510-RICR-00-00-2
510-RICR-00-00-2. RISBC-2 Rhode Island State One and Two Family Dwellings (version Amendment, 02/01/2022 to 12/01/2025)
2.1 Authority
The Building Code Standards
Committee, in accordance with the rulemaking authority of R.I. Gen.
Laws § §
23-27.3-109.3 (a) through (c) inclusive, has formally adopted and
promulgated as the Rhode Island State Building Code, the provisions
of the International Residential Code (“IRC”), 2018
edition, as published by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC),
together with amendments thereto hereinafter set forth to the
articles and sections of this code:
2.2 Incorporated Materials
A. The provisions of R.I. Gen.
Laws Chapter 23-27.3 establishing administration and enforcement are
hereby incorporated by reference. § 2.3 of this Part (Chapter 1:
Administration) immediately follows and is supplemental to the
General Laws. Editorial Note: Code users please note:
1. When purchasing or using
the IRC 2018 code, please take note of the particular printing
edition. Errata to that printing edition is available online directly
at no charge at www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/pages/errata.aspx
or call the office of the State Building Code Commissioner at
401-889-5550 for further information.
2. Printed copies of the
administrative and enforcement provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter
23-27.3 are available at the Office of the State Building Code
Commission or online at
http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE23/23-27.3/INDEX.HTM
3. The International
Residential Code, 2018 edition, is protected by the copyright that
has been issued to the ICC. As a result, the State Building Code is
not available in complete form to the public in an electronic format.
The International Residential Code 2018 edition that is referred to
within is contained in a printed volume and is also in an electronic
format that have been published by the ICC under an exclusive
license.
2.3 Chapter
1: Administration
R101.1 Delete
and substitute the following:
R101.1 Title.
These provisions shall be
known as the Rhode Island One and Two-Family Dwelling Code SBC-2-2021
and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this
code.”
R101.2
Delete and substitute the following:
R101.2 Scope.
The provisions of this code
shall apply to the construction, alteration, enlargement,
replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy and location of
detached one-and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family
dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height with a
separate means of egress, and their accessory structures.
Exception: Existing one and
two-family buildings undergoing a change of use shall comply with the
provisions of the State Building Code SBC-1-2021( Part
1 of this Subchapter ) or State Rehabilitation Code
SRC-1 ( Part
20 of this Subchapter ) as applicable.
R101.3
Delete and substitute the following
R101.3 Intent.
The purpose of this code is
to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety,
health and general welfare through affordability, structural
strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light
and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property
from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.
R102.5
Delete and substitute the following:
R102.5 Appendices
Appendices A, B, C, D, F, N,
P, U and RP are informative only and not part of this code.
Appendices E, G, H, J, K, M,
O, R and S apply.
Appendices I, L, and Q are
deleted.
New Rhode Island Appendix AA
is added.
R102.7
Delete and substitute the following:
R102.7 Existing structures.
The legal occupancy of any
structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be
permitted to continue without change, except as specifically covered
in this code or as is deemed necessary by the building official for
the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
R105.2
Delete R105.2 and substitute the following:
R105.2 Work exempt from
permit.
Permits shall not be required
for the following.
Exemption from the permit
requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization
for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions
of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.
Building:
1. One (1) story detached
accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed two
hundred (200) square feet (18.58 m 2 ).
2. Fences not over six feet
(6’) (1829 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that are
not over thirty-two inches (32”) in height measured from the
lower finished grade to the top of the wall, unless supporting a
surcharge.
Exception:
1. All cast-in-place concrete
retaining walls greater than twenty-four inches (24”) in height
shall require a permit.
2. All engineered masonry
retaining wall systems shall be installed in accordance with
manufacturer’s installation instructions
3. Water tanks supported
directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand
(5,000) gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or
width does not exceed two to one (2 to 1).
4. Sidewalks and driveways not
more than thirty inches (30”) (762 mm) above adjacent grade and
not over any basement or story below.
5. Painting, papering, tiling,
carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
6. Prefabricated swimming
pools that are less than twenty-four inches (24”) (610 mm)
deep, and man-made landscape ponds of any depth.
7. Swings and other playground
equipment and play structures.
8. Window awnings supported by
an exterior wall.
9. Replacement window sash
installations.
Exception:
Replacement window
installations that include a frame and sash(es) require a permit.
Electrical:
Maintenance: A permit shall
not be required for replacement of lamps, receptacles, devices, or
fixtures, including the connection of portable electrical equipment
to approved permanently installed receptacle.
Gas:
Replacement of any minor part
or appliance that does not alter approval of equipment or make such
equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation
appliances.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water
piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this
code.
5. Replacement of any minor
part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment
unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative
cooler.
7. Self-contained
refrigeration systems containing ten (10) pounds (4.54 kg) or less of
refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of one (1) horsepower (746
W) or less.
Plumbing:
The stopping of leaks in
drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if
any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe
becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the
same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and
a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this
code.
The clearing of stoppages or
the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal
and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not
involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes
or fixtures.
R105.3.1.1 Delete
and substitute the following:
R105.3.1.1 Substantially
improved or substantially damaged existing buildings or structures.
For application for
reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of
existing buildings or structures located in an area prone to flooding
as established by Table R301.2(1) and community FIRM documents, the
value of the proposed work or repair shall be provided by the owner
or authorized agent and reviewed by the Building Official. If the
Building Official determines that the proposed work equals or exceeds
fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the building or structure,
shall comply with the new code.
R107 Delete
section R107 in its entirety and substitute the following new section
R107 Fabric Structures.
Section R107 Fabric Structures
R107.1 Fabric Structures:
Fabric structures shall be
located in accordance with applicable local zoning code provisions.
Permits shall be required for any structure over two hundred (200)
square feet in area and shall be installed in accordance with
manufacturer’s installation instructions. Fabric structures
over two hundred (200) square feet in area but less than four hundred
(400) square feet in area shall have engineered wind anchors
installed to withstand design wind loads and shall not remain in
place for more than six (6) months in any twelve (12) consecutive
month period. All structures over four hundred (400) square feet
and/or intended to be in place for more than a twelve (12) month
period, shall only be approved pending a satisfactory decision by the
local Building Code Board of Appeals, unless full code compliance for
permanent structures in all respects is demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the local building official.
R110.2
Delete R110.2 and substitute the following:
R110.2 Change of Use.
Change of use shall only be
made in accordance with the provisions of the State Building Code
SBC-1 ( Part
1 of this Subchapter ).
Delete
R110.3 #8 without substitution.
Add
the following section R115:
R115 Other
R115.1 Other Administrative
issues.
The Administrative provisions
of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 are included herein into the
balance of § 2.3 of this Part (Chapter 1 Administration).
Delete
the following IRC 2018 sections and refer to appropriate R.I. Gen.
Laws Chapter 23-27.3:
R103.1, R103.2, R103.3,
R104.6, R104.7, R104.8, R105.2.2, R105.3.1, R105.3.2, R105.4, R105.5,
R105.6, R105.7, R106.3.1, R106.3.2, R106.3.3, R106.5, R107.1, R107.2,
R107.3, R107.4, R108.1, R108.2, R108.3, R108.4, R108.5, R108.6,
R112.1, R112.2, R112.2.1, R112.2.2, R112.3, R112.4, R113.1, R113.2,
R113.3, R113.4, R114.1, R114.2.
Retain
the following IRC 2018 Sections:
R101.3, R102.1, R102.2,
R102.3, R102.4, R102.6, R104.10, R102.7.1, R104.1, R104.2, R104.3,
R104.4, R104.5, R104.9, R104.9.1, R104.10.1, R104.11, R104.11.1,
R105.1, R105.2.1, R105.2.3, R105.3, R105.8, R106.1, R106.1.1,
R106.1.2, R106.1.3, R106.2, R106.3, R106.4, R109.1, R109.1.1,
R109.1.2, R109.1.3, R109.1.4, R109.1.5, R109.1.5.1, R109.1.6, R109.2,
R109.3, R109.4, R110.1, R110.3, R110.4, R111.1, R111.2, R111.3.
2.4 Chapter
2
To
Chapter 2 Definitions. Delete and substitute the following:
“Accessory dwelling
unit” shall include separate cooking & sanitary facilities,
with its own legal means of egress, and is a complete, separate
dwelling unit. The accessory dwelling unit shall be within, or
attached to, the principal dwelling unit structure or within an
existing structure, such as a garage or barn, and designed so that
the appearance of the principal structure remains that of a one (1)
family residence.
"Accessory Structure"
means in one (1) and two (2) family dwellings not more than three (3)
stories high with separate means of egress, a building, the use of
which is incidental to that of the main building and which is located
on the same lot.
"Fabric Structure"
means structures utilizing wood, metal or plastic frames and covered
with cloth, canvas, or plastic material, excluding tents,
agricultural greenhouses, and furnishings such as umbrellas, awnings
or portable shade canopies, and accessory to the residential use of
the primary structure. If used for non-residential accessory use, see
State Building Code SBC-1-2021 ( Part
1 of this Subchapter ).
"Sleeping Unit"
means a room or space in which people sleep, which can also include
permanent provisions for living, eating, and either sanitation or
kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also
part of a dwelling unit are not sleeping units.
2.5 Chapter 3
R301.2
Delete and substitute the following:
R301.2 Climatic and geographic
designs criteria.
Buildings shall be
constructed in accordance with the provisions of this code.
Additional criteria are established and set forth in Table R301.2(1)
Table R301.2(1) Delete and
substitute the following:
Table
R301.2(1)
Ground
Snow Load
Wind
Topographic
Effects
Seismic
Design Criteria
30psf
1, 2
See
figure R301.2(4)
No
None 4
Weathering
Frost
line depth 2, 3
Termite
Decay
Severe
40”
Moderate
to Heavy
Slight
to Moderate
Winter
design Temp
Ice
Shield Underlayment Required
Flood
Hazards
Air
Freezing Index
Mean
Temperature Annual
0
degrees F in Prov. County 5 degrees All Other
Yes
Yes
(See Community FIRMS)
1,200-degree
Days B.F.
50
degrees F
NOTES:
1. Roof live load and roof
snow load are not additive
2. New Shoreham frost depth is
thirty inches (30”) and Ground Snow Load is twenty-five (25)
psf.
3. Requirements for frost
depth footings for accessory attached and detached structures are as
follows:
a. Structures and detached
accessory buildings of zero (0) to one hundred ninety-nine (199)
square feet do not require any frost depth foundations or footings.
Two (2) ground screw anchors or other means approved by the building
official shall be provided to resist overturning.
b. Accessory attached
structures such as decks, platforms or landings shall have footings
extending to three feet and four inches (3’4”) below
grade. Exterior stairs and steps off decks, balconies and platforms
greater than thirty inches (30”) above grade shall have
stringer supports extending to twelve inches (12”) below grade
and shall be supported and secured to prevent lateral displacement or
vertical collapse due to grade changes.
4. Seismic design criteria are
not required for buildings and structures regulated by this code.
R301.2.1
Delete and substitute the following:
R301.2.1 Wind limitations.
Buildings and portions
thereof shall be limited by wind speed, as defined in Table
R301.2(1), and construction methods in accordance with this code.
Basic wind speeds shall be determined from Table R301.2(1) and Figure
R301.2(4) A & B. Where different construction methods and
structural materials are used for various portions of a building, the
applicable requirements of this sections for each portion shall
apply. Where loads for windows, skylights and exterior doors are not
otherwise specified, the loads listed in Table R301.2(2) adjusted for
height and exposure per Table R301.2(3), shall be used to determine
design load performance requirements for windows and doors.
Exception: All accessory
structures less than 200 square feet in area.
R301.2.1.1 Delete and
substitute the following:
R301.2.1.1 Design criteria.
Construction in regions where
the ultimate wind speeds from Figure 301.2(4)(A) equal or exceed one
hundred ten (110) miles per hour (177.1 km/h) shall be designed in
accordance with one (1) of the following:
1. American Forest and Paper
Association (AF&PA) Wood Frame Construction Manual for One (1)
and Two (2) Family Dwellings (WFCM); or
2. Southern Building Code
Congress International Standard for Hurricane Resistant Residential
Construction (SSTD 10); or
3. International Code Council
(ICC) Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions
(ICC-600); or
4. Hurricane Resistant
Residential Construction (SSTD 10); or Minimum Design Loads for
Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE-7);
5. Cold-formed steel
construction shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of
this code.
6. Concrete construction shall
be designed in accordance with the provisions of this code.
7. Structural insulated panel
(SIP) walls shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of
this code.
8. For all communities located
in the one hundred ten (110) MPH and one hundred twenty (120) MPH
wind zones, the prescriptive criteria in Appendix AA may be used for
buildings and structures in lieu of 1-3 above:
Exceptions to item 8:
1. Buildings and structures of
any size in one hundred ten (110) MPH or one hundred twenty (120) MPH
wind zones located in a V zone as determined by community FIRMS.
