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The Building Code Forum

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Welcome Forum

Whether you are new or have been here from the beginning, this is the place to introduce yourself or ask others "how to" questions about this forum. This section is NOT for code questions.
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jar546
Welcome New Sawhorses

Building Code & Construction Related Articles

Discover a wealth of informative articles covering building codes and various construction-related topics, all in one place within The Building Code Forum's dedicated Articles section.
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Joe.B
The Hidden Danger of Lazy Code Officials and the Real Cost of Complacency
  • Joe.B

Do I Need A Permit?

Use this forum section to provide enough detailed information to get opinions from others as to whether or not you need a building permit for the work you plan on doing. *THE ANSWERS GIVEN HERE ARE THE OPINIONS OF OTHERS AND DO NOT CARRY THE WEIGHT OF THE LOCAL JURISDICTION THAT MAKES THE OFFICIAL DECISION. ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION*
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9
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jar546
Replacing existing patio stones around an inground pool with new stones

Sawhorse City

Sawhorse IconThis is a private area for Sawhorse members only. For access, please upgrade your status to Sawhorse.

Building Codes Discussion for Sawhorses

General code talk for Sawhorses only. If you want to access this section, please upgrade to the Sawhorse membership.
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139
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jar546
ICC Reaffirms Gas Piping Limits in Multi-Unit Townhouse Buildings
  • jar546

Building Codes Educational Articles for Sawhorses

Sawhorse Exclusive: Educational Code Articles. If you want to access this section, please upgrade to the Sawhorse membership.
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34
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110
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Y
10 Secrets Every Building Inspector Must Know to Excel in Their Role
  • Yikes

Sawhorse Off Topic Threads

This is an exclusive area just for Sawhorses to have off-topic discussions without it being publicly available. This is only seen by Sawhorses. Remember, no religious or political discussions.
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16
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145
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16
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steveray
AI and the AIA

Commercial Codes

Commercial IconThe Commercial section of The Building Code Forum is dedicated to all building types beyond one or two-family dwellings and townhouses, providing comprehensive insights into non-residential construction codes and regulations.

Accessibility Codes

Accessibility IconDiscussion of accessibility requirements, ADA standards, and inclusive design.

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407 Elevator Required

Commercial Building Codes

Topics related to commercial building inspections and plan review under the IBC & other applicable codes
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Type IIIa Const. - Wood framed stage over conc. floor

Commercial Energy Codes

Topics related to commercial energy codes such as thermal envelope, mechanical & electrical energy code requirements
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225
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steveray
Commercial refrigeration compliance with the 2021 IECC Section C403.11

Commercial Seismic Codes

Commercial Seismic Topics
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37
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290
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290
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All nonstructural components?

Existing Buildings Codes

Topics concerning the use of Chapter 34 of the IBC or the IEBC for existing structures such as historic buildings and others.
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386
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steveray
Existing Building Code | Stairs

Residential Codes

Residential IconThe Residential section of The Building Code Forum focuses on one and two-family dwellings, townhouses, and their accessory structures, offering in-depth guidance on residential construction codes and standards.

Residential Building Codes

Residential building general requirements such as plan review, roofing, exteriors, or any aspects of chapter 3
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Exterior Soffit

Residential Energy Codes

Residential energy code topics
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Wooly
Insulating ceiling or roof of attached garage to new construction house
  • Wooly

Residential Foundation Codes

Residential foundation, soils topics
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Using stone (Boulders) to construct foundation wall?

Residential Seismic Codes

Residential Seismic Topics
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174
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mtlogcabin
Seismic Applications for Lighting Fixtures

Residential Structural Codes

Residential Structural Codes
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Y
LADBS Sheer Wall Requirements

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Codes - MEP

MEP IconThe MEP section of The Building Code Forum is your dedicated resource for all things related to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in construction, providing expertise on codes and practices.

