GENERAL

[A]101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Puerto Rico Building Code, hereinafter referred to as "this code." [A]101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures. Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the Puerto Rico Residential Code. [A]101.2.1 Appendices. Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted. [A]101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, public health and general welfare through structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire, explosion and other hazards, and to provide a reasonable level of safety to fire fighters and emergency responders during emergency operations. [A]101.4 Referenced codes. The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered to be part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference. [A]101.4.1 Gas. The provisions of the Puerto Rico Fuel Gas Code shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories. [A]101.4.2 Mechanical. The provisions of the Puerto Rico Mechanical Code shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems. 29 [A]101.4.3 Plumbing. The provisions of the Puerto Rico Plumbing Code shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system. The provisions of the Puerto Rico Private Sewage Disposal Code shall apply to private sewage disposal systems. [A]101.4.4 Property maintenance. The provisions of the International Property Maintenance Code are not adopted. [A]101.4.5 Fire prevention. The provisions of the Puerto Rico Fire Code shall apply to matters affecting or relating to structures, processes and premises from the hazard of fire and explosion arising from the storage, handling or use of structures, materials or devices; from conditions hazardous to life, property or public welfare in the occupancy of structures or premises; and from the construction, extension, repair, alteration or removal of fire suppression, automatic sprinkler systems and alarm systems or fire hazards in the structure or on the premises from occupancy or operation. [A]101.4.6 Energy. The provisions of the Puerto Rico Energy Conservation Code shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency. [A]101.4.7 Existing buildings. The provisions of the Puerto Rico Existing Building Code shall apply to matters governing the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition to and relocation of existing buildings. [A]101.4.8 Swimming Pool and SPA. The provisions of the Puerto Rico Swimming Pool and Spa Code shall apply to matters governing the design, construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tops and aquatic facilities.