2. Two (2) or more story
buildings and structures of any size located in one hundred twenty
(120) MPH wind zone with more than twenty percent (20%) exterior
fenestration.
3. Two (2) or more story
structures with a building height greater than thirty-three feet
(33’) as measured from Grade Plane to the average height of the
highest roof surface.
4. Any two (2) or more-story
structure or building with opening fenestration greater than forty
percent (40%) on any one (1) wall.
R301.2.1.2
Delete section R301.2.1.2 and substitute the following:
301.2.1.2 Protection of
openings.
Windows in buildings located
in Wind Zone 3 shall have glazed openings protected from windborne
debris or the building shall be designed as a partially enclosed
building in accordance with the International Building Code. Glazed
opening protection for windborne debris shall meet the requirements
of the Large Missile Test of ASTM E 1996 and of ASTM E 1886
referenced therein.
Exception:
Wood structural panels with a
minimum of thickness of seven sixteenths of one inch (7/16”)
(11.1 mm) and a maximum span of eight feet (8’) (2438 mm) shall
be permitted for opening protection in one (1) and two (2) story
buildings. Panels shall be precut to cover the glazed openings with
attachment hardware provided. Attachments shall be provided in
accordance with Table R301.2.1.2 or shall be designed to resist the
components and cladding loads determined in accordance with the
provisions of the International Building Code. And shutter systems
approved by Building Code Standards Committee.
Delete
without substitution sections R301.2.1.5 thru R301.2.2.4.
Delete
and substitute the following:
R302.1 Exterior walls.
Construction, projections, openings and penetrations of exterior
walls of dwellings and accessory buildings shall comply with Table
R302.1(1); or dwellings equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system installed in guidance with Appendix RP2904 shall
comply with Table R302.1(2).
Delete
section R302.2 exceptions.
Add
the following section R302.2 exception and substitute the following:
Exception: A common two (2)
hour fire-resistance-rated wall assembly tested in accordance with
ASTME 119 or UL 263 is permitted for townhouses if such walls do not
contain plumbing or mechanical equipment, ducts or vents in the
cavity of the common wall. The wall shall be rated for fire exposure
from both sides and shall extend to and be tight against exterior
walls and the underside of the roof sheathing. Electrical
installations shall be installed in accordance with Rhode Island
Electrical Code SBC-5-2021 ( Part
5 of this Subchapter ). Penetrations of electrical
outlet boxes shall be in accordance with section R302.4.
Delete section 302.5.1 and
substitute the following:
R302.5.1 Opening protection.
Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping
purposes shall not be permitted. Other openings between the garage
and residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than
one and three eighths inches (1 3/8”) (35 mm) in thickness,
solid or honeycombed-core steel doors not less than one and three
eighths inches (1 3/8”) (35 mm) thick, or twenty (20) minute
fire-rated doors
Add
the following Exception 1 to section R303.1 Habitable rooms.
Exceptions:
The glazed areas need not be
openable where the opening is not required by section R310 and an
approved mechanical ventilation system capable of producing 0.35 air
change per hour in the room is installed or a whole-house mechanical
ventilation system is installed capable of supplying outdoor
ventilation air of fifteen (15) cubic feet per minute (cfm) (78 L/s)
per occupant computed on the basis of two (2) occupants for the first
(1 st ) bedroom and one (1) occupant for each additional
bedroom.
Delete
without substitution section R303.4 Mechanical ventilation.
Delete
without substitution section R303.5.2.
303.7
Delete section R303.7 and substitute the following:
303.7 Stairway illumination.
All interior and exterior
stairways shall be provided with a means to illuminate the stairs,
including the landings and treads. Interior stairways shall be
provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate
vicinity of each landing of the stairway. Exterior stairways shall be
provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate
vicinity of the top landing of the stairway. Exterior stairways
providing access to a basement from the outside grade level shall be
provided with an artificial light source located in the immediate
vicinity of the bottom landing of the stairway.
Exception:
An artificial light source is
not required at the top and bottom landing, provided an artificial
light source is located directly over each stairway section.
Remove without substitution
section R309.5.
R310.1
Delete R310.1 and substitute the following:
R310.1 Emergency escape and
rescue required.
Basements with habitable
space and every sleeping room shall have at least one (1) openable
emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door opening for
emergency escape and rescue.
Where basements contain one
or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be
required in each sleeping room but shall not be required in adjoining
areas of the basement.
Where openings are provided
as a means of escape and rescue they shall have a sill height of not
more than forty-four inches (44”) (1118 mm) above the floor.
Where a door opening having a
threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency
escape and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure,
the bulkhead enclosure shall comply with Section R310.3.
The net clear opening
dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal
operation of the window or door opening from the inside.
Escape and rescue window
openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground
elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with
Section R310.2.
Exception: Basements with
habitable space not used for bedrooms shall not require an emergency
escape under any one of the following two conditions:
1. Residential sprinkler
systems conforming to NFPA 13D or RP 2904 latest edition shall be
installed throughout all areas of the basement or cellar, or
2. Fuel-fired equipment shall
be separated from the habitable room and means of egress with one (1)
hour rated construction and twenty (20) minute rated opening
protectives.
R310.7 Add the following new
section R310.7:
R310.7 Basement or Cellar
Windows:
Except as may be otherwise
provided for habitable or occupiable rooms, at least two (2) operable
windows twelve inches (12”) by thirty-two inches (32”)
nominal size shall be installed reasonably remote from each other.
Security devices shall not unreasonably impede the use of these
windows for light, ventilation or firefighting purposes.
Delete section R311.3.1
exception: and substitute the following:
R311.3.1 Floor elevations at
the required egress doors.
Landings of finished floors
at the required egress door shall be not more than one and one half
inches (1 ½”) (38 mm) lower than the top of the
threshold.
Exception
The landing or floor of the
exterior side shall be not more than eight and one quarter inches (8
¼”) (209.55 mm) below the top of the threshold provided
that the door does not swing over the landing or floor. Where
exterior landings of floors serving the required egress door are not
at grade, they shall be provided with access to grade by means of a
ramp in accordance with Section R311.8 or a stairway in accordance
with Section R#11.7
Delete
IRC R311.3.2 and substitute the following:
R311.3.2 Floor elevations at
other exterior doors
Doors other that the required
egress door shall be provided with landings or floors no more than
eight and one quarter inches (8 ¼”) (209.55 mm) below
the top of the threshold.
Exception
A top landing is not required
where a stairway of not more than two (2) risers is located on the
exterior side of the door, provided that the door does not swing over
the stairway.
Delete
IRC section R311.6 and substitute the following:
R311.6 Hallways.
The minimum width of a
hallway shall be not less than three feet (3’). Baseboard,
casings and other trim shall not reduce the required width to less
than thirty-four and one half inches (34 1/2”).
Delete
IRC sections R311.7.5.1 and R311.7.5.2 and substitute the following:
R311.7.5.1 Riser height.
The maximum riser height
shall be eight and one quarter inches (8 1/4”) (210 mm).
The riser shall be measured
vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads.
The greatest riser height
within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more
than three eighths of one inch (3/8”) (9.5 mm).
R311.7.5.2 Tread depth.
The minimum tread depth shall
be nine inches (9”) (229 mm).
The tread depth shall be
measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost
projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread’s
leading edge.
The greatest tread depth
within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more
than three eighths of one inch (3/8”) (9.5 mm).
Winder treads shall have a
minimum tread depth of nine inches (9”) (229 mm) measured as
above at a point twelve inches (12”) (305 mm) from the side
where the treads are narrower.
Winder treads shall have a
minimum tread depth of six inches (6”) (152 mm) at any point.
Within any flight of stairs, the greatest winder tread depth at the
twelve inches (12”) (305 mm) walk line shall not exceed the
smallest by more than three eighths of one inch (3/8”) (9.5
mm).
Delete
IRC section R311.7.5.3 and replace with the following:
311.7.5.3. Profile.
The radius of curvature at
the leading edge of the tread shall be no greater than nine
sixteenths of one inch (9/16”) (14.3 mm). A nosing not less
than three quarters of one inch (¾”) (19.1 mm) but not
more than one and one quarter inches (1 1/4”) (32 mm) shall be
provided on stairways with solid risers. The greatest nosing
projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more
than three eighths of one inch (3/8”) (9.5 mm) between two (2)
stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings.
Beveling of nosing shall not exceed one half of one inch (½”)
(12.7 mm). Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of
the leading edge of the tread above at an angle not more than thirty
(30) degrees from the vertical.
Open risers are permitted.
Exception: A nosing is not
required where the tread depth is a minimum of eleven inches (11”)
(279 mm).
R311
Add the following new section:
R311.7.10.3 Attic and other
Pull-Down Types of Stairs
Pull-down types of stairs
shall not be required to meet the provisions of sections R311.7.5.1,
R311.7.5.2 and R312.
Delete
IRC R311.8.1 and replace with the following:
R311.8.1 Maximum Slope
Ramps shall have a maximum
slope of one (1) unit vertical in eight (8) units horizontal (twelve
and one half percent (12.5%) slope).
R312
Add new section as follows:
R312.3 Seat or Bench Elements.
Guardrails which incorporate
seat or bench elements shall have a guardrail system complying with
section R312.3 to a height of thirty-six inches (36”) measured
from the seat surface. The guardrail system shall also extend to the
floor surface below the bench or seat element.
Exception:
1. Porches, balconies or
raised floors thirty inches (30”) or less above the floor or
grade below.
2. Freestanding moveable seat
and bench elements
R313.1
Delete sections R313.1 and 313.2 and substitute the following
R313.1 General.
Automatic fire sprinkler if
installed at the applicant’s option will be in conformance with
Appendix RP
R314 Delete section R314 Smoke
Alarms and substitute the following:
R314 Provisions for Fire
Detection Systems
Provisions for Fire Detection
Systems are contained within the Rhode Island Uniform Fire Safety
Code.
R315
Delete entirely
R315 Provisions for Fire
Detection Systems
Provisions for Fire Detection
Systems are contained within the Rhode Island Uniform Fire Safety
Code.
Delete
section R317.1.3 and substitute the following:
R317.1.3 Geographical Areas.
Approved naturally durable or
pressure-treated wood shall be used for those portions of wood
members which form the structural supports of buildings, balconies,
porches, or similar permanent building appurtenances when such
members are exposed to the weather without adequate protection from a
roof, eave, overhang or other covering which would prevent moisture
or water accumulation on the surface or at joints between members.
Depending on local
experience, such members may include:
1. Horizontal members such as
girders, joists and decking.
2. Vertical members such as
posts, poles and columns.
3. Both horizontal and
vertical members.
R322.1
Add the following new section:
R322.1 General.
Building and structures in
flood hazard areas, not designated as coastal A zones or coastal high
hazard areas, shall have the lowest floors elevated to or above the
base flood elevation, plus one foot (1’) (305 mm), or the
design flood elevation, whichever is higher.
R322.3.11
Add the following new section:
The following certifications
shall be submitted to the building official:
1. For construction in flood
hazard areas not subject to high-velocity wave action:
1.1 As part of the lowest
floor elevation requirements of section R324.2.1, certification of
the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement.
1.2 For fully enclosed areas
below the design flood elevation where provisions to allow for the
automatic entry and exit of floodwaters do not meet the minimum
requirements in section 2.6.1.1, ASCE 24-14, certification by a
registered design professional that the design will provide for
equalization of hydrostatic flood forces in accordance with section
2.6.1.2, ASCE 24-14.
2. For construction in flood
hazard areas subject to high-velocity wave action:
2.1 As part of the lowest
floor elevation requirements section R323.3.2, a certification of the
elevation of the lowest horizontal structural member.
2.2 A certificate prepared by
a registered design professional that the building is designed in
accordance with ASCE 24-14, including that the pile or column
foundation and building or structure to be attached thereto is
designed to be anchored to resist flotation, collapse and lateral
movement due to the effects of wind and flood loads acting
simultaneously on all building components, and other load
requirements of section R324.3.3.
2.3 For breakaway walls
designed to resist a nominal load of less than ten (10) pounds per
square foot (0.48 kN/m2) or more than twenty (20) pounds per square
foot (0.96 kN/m2), a certificate prepared by a registered design
professional that the breakaway wall is designed in accordance with
ASCE 24-14.
R322.4
Add new Section: Variances and Appeals
The Board of Appeals after
examining the applicant’s hardships shall approve or disapprove
a variance request and shall hear and decide appeals from the
requirements of these regulations, in accordance with the procedures
of R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-127.0 of the Rhode Island State
Building Code and the following:
Board of Appeals
The local (or State) Board of
Appeals shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is an
error in any requirement, decision or determination made by the
Building Official in the enforcement or administration of these
Regulations.
