2012 International
Residential Code Update with
Maryland Amendments
Based on the 2012 International Building Code® (IBC®)
and COMAR 05.02.07
Maryland Code Administration
Description

It is important to have an up-to-date residential construction
code addressing the design and construction of one- and
two-family dwellings and townhouses to protect the health
and safety of the public as well as provide affordable
housing.

There have been key changes made to the International
Residential Code® (IRC®) since the 2009 edition.

This course will identify important changes in the IRC from
2009 to 2012 edition, including amendments in COMAR
05.02.07. Participants will be presented with those changes
that will most impact their use of the code when they adopt
the 2012 IRC. The learner will receive an overview of the
most important code changes.
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Goal
Participants will be able to use this
document to identify changes from the 2009
IRC to the 2012 IRC, as well as COMAR
05.02.07, allowing them to apply these code
requirements to design, plan review and/or
inspection.
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Objectives
Upon completion, participants will be better able to:
1. Identify the key changes between the 2009 IRC and
the 2012 IRC, as well as COMAR 05.02.07.
2. Explain the differences between the current and
previous edition.
3. Identify changes in organization and code
requirements.
4. Identify the applicability of design, plan review and
inspection requirements.
5. Apply the Maryland Amendments to the 2012 IBC
and identify critical dates for implementation and
enforcement by local Maryland Jurisdictions.
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Content
Chapters are divided for code development
purposes and this handout as follows:
 Administration, Chapters 1-2
 Building Provisions, Chapters 3-10
 Energy Efficiency, Chapter 11
 Mechanical, Chapters 12-23
 Fuel Gas, Chapter 24
 Plumbing, Chapters 25-33
 Electrical, Chapters 34-43
 Referenced Standards, Chapter 44
Note: Not all chapters have significant changes covered in this handout.
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Marginal Markings
within the codebook
*
**
 Solid vertical lines indicate a technical change
from the requirements of the 2009 edition.
 Arrows indicate where a section, paragraph,
item in a list, exception or table has been
deleted.
 A single asterisk [*] indicates that text or a table
has been relocated elsewhere in the code.
 A double asterisk [**] indicates that the section
or table immediately following has been
relocated here from a different section.
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The new Code
Development Process
Highlights of the plan include:

Maintains 3-year publication cycle

Maintains the ICC Governmental Consensus Process

Divides the codes into two groupings for purposes of Code Development
and Final Action Hearings – one group heard each year.

An unveiling of all the new codes at the Annual Conference in the third year

Holding Code Development Hearings at the same central location every
April/May

Holding all Final Action Hearings at the Annual Conference at locations
which will continue to rotate through the four quadrants of the U.S. in late
October/early November.
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Maryland Provisions
Three-part Process
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Annotated Code of
Maryland
 Enabling legislation that creates the
framework for the Maryland Building
Performance Standards.
 Public Safety Article
 TITLE 12. BUILDING AND MATERIAL CODES; OTHER
SAFETY PROVISIONS
 SUBTITLE 5. MARYLAND BUILDING PERFORMANCE
STANDARDS
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Duties of the Maryland Codes
Administration (COMAR)
 Must adopt as part of the Standards (MBPS)
the IBC, the IRC and the IECC within 12
months of the issuance by ICC.
 Amendments to the IBC and IRC may not be
more stringent than the provisions found in
those documents.
 Amendments to the IECC must not lessen any
of the IECC requirements.
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Local Jurisdiction
Amendments
 Local Amendments must not prohibit the
minimum implementation and enforcement set
forth in §12-505




Review and accept plans
Issuance of building permits
Inspection of the work authorized by building permit
Issuance of appropriate occupancy certificates
 Weaken energy conservation and efficiency
provisions of the Standards
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Local Jurisdiction
Implementation and Enforcement
 Local jurisdictions SHALL implement and
enforce the most current version of the
standards and any local amendments.
 No later than 6 months after
adoption by the State.
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Key Maryland Dates
 COMAR adoption of the 2012 IBC:
 January 1, 2012
 Local implementation and Enforcement:
 Within 6 months after January 1, 2012
 Local amendments to Maryland Codes
Administration:
 At least within 15 days prior to local effective
date
 Or within 5 days after emergency local
adoption
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COMAR 05.02.07.03 B.
Terms.
 New term, “High performance home,” has the meaning
stated in Public Safety Article, §12-509(a), Annotated
Code of Maryland
§ 12-509. Encouragement of high-performance homes
(a) "High-performance home" defined. -- In this section, "highperformance home" means a new residential structure that meets or
exceeds the current version of:
(1) the Silver rating of the International Code Council's 700 National
Green Building Standards; or
(2) the Silver rating of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes Rating
System.
