RELEVO DE RESPONSABILIDAD - ["RULE 107-

DISCLAIMER"] La aprobación de este Reglamento asegura el más alto grado de atención por parte de los miembros que participaron en el desarrollo del mismo. Estos, ni el Gobierno de Puerto Rico, la Oficina de Gerencia de Permisos ni sus funcionarios, serán responsables de modo alguno por cualquier situación resultante del cumplimiento o incumplimiento de la disposiciones de este Reglamento. [" The approval of this Rules assures the highest degree of attention on the part of its members who participated in its development. These, neither the Government of Puerto Rico, the Permits Management Office nor its officials, will be responsible in any way for any situation resulting from the fulfillment or breach of the provisions of this Rules"]. 16 PARTE II: CODIGOS DE PUERTO RICO 2018 PARTE II: PUERTO RICO CODES 2018 USE AND FORMAT The Puerto Rico Codes 2018 and the 2018 International Codes (I-Codes®) provide minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants of new and existing buildings and structures. Alternative materials, designs and methods not specifically addressed in the codes can be approved by the code official where the proposed materials, designs or methods comply with the intent of the provisions of the code. This format of the Puerto Rico Codes is a compilation of amendments for each of the pertaining International Codes to be applied in Puerto Rico. The use of this format (as described below), shall be temporary until a final version of the Puerto Rico Codes 2018 are released by OGPE-DDEC. In this document, all chapters, sections, sub-sections, appendices, and referenced standards added, deleted, or amended shall be used together with the unaltered sections of the I-Codes® to regulate planning, design, construction, inspection and maintenance of all types of buildings and structures unless exempted. Appendices are provided in the ICC Codes to offer optional or supplemental criteria to the provisions in the main chapters of the codes. Appendices provide additional information as well as standards not typically administered by all building departments. Appendices have the same force and effect as the chapters of the ICC Codes only when explicitly adopted or referenced in the Puerto Rico Codes. The following shall apply for using this edition Puerto Rico Codes properly: 1. Where written on the PRBC, "no amendments", "adopted", it signifies that the Chapter, section, sub-section, or Appendix of the particular ICC Code is unaltered and shall apply to Puerto Rico. 2. Where written in a chapter, section, sub-section, or appendix in the PRBC, "delete", "replace", "not applicable to Puerto Rico", "not adopted", it shall mean that the original corresponding chapter, section, sub-section, or appendix of the ICC Code does not apply to Puerto Rico. 3. Where written on the PRBC, an amendment to a specific chapter section, sub-section, or appendix of the ICC Code said amendment shall replace the specific chapter, section, subsection or appendix of the ICC Code. The remaining portions of the chapter, section, subsection, or appendix of the pertaining ICC Code shall be enforced in Puerto Rico, unless specifically written otherwise. 4. Where incorporated in the PRBC new chapters, sections, sub-sections or appendices to the pertaining ICC Codes, chapter, section, sub-section or appendix of the original ICC Code shall be enforced in Puerto Rico unless specifically amended, delete, replaced, not adopted or otherwise written in the PRBC. 17 This edition of the Puerto Rico Codes, like the other codes published by ICC, is arranged and organized to follow sequential steps that generally occur during a plan review or inspection and must be used with the corresponding code of the I-Codes® family, as follows: PUERTO RICO BUILDING CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Building Code® (IBC) PUERTO RICO RESIDENTIAL CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Residential Code® (IRC) PUERTO RICO MECHANICAL CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Mechanical Code® (IMC) PUERTO RICO PLUMBING CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Plumbing Code® (IPC) PUERTO RICO FIRECODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Fire Code® (IFC) PUERTO RICO FUEL AND GAS CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Fuel and Gas Code® (IFGC) PUERTO RICO ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC) PUERTO RICO EXIXTING BUILDING CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Existing Building Code® (IEBC) PUERTO RICO PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Private Sewage Disposal Code® (IPSDC) PUERTO RICO SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE 2018, as amended from the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC) 18 PREFACE Puerto Rico recognizes the need for a modern, up-to-date building codes addressing the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The Puerto Rico Codes is the adoption of ten (10) of the ICC Codes 2018 tailored to Puerto Rico's laws and regulations, and construction idiosyncrasies. The Puerto Rico Codes are designed to meet these needs through regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small. This comprehensive family of codes establishes minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This edition is specifically designed for Puerto Rico and fully compatible with all the 2018 International Codes (I-Codes®) published by the International Code Council (ICC)®. These include: Puerto Rico Building Code (PRBC) Puerto Rico Residential Code (PRRC) Puerto Rico Mechanical Code (PRMC) Puerto Rico Plumbing Code (PRPC) Puerto Rico Fire Code (PRFC) Puerto Rico Fuel Gas Code (PRFGC) Puerto Rico Energy Conservation Code (PRECC) Puerto Rico Existing Building Code (PREBC) Puerto Rico Private Sewage Disposal Code (PRPSDC) Puerto Rico Swimming Pool and Spa Code (PRSPSC) The following is a synopsis of the scope and intent of the provisions of the Puerto Rico Codes. The Puerto Rico Building Code addresses structural strength, means of egress, sanitation, adequate lighting and ventilation, accessibility, energy conservation and life safety in regards to new and existing buildings, facilities and systems. The PRBC also establishes requirements for high hazard, fire-resistance-rated construction, interior finish, fire protection systems, means of egress, emergency and standby power, and temporary structures are directly correlated with the requirements of the PRFC and its amendments. Requirements for smoke control systems, and smoke and fire dampers are directly correlated to the requirements of the PRMC. PRBC Chapter 28 is a reference to the PRMC and the PRFGC for chimney, fireplaces and barbeques, and all aspects of mechanical systems. In addition, requirements for plumbing fixtures and toilet rooms are directly correlated to the requirements of the PRPC. PRBC applies to all occupancies, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not within the scope of the PRRC. The PRRC is referenced for coverage of detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. It applies to all types of buildings and structures unless exempted. 