Conditions of Acceptance:
(1) Variances may be issued
for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or restoration of structures
listed on the National Register of the State Inventory of Historic
Places, without regard to the procedures set forth in this Section.
(2) Variances may be issued
for new construction and substantial improvements to be erected on a
lot of one half (1/2) acre or less in size contiguous to and
surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the
base flood level in conformance with the procedures of paragraphs
(B)(3), (4), (5), and (6) of this Section.
(3) Variances shall only be
issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum
necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(4) Variances shall only be
issued upon:
1. A showing of good and
sufficient cause,
2. A determination that
failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to
the applicant, and
3. A determination that the
granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights,
additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense,
create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public or
conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(5) Any applicant to whom a
variance is granted shall be given notice in the written decision
from the Board of Appeals that the structure will be permitted to be
built with a lowest floor elevation X foot below the base flood
elevation.
(6) The Board of Appeals shall
notify the applicant in the written decision that:
The issuance of a variance to
construct a structure below the base flood level will result in
increased premium rates for flood insurances up to amounts as high as
twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for one hundred dollars ($100.00) of
insurance coverage and
Such construction below the
base flood level increases risks to life and property. Such
notification shall be maintained with a record of all variances
actions, including justification for their issuance. All such
variances issued shall be reported in the community's Annual Report
to the Federal Insurance Administration.
(7) Variances shall not be
issued by a community within any designated regulatory floodway, if
any increase in flood levels during the base discharge would result.
(For communities which must meet the requirements of Section 60.3 (d)
of the National Flood Insurance Program regulations).
(8) Upon receipt of an
application for a variance the Chairman of the Board of Appeals shall
forward a copy of the application to the Rhode Island Emergency
Management Office, Statewide Flood-Plain Coordinator.
2.6 Chapter
4
Table R401.4.1 Delete IRC
Table R401.4.1 and substitute the following:
Table
R401.4.1
Presumptive
Load-Bearing Values of Foundation Materials
Type
of Soil
Load
Bearing Pressure psf
Crystalline
Bedrock
12,000-20,000
psf
Sedimentary
and Foliated Rock
8,000-12,000
psf
Medium
Dense-to-Dense Sandy Gravel and Gravel
4,000
psf
Medium
Dense-to-Dense well-graded Sand, Silty Sand and Silty Gravel
3,000
psf
Firm
Fine Sand, Silty Sand and Silty Gravel
1,500
psf
Loose
Fine Sand, Silty Sand, organic soils, clay and areas suspected at
being filled
1,000
psf
Table
R402.2 Delete IRC Table R402.2 and substitute the following:
TABLE
NO R-402.2
MINIMUM
SPECIFIED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE
LOCATION
MINIMUM
f’ c OF CONCRETE AT 28 DAYS
Basement
and foundation walls, continuous and isolated footings, basement
and garage slabs
2500
psi
*Exterior
slabs, walks and steps exposed to weather
3000
psi
*Exterior
slabs shall be air-entrained concrete
Delete
section R403.1.4.1 Frost Protection and substitute the following:
R403.1.4.1 Frost Protection.
Except where otherwise
protected from frost, foundation walls, piers and other permanent
supports of buildings and structures shall be protected from frost by
one (1) or more of the following methods:
Extending below the frost
line specified in Table R301.2. (1)
Constructing in accordance
with section R403.3
Constructing in accordance
with ASCE32-01;
Erected on solid rock.
Exceptions:
Freestanding accessory
structures with an area of two hundred (200) square feet (18.5 m 2 )
or less and an eave height of ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) or less
shall not be required to be protected.
Decks not supported by a
dwelling need not be provided with footings that extend below the
frost line.
Footings shall not bear on
frozen soil unless such frozen condition is of a permanent character.
R403.1.6
Delete sections R403.1.6 and R403.1.6.1 and substitute the following:
R403.1.6 General Foundation
Anchorage.
Foundation sill plates at
exterior walls shall be anchored to the foundation as follows:
1
+ 2 story buildings
½”
@ 48” o/c or
5/8”
@ 72” o/c
3
story building
½”
@ 24” o/c or
5/8”
@ 36” o/c
Bolts shall be spaced not
more than twelve inches (12”) from the corners.
Bolts shall extend a minimum
of fifteen inches (15”) into masonry or seven inches (7”)
into concrete. Sill plates shall be protected from decay in
accordance with section R323.
Nuts and washers shall be
tightened on each bolt to the plate and shall not be recessed or
countersink into the first plate.
Bolts shall be high enough to
allow for full engagement of the nut and nuts shall be left exposed
for inspection at the framing stage of construction.
Exception:
Foundation anchor straps,
spaced as required to provide equivalent anchorage to one half inch
(½”) diameter anchor bolts.
R403.1.6.1 Braced Panel
Anchorage.
Shear walls shall be anchored
to the foundation in accordance with Appendix AA or the reference
standards in R301.2.1.1.
The shear wall connections
shall be in addition to general foundation anchorage requirements.
TABLE R404.1.2(1)
MINIMUM
HORIZONTAL REINFORCEMENT FOR CONCRETE BASEMENT WALLS A, B
MAXIMUM
UNSUPPORTED HEIGHT OF BASEMENT WALLS
(feet)
LOCATION
OF HORIZONTAL REINFORCEMENT
>
8
One
No.4 bar within 12 inches of the top of the wall story and one
No.4 bar near third points in the wall story
2.7 Chapter
5
Delete section IRC R501.3
without substitution.
2.8 Chapter
6
R602.10
Delete IRC section R602.10 and substitute the following:
R602.10 Wall bracing.
Walls shall be braced in
accordance with this section.
Exception:
Structures subject to the
scope limitations of Appendix AA shall be permitted to be braced in
accordance with Appendix AA in lieu of the provisions of this
section.
2.9 Chapter
7
R703.18
Add the following:
R703.18 Re-siding Exterior
Walls.
Materials and methods of
application used for residing or replacing an existing wall covering
shall comply with the requirements of section R703. New exterior side
wall covering shall not be installed without first removing existing
wall coverings when any of the following conditions occur:
1. When the existing wall or
wall covering is water-soaked or has deteriorated to the point that
the existing wall or wall covering is not acceptable as a base for
additional covering.
2. When the existing wall has
three (3) or more applications of any wall covering.
Exception:
The total number of wall
coverings shall not be limited when any of the existing wall
coverings consist of asbestos cement board or asbestos cement
shingles or any protective encapsulating or protective siding/layer
immediately over the asbestos material.
Asbestos cement board or
asbestos cement shingles and any protective encapsulating layer
thereupon shall not be required to be removed unless the existing
wall is unacceptable for use as a base for additional layers of wall
covering.
Any disturbance, repair or
removal of existing asbestos cement board or asbestos cement shingles
shall be in accordance with all State and Federal Regulations.
2.10 Chapter
8
R802.6
Bearing. The ends of each rafter or ceiling joist shall have not less
than one and one half inches (1 ½”) (38 mm) of bearing
on wood or metal and not less than three inches (3”) (76 mm) on
masonry or concrete.
R802.11.1.3
Delete and substitute the following:
R802.11.1.3 Rafters:
Rafters shall have ties at
the wall plate and ridge bearing points in accordance with Appendix
AA
R807.1
Add the words “or closet” after the word “hallway”
on line 3 paragraph 2.
2.11 Chapter
9
R905.2.6 Delete section
R905.2.6 and substitute the following:
R905.2.6 Attachment.
Asphalt strip shingles shall
have a minimum of six (6) fasteners per shingle.
Exceptions:
1. Where the roof slope
exceeds twenty (20) units vertical in twelve (12) units horizontal
(20:12), special fastening details may be required by the
manufacturer.
2. Fastening systems tested by
the manufacturer to ASTM D3161 modified to use a wind speed of one
hundred ten (110) MPH shall be permitted to be installed in any wind
zone.
R905.2.8.2
#3 Delete and substitute the following:
R905.2.8.2 #3
3. For closed valleys (valley
covered with shingles), valley lining of one ply of smooth roll
roofing complying with ASTM D224 Type II or Type III and at least
thirty-six inches (36”) (914 mm) wide or valley lining as
described in Items 1 and 2 above shall be permitted. Specialty
underlayment complying with ASTM D 1970 may be used in lieu of the
lining material. Other valley lining systems and techniques
acceptable to the shingle manufacturer shall be approved by the
Building Official.
2.12 Chapter
10
Add
the following new section R1007 Room Heater
R1007.0 Room Heaters
(Wood/Coal/Pellet Stoves)
R1007.1 General:
Solid-fuel-burning room
heaters shall be tested in accordance with UL 1482 listed in Appendix
A of this Code.
Multiple fuel-flue
installations
A solid-fuel-burning room
heater shall not connect to a chimney passageway venting another
appliance.
R1007.3 Used or antique stoves
and room heaters:
The Building Official shall
permit the installation and use of non-listed or tested stoves and
heaters when installed in accordance with the provisions of Table
R1007.3 as follows:
Table
R1007.3 CLEARANCE REDUCTION METHODS
TYPE
OF PROTECTIVE ASSEMBLY a
REDUCED
CLEARANCE WITH PROTECTION (inches) a
Horizontal
combustible assemblies located above the heat source
Horizontal
combustible assemblies located beneath the heat source and all
vertical combustible assemblies
Required
clearance to combustibles without protection (inches) a
Required
clearance to combustibles without protection (inches) a
36
18
9
6
36
18
9
6
Galvanized
sheet metal, minimum nominal thickness of 0.024 inch (No. 24
Gage), mounted on 1 inch glass fiber or mineral wool batt
reinforced with wire on the back, 1 inch off the combustible
assembly
18
9
5
3
12
6
3
3
Galvanized
sheet metal, minimum nominal thickness of 0.024 inch (No. 24
Gage), spaced 1 inch off the combustible assembly.
18
9
5
3
12
6
3
2
Two
layers of galvanized sheet metal, minimum nominal thickness of
0.024 inch (No. 24 Gage), having a 1 inch airspace between layers,
spaced 1 inch off the combustible assembly
18
9
5
3
12
6
3
3
Two
layers of galvanized sheet metal, minimum nominal thickness of
0.024 inch (No. 24 Gage), having 1 inch of fiberglass insulation
between layers, spaced 1 inch off the combustible assembly.
18
9
5
3
12
6
3
3
0.5-inch
inorganic insulating board, over 1 inch of fiberglass or mineral
wool batt, against the combustible assembly.
24
12
6
4
18
9
5
3
3.5-inch
brick wall, spaced 1 inch off the combustible wall
12
6
6
6
3.5-inch
brick wall, against the combustible wall
24
2
6
5
For
SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, oC = [(oF)-32]/1.8, 1 pound per cubic foot =
16.02 kg/m 3 , 1.0 Btu x in/ft 2 . h. oF=0.144
W/m 2 . oK.
a
Mineral wool and glass fiber batts (blanket or board) shall
have a minimum density of 8 pounds per cubic foot and a minimum
melting point of 1,500o F. Insulation material utilized as part of
a clearance reduction system shall have a thermal conductivity of
1.0 Btu x in/ft 2 .h. oF) or less.
Insulation
board shall be formed of noncombustible material.
2.13 Chapter
11
N1101.1
Delete section N1101.2 and substitute the following:
N1101.1.1 Compliance Methods
Compliance shall be
demonstrated by either:
1. Meeting the requirements of
the Rhode Island Energy Conservation Code SBC-8-2021 ( Part
8 of this Subchapter ).
2. Meeting the requirements of
this Chapter using the criteria for climate zone 5 from Figure N
1102A or Table 1102.1.2.
3. Compliance submission of
Res-Check for Zone 5 & Chapter 11 Delete Table N1101.8 without
substitution
N 1101. 7 (R301.1) Climate
Zones : Rhode Island shall be considered as climate zone 5 with
the following design conditions.
Table N1101.7 (R301.1) Delete
and substitute the following:
Table
N1101.7 (R301.1)
Exterior
Design Conditions.
Value
Value
Climate
zone
Providence
County
All
others
Winter,
design dry-bulb (degree F)
0
5
Summer,
design dry-bulb
87
89
Summer
design wet-bulb
71
73
Degree
days heating
6831
5950
Degree
days cooling
371
811
Delete
without substitute sections N1101.7, N1101.7.2, N1101.7.3 R301.2 and
R301.3, R301.4.
Delete
Table N1101.7.2 (1) (R301.3(1)) without substitute.
Delete
Table N1101.7.2 (2) (R301.3(2)) without substitute.