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2012 IRC COMAR
Modifications
 Chapter 1. Delete the Section 102.5 Appendices
and Replace with the following:
102.5 Appendices: All the provisions in the
Appendices are adopted as part of the IRC
except those in Appendices E, J, and L.
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2012 IRC COMAR
Modifications
MECHANICAL. Chapter 12 MECHANICAL
ADMINISTRATION. Add note to Section M1201.1
Scope: The subject matter of chapters 12 through 24
is not within the scope of the Maryland Building
Performance Standards. For the applicable
requirements concerning the mechanical systems,
refer to the local mechanical code and the mechanical
code adopted pursuant to the provisions of the
Business Regulations Article, §9A-205, Annotated
Code of Maryland.
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2012 IRC COMAR
Modifications
PLUMBING. Chapter 25 PLUMBING
ADMINISTRATION. Add note to Section P2501.1
Scope: The subject matter of chapters 25 through 33
is not within the scope of the Maryland Building
Performance Standards. For the applicable
requirements concerning the plumbing systems, refer
to the local plumbing code and the plumbing code
adopted pursuant to the provisions of the Business
Occupations and Professions Article, Title 12,
Annotated Code of Maryland.
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2012 IRC COMAR
Modifications
ELECTRICAL. Chapter 34. GENERAL
REQUIREMENTS. Add note to Section 3401.1
Applicability: The subject matter of chapters 34 through
43 is not within the scope of the Maryland Building
Performance Standards. For the applicable electrical
requirements, refer to the local electrical code and the
National Electrical Code as adopted and enforced by the
State Fire Marshal, authorized fire officials, or building
officials pursuant to the provisions of the Public Safety
Article, title 12, Subtitle 6, Annotated Code of Maryland.
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COMAR 05.02.07.04 E
New Section added as follows:
E. The Department encourages:
(1) Home builders to construct new high
performance homes; and
(2) Local jurisdictions to amend these standards to
allow builders to construct high performance
homes.
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COMAR Modifications to
the IBC and IECC
Additional modifications are made as part of
the Maryland Building Performance
Standards to the IBC and the IECC. Those
modifications are part of the Update Classes
for the IBC and IECC are being offered by
the Maryland Codes Administration through
the International Code Council.
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Chapters 1-2
Scope and Administration
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Changes in Chapter 1
Scope and Administration
Section R101.2 Scope
The 2012 Code adds an exception to the
scope that allows the IRC to be applied to
owner-occupied lodging houses with 5 or
fewer guest rooms. A typical lodging
house is a bed and breakfast.
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Section R102.4.2 Provisions in
Codes and Standards (NEW)
There are often instances where the scope
of the code and the scope of a standard
overlap. Often, there is confusion as to
which should govern. This new section
clarifies that the scope of the IRC would
govern in such circumstances.
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Changes in Chapter 2
Definitions (NEW)
GUESTROOM. Any room or rooms used or
intended to be used by one or more guests for
living or sleeping purposes.
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Changes in Chapter 2
Definitions (NEW)
LODGING HOUSE.
A one-family dwelling
where one or more
occupants are primarily
permanent in nature,
and rent is paid for
guestrooms.
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Changes in Chapter 2
Definitions (NEW)
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULES/SHINGLES. A
roof covering composed of flat-plate photovoltaic
modules fabricated into shingles.
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Changes in Chapter 2
Definitions (NEW)
WHOLE-HOUSE MECHANICAL
VENTILATION SYSTEM. An exhaust
system, supply system, or combination
thereof that is designed to mechanically
exchange indoor air for outdoor air when
operating continuously or through a
programmed intermittent schedule to satisfy
the whole-house ventilation.
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Knowledge Review
1. What use of homes built within
the scope of the IRC has been
added in the 2012 edition?
Bed and breakfast (e.g., lodging
houses)
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Chapters 3-10
Building Planning
and Construction
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Changes in Chapter 3
Building Planning
Section R301.2.1 Wind design criteria
The requirement for high-wind speed design
where the basic wind speed is equal to or
greater than 100 mph in hurricane prone
regions has been deleted. The prescriptive
wind load provisions of the code now apply
where the basic wind speed is less than 110
mph for all regions of the country.
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Figure R301.2(4)A Basic wind
speeds
The basic wind speed map has been replaced by a new
map based on the ASCE 7-10 wind speed map. Over
the past 10 years, new data and research has been
performed that indicated that the hurricane wind speeds
provided in the maps of the previous editions of the IRC
and ASCE- 7 are too conservative and needed to be
adjusted downward. Significantly more hurricane data
have become available thereby allowing for substantial
improvements in the hurricane simulation model that is
used to create the wind speed maps.