Mechanical Codes

Mechanical Codes for both Residential and Commercial with an emphasis on the ICC, IMC
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jar546
Drain pan under attic air handler

Electrical Codes

Discussion concerning electrical code requirements, situation, etc. for all codes such as the NEC, CEC and more.
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Joe.B
NEC Feeder Routing in Individually Owned Townhomes
  • Joe.B

Plumbing Codes

A discussion on plumbing codes with an emphasis on the ICC, IPC
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952
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952
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RLGA
IPC Gutter Sizing - 1106.6
  • RLGA

Fuel Gas Codes

Topics related to fuel gas codes and enforcement with an emphasis on the ICC, IFGC
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67
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623
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ICE
Gas Seismic Shutoff Valves, Excess Flow Valves (EFV), and Building Codes
  • ICE

Fire Codes

Fire Safety IconThis category is for discussing both the International Fire Code (IFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. It is designed for firefighters, fire marshals, fire inspectors, and other fire service professionals. This space is dedicated to sharing knowledge and experiences in applying fire safety codes across various environments. Join our community to stay informed and contribute to discussions on the latest fire code regulations and practices. Engage with peers, enhance your expertise, and be part of a network committed to advancing fire safety standards.

Fire Codes IBC / IRC

Fire code topics included in the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC)
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steveray
IBC 2018 – Question on 1-Hour Fire Resistance Requirement for Exterior Exit Stairways

International Fire Code IFC

This section is specific to discussions pertaining to the International Fire Code (IFC)
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Where to find older proposed modifications to IBC or IFC?

NFPA Fire Codes & Standards

Welcome to NFPA Standards Central. This section is dedicated to in-depth discussions, updates, and interpretations of NFPA fire codes. Ideal for firefighters, fire inspectors, and fire marshals seeking to enhance their fire safety knowledge.
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IJHumberson
Existing Building Fire Access

Floodplain Management

Floodplain IconExplore essential discussions and resources on Floodplain Management. Stay informed about best practices, regulatory updates, and innovative solutions to manage flood risks effectively. Connect with experts and community members to share insights on mitigating flood hazards, enhancing resilience, and ensuring compliance with FEMA guidelines. Join us to foster safer, more resilient communities through proactive floodplain management.

Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Certification

Discuss CFM certification, study tips, and career advice.
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jar546
What is a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) and Why Should You Get the Certification?

Floodplain Management Forum

Questions and discussions about floodplain management under FEMA, the NFIP and local floodplain ordinances
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54
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193
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jar546
2024 IRC—FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION QUIZ

Additional Codes Explore a wide range of additional construction codes, including zoning, code enforcement, floodplain regulations, sewage, and more, all in one place within the Additional Codes section of The Building Code Forum.

Code Compliance / Code Enforcement / IPMC

Topics directly related to the IPMC and enforcement of municipal property maintenance codes & local ordinances.
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SCBO1
Legalities of inspecting the exterior of a property

Elevators

Elevator Topics. Chapter 30 or whatever local/state code you use
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Y
What Version of ASME 17.1 Is The Governing Code for Elevators in California

Green / Leed Codes

Everything is going green topics
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CalGreen EV receptacle wired to apartment panelboard - rant

Institutional Codes

A code discussion forum specific to institutional buildings such as but not limited to hospitals, nursing homes, day care centers, etc.
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26
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Assisted living facilities I-1 and Emergency Escape & Rescue Openings
  • cda

Planning and Zoning Ordinances and Codes

Planning and Zoning Topics
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Zoning wall height - what is average ground level?

Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs Codes

All topics both commercial and residential codes concerning pools, spas & hot tubs
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Equipotential bonding for spa perimeter surfaces

Sewage Codes

Topics related to private onlot sewage systems, also known as septic systems
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12
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115
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jar546
A Deeper Dive into Pennsylvania's Title 25 Chapter 73

Wildland Urban Interface Codes

Wildlife Urban Interface Code Issues
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arwat23
LA County Fires - updated Google aerial views

Renewable Energy Systems Codes

Renewable Energy IconExplore and discuss the latest in renewable energy technologies, focusing on Photovoltaic (PV) and Wind Energy Systems. Dive into building codes, installation practices, and innovations driving sustainable energy solutions.

