Mecklenburg County
Common Code Defects
Residential Building
Code Defects

Wall sole plate does not have full bearing on concrete slab foundation.
Code Description
Section R601.2 Requirements
Wall construction should be capable of accommodating all loads imposed
according to Section R301 and of transmitting the resulting loads to the
supporting structural elements.
Section R602.3.4 Bottom (Sole) plate
Studs shall have full bearing on a nominal 2 by or larger plate or sill having
a width at least equal to the width of the studs.
Note: There are no provisions in the Code that allow for wall plate overhangs off bearing
points.
Possible Options:
1. Move wall over to fully bear on bearing slab.
2. Widen foundation/slab to support wall sole plate fully.
3. Provide a repair method by a registered design professional.
Disclaimer: There may be other ways to comply with the Code. If so, you are not
required to use this method to comply with the Code. You may want to
investigate other options, or consult with a design professional identifying an
equally code compliant solution.