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Figure R301.2(4)B Regions where
wind design is required (NEW)
A new map has been added that indicates
where high-wind design is required. This
map generally corresponds to areas where
the basic wind speed is 110 mph or greater.
This is consistent with the text revisions in
Section R301.2.1 that limit the prescriptive
provisions to areas with wind speeds of less
than 110 mph.
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Figure R301.2(4)C Wind-borne
debris regions (NEW)
This new map has been added that
indicates wind-borne debris regions and
provides Wind Zones to establish the missile
types for use in the wind-borne debris tests.
The definition for windborne debris region
also has been revised to delete references
to wind speed and proximity to the coast in
favor of referencing the new map.
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Section R301.2.1.2 Protection
of openings
This section has been revised to clarify that
protection from windborne debris is required for
all exterior glazing in a building, not just
windows. The wind zones shown in new Figure
R301.2(4)C is to be used to establish the
missile types for use in the ASTM E1996 windborne debris tests.
continued
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Section R301.2.1.2 Protection
of openings
The exception allowing the use of 7/16-inch wood
structural panels to protect glazed openings is
revised to limit the application to Wind Zones 1 and 2
as shown in new map Figure R301.2(4)C. Previously
this exception was limited to windborne debris
regions with wind speeds not greater than 130 mph.
This exception is not permitted in some regions
where previously allowed. This exception is not
permitted in regions, now shown as Zone 3, such as
New Orleans, Mobile Bay and South Florida.
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Figure R301.2(2) Seismic Design
Categories—Site Class D
The Seismic Design Categories (SDC) maps have
been replaced by new maps based on the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) updates to their
seismic hazard data and ground motion
attenuation formulas. The new IRC SDC maps are
different from earlier versions in that the division
between Seismic Design Categories D2 and E has
been changed from 118% g to 125% g.
continued
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Figure R301.2(2) Seismic Design
Categories—Site Class D
The result of this change and the improved seismic
hazard data generated by the USGS over the past
10 years is that the geographic region affected by
the Seismic Design Category E designation is
smaller. This occurs primarily in the region around
Charleston, South Carolina, but is also evident in
Seismic Design Category E regions in other parts
of the United States.
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Section R302.1 and Table
R301.1(2) Exterior Walls (NEW)
This section has been revised to add a new table,
Table R302.1 (2), for minimum fire separation
distance for dwellings equipped throughout with an
approved automatic sprinkler system. The new table
generally puts the code back where it was in 2000
and 2003 and provides for reducing the fire
separation distance for non-rated exterior walls from
5 feet to 3 feet. The existing table is retained and
requires 5 feet fire separation distance for
nonsprinklered buildings.
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Section R302.2.2 Parapets
The exception to Items 1 and 2, which
permits a parapet to not be installed, has
been revised to prohibit openings and
penetrations of the roof within 4 feet of the
separating wall between townhouse dwelling
units.
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Section R302.5.1 Opening
protection
This section has been revised to require
self-closing devices for the doors between
the garage and dwelling unit.
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Section R303.1 Habitable rooms
Exception 1, permitting glazing to not be
openable, has been revised such that a
whole-house mechanical ventilation system
is the only option. The whole-house
mechanical ventilation system must be
installed in accordance with new Section
M1507.3.
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Section R303.4 Mechanical
ventilation (NEW)
This new section requires a whole-house ventilation
system when a house has been tested with a blower
door under prescribed criteria. If the blower door
test required by Section N1102.4.1.2 indicates that
the infiltration rate is less than 5 ACH 50, the
dwelling must be provided with whole-house
mechanical ventilation.
continued
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Section R303.4 Mechanical
ventilation (NEW)
This section applies whether or not the natural
ventilation provisions of Section R303.1 are applied.
In other words, the requirement of this section is in
addition to the provisions of Section R303.1.
Note exception #1 to Section R303.1.
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Section R303.5.1 Intake opening
The revision to this section increases from 2
feet to 3 feet the minimum vertical clearance
that an intake opening must be below a
contaminant source.
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Section R308.4 Hazardous
locations
The provisions for hazardous locations related to
the installation of glazing have been reorganized
for ease of use and consistent application. Each
item in the numbered list of hazardous locations
has been placed in a separate subsection and
given a descriptive title. Previously there were
eight items and now there are seven subsections.
Previous Items 5 and 6 are combined into new
subsection R308.4.5.
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Section R308.4.5 Glazing and
wet surfaces
The separate provisions, previous Items 5 and 6,
regulating glazing near tubs and swimming pools,
have been consolidated into this new subsection.
The requirements for safety glazing in the vicinity
of a bathtub are now the same as the
requirements for safety glazing in the vicinity of a
hot tub, spa, whirlpool, or swimming pool. Because
of the presence of water, all of these locations
represent slip hazards and need safety glazing to
prevent injury in case of a fall.
