CODE MECKLENBURG COUNTY ENGINEERING & BUILDING STANDARDS DEPARTMENT INTERPRETATION VOLUME: Volume VII SUBJECT: Footings for small accessory buildings REVIEWED BY: Gene Morton QUESTION: If a small accessory building 400 square feet or less, with any dimension greater than twelve (12) feet (such as a storage shed, workshop, or small garage) is constructed with a concrete slab, is a concrete or masonry footing required? CODE REFERENCE: Section 103.1 ANSWER: Yes. A masonry or concrete footing is required by the code. The provisions of Section 103.1 allows small accessory buildings which meet all of the three conditions to be constructed without a masonry or concrete footing. The second condition requires the building to be supported on a wood foundation of minimum sizes as specified. The code allows small one story, lightweight wood framed buildings (sometimes viewed as portable) to be constructed on wood skids or runners provided they are adequately anchored. The reason is that small movements such as foundation settlements or freeze-thaw actions do not usually affect them. Concrete or masonry constructed buildings are affected by such movements and therefore must have the more substantial masonry or concrete foundations. Approved By: GENE MORTON Date: 09/01/00