Delete Figure N1101.7 (R301.1)
and substitute the following: Figure N1101.7 (R301.1)
Figure
N1101.7 (R 301.1)
Delete
Table N1101.14 (R401.3) and substitute the following:
Add the following to N1101.14
(R401.3), Certificate:
Figure
N1101.14 (R401.3)
A
certificate similar to this shall be attached to or near the
electrical panel board
ENERGY
CERTIFICATE
Street
Address
City/Town
Predominant
Values
R-Value
Ceiling/Roof
R-
Value Walls
R-
Value Ducts (outside conditioned space)
U
Factor Fenestration
SHGC
Fenestration
Gas
Fired Un-Vented Room Heater
Baseboard
Electric Heater
Electric
Furnace
U
Factor Skylight/SHGC
AFUE
Value Boiler/Furnace
Efficiency
and type of heating equipment
Efficiency
and type of cooling equipment
Efficiency
and type of service water heater
Contractor
or Design Professional
Address
Registration
Signature
Delete and substitute table
N1102.1.2 (R402.1.2)
TABLE
N1102.1.2 (R402.1.2)
INSULATION
AND FENESTRATION REQUIREMENTS BY COMPONENT a
CLIMATE
ZONE
FENESTRATION
U-FACTOR b
SKYLIGHT
b U-FACTOR
GLAZED
FENESTRATION SHGC b
CEILING
R-VALUE i
WOOD
FRAME WALL R-VALUE g
MASS
WALL R-VALUE
FLOOR
R-VALUE
BASEMENT
C WALL R-VALUE
SLAB
d R-VALUE & DEPTTH
CRAWL
SPACE c WALL
5
0.35
0.60
NR
38
20
or 13+5 f
13/17
30
e
10/13
R-10
for 2 ft
10/13
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
R-values are minimums
U-factors and SHGC are maximums. R-19 batts compressed into a nominal
two (2) by six (6) framing cavity such that the R-value is reduced by
R-1 or more shall be marked with the compressed batt R-value in
addition to the full thickness R-value.
The fenestration U-factor
column excludes skylights. The SHGC column applies to all glazed
fenestration.
“10/13” means
R-10 continuous insulated sheathing on the interior or exterior of
the home or R-13 cavity insulation at the interior of the basement
wall.
R-5 shall be added to the
entire slab and the required slab edge R-values for heated slabs or
insulation sufficient to fill the framing cavity, R-19 minimum.
“13+5” means R-13
cavity insulation plus R-5 insulated sheathing. If structural
sheathing covers twenty-five percent (25%) or less of the exterior,
insulating sheathing is not required where structural sheathing is
used. If structural sheathing covers more than twenty-five percent
(25%) of exterior, structural sheathing shall be supplemented with
insulated sheathing of at least R-2.
The second R-value applies
when more than half the insulation is on the interior of the mass
wall.
TABLE N1102.1.4(R402.1.4)
EQUIVALENT U-FACTORS a
CLIMATE
ZONE
FENESTRATION
U-FACTOR
SKYLIGHT
U-FACTOR
CEILING
U-FACTOR
FRAME
WALL U-FACTOR
MASS
WALL U-FACTOR b
FLOOR
U-FACTOR
BASEMENT
WALL U-FACTOR
CRAWL
SPACE U-FACTOR
5
0.32
0.55
0.026
0.057
0.082
0.033
0.050
0.055
Delete N1102.1.5 (R402.1.5)
Total UA alternative and substitute the following:
N1102.1.5 (R402.1.5) Total UA
alternative. If the total building thermal envelope UA (sum of
U-factor times assembly area) is less than or equal to the total UA
resulting from using the U-factors in Table R402.1.3 (multiplied by
the same assembly area as in the proposed building), the building
shall be considered in compliance with Table R402.1.1. The UA
calculation shall include the thermal bridge effects of framing
materials. The UA calculation shall include the thermal bridging
effects of framing materials. The SHGC requirements shall be met in
addition to UA compliance.
Delete
section N1102.4.1.2 (R402.4.1.2) and substitute the following:
N1102.4.1.2 Testing. The
building or dwelling unit shall be tested, and Testing shall be
conducted with a blower door at a pressure of two tenths of one inch
(0.2”) w.g. (fifty (50) Pascals). Maximum air change rates per
hour: In 2019 = 8, 2020 = 7, 2021 = 6, and 2022 and subsequent years
= 5.
Testing shall be conducted by
an approved third party, where required by the building official. A
written report of the results of the test shall be signed by the
party conducting the test and provided to the building official.
Testing shall be performed at any time after creation of all
penetrations of the building thermal envelope.
During testing:
Exterior windows and doors,
fireplace and stove doors shall be closed, but not sealed, beyond the
intended weather-stripping or other infiltration control measures;
Dampers including exhaust,
intake, makeup air, backdraft and flue dampers shall be closed, but
not sealed beyond intended infiltration control measures;
Interior doors, if installed
at the time of the test, shall be open.
Exterior doors for continuous
ventilation systems and heat recovery ventilators shall be closed and
sealed;
Heating and cooling systems,
if installed at the time of the test, shall be turned off; and Supply
and return registers, if installed at the time of the test, shall be
fully open.
N1103.3.3 (R403.3.3) Duct
Testing (Mandatory)
Delete
section N1103.3.3 (R403.3.3) and substitute the following:
N1103.2.2 (R403.2.2) Sealing
(Mandatory). Ducts, air handlers, and filter boxes shall be sealed.
Joints and seams shall comply with section M1601.4.1 of this code.
Exceptions:
Air-impermeable spray foam
products shall be permitted to be applied without additional joint
seals.
Where a duct connection is
made that is partially inaccessible, three (3) screws or rivets shall
be equally spaced on the exposed portion of the joint so as to
prevent a hinge effect.
Continuously welded and
locking –type longitudinal joints and seams in ducts operating
at a static pressures less than two inches (2”) of water column
(five hundred (500) Pascals) pressure classification shall not
require additional closure systems.
Duct tightness shall be
verified by either of the following:
Postconstruction test: Total
leakage shall be less than or equal to eight (8) cfm (113.3 L/min)
per one hundred (100) square feet (9.29 m 2 ) of conditioned
floor area.
Rough-in test: Total leakage
shall be less than or equal to six (6) cfm (113.3 L/min) per one
hundred (100 ft 2 ) (9.29 m 2 ) of conditioned
floor area when tested at a pressure differential of one tenth of one
inch (0.1”) w.g. (25 Pa) across the system, including the
manufacturer’s air handler enclosure. All registers shall be
taped or otherwise sealed during the test. If the air handler is not
installed at the time of the test. Total leakage shall be less than
or equal to four (4) cfm (85 L/min) per one hundred (100) square feet
(9.29 m 2 ) of conditioned floor area.
Exception: The total leakage
test is not required for ducts and air handlers located entirely
within the building envelope.
Delete
section N1103.3.5 (R403.3.5) and substitute the following:
N1103.3.5 (R403.3.5) Building
cavities (Mandatory). Interior building framing cavities shall be
permitted to be used as return ducts or plenums. (BP)
Delete
Table N1103.6.1 without substitutions
Reference
Standards
Delete
without substitute
ASHRAE – 2013 ASHRAE
Handbook of Fundamentals.
2.14 Chapter
14
M
1401.3 Delete section M1401.3 and substitute the following:
M 1401.3 Sizing.
Heating and cooling equipment
shall be sized based on building loads calculated in accordance with
ACCA Manual J or other approved heating and cooling methodologies. To
recognize equipment sizing availability and to provide for future
additions, equipment shall be sized so as not to exceed one hundred
fifty percent (150%) of the submitted building load calculations.
2.15 Chapter
15
M
1502.4.5 Delete and substitute the following:
M 1502.4.5 Length
identification.
The maximum length of dryer
duct may exceed thirty-five feet (35’) when a permanent
placard, measuring a minimum five inches (5”) wide, three
inches (3”) high, and one eighth of one inch (1/8”)
thick, and constructed of either wood, metal, or rigid plastic, and
bearing raised or embossed lettering stating the following:
“WARNING: THE EFFECTIVE
LENGTH OF THIS DRYER DUCT IS xxx FEET. ANY DRYER CONNECTED TO THIS
EXHAUST DUCT MUST BE RATED TO USE AN EXHAUST DUCT OF THIS LENGTH, PER
THE MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS; SEVERE RISK OF FIRE MAY RESULT FOR
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THIS NOTICE.”
The provisions of section
M102.4 shall be used in establishing the effective length of the
ductwork installed and noted on the placard. The placard shall be
permanently attached to the wall or floor within six inches (6”)
of the terminus of the duct.
M1506.2
Delete without substitution.
2.16 Chapter
16
M1601.4.1
Add the following exceptions to section M1601.4.1
Exceptions:
4. Flexible air ducts shall be
permitted to be joined with or without tapes using approved
mechanically fastened tension straps or flex-ties installed with a
tensioning gun or other similar technologies.
M1602.2
Add the following to exception #4 M1602.2.4
Exception #4 continued
Return air shall be permitted
to be taken from locations such as a kitchen which is provided its
own separate and individual system providing one hundred percent
(100%) of the supply air for that space.
2.17 Chapter
18
To
section M1801.3.1 Size add the following exception:
Exception:
Installation of replacement
appliances below an eighty-five percent (85%) AFUE rating shall be
exempt from the requirement of installing a new chimney liner and
must meet the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation
in an unlined chimney.
2.18 Chapter
19
Delete section M1901.3 without
substitution.
2.19 Chapter
22
Add
the following exception to section M2201.1 Materials.
Exception:
Non-metallic storage tanks
shall meet the requirements of UL subject 2258 and shall be installed
in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Delete
section M2201.2 and substitute the following.
M2201.2 Above ground tanks.
The maximum amount of fuel
oil stored any above ground or inside of a building shall be one
thousand three hundred twenty (1,320) gallons (2,498 L) and the
maximum amount of oil connected to any one (1) appliance shall be six
hundred sixty (660) gallons. When capacity exceeds six hundred sixty
(660) gallons the tanks shall be double walled and sized so that they
can be removed from the building without dismantling of the tank.
M2203.8 Add the following code
section:
M2203.8 Emergency Disconnect
Switch.
When an oil-fired heating,
appliance is located inside a structure, a remote means of shutting
off power to the oil pump and firing circuit in addition to the
serviceman’s switch shall be provided as follows:
1. When the appliance is
located in an unfinished basement or cellar, an additional shutdown
switch shall be installed at the entrance to the basement at the top
of the stairs.
2. When the appliance is
located in a separately dedicated utility room, the switch shall be
located outside the room immediately adjacent to its entrance.
3. When the appliance is
located in a crawl space or attic, the switch shall be located
immediately outside the entrance to the crawl space or attic area.
The switch shall be located
on a wall mounted between sixty inches (60”) and eighty inches
(80”) above the floor surface and be identified with a red
cover plate suitably identified as to its purpose.
2.20 Chapter
24
G2406.2 (303.3) Add the
following new exception:
(6) Gas fired appliances may
be installed in loft or open efficiency type apartments when there is
a sleeping area not a sleeping room. The installation of appliances
must comply with section 304.5 for combustion air required volume and
the manufacturers’ installation instructions.
G2411.1.1 Delete and
substitute the following:
G2411.1.1 310.1.1 CSST CSST
gas piping systems shall be bonded to the electrical service
grounding electrode system. The bonding jumper shall connect to a
metallic pipe or fitting between the point of delivery and the first
downstream CSST fitting. The bonding jumper shall be copper and not
smaller than 6AWG. The bonding jumper shall not exceed forty feet
(40’) in length. CSST system with a conductive jacket deemed to
be equivalent to a direct bonded CSST system by an approved listing
agency shall only be required to be bonded in accordance with section
Residential Code 2411.1 or Fuel Gas Code 310.1. The installation of
the bonding jumper shall be by an electrician with an electrical
permit and inspected by the electrical inspector.
G2415.3
Delete G2415.3 and substitute the following:
G2415.3 (401.1) Prohibited
locations.
Piping shall not be installed
in or through a ducted supply, return or exhaust, or a clothes chute,
chimney or gas vent, dumbwaiter or elevator shaft. Piping installed
downstream of the point of entry may extend through any townhouse
unit other than the unit served by such piping.
G2415.6
Delete and substitute the following:
G2415.6 (404.4) Piping through
foundation wall.
Underground piping, where
installed below grade through the outer foundation or basement wall
of a building, shall be encased in a protective pipe sleeve.
The annular space between the
gas piping and the sleeve shall be sealed.
G2425.15
Add the following exception to G2425.15.1:
Exception:
Installation of replacement
appliances below an eighty-five percent (85%) AFUE rating shall be
exempt from the requirement of installing a new chimney liner and
must meet the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation
in an unlined chimney.
2.21 Chapter 25
P-2501.1
Delete 2501.1 and substitute the following:
P2501.1 Scope.