Photovoltaic Systems

This forum is for discussions specifically related to solar PV technology, installations, building codes, and best practices.
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32
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166
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Joe.B
Recall Notice

Wind Energy Systems

This forum is dedicated to topics on wind turbines, wind energy integration in buildings, related codes, and installation guidelines.
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4
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13
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rktect 1
Recycle windmill blades

Related Code Topics Dive into an array of related topics directly connected to building codes, including administration, education, and more, within the Related Topics section of The Building Code Forum.

Association Talk

Association Talk
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71
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784
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jar546
The International Code Council (ICC) Has Come a Long Way

Building Code Administration

Building Code Administration and Management Issues / Topics
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539
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539
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Joe.B
Homeowner as contractor(s)?????
  • Joe.B

Certifications

Conversations about certifications & testing
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175
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Joe.B
CBO 3 part exam

Classified Section

Want to sell something? You found the right place to sell your product right here in the classified section of The Building Code Forum
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10
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jar546
Code Consultant

Code Development Discussion

This area is exclusively for discussion directly related to Code Development. Please, as always, keep it civil and relevant to Code Development
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806
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jar546
NAHB

Code Training

Threads concering upcoming training opportunities, training ideas and other educational collaborations.
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Practice for ICC Exams???

Door & Hardware Forum

This is a specialty forum specific to doors and hardware requirements in the IBC. This is a great opportunity to get door-specific questions answered.
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M
Exterior Sliding Door at California Hotel Guestroom

Employment Area

Post job openings available. Not for job complaints.
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121
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243
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243
Inspector Gift
Building Plans Examiner/ Building Inspector - City of Brier, WA

Industry News

Please post news items relevant to the building codes industry.
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810
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6K
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Mr. Inspector
Deck Collapse Season 2025

Permit Technicians

This area of the forum is for permit technicians and all of those involved behind the scenes processing permits.
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14
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217
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217
Raymond Redington
Let’s Grow This Community—Invite Your Permit Technicians!

Plan Review Topics

This thread, sponsored by www.AdvancedCodeGroup.com is for any and all discussions about the plan review process or specific questions related to plan review.
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37
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625
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625
Mr. Inspector
Commercial Modular building in PA

Software Topics

Discussions and questions specific to the use of any and all software for permitting, plan review, or design in the building industry
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60
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451
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451
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Application Pre-Screening Software

Useful Links

Place links in the appropriate sub-forums. Miscellaneous links can be posted here in the Useful Links main forum
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168
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473
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473
ICE
BCI Joist instruction manuel
  • ICE

Architects, Engineers, Designers & Contractors This section is for Architects, Engineers Designers & Contractors to discuss building code issues.

Architectural & Engineering Topics

Topics for Architects, Engineers & Draftsmen as they directly relate to their profession
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Y
Why Do Architects Insist on Using Flat Roofs?

Building Design Topics

Topics for building designers (unlicensed)
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38
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623
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TheCommish
Stair design

Building Trades Contractor Topics

Contractor Topics is specific to the the trades such as Builders, General Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanical, Fire Alarm and any other trade.
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blugosi
Sprinkler contractor certification requirements

Regional Specific Code & Legislation Issues

US Flag Canada Flag This section is for regionally specific codes within the United States & Canada

Canada

Canada FlagThe number one location for discussions on the Canadian Building Code.

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I
Hey Canadians, How is the Forum Speed

United States

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jar546
Florida Legislative Changes 2025

Other Topics This is for topic areas outside of the building codes & construction

Off Topic Posts

Non-code related subjects. Post what you wish within reason. Remember, no religious or political discussions.
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25K
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jar546
Rebuilding LA

Website Discussion

Discuss website ideas
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steveray
Why Supporting The Building Code Forum Matters

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