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Section R308.4.6 Glazing adjacent
stairs and ramps
This section has been revised to change the criteria
for hazardous location of glazing adjacent to
stairways. Satisfying any one of the following three
conditions means the glazing at the side of the
stairs is not considered in a hazardous location and
therefore does not require safety glazing:
 The bottom exposed edge of the glazing is not
less than 36 inches above a walking surface of a
tread.
continued
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Section R308.4.6 Glazing adjacent
stairs and ramps
 The glazing is at least 36 inches from the edge of
the stairway measured horizontally.
 A rail (typically a handrail) meeting the loading
and dimension requirements is installed at a
height of 34 to 38 inches.
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Section R308.4.7 Glazing adjacent
bottom stair landing
This section has been revised to change the
criteria for hazardous location of glazing
installed near the landing at the bottom of a
stairway. The threshold for the minimum height
above the walking surface is revised from 60
inches to 36 inches for determining that the
glazing is not in a hazardous location.
continued
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Section R308.4.7 Glazing adjacent
bottom stair landing
Satisfying any one of the following three conditions
means the glazing adjacent to the bottom stair landing
is not considered in a hazardous location and
therefore does not require safety glazing:
 The bottom exposed edge of the glazing is 36
inches or greater above the walking surface.
 The glazing is greater than 60 inches from the
nosing of the bottom tread of the stairway measured
horizontally.
 A guard and a horizontal clearance of 18 inches
between the guard and the glazing.
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Section R309.5 Garage fire
sprinklers (NEW)
This new section adds provisions to permit nonfire-rated exterior walls and projections for garages
with zero clearance to a lot line. In a subdivision
where all homes are protected with dwelling fire
sprinkler systems, non-rated exterior walls of
garages are permitted to be constructed on a lot
line when the garage is protected with a fire
sprinkler system and meets the other conditions of
Section R302.1.
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Section R310.2.2 Drainage (NEW)
This new section requires window wells
serving emergency escape and rescue
openings to be designed to direct surface
water to the foundation drainage system.
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Section R311.7.6 Landings for
stairways
This section has been revised to permit shapes other
than square or rectangular, such as angular or curved,
landings.
Landings traditionally have been considered to be
square or rectangular with a minimum dimension of 36
inches in both directions. The angular or curved
landing is permitted to be less than 36 inches in the
direction of travel if the prescribed depth is provided at
the walk line and minimum area criteria are satisfied.
In this case, the landing is not considered a winder.
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Section R312.2 Window fall
protection (NEW)
This new section has been added to relocate the
provisions for window fall protection from Chapter 6 to
Chapter 3. Window fall protection is consistent with
guards and this change intends to assist code users by
placing these provisions with the guard provisions. This
section has been revised to delete the prescriptive criteria
for the installation and operation of window opening
limiting devices.
The term is now changed to “window opening control
device” and the installation and operation is specified in
ASTM F 2090.
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Section R314.5 Interconnection
(NEW)
This new section has been added to move the
interconnection provisions out of the sections
related to location and power source. Wireless
smoke alarms are now specifically approved for
satisfying the interconnection requirements for
both new and existing dwellings. Wiring is not
required to achieve interconnection of two or
more wireless smoke alarms.
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Section R315.2 Carbon monoxide
detection systems (NEW)
This new section has been added that permits the
installation of carbon monoxide (CO) detection
systems that include CO detectors and audible
notification appliances. The CO detection system must
be listed and maintained to ANSI/UL 2075 and
installed in accordance with NFPA 720. NFPA 720
requires CO devices to be installed on every level of a
dwelling unit, including basements, as well as outside
each separate dwelling unit sleeping area in the
immediate vicinity of the bedrooms.
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Knowledge Review
2. When is whole-house
mechanical ventilation required?
When the measured infiltration
rate is less than 5 ACH 50.
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Knowledge Review
3.
Under what conditions will glazing adjacent to
stairways not be required?
A. The bottom exposed edge of glazing is not
less than 36 inches above the walking
surface of a tread.
B. The glazing is at least 6 inches from the
edge of the stairway, measured horizontally.
C. A rail meeting the loading requirements is
installed at a height of 34 to 38 inches.
D. Any of the above.
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Changes in Chapter 4 Foundations
Section R403.1.3 Seismic reinforcing
Plain concrete footings for foundation walls of
detached one- and two-family dwellings in
Seismic Design Categories D0, D1, and D2 is no
longer permitted. This was deleted from the
exception to the provisions for seismic
reinforcing of concrete footings in SDC D0, D1,
and D2.
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Section R404.1.9 Isolated
masonry piers (NEW)
This new section has been added that
provides prescriptive requirements for the
construction of isolated masonry pier
foundations supporting raised floor systems.