19 The Puerto Rico Residential Code establishes minimum requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It contains coverage for all components of a house or townhouse, including structural components, fireplaces and chimneys, energy conservation requirements, thermal insulation, mechanical systems, fuel gas systems, plumbing systems and electrical systems. It is meant to be all inclusive for typical residential construction and it relies on other codes only where alternatives are desired or where the code lacks coverage for the uncommon aspect of residential construction. The Puerto Rico Mechanical Code regulates the design and installation of mechanical systems, appliances, appliance venting, duct and ventilation systems, combustion air provisions, hydronic systems and solar systems. The purpose of the code is to establish the minimum acceptable level of safety and to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with the installation and operation of mechanical systems. The code also protects the personnel that install, maintain, service and replace the systems and appliances addressed by this code. The code relies heavily on product specifications and listings to provide much of the appliance and equipment installation requirements. The Puerto Rico Plumbing Code regulates the design and installation of plumbing systems including the plumbing fixtures in all types of buildings except for detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not more than three stories above grade in height. The regulations for plumbing systems in one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses are covered the PRRC. It addresses general plumbing regulations, fixture requirements, water heater installations and systems for water distribution, sanitary drainage, special wastes, venting, storm drainage and medical gases. The PRPC does not address fuel gas piping systems as those systems are covered by PRFGC. It also does not regulate swimming pool piping systems, process piping systems, or utility-owned piping and systems. The purpose of the PRPC is to establish the minimum acceptable level of safety to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with supplying potable water to plumbing fixtures and outlets and the conveyance of bacteria-laden waste water from fixtures are carried away from a building. The Puerto Rico Fire Code establishes minimum requirements for fire prevention and fire protection systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It contains fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings, facilities, storage and processes. It addresses fire prevention, fire protection, life safety and safe storage and use of hazardous materials in new and existing buildings, facilities and processes. It also provides a total approach of controlling hazards in all buildings and sites, regardless of the hazard being indoors or outdoors. The Puerto Rico Fuel and Gas Code regulates the design and installation of fuel gas distribution piping and systems, appliances, appliance venting systems, combustion air provisions, gaseous hydrogen systems and motor vehicle gaseous-fuel-dispensing stations. The definition of fuel gas includes natural, liquefied petroleum and manufactured gases and mixtures of these gases. The purpose of the PRFGC, is to establish the minimum acceptable level of safety and to protect life and property from the potential dangers associated with the storage, distribution and usage of fuel 20 gases and the byproducts of combustion of such fuels. The code also protects the personnel that install, maintain, service and replace the systems and appliances addressed by this code. The PRFGC applies to all occupancies including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. The PRRC is referenced for coverage of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses; however, in effect, the PRFGC provisions are still applicable because the fuel gas chapter in the PRRC (Chapter 24) is composed entirely of text extracted from the PRFGC. The Puerto Rico Energy Conservation Code regulates minimum energy conservation requirements for new buildings. The PRECC addresses energy conservation requirements for all aspects of energy uses in both commercial and residential construction, including heating and ventilating, lighting, water heating, and power usage for appliances and building systems. The Puerto Rico Existing Building Code establishes minimum requirements for existing buildings using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. The PREBC allow for options for controlled departure from full compliance with the Puerto Rico Codes dealing with new construction, while maintaining basic levels for fire prevention, structural and life safety features of the rehabilitated building. The PREBC provides three main options for a designer in dealing with rehabilitation of existing buildings: OPTION 1: Work for alteration, repair, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Prescriptive Compliance Method given in Chapter 4. It should be noted that this same method is provided in Chapter 34 of the Puerto Rico Building Code. OPTION 2: Work for alteration, repair, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Work Area Compliance Method given in Chapters 6 through 12. OPTION 3: Work for alteration, repair, change of occupancy, addition or relocation of all existing buildings