The provisions of this
chapter shall govern the installation of plumbing not specifically
covered in other chapters applicable to plumbing systems
P2503.4
Delete section P2503.4 Building Sewer Testing without substitution.
Delete
section 2503.5.1 and substitute the following
P2503.5.1 Rough plumbing. DWV
systems shall be tested on completion of the rough piping
installation by water or air with no evidence of leakage. Either test
shall be applied to the drainage system in its entirety or in
sections after rough piping has been installed, as follows:
Water test. Each section
shall be filled with water to a point not less than ten feet (10’)
(3048 mm) above the highest fitting connection in that section, or to
the highest point in the completed system. Water shall be held in the
section under test for a period of fifteen (15) minutes. The system
shall prove leak free by visual inspection.
Air test. The portion under
test shall be maintained at a gauge pressure of five (5) pounds per
square inch (psi) (34 kPa) or ten inches (10”) of mercury
column (34kPa). This pressure shall be held without introduction of
additional air for a period of fifteen (15) minutes.
P2503.5.2
Delete section P2503.5.2 Finished Plumbing and substitute the
following:
P2503.5.2 Finished Plumbing.
After the plumbing fixtures
have been set and the in traps filled with water, their connections
shall be tested and proved watertight by filling and then draining
each fixture and their traps and fixture connections proven tight by
visual inspection.
2.22 Chapter
26
P2603.4
Add the following exception to section P2603.4 Pipes through footings
or foundation walls:
Exception:
PVC schedule forty (40)
minimum pipe shall not be required to be sleeved or be provided with
a relieving arch.
P2603.5
Add the following exception to section P2603.5 Freezing:
Exception:
Soil and vent stacks located
within exterior walls and vent pipes in attics shall not be required
to be insulated.
P2603.5.1
Delete section P2603.5.1 and substitute the following
P2603.5.1 Sewer Depth.
Building sewers that connect
to private sewage disposal systems shall meet the requirements of the
Department of Environmental Management’s Regulations for onsite
wastewater treatment systems, 250-RICR-150-05-4 and 250-RICR-150-10
Parts1 through 8.
Building sewers connecting to
a public sewer shall be a minimum of thirty-six inches (36”)
below grade.
2.23 Chapter 29
P2902.7
Protection of individual water supplies. An individual water supply
shall be located and constructed so as be safeguarded against
contamination in accordance with sections P2902.7.1 through
P2902.7.8.
P2902.7.1
Well locations. A potable ground water source or pump suction line
shall not be located closer to potential sources of contamination
than the distances shown in Table P2902.7.1. In the event the
underlying rock structure is limestone or fragmented shale, the local
or State Health Department shall be consulted on well site location.
The distances in Table P2902.1 constitute minimum separation and
shall be increased in areas of creviced rock or limestone, or where
the direction of movement of ground water is from sources of
contamination toward the well.
TABLE
P2902.7.1
DISTANCE FROM SOURCES OF
CONTAMINATION TO PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES AND PUMP SUCTION LINES
Source
of Contamination
Distance
(feet) (1 foot=304.8mm)
Sewer
50
Septic
Tank
50
Pasture
100
Sewer
(leaded or mechanical joints or approved plastic)
10
Subsurface
pits
100c
Seepage
pits
100
Cesspools
100
Barnyard
100
Farm
silo
25
Pump
house floor drain of cast iron draining to ground surface
2
P2902.7.2
Elevation. Well sites shall be positively drained and shall be at
higher elevations than potential sources of contamination.
P2902.7.3
Depth. Private potable well supplies shall not be developed from a
water table less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the ground
surface
P2902.7.4
Water-tight casings. Each well shall be provided with a water-tight
casing extending to not less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm)
below the ground surface. Casings shall extend not less than six
inches (6”) (152 mm) above the well platform. Casings shall be
large enough to permit installation of a separate drop pipe. Casings
shall be sealed at the bottom in an impermeable stratum or extend
several feet into the water-bearing stratum.
P2902.7.5
Drilled or driven well casings. Drilled or driven well casings shall
be of steel or other approved material. Where drilled wells extend
into a rock formation, the well casing shall extend to and set firmly
in the formation. The annular space between the earth and the outside
of the casing shall be filled with cement grout to a depth of not
less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the ground surface. In
an instance of casing to rock installation, the grout shall extend to
the rock surface.
P2902.7.6
Dug or bored well casings. Dug or bored well casings shall be of
water-tight concrete, tile, galvanized or corrugated metal pipe
extending to not less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the
ground surface. Where the water table is more than ten feet (10’)
(3048 mm) below the ground surface, the water-tight casing shall
extend below the table surface. Well casings for dug wells or bored
wells constructed with sections of concrete, tile, or galvanized or
corrugated metal pipe shall be surrounded by six inches (6”)
(152 mm) of grout poured into the hole between the outside of the
sassing and the ground and extending not less than ten feet (10’)
(3048 mm) below the ground surface.
P2902.7.7
Cover. Potable water wells shall be equipped with an overlapping
water-tight cover at the top of the well casing or pipe sleeve such
that contaminated water or other substances are prevented from
entering the well through the annular opening at the top of the well
casing, wall or pipe sleeve. Covers shall extend downward not less
than two inches (2”) (51 mm) over the outside of the well
casing or wall. A dug well cover shall be provided with a pipe sleeve
permitting the withdrawal of the pump suction pipe, cylinder or jet
body without disturbing the cover. Where pump sections or discharge
pipes enter or leave a well through the side of the casing, the
circle of contact shall be watertight.
P2902.7.8
Drainage. Potable water wells and springs shall be constructed such
that surface drainage will be diverted away from the well or spring
P2903.3
Delete section P2903.3 Minimum Pressure and substitute the following:
P2903.3 Minimum Pressure.
Minimum static pressure shall
be forty (40) psi measured before any meter, or a booster pump shall
be installed after the meter providing forty (40) psi minimum static
pressure.
For private wells, forty (40)
psi minimum shall be provided at the outlet of any storage tank or
pump.
Delete section P2904 and
substitute the following:
R2904.1 General.
Automatic fire sprinkler if
installed at the applicant’s option will be in conformance with
Appendix RP.
2.24 Chapter
30
P3003.9.2
Solvent Cementing- Delete Exception
P3008.1
Delete section P3008.1 and substitute the following
P3008.1 Mandatory installation
of check valves.
All new residential
construction that will connect to a sanitary sewer system and any
residential construction where the existing sewer connection will be
substantially altered shall have a check valve installed that is
automatically activated, on the main building sewer line for purposes
of protecting residents from the possible backflow of, and exposure
to, untreated sewage.
2.25 Chapter 31 Vents
P3103.1 Roof extension: insert
the following:
Twelve inches (12”)
(304.8 mm)
Delete IRC P3103.2 Frost
Closure and substitute the following:
Frost Closure: Each vent
extension through a roof shall have a minimum size of three inches
(3”) in Providence County and two inches (2”) in all
others. Where this results in an increase in size of the vent
extension, the change in diameter shall be made inside the building a
minimum of six inches (6") below the roof with an approved
fitting.
2.26 Chapter 32 Traps
P3201.2
Delete and substitute the following:
P3201.2 Trap seals and trap
seal protection.
Traps shall have a liquid
seal not less than two inches (2”) (51 mm) and not more than
four inches (4”) (102 mm). Traps for floor drains shall be
fitted with a trap primer or shall be of the deep seal design.
Alternative seals that are in conformance with ASSE 1018 or ASSE 1044
are acceptable.
2.27 Chapter
34
Delete
without substitution
Part VIII Electrical Chapters
34 through 43 and reference Rhode Island Electrical Code RI-SBC-5
2021 ( Part
5 of this Subchapter ) most recent edition.
2.28 Appendices
Add
the Following
APPENDIX RP –
RESIDENTIAL SPRINKLERS
Appendix
RP is Informative only and is not part of this code
SECTION R-P2904 DWELLING UNIT
FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
R-P2904.1 General.
Where installed, residential
fire sprinkler systems, or portions thereof, shall be in accordance
with NFPA 13D or Section P2904, which shall be considered equivalent
to NFPA 13D. Section P2904 shall apply to stand-alone and
multipurpose wet-pipe sprinkler systems that do not include the use
of antifreeze. A multipurpose fire sprinkler system shall supply
domestic water to both fire sprinklers and plumbing fixtures. A
stand-alone sprinkler system shall be separate and independent from
the water distribution system. A backflow flow preventer shall not be
required to separate a stand-alone sprinkler system from the water
distribution system.
R-P2904.1.1 Required sprinkler
locations.
Sprinklers when installed
shall protect all areas of a dwelling unit.
Exceptions:
1. Attics, crawl spaces and
normally unoccupied concealed spaces that do not contain fuel- fired
appliances do not require sprinklers. In attics, crawl spaces and
normally unoccupied concealed spaces that contain fuel-fired
equipment, a sprinkler shall be installed above the equipment;
however, sprinklers shall not be required in the remainder of the
space.
2. Clothes closets, linen
closets and pantries not exceeding twenty-four (24) square feet (2.2
m 2 ) in area, with the smallest dimension not greater than
three feet (3’) (915 mm) and having wall and ceiling surfaces
of gypsum board.
3. Bathrooms not more than
fifty-five (55) square feet (5.1 m 2 ) in area.
4. Garages; carports; exterior
porches; unheated entry areas, such as mud rooms, that are adjacent
to an exterior door; and similar areas.
R-P2904.2 Sprinklers.
Sprinklers shall be new
listed residential sprinklers and shall be installed in accordance
with the sprinkler manufacturer’s installation instructions.
R-P2904.2.1 Temperature rating
and separation from heat sources.
Except as provided for in
section P2904.2.2, sprinklers shall have a temperature rating of not
less than one hundred thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit (135° F)
(fifty-seven degrees Celsius (57° C)) and not more than one
hundred seventy degrees Fahrenheit (170° F) (seventy-seven
degrees Celsius (77° C)). Sprinklers shall be separated from heat
sources as required by the sprinkler manufacturer’s
installation instructions.
R-P2904.2.2 Intermediate
temperature sprinklers.
Sprinklers shall have an
intermediate temperature rating not less than one hundred
seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit (175° F) (seventy-nine degrees
Celsius (79° C)) and not more than two hundred twenty-five
degrees Fahrenheit (225° F) (one hundred seven degrees Celsius
(107° C)) where installed in the following locations:
1. Directly under skylights,
where the sprinkler is exposed to direct sunlight.
2. In attics.
3. In concealed spaces located
directly beneath a roof.
4. Within the distance to a
heat source as specified in Table P2904.2.2
R-P2904.2.3 Freezing areas.
Piping shall be protected
from freezing as required by section P2603.6. Where sprinklers are
required in areas that are subject to freezing, dry-sidewall or
dry-pendent sprinklers extending from a nonfreezing area into a
freezing area shall be installed.
R-P2904.2.4
Sprinkler coverage.
Sprinkler
coverage requirements and sprinkler obstruction requirements shall be
in accordance with sections P2904.2.4.1 and P2904.2.4.2.
Table
P2904.2.2 – Locations Where Intermediate Temperature Sprinklers
are Required
Heat
Source
Range
of Distance from Heat Source within which Intermediate Temperature
Sprinklers are Required a, b (inches)
Fireplace,
side of open or recessed fireplace
12
to 36
Fireplace,
front of recessed fireplace
36
to 60
Coal
and wood burning stove
12
to 42
Kitchen
range top
9
to 18
Oven
9
to 18
Vent
connector or chimney connector
9
to 18
Heating
duct, not insulated
9
to 18
Hot
water pipe, not insulated
6
to 12
Side
of ceiling or wall warm air register
12
to 24
Front
of wall mounted warm air register
18
to 36
Water
heater, furnace or boiler
3
to 6
Luminaire
up to 250 watts
3
to 6
Luminaire
250 watts up to 499 watts
6
to 12
For
SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm
a Sprinklers
shall not be located at distances less than the minimum table
distance unless the sprinkler listing allows a lesser distance.
b Distances
shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest edge of the
heat source to the nearest edge of the sprinkler
R-P2904.2.4.1 Coverage area
limit.
The area of coverage of a
single sprinkler shall not exceed four hundred (400) square feet (37
m 2 ) and shall be based on the sprinkler listing and the
sprinkler manufacturer’s installation instructions.
R-P2904.2.4.2
Obstructions to coverage.
Sprinkler discharge shall not
be blocked by obstructions unless additional sprinklers are installed
to protect the obstructed area. Sprinkler separation from
obstructions shall comply with the minimum distances specified in the
sprinkler manufacturer’s instructions.
R-P2904.2.4.2.1 Additional
requirements for pendent sprinklers.
Pendent sprinklers within
three feet (3’) (915 mm) of the center of a ceiling fan,
surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be
considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be
installed.