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Hollow concrete masonry units grouted solid
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Section R405.1 Concrete or
masonry foundations
A filter membrane is now required for
perforated foundation drains.
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Knowledge Review
4. In which seismic zones has the
use of plain concrete footings
been eliminated?
D0, D1, and D2
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Changes in Chapter 5 Floors
Section R501.3 Fire protection of floors (NEW)
This new section has been added that requires all
floor assemblies, not fire rated, to be protected on
the underside with ½-inch gypsum board, 5/8-inch
wood structural panels or equivalent.
This will apply mainly to floor assemblies located
over non-sprinklered areas, such as crawl spaces
used for storage or containing fuel-fired appliances.
continued
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Changes in Chapter 5 Floors
Section R501.3 Fire protection of floors (NEW)
There are 4 exceptions provided that specifies
where the protection is not required.
This change adds protection to floors of
lightweight construction that will provide the
occupants additional time for self evacuation and
safety for firefighters performing search and
rescue.
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Section R502.1.3 End-jointed
lumber
This section adds the requirement that end
jointed-lumber used in fire-rated assemblies
must have “Heat Resistant Adhesive” or “HRA”
in the grade mark. Sections R602.1.1 and
R802.1.2 were also revised to add this
requirement.
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Section R507 Decks
Deck provisions have been relocated to a new
section that consolidates the provisions for deck
construction. The placement of bolts and lags for
deck ledger attachment to the band joist has been
revised to correlate with the National Design
Specification (NDS) for Wood Construction. A new
table and figures have been added, specifying the
placement and minimum edge distances for bolts
and lags for the ledger and band joist.
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Changes in Chapter 6
Wall Construction
Section R602.1.1 End-jointed lumber
Same as Section R502.1.3.
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Table R602.3(1) Fastener Schedule
for Structural Members
The nailing of rafter or roof truss to the top plate is
revised to provide a 200 pound maximum uplift
capacity where the rafter or truss is spaced not more
than 24 inches on center. The nailing now requires 316d box nails rather than 2-16d nails. A new Item 8 is
added that requires all abutting studs at intersecting
wall corners to be face nailed with 16d nails at 12
inches on center. A new Item 26 is added that requires
all rim joist or blocking to sill plate to be toe nailed with
8d nails at 6 inches on center.
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Section R602.7 Headers
The code now includes prescriptive provisions for
single member headers under limited conditions.
The revision to Section R602.7 allows single
headers under limited loading conditions to
increase energy efficiency of the dwelling.
Installation of a single header results in a greater
thickness of cavity insulation to reduce heat loss
through the header in exterior walls.
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Section R602.10 Wall bracing
The wall bracing provisions have been reorganized
to provide a user friendly flow to the code text.
Sub-sections now discuss one topic; it is no longer
necessary to read multiple sections for information
on a single topic. Some technical changes were
also made. A new section has been added that
provides a simplified method for wall bracing that
is an easy, prescriptive procedure that is
applicable to the majority of wood frame
construction throughout the United States.
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Section R602.10.1 Braced wall
lines
This section has been reorganized to
address braced wall lines only. Information
about braced wall lines (BWL)—length,
spacing, and orientation—is now in one
section. Braced wall panel information has
been moved to Section R602.10.2.
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Section R602.10.2 Braced wall
panels
This code change places information on braced
wall panels into one section. The definition of a
braced wall panel, information on braced wall
panel location, and the minimum required number
of braced wall panels in a wall line are now
consolidated in this section. Braced wall panel
location has been simplified. Braced wall panels
now may be placed up to 10 feet from both ends of
the braced wall line.
continued
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Section R602.10.2 Braced wall
panels
The maximum distance between two braced wall
panels is now measured from edge to edge.
Previous codes measured braced wall panel
distances from center to center. Braced wall panel
spacing of 25 feet on center is now a distance of
20 feet edge to edge. Braced wall lines up to 16
feet in length may have one braced wall panel
when it is at least 48 inches long.
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Section R602.10.3 Required length
of bracing
As part of the extensive reorganization of the wall
bracing requirements, the provisions for
determining the minimum required length of wall
bracing for all buildings, are now consolidated into
this section. The footnotes, containing adjustment
factors, to the wind wall bracing table have been
deleted and placed in a separate table, Table
R602.10.3(2).
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Section R602.10.4 Construction
methods for braced wall panels
This section groups bracing construction methods
and the allowable mixing of bracing methods into a
single section. Braced wall lines which change
from exterior to interior wall lines may now mix
bracing methods along the braced wall line. New
Table R602.10.4, Bracing Methods, now includes
both intermittent and continuously sheathed
bracing methods.
