PERMITS & INSPECTIONS
DEPARTMENT
ADOPTING THE
2006 INTERNATIONAL CODES
RESIDENTIAL (IRC)
COMMERCIAL (IBC)
HVAC (IMC)
PLUMBING (IPC)
IMPORTANT DATES
• To date new codes have not been adopted
by BOCC
• All code updates will be presented to the
Commissioners for adoption and a public
hearing will be held
• New codes will be phased in similar to the
2003 code implementation
IRC 2006 SECTION 301.5
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R301.5 Minimum uniformly distributed live load
Attics with limited storage 20 PSF
Attics without storage 10 PSF
IRC 2006 SECTION 302
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R302.1 Exterior Wall and Opening Protection
Exterior walls are now required to have a
minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating where
the separation distance is less than 5 feet.
Unprotected openings are permitted in limited
quantities for fire separation distance between 3
and 5 feet
IRC 2006 SECTION 310
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R310.1 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings
BY LOCAL AMENDMENT
Basements in new construction and every sleeping
room shall have at least one operable emergency and
rescue opening.
R310.5 Emergency Openings under decks
Emergency escape windows are allowed to be installed
under decks provided the window may be fully opened
and provide a path not less than 36” high to yard.
IRC 2006 SECTION 313
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R313.1 Smoke Alarms and Fire Alarm Systems
All smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with
UL217and installed in accordance with this code and
NFPA72
R313.1.1 Smoke alarms in existing dwellings
When alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit
occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or
created in an existing dwelling, the individual dwelling
unit shall be provided with smoke alarms located as
required for a new dwelling; the smoke alarms shall be
interconnected and hard wired.
IRC 2006 SECTION 313.2.1
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
• EXCEPTIONS:
1. Interconnection and hard wiring of smoke
alarms in existing areas shall not be required
where the alterations or repairs do not result in the
removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes
exposing the structure, unless there is an attic,
crawl space or basement available.
2. Work involving exterior surfaces.
IRC 2006 SECTION 403
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R403 FOOTINGS
R403.1 All structures requiring continuous footings shall
be reinforced with a minimum two (2) #4 reinforcing
bars or as specified by a design professional.
exception: footings are not required to be continuous
where changes of elevation exceed 4 ft.. Such
footings shall be connected by masonry lintels with
a minimum of 18” bearing on steel reinforced
footings.
IRC 2006 SECTION 403
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R403 FOOTINGS
R403.1.4.1 Except where otherwise protected from frost,
foundation walls, piers and other permanent supports of
buildings and structures shall be protected from frost by
one or more of the following methods:
1. Extended below the frost line specified in
Table R301.2.(1)
2. Erected on solid rock
IRC 2006 SECTION 400
CODE SECTION
R403.1.6
DESCRIPTION
Foundation Anchorage
The wood sole plates on exterior walls on monolithic
slabs and wood sill plates shall be anchored to the
foundation with anchor bolts space a maximum of
4-feet (1219mm) on center.
exception:
Foundation anchorage, spaced as required to
provide equivalent anchorage to ½-inch-diameter
anchor bolts
ANCHOR BOLTS EMBEDDED
IN FOUNDATION 4FT OC MAX
IRC 2006 SECTION 400
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R404 FOUNDATION AND RETAINING WALLS
R404.1 Concrete and masonry foundation walls when constructed in
accordance with section 404, ACI318, ACI332, NCMA TR68-A or
ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 are not required to bear the seal of the
architect or engineer responsible for the design.
TABLES R404.1(1), R404.1(2), & R404.1(3) ARE DELETED
R404.3 Wood Sill plates
Wood sill plates shall be a minimum of 2-inch by 6-inch nominal
lumber for basements and crawl spaces with walls with
unbalanced fill greater than4-feet in height. Other plates shall be
2-inch by 4-inch.
IRC 2006 SECTION 400
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R404.5 Retaining Walls
Retaining walls that are not laterally supported at the
top and that retain in excess of 36-inches of
unbalanced fill shall be designed to ensure stability
against overturning, sliding, excessive foundation
pressure, and water uplift. Retaining wall shall be
designed for a safety factor of 1.5 against lateral
sliding and overturning
IRC 2006 SECTION 400
CODE SECTION
R408
DESCRIPTION
UNDER FLOOR SPACE
R408.2 Openings for under-floor ventilation shall not be less
than 1 sq. ft. for each 150 sq. ft. of floor space area.
One such ventilation opening shall be within 3 ft of each corner
of the building.
IRC 2006 SECTION 400
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R408.3 Unvented Crawl Spaces
Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in
section R408.1 & R408.2 shall not be required where:
1. Exposed earth is covered with a continuous
vapor retarder. All joints of the vapor retarder shall
overlap by 6-inches and shall be sealed or
taped.The edges shall extend at least 6-inches up
the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed
to the stem wall: and
IRC 2006 SECTION 400
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R408.3 Unvented Crawl Spaces
R408.3 (cont.)