R-P2904.2.4.2.2 Additional
requirements for sidewall sprinklers.
Sidewall sprinklers within
five feet (5’) (1524 mm) of the center of a ceiling fan,
surface-mounted ceiling luminaire or similar object shall be
considered to be obstructed, and additional sprinklers shall be
installed.
R-P2904.2.5 Sprinkler
installation on systems assembled with solvent cement.
The solvent cementing of
threaded adapter fittings shall be completed and threaded adapters
for sprinklers shall be verified as being clear of excess cement
prior to the installation of sprinklers on systems assembled with
solvent cement.
R-P2904.2.6 Sprinkler
modifications prohibited.
Painting, caulking or
modifying of sprinklers shall be prohibited. Sprinklers that have
been painted, caulked, modified or damaged shall be replaced with new
sprinklers.
R-P2904.3 Sprinkler piping
system.
Sprinkler piping shall be
supported in accordance with the requirements for cold water
distribution piping. Sprinkler piping shall comply with all
requirements for cold water distribution piping. For multipurpose
piping systems, the sprinkler piping shall connect to and be a part
of the cold-water distribution piping system.
R-P2904.3.1 Nonmetallic pipe
and tubing.
Nonmetallic pipe and tubing,
such as CPVC and PEX, shall be listed for use in residential fire
sprinkler systems.
R-P2904.3.1.1 Nonmetallic pipe
protection.
Nonmetallic pipe and tubing
systems shall be protected from exposure to the living space by a
layer of not less than three eighths of one inch (3/8”) (9.5
mm) thick gypsum wallboard, one half of one inch (1/2”)
inch-thick plywood (13 mm), or other material having a fifteen (15)
minute fire rating.
Exceptions:
1. Pipe protection shall not
be required in areas that do not require protection with sprinklers
as specified in section P2904.1.1.
2. Pipe protection shall not
be required where exposed piping is permitted by the pipe listing.
R-P2904.3.2 Shutoff valves
prohibited.
With the exception of shutoff
valves for the entire water distribution system, valves shall not be
installed in any location where the valve would isolate piping
serving one or more sprinklers.
R-P2904.3.3 Single dwelling
limit.
Piping beyond the service
valve located at the beginning of the water distribution system shall
not serve more than one (1) dwelling.
R-P2904.3.4 Drain.
A means to drain the
sprinkler system shall be provided on the system side of the water
distribution shutoff valve.
R-P2904.4 Determining system
design flow.
The flow for sizing the
sprinkler piping system shall be based on the flow rating of each
sprinkler in accordance with section P2904.4.1 and the calculation in
accordance with section P2904.4.2.
R-P2904.4.1 Determining
required flow rate for each sprinkler.
The minimum required flow for
each sprinkler shall be determined using the sprinkler manufacturer’s
published data for the specific sprinkler model based on all of the
following:
1. The area of coverage.
2. The ceiling configuration.
3. The temperature rating.
4. Any additional conditions
specified by the sprinkler manufacturer.
R-P2904.4.2 System design
flow rate.
The design flow rate for the
system shall be based on the following:
1. The design flow rate for a
room having only one (1) sprinkler shall be the flow rate required
for that sprinkler, as determined by section P2904.4.1.
2. The design flow rate for a
room having two (2) or more sprinklers a shall be determined by
identifying the sprinkler in that room with the highest required flow
rate, based on section P2904.4.1, and multiplying that flow rate by
two (2).
3. Where the sprinkler
manufacturer specifies different criteria for ceiling configurations
that are not smooth, flat and horizontal, the required flow rate for
that room shall comply with the sprinkler manufacturer’s
instructions.
4. The design flow rate for
the sprinkler system shall be the flow required by the room with the
largest flow rate, based on Items 1, 2 and 3.
5. For the purpose of this
section, it shall be permissible to reduce the design flow rate for a
room by subdividing the space into two (2) or more rooms, where each
room is evaluated separately with respect to the required design flow
rate. Each room shall be bounded by walls and a ceiling. Openings in
walls shall have a lintel not less than eight inches (8”) (203
mm) in depth and each lintel shall form a solid barrier between the
ceiling and the top of the opening.
R-P2904.5 Water supply.
The water supply shall
provide not less than the required design flow rate for sprinklers in
accordance with section P2904.4.2 at a pressure not less than that
used to comply with section P2904.6.
R-P2904.5.1 Water supply from
individual sources.
Where a dwelling unit water
supply is from a tank system, a private well system or a combination
of these, the available water supply shall be based on the minimum
pressure control setting for the pump.
R-P2904.5.2 Required
capacity.
The water supply shall have
the capacity to provide the required design flow rate for sprinklers
for a period of time as follows:
1. Seven (7) minutes for
dwelling units one (1) story in height and less than two thousand
(2,000) square feet (186 m 2 ) in area.
2. Ten (10) minutes for
dwelling units two (2) or more stories in height or equal to or
greater than two thousand (2,000) square feet (186 m 2 ) in
area. Where a well system, a water supply tank system or a
combination thereof is used, any combination of well capacity and
tank storage shall be permitted to meet the capacity requirement.
R-P2904.6 Pipe sizing.
The piping to sprinklers
shall be sized for the flow required by section P2904.4.2. The flow
required to supply the plumbing fixtures shall not be required to be
added to the sprinkler design flow.
R-P2904.6.1 Method of sizing
pipe.
1. Piping supplying sprinklers
shall be sized using the prescriptive method in section P2904.6.2 or
by hydraulic calculation in accordance with NFPA 13D. The minimum
pipe size from the water supply source to any sprinkler shall be
three quarters of one inch (3/4”) (19 mm) nominal.
2. Threaded adapter fittings
at the point where sprinklers are attached to the piping shall be a
minimum of one half of one inch (1/2”) (13 mm) nominal.
R-P2904.6.2 Prescriptive pipe
sizing method.
Pipe shall be sized by
determining the available pressure to offset friction loss in piping
and identifying a piping material, diameter and length using the
equation in section P2904.6.2.1 and the procedure in section
P2904.6.2.2.
R-P2904.6.2.1 Available
pressure equation.
The pressure available to
offset friction loss in the interior piping system (Pt) shall be
determined in accordance with the Equation 29-1.
Pt =
Psup–PLsvc–PLm–PLd–PLe–Psp (Equation
29-1) where: Pt = Pressure used in applying Tables P2904.6.2(4)
through P2904.6.2(9).
Psup = Pressure available
from the water supply source.
PLsvc = Pressure loss in the
water-service pipe.
PLm = Pressure loss in the
water meter.
PLd = Pressure loss from
devices other than the water meter.
PLe = Pressure loss
associated with changes in elevation.
Psp = Maximum pressure
required by a sprinkler.
R-P2904.6.2.2 Calculation
procedure.
Determination of the required
size for water distribution piping shall be in accordance with the
following procedure:
Step 1 – Determine Psu
Obtain the static supply pressure that will be available from the
water main from the water purveyor, or for an individual source, the
available supply pressure shall be in accordance with section
P2904.5.1.
Step 2 – Determine
PLsvc Use Table P2904.6.2(1) to determine the pressure loss in the
water service pipe based on the selected size of the water service.
Step 3 – Determine PLm
Use Table P2904.6.2(2) to determine the pressure loss from the water
meter, based on the selected water meter size.
Step 4 – Determine PLd
Determine the pressure loss from devices other than the water meter
installed in the piping system supplying sprinklers, such as
pressure-reducing valves, backflow preventers, water softeners or
water filters. Device pressure losses shall be based on the device
manufacturer's specifications. The flow rate used to determine
pressure loss shall be the rate from section P2904.4.2, except that
five (5) gpm (0.3 L/S) shall be added where the device is installed
in a water-service pipe that supplies more than one (1) dwelling.
As alternative to deducting
pressure loss for a device, an automatic bypass valve shall be
installed to divert flow around the device when a sprinkler
activates.
Step 5 – Determine PLe
Use Table P2904.6.2(3) to determine the pressure loss associated with
changes in elevation. The elevation used in applying the table shall
be the difference between the elevation where the water source
pressure was measured and the elevation of the highest sprinkler.
Step 6 – Determine Psp
Determine the maximum pressure required by any individual sprinkler
based on the flow rate from section P2904.4.1. The required pressure
is provided in the sprinkler manufacturer's published data for the
specific sprinkler model based on the selected flow rate.
Step 7 – Calculate Pt
Using Equation 29-1, calculate the pressure available to offset
friction loss in water-distribution piping between the service valve
and the sprinklers.
Step 8 – Determine the
maximum allowable pipe length Use Tables P2904.6.2(4) through
P2904.6.2(9) to select a material and size for water distribution
piping. The piping material and size shall be acceptable if the
developed length of pipe between the service valve and the most
remote sprinkler does not exceed the maximum allowable length
specified by the applicable table. Interpolation of Pt between the
tabular values shall be permitted. The maximum allowable length of
piping in Tables P2904.6.2(4) through P2904.6.2(9) incorporates an
adjustment for pipe fittings, and no additional consideration of
friction losses associated with pipe fittings shall be required.
R-P2904.7 Instructions and
signs.
An owner’s manual for
the fire sprinkler system shall be provided to the owner. A sign or
valve tag shall be installed at the main shutoff valve to the water
distribution system stating the following: “Warning, the water
system for this home supplies fire sprinklers that require certain
flows and pressures to fight a fire. Devices that restrict the flow
or decrease the pressure or automatically shut off the water to the
fire sprinkler system, such as water softeners, filtration systems
and automatic shutoff valves, shall not be added to this system
without a review of the fire sprinkler system by a fire protection
specialist. Do not remove this sign.”
R-P2904.8 Inspections.
The water distribution system
shall be inspected in accordance with sections P2904.8.1 and
P2904.8.2.
R-P2904.8.1 Pre-concealment
inspection.
The following items shall be
verified prior to the concealment of any sprinkler system piping:
1. Sprinklers are installed in
all areas as required by section P2904.1.1.
2. Where sprinkler water spray
patterns are obstructed by construction features, luminaries or
ceiling fans, additional sprinklers are installed as required by
section P2904.2.4.2.
3. Sprinklers are the correct
temperature rating and are installed at or beyond the required
separation distances from heat sources as required by sections
P2904.2.1 and P2904.2.2.
4. The pipe size equals or
exceeds the size used in applying Tables P2904.6.2(4) through
P2904.6.2(9) or, if the piping system was hydraulically calculated in
accordance with section P2904.6.1, the size used in the hydraulic
calculation.
5. The pipe length does not
exceed the length permitted by Tables P2904.6.2(4) through
P2904.6.2(9) or, if the piping system was hydraulically calculated in
accordance with section P2904.6.1, pipe lengths and fittings do not
exceed those used in the hydraulic calculation.
6. Nonmetallic piping that
conveys water to sprinklers is listed for use with fire sprinklers.
7. Piping is supported in
accordance with the pipe manufacturer’s and sprinkler
manufacturer’s installation instructions.
8. The piping system is tested
in accordance with section P2503.7.
R-P2904.8.2 Final inspection.
The following items shall be
verified upon completion of the system:
1. Sprinkler are not painted,
damaged or otherwise hindered from operation.
2. Where a pump is required to
provide water to the system, the pump starts automatically upon
system water demand.
3. Pressure-reducing valves,
water softeners, water filters or other impairments to water flow
that were not part of the original design have not been installed.
4. The sign or valve tag
required by section P2904.7 is installed and the owner’s manual
for the system is present.
Table
P2904.6.2(1) – Water Service Pressure Loss (PL svc ) a,b
Flow
Rate c (gpm)
¾
INCH WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (psi)
1
INCH WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (psi)
1
¼ INCH WATER SERVICE PRESSURE LOSS (psi)
Length
of water service pipe (feet)
Length
of water service pipe (feet)
Length
of water service pipe (feet)
40
or less
41
to 75
76
to 100
101
to 150
40
or less
41
to 75
76
to 100
101
to 150
40
or less
41
to 75
76
to 100
101
to 150
8
5.1
8.7
11.8
17.4
1.5
2.5
3.4
5.1
0.6
1.0
1.3
1.9
10
7.7
13.1
17.8
26.3
2.3
3.8
5.2
7.7
0.8
1.4
2.0
2.9
12
10.8
18.4
24.9
NP
3.2
5.4
7.3
10.7
1.2
2.0
2.7
4.0
14
14.4
24.5
NP
NP
4.2
7.1
9.6
14.3
1.6
2.7
3.6
5.4
16
18.4
NP
NP
NP
5.4
9.1
12.4
18.3
2.0
3.4
4.7
6.9
18
22.9
NP
NP
NP
6.7
11.4
15.4
22.7
2.5
4.3
5.8
8.6
20
27.8
NP
NP
NP
8.1
13.8
18.7
27.6
3.1
5.2
7.0
10.4
22
NP
NP
NP
NP
9.7
16.5
22.3
NP
3.7
6.2
8.4
12.4
24
NP
NP
NP
NP
11.4
19.3
26.2
NP
4.3
7.3
9.9
14.6
26
NP
NP
NP
NP
13.2
22.4
NP
NP
5.0
8.5
11.4
16.9
28
NP
NP
NP
NP
15.1
25.7
NP
NP
5.7
9.7
13.1
19.4
30
NP
NP
NP
NP
17.2
NP
NP
NP
6.5
11.0
14.9
22.0
32
NP
NP
NP
NP
19.4
NP
NP
NP
7.3
12.4
16.8
24.8
34
NP
NP
NP
NP
21.7
NP
NP
NP
8.2
13.9
18.8
NP
36
NP
NP
NP
NP
24.1
NP
NP
NP
9.1
15.4
20.9
NP
For
SI: one inch (1”) = 25.4 mm, one foot (1’) = 304.8 mm,
one (1) gallon per minute = 0.053 L/s, one (1) pound per square inch
= 6.895 kPa.