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(Partial)
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Section R602.10.5 Minimum length
of a braced wall panel
This section places the minimum length
requirements of a braced wall panel for different
bracing methods into one section. Braced wall
panel minimum lengths are placed into one table
for clarity. Tables R602.10.3.1, R602.10.3.2,
R602.10.4.2 and R602.10.5.2 are combined into
Table R602.10.5.
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(Partial)
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Section R602.10.6 Construction of methods
ABW, PFH, PFG, CS-PF and BV-WSP
This revision places all of the alternate braced wall
panel methods into this section and adds a new
method BV-WSP, Wall Bracing for Dwellings with
Stone and Masonry Veneer in Seismic Design
Categories D0, D1 and D2. This section consolidates
the alternate braced wall panel methods for
intermittent and continuously sheathed braced wall
lines together. A reference to the figure for each
alternate bracing method replaces the majority of the
text descriptions of the methods.
continued
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Section R602.10.6 Construction of methods
ABW, PFH, PFG, CS-PF and BV-WSP
All methods now use a figure only to show
construction requirements. The intent of this
change is to simplify the code by removing
redundant language and recognizes that technical
information such as nail, connector, strap and
framing member sizes and location are more
clearly illustrated in a graphic format rather than
lengthy text descriptions.
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Section R602.10.6 Wall bracing for dwellings
with stone and masonry veneer
This revision relocates the information on wall bracing
with stone or masonry veneer from Section R602.12 to
Section R602.10.6.5 and defines a new method, BVWSP, Wall Bracing for Dwellings with Stone and
Masonry Veneer in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1
and D2. Method BV-WSP is applicable when stone or
masonry veneer is applied to a height greater than the
first story on a detached one- or two-family dwelling
located in SDC D0, D1 or D2.
continued
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Section R602.10.6 Wall bracing for
dwellings with stone and masonry veneer
Bracing for townhouses under these conditions
requires a design in accordance with accepted
engineering practice. No additional bracing is
required in any seismic design category when
the height of the veneer is less than or equal to
the height of the first story.
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Section R602.10.7 Ends of braced
wall lines with continuous sheathing
This revision adds a new end condition for braced
wall panel connections when using continuous
sheathing. When a 48-inch braced wall panel is at
the end of a wall line, the intersecting wall line
does not require a return panel or hold-down at the
corner. The end conditions in Figures
R602.10.4.4(2), R602.10.4.4(3), R602.10.4.4(4),
and R602.10.4.4(5) has been combined into new
Figure R602.10.7.
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End conditions for braced wall lines with continuous sheathing
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End conditions for braced wall lines with continuous sheathing
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End conditions for braced wall lines with continuous sheathing
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Section R602.12 Simplified wall
bracing (NEW)
A new section has been added that provides a
simplified method for wall bracing that is an easy,
prescriptive procedure that is applicable to the
majority of wood frame construction throughout the
United States. This provision is an alternate to the
traditional wall bracing provisions of Section
R602.10 and combining the two methods is not
permitted.
continued
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Section R602.12 Simplified wall
bracing (NEW)
It is limited to basic wind speed of 90 mph,
Exposure Category A or B and Seismic Design
Categories A or B, or in SDC C for detached oneand two-family dwellings. There are six additional
conditions the building must meet in order to
qualify for the simplified wall bracing as follows:
 Limited to two stories with concrete or masonry
foundation.
continued
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Section R602.12 Simplified wall
bracing (NEW)
 Floor cantilever maximum length of 24 inches
beyond the foundation or bearing wall.
 Wall height a maximum of 10 feet.
 Roof eave to ridge height of 15 feet.
 All exterior walls have ½-inch gypsum board on
the interior side.
 No cripple walls in a two-story building.
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Section R602.12.1 General
This change adds a new reference standard,
TMS 403-10, Direct Design Handbook for
Masonry Structures. The new standard
provides a simplified design method for
single story concrete masonry buildings.
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Section R613.2 Applicability limits
The maximum design wind speed,
applicable to the prescriptive provisions of
SIP construction, has been reduced from
130 mph, exposure A, B or C to120 mph,
exposure A or B and 110 mph exposure C.
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Tables R613.5(1) and R613.5(2)
Minimum Thickness for Sip Walls
The existing tables have been deleted and
replaced with new tables. The new minimum
thickness for SIP walls were developed
based on more stringent criteria by not
allowing any load duration increase,
including wind load, for SIPs.
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Knowledge Review
5. Under what conditions can the
Simplified Method of Wall Bracing be
used?
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Knowledge Review
 Basic wind speed of 90 mph, Exposure Category A or B.
 Seismic Design Categories A or B, or in SDC C for
detached one- and two-family dwellings.
 Limited to two stories with concrete or masonry foundation.
 Floor cantilever maximum length of 24 inches beyond the
foundation or bearing wall.
 Wall height a maximum of 10 feet.