shall be done in accordance with the Performance Compliance Method given in Chapter 13. It should be noted that this option is also provided in Chapter 34 of the Puerto Rico Building Code. The Puerto Rico Private Sewage Disposal Code regulates minimum requirements for the installation of new or the alteration of existing private sewage disposal systems. Where a building cannot be served by a public sewer system, the building site must be provided with a system for treating the waste water generated from the use of plumbing fixtures in the building. The PRPSDC addresses site evaluations, materials, various soil absorption systems, holding tanks, cesspools and onsite waste water treatment systems. The PRPSDC provides a total approach for the onsite, safe disposal of the waste flow discharged to the plumbing fixtures in a building. The PRPSDC is a specification-oriented code with very few occurrences of performance-oriented text. The site soil must be evaluated in a prescribed manner to determine its ability to accept the 21 waste flow. The chosen waste treatment method must be designed in a prescribed manner for the soil conditions at the building site, constructed using prescribed materials and installed according to prescribed dimensions. The PRPSDC sets forth the minimum acceptable requirements for private sewage disposal systems in order to protect humans and the environment from insanitary conditions that would develop if waste flows were not rendered harmless. The Puerto Rico Swimming Pool and Spa Code establishes minimum requirements for the design, construction, alteration, repair and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and aquatic facilities. This includes public swimming pools, public spas, public exercise spas, aquatic recreation facilities, on-ground storable residential pools, permanent in-ground residential pools, permanent residential spas, permanent residential exercise spas, portable residential spas and portable residential exercise spas. DEVELOPMENT The first edition of the building codes for Puerto Rico, known as Puerto Rico Building Code 2011, was compiled and adopted in 2011 when the Permit Management Office formally established by Administrative Order 2011-16 the Construction Codes Committee, composed of representatives from the Construction Council of Puerto Rico, and Regulatory Government Agencies, to review and implement a transition from the existing 1997 Uniform Building Code to the family of the International Codes® of the ICC (I-Codes 2009). The Puerto Rico Building Code 2011 was comprised of the amendments to the family of codes of the ICC (I-Codes 2009), together with the original 2009 code. For the second edition of the Codes, Administrative Order 2017-11, formally established the Construction Codes Committee, composed of representatives from the Construction Council of Puerto Rico, and Regulatory Government Agencies. The Committee was responsible for the review of the I-Codes 2018 and transition from the previous 2009 ICC Family of codes to the 2018 edition, with the addition of International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The intention was to have a complete set of codes published under the name of Puerto Rico incorporating each of the 10 ICC adopted codes, hereafter known as Puerto Rico Codes 2018. MAINTENANCE The codes will be revised and promulgated every three (3) years, from the date of adoption, as established in Act 161-2009, as amended. This 3-year cycle will allow for new construction methods and technologies to be incorporated into the codes. As in previous editions, the contents of the Puerto Rico Codes are subject to change through the revision process established by law in Puerto Rico. 22 While the development procedure of the Puerto Rico Construction Code Committee assures the highest degree of care, its members and those participating in the development of this code do not accept any liability resulting from compliance or noncompliance with the provisions. Only the governmental body that enacts the code into law has such authority. LETTER DESIGNATION USED IN THE CODE REVIEW PROCESS: In each International Code Council code development cycle, proposed changes to the code are considered at the Technical Hearings by the applicable Code Development Sub-Committee, whose action constitutes a recommendation to the voting membership for final action on the proposed change. The content of proposed changes to sections in this code shall begin with a letter designation in accordance with the following: [B] = International Building Code Development Committee. [R] = International Residential Code Development Committee. [M] = International Mechanical Code Development Committee. [P] = International Plumbing Code Development Committee. [F] = International Fire Code Development Committee. [FG] = International Fuel Gas Code Development Committee. [E] = International Energy Conservation Code Development Committee. [EB] = International Existing Building Code Development Committee. [PSD] = International Private Sewage Disposal Code Development Committee. [SP] = International Swimming Pool and Spa Committee. 23 24 PRBC Puerto Rico Building Code 26 PUERTO RICO BUILDING CODE 2018 As amended from INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE 2018 "These AMENDMENTS to the 2018 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE contain copyrighted material from the 2018 International Building Code, which is a copyrighted work owned by the International Code Council, Inc. Without advance written permission from the copyright owner, no part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including, without limitation, electronic, optical or mechanical means (by way of example and not limitation, photocopying, or recording by or in an information storage retrieval system). For information on permission to copy material exceeding fair use, please contact: Publications, 4051 West Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5771. Phone 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233). Trademarks: "International Code Council," the "International Code Council" logo and the "International Mechanical Code" are trademarks of the International Code Council, Inc." 27 28 CHAPTER 1 - SCOPE AND ADMINISTRATION PART 1 - SCOPE AND APPLICATION