NP
– Not permitted. Pressure loss exceeds reasonable limits.
a. Values are applicable for
underground piping materials listed in Table P2905.4 and are based on
an SDR of 11 and a Hazen Williams C Factor of one hundred fifty
(150).
b. Values include the
following length allowances for fittings: twenty-five percent (25%)
length increase for actual lengths up to one hundred feet (100’)
and fifteen percent (15%) length increase for actual lengths over one
hundred feet (100’).
c. Flow rate from section
P2904.4.2. Add five (5) gpm to the flow rate required by section
P2904.4.2 where the water-service pipe supplies more than one (1)
dwelling.
Table
P2904.6.2(2) – Minimum Water Meter Pressure Loss (PL m ) a
FLOW
RATE (gallons per minute, gpm) b
5/8-INCH
METER PRESSURE LOSS (pounds per square inch, psi)
¾-INCH
METER PRESSURE LESS (pounds per square inch, psi)
1-INCH
METER PRESSURE LOSS (pounds per square inch, psi)
8
2
1
1
10
3
1
1
12
4
1
1
14
5
2
1
16
7
3
1
18
9
4
1
20
11
4
2
22
NP
5
2
24
NP
5
2
26
NP
6
2
28
NP
6
2
30
NP
7
2
32
NP
7
3
34
NP
8
3
36
NP
8
3
For
SI: one inch (1”) = 25.4 mm, one (1) pound per square inch =
6.896 kPa, one (1) gallon per minute = 0.063 L/s.
NP
– Not permitted unless the actual water meter pressure loss is
known.
a. Table 2904.6.2(2)
establishes conservative values for water meter pressure loss or
installations where the water meter loss is unknown. Where the actual
water meter pressure loss is known, P m shall be the actual
loss.
b. Flow rate from section
P2904.4.2. Add five (5) gpm to the flow rate required by section
P2904.4.2 where the water-service pipe supplies more than one (1)
dwelling.
Table P2904.6.2(3) –
Elevation Loss (PL e )
ELEVATION
(feet)
PRESSURE
LOSS (psi)
5
2.2
10
4.4
15
6.5
20
8.7
25
10.9
30
13
35
15.2
40
17.4
For SI: one foot (1’) =
304.8 mm, one (1) pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa.
Table
P2904.6.2(4) – Allowable Pipe Length for three quarter (3/4)
Inch Type M Copper Water Tubing
SPRINKLER
FLOW RATE a (gpm)
WATER
DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch)
Available
Pressure – P t (psi)
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Allowable
length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet)
8
¾
217
289
361
434
506
578
650
723
795
867
9
¾
174
232
291
349
407
465
523
581
639
697
10
¾
143
191
239
287
335
383
430
478
526
574
11
¾
120
160
220
241
281
321
361
401
441
481
12
¾
102
137
171
205
239
273
307
241
375
410
13
¾
88
118
147
177
206
235
265
294
324
353
14
¾
77
103
128
154
180
205
231
257
282
308
15
¾
68
90
113
136
158
181
203
226
248
271
16
¾
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
241
17
¾
54
72
90
108
125
143
161
179
197
215
18
¾
48
64
81
97
113
129
145
161
177
193
19
¾
44
58
73
88
102
117
131
146
160
175
20
¾
40
53
66
80
93
106
119
133
146
159
21
¾
36
48
61
73
85
97
109
121
133
145
22
¾
33
44
56
67
78
89
100
111
122
133
23
¾
31
41
51
61
72
82
92
102
113
123
24
¾
28
38
47
57
66
76
85
95
104
114
25
¾
26
35
44
53
61
70
79
88
97
105
26
¾
24
33
41
49
57
65
73
82
90
98
27
¾
23
30
38
46
53
61
69
76
84
91
28
¾
21
28
36
43
50
57
64
71
78
85
29
¾
20
27
33
40
47
53
60
67
73
80
30
¾
19
25
31
38
44
50
56
63
69
75
31
¾
18
24
29
35
41
47
53
59
65
71
32
¾
17
22
28
33
39
44
50
56
61
67
33
¾
16
21
26
32
37
42
47
53
58
63
34
¾
NP
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
35
¾
NP
19
24
28
33
38
42
47
52
57
36
¾
NP
18
22
27
31
36
40
45
49
54
37
¾
NP
17
21
26
30
34
38
43
47
51
38
¾
NP
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
45
49
39
¾
NP
15
19
23
27
31
35
39
42
46
40
¾
NP
NP
18
22
26
29
33
37
40
44
For
SI: one inch (1”) = 25.4 mm, one foot (1’) = 304.8 mm,
one (1) pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, one (1) gallon per minute
– 0.963 L/s.
NP
– Not permitted
a. Flow rate from section
P2904.4.2.
Table
P2904.6.2(5) – Allowable Pipe Length for 1-inch Type M
Copper Water TubingSPRINKLER FLOW RATEa (gpm)
WATER
DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch)
Available
Pressure – P t (psi)
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Allowable
length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet)
8
1
806
1075
1343
1612
1881
2149
2418
2687
2955
3224
9
1
648
864
1080
1296
1512
1728
1945
2161
2377
2593
10
1
533
711
889
1067
1245
1422
1600
1778
1956
2134
11
1
447
586
745
894
1043
1192
1341
1491
1640
1789
12
1
381
508
634
761
888
1015
1142
1269
1396
1523
13
1
328
438
547
657
766
875
985
1094
1204
1313
14
1
286
382
477
572
668
763
859
954
1049
1145
15
1
252
336
420
504
588
672
756
840
924
1008
16
1
224
298
373
447
522
596
671
745
820
894
17
1
200
266
333
400
466
533
600
666
733
799
18
1
180
240
300
360
420
479
539
599
659
719
19
1
163
217
271
325
380
434
488
542
597
651
20
1
148
197
247
296
345
395
444
493
543
592
21
1
135
180
225
270
315
360
406
451
496
541
22
1
124
165
207
248
289
331
372
413
455
496
23
1
114
152
190
228
267
305
343
381
419
457
24
1
106
141
176
211
246
282
317
352
387
422
25
1
98
131
163
196
228
261
294
326
359
392
26
1
91
121
152
182
212
243
273
304
334
364
27
1
85
113
142
170
198
226
255
283
311
340
28
1
79
106
132
159
185
212
238
265
291
318
29
1
74
99
124
149
174
198
223
248
273
298
30
1
70
92
116
140
163
186
210
233
256
280
31
1
66
88
110
132
153
175
197
219
241
263
32
1
62
83
103
124
145
165
186
207
227
248
33
1
59
78
98
117
137
156
176
195
215
234
34
1
55
74
92
111
129
148
166
185
203
222
35
1
53
70
88
105
123
140
158
175
193
210
36
1
50
66
83
100
116
133
150
166
183
199
37
1
47
63
79
95
111
126
142
158
174
190
38
1
45
60
75
90
105
120
135
150
165
181
39
1
43
57
72
86
100
115
129
143
158
172
40
1
41
55
68
82
96
109
123
137
150
164
For
SI: one inch (1”) = 25.4 mm, one foot (1’) = 304.8 mm,
one (1) pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, one (1) gallon per minute
– 0.963 L/s.
a. Flow rate from Section
P2904.4.2.
Table
P2904.6.2(6) – Allowable Pipe Length for ¾-inch CPVC
Pipe
SPRINKLER
FLOW RATE a (gpm)
WATER
DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch)
Available
Pressure – P t (psi)
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Allowable
length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet)
8
¾
348
465
581
697
813
929
1045
1161
1278
1394
9
¾
280
374
467
560
654
747
841
934
1027
1121
10
¾
231
307
384
461
538
615
692
769
845
922
11
¾
193
258
322
387
451
515
580
644
709
773
12
¾
165
219
274
329
384
439
494
549
603
658
13
¾
142
189
237
284
331
378
426
473
520
568
14
¾
124
165
206
247
289
330
371
412
454
495
15
¾
109
145
182
218
254
290
327
363
399
436
16
¾
97
129
161
193
226
258
290
322
354
387
17
¾
86
115
144
173
202
230
259
288
317
346
18
¾
78
104
130
155
181
207
233
259
285
311
19
¾
70
94
117
141
164
188
211
234
258
281
20
¾
64
85
107
128
149
171
192
213
235
256
21
¾
58
78
97
117
136
156
175
195
214
234
22
¾
54
71
89
107
125
143
161
179
197
214
23
¾
49
66
82
99
115
132
148
165
181
198
24
¾
46
61
76
91
107
122
137
152
167
183
25
¾
42
56
71
85
99
113
127
141
155
169
26
¾
39
52
66
79
92
105
118
131
144
157
27
¾
37
49
61
73
86
98
110
122
135
147
28
¾
34
46
57
69
80
92
103
114
126
137
29
¾
32
43
54
64
75
86
96
107
118
129
30
¾
30
40
50
60
70
81
91
101
111
121
31
¾
28
38
47
57
66
76
85
95
104
114
32
¾
27
36
45
54
63
71
80
89
98
107
33
¾
25
34
42
51
59
68
76
84
93
101
34
¾
24
32
40
48
56
64
72
80
88
96
35
¾
23
30
38
45
53
61
68
76
83
91
36
¾
22
29
36
43
50
57
65
72
79
86
37
¾
20
27
34
41
48
55
61
68
75
82
38
¾
20
26
33
39
46
52
59
65
72
78
39
¾
19
25
31
37
43
50
56
62
68
74
40
¾
18
24
30
35
41
47
53
59
65
71
For
SI: one inch (1”) = 25.4 mm, one foot (1’) – 304.8
mm, one (1) pound per square inch – 6.895 kPa, one (1) gallon
per minute = 0.0963 L/s.
a. Flow rate from Section
P2904.4.2.
Table
P2904.6.2(7) – Allowable Pipe Length for 1-inch CPVC Pipe
SPRINKLER
FLOW RATEa (gpm)
WATER
DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch)
Available
Pressure – P t (psi)
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Allowable
length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet)
8
1
1049
1398
1748
2098
2447
2797
3146
3496
3845
4195
9
1
843
1125
1406
1687
1968
2249
2530
2811
3093
3374
10
1
694
925
1157
1388
1619
1851
2082
2314
2545
2776
11
1
582
776
970
1164
1358
1552
1746
1940
2133
2327
12
1
495
660
826
991
1156
1321
1486
1651
1816
1981
13
1
427
570
712
854
997
1139
1281
1424
1566
1709
14
1
372
497
621
745
869
993
1117
1241
1366
1490
15
1
328
437
546
656
765
874
983
1093
1202
1311
16
1
291
388
485
582
679
776
873
970
1067
1164
17
1
260
347
433
520
607
693
780
867
954
1040
18
1
234
312
390
468
546
624
702
780
858
936
19
1
212
282
353
423
494
565
635
706
776
847
20
1
193
247
321
385
449
513
578
642
706
770
21
1
176
235
293
352
410
469
528
586
645
704
22
1
1161
215
269
323
377
430
484
538
592
646
23
1
1149
198
248
297
347
396
446
496
545
595
24
1
137
183
229
275
321
366
412
458
504
550
25
1
1127
170
212
255
297
340
382
425
467
510
26
1
118
158
197
237
276
316
355
395
434
474
27
1
111
147
184
221
258
295
332
368
405
442
28
1
103
138
172
207
241
275
310
344
379
413
29
1
97
129
161
194
226
258
290
323
355
387
30
1
91
121
152
182
212
242
273
303
333
364
31
1
86
114
143
171
200
228
257
285
314
342
32
1
81
108
134
161
188
215
242
269
296
323
33
1
176
102
127
152
178
203
229
254
280
305
34
1
72
96
120
144
168
192
216
240
265
289
35
1
68
91
114
137
160
182
205
228
251
273
36
1
165
87
108
130
151
173
195
216
238
260
37
1
62
82
103
123
144
165
185
206
226
247
38
1
59
78
98
117
137
157
176
196
215
235
39
1
56
75
93
112
131
149
168
187
205
224
40
1
53
71
89
107
125
142
160
178
196
214
For
SI: one inch (1”) = 25.4 mm, one foot (1’) = 304.8 mm,
one (1) pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, one (1) gallon per minute
= 0.963 L/s.
a. Flow rate from Section
P2904.4.2.