 Roof eave to ridge height of 15 feet.
 All exterior walls have ½ -inch gypsum board on the interior
side.
 No cripple walls in a two-story building.
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Changes in Chapter 7 Wall Covering
Section R702.7 Vapor retarders
This section has been relocated from
Section R601.3. Table 702.7.1 was revised
to delete OSB and plywood and replaced
with wood structural panels.
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Section R703.7.3.2 Allowable span
This section was revised to add a new table
setting the minimum and maximum heights of
veneer above the opening. A minimum height of
veneer above the opening is necessary to
adequately transfer the loads to the walls
supporting the lintel on each side of the
opening. The maximum height of veneer above
the opening also is limited and is determined in
part by the configuration of the roof.
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Section R703.7.4 Anchorage
This section was revised to specify the fastener for
attachment of ties to wood or cold-formed steel
backing. The minimum fastener size is specified for
each Seismic Design Category. A new table was
added placing the tie fastener and air space
requirements for anchored veneer into a table for
ease of use. The veneer tie maximum horizontal
spacing has changed from 24 inches to 32 inches for
consistency with Building Code Requirements and
Specification for Masonry Structures (TMS 402/ACI
530/ASCE 5).
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Section R703.7.4.3 Grout fill
This section was revised to prohibit mortar
to be used to fill the air space behind
anchored masonry veneer.
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Section R708.3 Flashing
This section has been revised to provide
several alternatives for the installation of
flashing at window and door openings. Pan
flashing, a newly defined term in the code, is
now required for window and door openings
when flashing details are not provided by the
manufacturer.
continued
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Sections R703.12.1 Clearances and
R703.12.2 Flashing at foundation (NEW)
These new sections add minimum clearance
and flashing requirements to apply to the
base of adhered masonry veneer on exterior
walls.
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Section R708.3 Flashing
Any one of the following criteria may apply for
flashing at window and door openings:
 the fenestration manufacturer’s installation and
flashing instructions.
 the flashing manufacturer’s instructions.
 pan flashings required when instructions not
provided.
 design or method of a registered design
professional.
 other approved methods.
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Knowledge Review
6. What type of flashing is required for
windows when the manufacturer’s
instructions do not provide requirements
for flashing?
Pan flashing
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Changes in Chapter 8
Roof-ceiling Construction
Section R802.1.2 End-jointed lumber
Same as Section R502.1.3.
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Section R802.7.1 Sawn lumber
This section has been revised to move the
provisions on cantilever portions of rafters
from the exception into a new subsection
and a new figure is added to clarify the
application. An actual dimension of 3½
inches replaces a nominal 4-inch dimension
in describing the portion of rafter remaining
after notching at the wall top plate.
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Section R802.7.1.2 Ceiling joist
taper cut (NEW)
This new section adds the provisions for the
limits for taper cuts on the ends of ceiling
joists. A new figure was added to aid in
determining the correct application of ceiling
joist taper cut requirements.
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Section R802.11 Roof tie-down
This section has been extensively revised and
substantially improves the roof uplift provisions. The
nailing, in Table R602.3(1), of rafter or roof truss to the
top plate is revised to provide a 200-pound maximum
uplift capacity where the rafter or truss is spaced not
more than 24 inches on center.
The uplift connector table is replaced with a new table
that accounts for reduction in uplift loads that occur on
higher slope (5:12 pitch or greater) roofs or hip roofs in
accordance with the current ASCE 7.
continued
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Section R802.11 Roof tie-down
Where rafter or truss spacing does not exceed 24 inches
on center, the prescriptive connection requirements of
Table R602.3(1) are permitted to be used under either of
the following conditions:
 where the uplift force does not exceed 200 pounds; or
 where the roof pitch is 5:12 or greater and all of the
following criteria are met:
 90 mph wind speed.
 exposure category B.
 maximum building width of 32 feet.
 maximum roof overhang of 24 inches.
continued
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Section R802.11 Roof tie-down
These new provisions will allow the use of
nailing rather than a manufactured uplift
connector for more cases than allowed
previously.
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Section R806.2 Minimum vent area
The provisions for minimum vent area have been revised
by placing two exceptions after the general rule to clarify
the meaning. The exception for reducing the ventilation
area when a vapor retarder is installed on the ceiling now
only applies to cold-weather climates. The reduction in
vent area based on cross ventilation now requires no
less than 40 percent and no more than 50 percent
(previously 50 and 80 percent) of the required ventilating
area to be placed in the upper portion of the roof and no
more than 3 feet below the ridge. The requirement for
the upper vents to be at least 3 feet above the eave
vents has been removed.