2. One of the following is provided for the under-floor space:
a. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate
equal to 1cfm for each 50 sq. ft. of crawl space area and the
perimeter walls insulated in accordance with section N1102.2.8,
b. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cfm
per 50 sq. ft. of under-floor area and perimeter walls insulated
c. Plenum complying with N1601.4 if under-floor spaces used as
plenum
IRC 2006 SECTION 600
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R613.2 Window Sills
Where window opening is > = 72” above grade :
1. Lowest part of clear opening of the window
shall be a minimum of 24” above finished floor;
2. Glazing between the floor and 24” shall be
fixed or have an opening such that a 4” sphere
cannot pass through .
Exception:
Openings that are provided with a window guards
that comply with ASTM F2006 or F2090
IRC 2006 SECTION 613.2
IRC 2006 SECTION 700
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
R702.4.2 Cement, Fiber-Cement, and Glass Mat Gypsum Backers
Green Gypsum board is no longer allowed to be used
as a backer behind tiled tub and shower walls
IRC 2006 CHAPTER 11
MARYLAND STATE ENERGY CODE
As part of the International Energy Conservation Code the state of Maryland
has adopted the Maryland Energy Code with no local amendments allowed.
Washington County will perform energy code inspections, including verifying
proper installation, flame and smoke developed index on insulation.
INSULATION INSPECTION WILL NOW BE REQUIRED
N1108.8 Certificate
A permanent certificate shall be posted inside the electrical
distribution panel completed by the builder listing:
1. R-values installed in ceiling/roof, walls, foundation, and ducts
outside conditioned spaces;
2. U-values & solar heat gain coefficient of all windows
3. Type & efficiency of heating, cooling, and service water
heating equipment.
IRC 2006 APPENDIX F
CODE SECTION
DESCRIPTION
Radon Control Methods
AF101 Scope. This appendix contains requirements
For new construction in jurisdictions where radon resistance
construction is required.
Exception:
Radon control methods will not be required for crawl spaces when:
1. Ventilation is provided to the outside per section 408.1
&408.2
2. All penetrations through the floor/ceiling assembly comply
with Section AF103.4.9
3. Crawl space access is provided in accordance with AF103.4.10
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
• A-2 Occupancies (Restaurants, Clubs, Bars, Banquet Halls)
Shall be provided with a sprinkler system when
– The fire area exceeds 5,000 sq. ft.
– The fire area has an occupant load of 100 or more
– The fire area is on a floor other than the level of exit discharge
• Exemption added to increase mezzanine size in Type I or II
construction with sprinkler system & emergency
communication system.
• Labeling & Identification of Fire Doors
• Separation of Occupancies Table Change
• International Existing Building Code
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE
• The protection of exterior egress elements to prevent the
accumulation of ice and snow is no longer required.
• Single means of egress from group E daycare occupancy
has been reduced from 50 to 10 occupants.
– Residential daycare inspection will now be done solely by Fire
Marshall's Office
• Chapter 11 deleted in its entirety
– Replaced with the Maryland Accessibility Code
INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
BY LOCAL AMENDMENT
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2008
ALL MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS DOING BUSINESS
IN WASHINGTON COUNTY MUST:
1. REGISTER WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
PERMITS & INSPECTIONS; AND
2. DISPLAY NAME OF LICENSEE AND REGISTRATION
NUMBER ON ALL VEHICLES
3. PAY A REGISTRATION FEE
Appeals for HVAC decisions are heard by
the Washington County Plumbing and HVAC Board
INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
M1305.1
M1305.1.3
Service & Inspection Access
Clear Passage Way
INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
Chapter 10
Boilers, Water Heaters, and Pressure Vessels
Section 1004.8
The sale, installation,or use of outdoor wood boilers as
defined and prohibited by Maryland Statute
(COMAR§26.11.09.04) is hereby prohibited in Washington
County Maryland.
INTERNATIONAL MECHANICAL CODE
Chapter 10
ELECTRICAL CODE
• THE WASHINGTON COUNTY ELECTRICAL
BOARD of EXAMINERS AND SUPERVISORS
has recommended to the BOCC the adoption of
The ICC Electrical Code 2006 Administrative
Provisions.
– Chapter 12 has been deleted by Local Amendment
– NEC 2008 and Local amendments will be reviewed and
considered for adoption next year
CIVIL CITATIONS
The Washington County Department of Permits &
Inspections is charged with the enforcement of the
Washington County building codes to protect and
promote the health, safety and general welfare of its
residents. The Code authorizes the County to
establish civil penalties for violations of the code in
the event a violation is not corrected in a reasonable
period of time. The goal of enforcing the code
through the issuance of citations is not to
generate revenue, but to encourage those in
violation to bring their properties into
compliance with the building codes.
CIVIL CITATIONS
Civil Citations will only be issued for the following
violations:
1. Work started without proper permits
2. Notice of stop work (Unlawful Continuance )
3. Violation of an unsafe structure posting
4. Violation of a certificate of Occupancy