Table P2904.6.2(8) –
Allowable Pipe Length for ¾-inch PEX Tubing
SPRINKLER
FLOW RATE a (gpm)
WATER
DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch)
Available
Pressure – P t (psi)
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Allowable
length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet)
8
¾
93
123
154
185
216
247
278
309
339
370
9
¾
74
99
124
149
174
199
223
248
273
298
10
¾
61
82
102
123
143
163
184
204
225
245
11
¾
51
68
86
103
120
137
154
171
188
205
12
¾
44
58
73
87
102
117
131
146
160
175
13
¾
38
50
63
75
88
101
113
126
138
151
14
¾
33
44
55
66
77
88
99
110
121
132
15
¾
29
39
48
58
68
77
87
96
106
116
16
¾
26
34
43
51
60
68
77
86
94
103
17
¾
23
31
38
46
54
61
69
77
84
92
18
¾
21
28
34
41
48
55
62
69
76
83
19
¾
19
25
31
37
44
50
56
62
69
75
20
¾
17
23
28
34
40
45
51
57
62
68
21
¾
16
21
26
31
36
41
47
52
57
62
22
¾
NP
19
24
28
33
38
43
47
52
57
23
¾
NP
17
22
26
31
35
39
44
48
52
24
¾
NP
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
49
25
¾
NP
NP
19
22
26
30
34
37
41
45
26
¾
NP
NP
17
21
24
28
31
35
38
42
27
¾
NP
NP
16
20
23
26
29
33
36
39
28
¾
NP
NP
15
18
21
24
27
30
33
36
29
¾
NP
NP
NP
17
20
23
26
28
31
34
30
¾
NP
NP
NP
16
19
21
24
27
29
32
31
¾
NP
NP
NP
15
18
20
23
25
28
30
32
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
17
19
21
24
26
28
33
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
16
18
20
22
25
27
34
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
17
19
21
23
25
35
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
16
18
20
22
24
36
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
15
17
19
21
23
37
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
16
18
20
22
38
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
16
17
19
21
39
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
16
18
20
40
¾
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
NP
16
17
19
For
SI: one inch (1”) = 25.4 mm, one foot (1’) = 304.8 mm,
one (1) pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, one (1) gallon per minute
= 0.963 L/s.
NP
– Not permitted.
a. Flow rate from Section
P2904.4.2.
Table P2904.6.2(9) –
Allowable Pipe Length for 1-inch PEX Tubing
SPRINKLER
FLOW RATEa (gpm)
WATER
DISTRIBUTION SIZE (inch)
Available
Pressure – P t (psi)
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Allowable
length of pipe from service valve to farthest sprinkler (feet)
8
1
314
418
523
628
732
837
941
1046
1151
1255
9
1
252
336
421
505
589
673
757
841
925
1009
10
1
208
277
346
415
485
554
623
692
761
831
11
1
174
232
290
348
406
464
522
580
638
696
12
1
148
198
247
296
346
395
445
494
543
593
13
1
128
170
213
256
298
341
383
426
469
511
14
1
111
149
186
223
260
297
334
371
409
446
15
1
98
131
163
196
229
262
294
327
360
392
16
1
87
116
145
174
203
232
261
290
319
348
17
1
78
104
130
156
182
208
233
259
285
311
18
1
70
93
117
140
163
187
210
233
257
280
19
1
63
84
106
127
148
169
190
211
232
253
20
1
58
77
96
115
134
154
173
192
211
230
21
1
53
70
88
105
123
140
158
175
193
211
22
1
48
64
80
97
113
129
145
161
177
193
23
1
44
59
74
89
104
119
133
148
163
178
24
1
41
55
69
82
96
110
123
137
151
164
25
1
38
51
64
76
89
102
114
127
140
152
26
1
35
47
59
71
83
95
106
118
130
142
27
1
33
44
55
66
77
88
99
110
121
132
28
1
31
41
52
62
72
82
93
103
113
124
29
1
29
39
48
58
68
77
87
97
106
116
30
1
27
36
45
54
63
73
82
91
100
109
31
1
26
34
43
51
60
68
77
85
94
102
32
1
24
32
40
48
56
64
72
80
89
97
33
1
23
30
38
46
53
61
68
76
84
91
34
1
22
29
36
43
50
58
65
72
79
86
35
1
20
27
34
41
48
55
61
68
75
82
36
1
19
26
32
39
45
52
58
65
71
78
37
1
18
25
31
37
43
49
55
62
68
74
38
1
18
23
29
35
41
47
53
59
64
70
39
1
17
22
28
33
39
45
50
56
61
67
40
1
16
21
27
32
37
43
48
53
59
64
For
SI: one inch (1”) = 25.4 mm, one foot (1’) = 304.8 mm,
one (1) pound per square inch = 6.895 kPa, one (1) gallon per minute
= 0.963 L/s.
a. Flow rate from Section
P2904.4.2.
2.29 Appendix
AA
Add
the following new Appendix AA:
AA 100 HIGH WIND PRESCRIPTIVE
DESIGN
AA 101.1 General.
This appendix contains
prescriptive solutions for compliance on wind path load transfer
requirements and shall be used only within the limitations of section
AA101.2.
AA 101.2 Conditions of use.
The prescriptive solutions
specified in the following sections shall not be permitted to be used
in the following conditions:
(1) Buildings and structures
of any size in one hundred ten (110) MPH or one hundred twenty (120)
MPH wind zones located in a V zone as determined by community FIRMS.
(2) Two (2) or more story
buildings and structures of any size located in one hundred twenty
(120) MPH wind zone with more than twenty percent (20%) exterior
fenestration.
(3) Two (2) or more story
structures with a building height greater than thirty-three feet
(33’) as measured from Grade Plane to the average height of the
highest roof surface.
(4) Any two (2) or more-story
structure or building with opening fenestration greater than forty
percent (40%) on any one (1) wall.
AA 202 Roofs
AA 202.1 Scope.
The following applies to
structures conventionally framed or to truss-type roofs.
AA 202.2 Roof Sheathing.
Roof sheathing shall be not
less than seven sixteenths of one inch (7/16”) finished
thickness.
AA 202.3 Roof nailing.
Roof attachment shall be
accomplished with minimum 8d ring shank nails as follows:
(1) In the four foot (4’)
foot perimeter edge zone along the edges: six inches (6”) o/c
(2) To the intermediate
supports within the four foot (4’) foot perimeter edge zone:
six inches (6”) o/c
(3) Along the gable end wall
or rake: four inches (4”) o/c
(4) All other areas: six
inches (6”) o/c edge; twelve inches (12”) o/c
intermediate.
All sheathing edges within
the four foot (4’) perimeter edge zone shall be blocked with
two (2) by three (3) minimum including the ridge line and
soffit/fascia area. Provisions for ventilation air shall be
maintained.
Exception: Two (2) by three
(3) intermediate blocking can be eliminated provided all sheathing is
five eighths of one inch (5/8”) nominal tongue and groove
structural panels.
AA 202.4 Ridge Straps.
Ridge straps one and one
quarter inch (1 1/4”) x twenty (20) gage shall be attached to
each pair of opposing rafters with 5-8d nails at each end into the
framing member.
Exceptions:
1. Ridge straps are not
required when collar ties of nominal one (1) by six (6) or two (2) by
four (4) lumber are located within the upper third of the attic space
and attached to each rafter with 3-10 d nails
2. Trusses without a framed
ridge connection.
3. Plywood gussets of
equivalent cross section.
4. Other engineered
connections.
5. At hips, straps shall be
installed so each hip jack is connected across the hip line with at
least 1-8d into an opposite framing member.
AA 202.5 Rake and eave
overhangs.
Overhangs shall be limited to
twenty-four inches (24”). Ladder style rake overhangs attached
to the gable end walls shall be limited to twelve inches (12”).
Cantilevered rake overhangs at gable end walls shall be limited to
twenty-four inches (24”).
AA 202.6 Roof assembly to wall
assembly.
See section R802.11.
Exception: Roof truss to wall
connection shall be designed to withstand either the load
requirements of Table R802.11 or the connection loads indicated on
the truss design shop drawings, whichever is greater.
AA 203 Walls
AA 203.1 Wall sheathing.
Wall sheathing shall be a
minimum seven sixteenths of one inch (7/16”) structural panel.
Nailing shall be in accordance with Table R602.3 (1) and the
following:
At the top plate or plates,
the sheathing shall extend from the top of the top plate to a minimum
of sixteen inches (16”) beyond the stud-to-bottom of the top
plate connection. A minimum of four (4) nails shall be used at each
stud fastening, and edge-nailed to each plate at six inches (6”)
o/c.
Alternate: prefabricated and
pre-engineered connection straps approved by the Building Official.
If the studs are not
continuous to the foundation plate such as at an intermediate floor,
the wall sheathing shall be continuous and uninterrupted for a
distance of sixteen inches (16”) beyond from top of bottom wall
plate to sixteen inches (16”) beyond bottom of bottom wall top
plate below, with a minimum of four (4) nails at each stud, and
field-nailed at six inches (6”) o/c to floor joist header
framing.
Alternate: Prefabricated and
pre-engineered connection anchors or fasteners approved by the
Building Official.
At the bottom of the wall
assembly to the foundation sill plate, the wall sheathing shall be
continuous from a point sixteen inches (16”) above the top of
the bottom wall plate to the bottom of the foundation sill, with a
minimum of four (4) nails at each stud, six inches (6”) field
nailed, and edge nailed to the foundation sill plate at six inches
(6”) o/c.
Alternate: Prefabricated
pre-engineered connection anchors or fasteners approved by the
Building Official.
AA 203.2 Shear Walls.
A four foot (4’)
segment of wall sheathing shall be designated as a shear wall at each
corner of the structure at each floor, and no more than twenty-four
feet (24’) apart along a wall length. The following additional
requirements apply:
1. No openings are permitted
within this four foot (4’) section.
Exception: Window openings
are allowed no closer than two feet (2’) to corner providing
the length of that shear panel is increased to eight feet (8’).
2. All edges shall be blocked
and nailed at six inches (6”) o/c, and field-nailed at six
inches (6”) o/c.
3. Studs shall be doubled at
each end of the shear wall panel.
AA 203.2.1 Shear wall
hold-downs.
First (1 st ) story
shear walls shall be connected to the foundation below with
connection anchoring capable of three thousand five hundred (3,500)
lb. hold-down capacity, in addition to conventional foundation anchor
bolt requirements in the remainder of the panel. The hold downs shall
be fastened to each end of the shear wall at the double stud.
Exceptions
1. Shear wall hold-downs shall
not be required in wind zones I or II (one hundred (100) mph or one
hundred ten (110) mph).
2. Shear wall anchors shall
not be required provided one half inch (½”) anchor bolts
at forty-eight inches (48”) o/c max are installed with the top
of the bolts anchored through the floor system to the bottom plate of
the exterior wall frame for the entire foundation perimeter.
AA 203.3 Foundation anchor
bolts.
Anchor bolts shall be
installed in accordance with section R403.1.6 and the following:
1
+ 2 story buildings
½”
@ 48” o/c or
5/8”
@ 72” o/c
3
story building
½”
@ 24” o/c or
5/8”
@ 36” o/c
Alternate
Prefabricated and
pre-engineered connections in design and quantity sufficient to equal
strength of anchor bolt specification above.
Exception.
See Exception #2 to AA
203.2.1 above.
203.4 Wall Framing.
AA203.4.1. Wind Zone
For wind zone 2 (one hundred
ten (110) mph) and zone 3 (one hundred twenty (120) mph) the
following conditions apply:
Exterior bearing and
non-bearing walls greater than ten feet (10’) in height shall
be two (2) by six (6) at sixteen inches (16”) o/c min.
Walls with a total height
greater than ten feet (10’) shall be permitted to use two (2)
by four (4) at sixteen inches (16”) o/c providing the wall is
limited to ten feet (10’) in length and the individual studs
are not greater than nine feet (9’) in length.
AA203.4.2 Garage doors.
In wind zone 3 (one hundred
twenty (120) mph) garage doors shall be limited to nine feet (9’)
by eight feet (8’) nominal.
AA204 Deviations.
AA204.1 Deviations.
Deviations from the above
prescriptive requirements shall only be permitted if stamped
calculations and drawings are provided by a Rhode Island registered
professional engineer for alternative connections.