
Acceptable alternative to the VCC.
Adopts by reference: the IEBC.
Part 3 – The Virginia Maintenance Code
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Regulations for maintenance of existing buildings.
Jurisdiction must adopt by local ordinance.
Includes rental property enforcement.
Adopts by reference: the IPMC.
VCC – Chapter 1 – Administrative
Provisions
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Section 103 – Application of code.
– November 16, 2005 effective date for new code.
– Applicant must declare new code or old.
– 103.3 Requires new CO for change of occupancy
classification.
– 103.7 – Allows fire systems retrofit enforcement per 3411.
– 103.8.1 – Prior notice required before disconnecting fire
protection systems.
– 103.9 – HVAC fuel fired equipment installation new or
retrofit requires chimney/vent certification of adequacy. See
also M1801.1.1, G2425.1.1IMC801.1.1 & IFGC 501.1.1.
Mechanical - Fuel Gas
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IMC regulates Natural Gas and Propane over
3 stories.
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Fuel Gas regulated in IFGC.
IRC regulates up to 3 stories one and two
family dwellings.
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Chapter 24 does not include propane
Mechanical – Fuel Gas
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IRC 323.1.5, M1301.1 and M1401.5
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IRC 305.5 and M1308.2
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No mechanical system (equipment and duct work) may be
below flood design elevation unless designed and installed
to prevent water accumulation and to resist hydrostatic and
hydrodynamic pressures.
Shield plates required
IRC 802.10.4
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Alteration to trusses must have a written authorization by
RDP
Mechanical – Fuel Gas
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IRC 303.8 Building Heating
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Required to be 68°
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Exception in USBC for “Seasonal Home” [occupied for less
than 90 days continuously).
IRC 303.2 Added exception to use ventilation air
from adjoining room
IRC M1501.1 allows the use of listed condensing
(ductless) clothes dryers
Mechanical – Fuel Gas
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IRC M1506.3 requires kitchen and bathroom
exhaust fans to comply with minimum rates.
The term, “Unusually Tight Construction”
removed from the IFGC. This affects
combustion air requirements.
IRC G2408.2 allows water heaters without
the 18” above finish floor if heater is listed as
“Flammable Vapor Resistant”.
Mechanical – Fuel Gas
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IRC G2415.7 requires outdoor piping to be
elevated 3 ½ inches above ground or roof.
IRC G2407 establishes reductions in
ventilation space for openings with louvers
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25% less area for metal grills
75% less area for wood grills
Mechanical – Fuel Gas
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IRC G2417.4 Test gauges must have a range
such that the highest end of the scale is not
greater than 5 times the test pressure.
IRC M1401.2 HVAC shall be sized in
accordance with Manual J or other approved
method. Room additions will require
verification that existing system is adequate.
Plumbing
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IRC R323.1.6 requires systems and
equipment to be installed above the design
flood elevation.
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Unless designed to prevent water from entering
and accumulating.
IRC 802.10.4
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Alteration to trusses must have a written
authorization by RDP
Plumbing
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IRC P2503.8 Test gauges.
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Gauges used for testing shall be as follows:
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1. Tests requiring a pressure of 10 psi or less shall utilize
a testing gauge having increments of 0.10 psi or less.
2. Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 10 psi but
less than or equal to 100 psi shall utilize a testing gauge
having increments of 1 psi or less.
3. Tests requiring a pressure of greater than 100 psi
shall utilize a testing gauge having increments of 2 psi or
less.
Plumbing
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IRC P2503.5.1 requires rough and finish
plumbing test to hold for 15 minutes.
(previous requirement was before and during
inspection).
Water piping to hold working pressure or air
test not less than 50 psi.
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Plastic pipe may not have air test
Plumbing
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USBC References the 2003 edition of the
ANSI 117.1
Combination water/space heater must
comply with ASSE 1017
IRC P2801.5.1 permits the installation of ¾
inch indirect waste from water heater pan.
IRC P3201.7 Washing machine standpipes
and showers must have 2” trap and drain.
Plumbing
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IRC P2605.1 Table for piping support added.
IRC P2904.4.1 Sewer and water pipe may be
in same trench.
IPC 607.4 Hot Water is on the LEFT.
IRC 2903.5 Water Hammer arrestors
required.
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USBC adds: “Unless otherwise approved”.
Plumbing
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IRC P3005.1.1 permits use of sanitary tees
for back-to-back water closets where
connection is greater than 18”.
IRC P3005.1.7 states that pipe size reduction
in direction of flow is prohibited
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A 4” X 3” water closet connection is not
considered a reduction.
Plumbing
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IRC P3007.2.1 allows macerating toilets.
IRC P3105.1 allows exception for trap arm
limitation for self-siphoning fixtures such as
water closets.
IRC P3007.1 requires a Full Open Valve AND
a Check Valve for Pumped Systems
IRC P3114.2 adds language for AAV
installation.
Electrical
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This is a change that will affect every new home built
in Tidewater area, as of Jan. 15,2006 all VAP meter
bases can no longer be at the rear of the house.
IRC E3703.2 Warning ribbon required for
underground service conductors not encased in
concrete. This does not include branch circuit
feeders.
IRC E3801.4.5 requires that counter top receptacles
be not more than 20” above the countertop surface.
Electrical
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IRC E3805.6 allows smaller luminaries (less
than 6 lb) to be with standard boxes instead
of light boxes.
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Maximum weight of 50 lb established for boxes.
Over this, must be independently supported, or
shall have listing on boxes that is being used.
IRC E3802.11 requires all circuits in a
bedroom be arc-fault type. This includes
smoke detector outlets.
Electrical
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IRC 3902.9 Outdoor wet location receptacles must
be weatherproof with the plug in-or-out. We
recommend “in use covers” in this situation.
IRC 3903.11 Luminaires in clothes closets if they are
incandescent must have completely enclosed lamps.
NEC 210.63 Heating and A/C Equipment must have
a receptacle within 25ft. of units, this does not
include the receptacles that are needed for front and
back.
Summary of Critical Issues
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Fueled-fired equipment – needs chimney/vent certification.
Flood provisions are never exempted.
HVAC replacement in R-3, R-4, R-5 exempt for permits except
fuel-fired equipment.
All elevators must be inspected.
Permits expire automatically in 6 months.
Sewer and water required for occupied buildings.
Heat/air-conditioning required in residential and most
commercial buildings.
For code questions or downloads go to www.vbcoa.org.