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