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Section R806.5 Unvented attic and
unvented enclosed rafter assemblies
This section was revised to add text that clarifies
that the unvented attic provisions also apply to
rafter assemblies typically used for vaulted or
cathedral ceilings. References to vapor retarders
now specify the applicable class as defined in
Section R202. A new sentence clarifies that
insulation board installed as an air-impermeable
barrier must have the edges sealed to provide a
continuous barrier.
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Changes in Chapter 9
Roof Assemblies
Section R905.2.7.2, et al Underlayment and
high wind (NEW)
Sections R905.2.7.2 and R905.3.3.3 have been
revised to add requirements for installation of roof
covering underlayment for high wind areas where
the basic wind speed is equal to or greater than
120 mph.
continued
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Changes in Chapter 9
Roof Assemblies
Section R905.2.7.2, et al Underlayment and
high wind (NEW)
New sections for underlayment and high wind
have been added for metal roof shingles, mineralsurfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles,
wood shingles, wood shakes and metal roof
panels.
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Section R905.2.8.5 Drip edge (NEW)
This new section adds the requirement for a
roof drip edge for asphalt shingles and
provides direction for its proper installation.
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Section R907.3 Recovering versus
replacement
This section has been revised to delete the
requirement that prohibited a second layer
of asphalt shingles in areas of moderate or
severe hail exposure. Section 903.5, the hail
exposure map, and related definitions have
been deleted from the code.
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Section R905.16 Photovoltaic
modules/shingles (NEW)
This new section adds provisions for
material and installation of photovoltaic
modules/shingles. These shingles are
integrated with the building and provide a
roof covering and source of electrical power.
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Changes in Chapter 10
Chimneys and Fireplaces
Section R1003.9.1, Chimney caps (NEW)
This new section adds the requirement for a
chimney cap on a masonry chimney. The
minimum criteria for the installation of the
chimney cap are prescribed.
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Section R1003.9.3 Rain caps (NEW)
This new section does not require a rain
cap, but where one is installed, provides the
minimum criteria for installation.
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Section R1005.7 Factory-built
chimney offsets (NEW)
This new section adds provisions for offsets
in factory-built chimneys. The chimney must
be installed so that no portion of the
chimney exceeds an angle of 30 degrees
from vertical. The code also limits the
number of offsets by setting the maximum
number of elbow fittings to four.
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Chapter 11
Energy Efficiency
156
Changes in Chapter 11
Energy Efficiency (NEW)
The contents of Chapter 11 are now extracts
from the applicable provisions of the 2012
International Energy Conservation Code.
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157
Section N1102 Building Envelope
Requirements (NEW)
The tables for building envelope values
(R-values, U-factors, Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient) have been made considerably
more stringent from the 2009 Edition of the
code. Some estimates are that the energy
conservation measures have increased by 15%
over the 2009 values.
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Section N1101.12.3 Fenestration
product rating (NEW)
Values for visual transmittance of glazing are
now included in the code.
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Section N1102.2.3 Eave baffle (NEW)
A baffle is now required in the attic adjacent
to soffits when air-permeable insulation is
installed.
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Section N1102.4.1 Building test
(NEW)
Air leakage testing is now required in all
buildings.
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Section N1105 Simulated
Performance Alternative (NEW)
A simulated performance alternative is now
available for buildings constructed in
accordance with the IRC.
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Chapters 12-23
Mechanical
163
Changes in Chapter 13 General
Mechanical System Requirements
Section M1301.5 Third-party certification
and testing (NEW)
Piping, tubing, and fittings used in
mechanical systems must now be tested by
an approved third-party testing agency or be
certified by an approved third-party
certification agency.
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Changes in Chapter 15
Exhaust Systems
Section M1502.4.2 Duct installation
Dryer ducts can now be fastened together
with screws or similar fasteners that
protrude not more than 1/8 inch into the
inside of the duct.
Note that Section G2439.5.2 for gas dryers
does not permit such fasteners.
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Section M1502.4.4.1 Specified
length
The maximum allowable dryer duct length is
now 35 feet (consistent with Section
G2439.5.5.1).
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Section M1507.3 Whole house
mechanical ventilation system (NEW)
Where a blower door test of the building
indicates that the infiltration rate is less than
5 ACH50, the dwelling must be provided
with whole-house mechanical ventilation.
See Section R303.4.
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Changes in Chapter 16
Duct Systems
Section M1600.1.1 Above-ground duct
systems
Stud wall cavities in the outside walls of a
building cannot be utilized as return air
plenums.
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170
Changes in Chapter 23
Thermal Solar Energy Systems
Section M2302 Photovoltaic solar energy
systems (NEW)
New section added to provide requirements
for the design, construction, installation,
alteration, and repair of photovoltaic
equipment and systems.
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Photovoltaic solar energy system
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172
Chapter 24
Fuel Gas
173
Changes in Chapter 24 Fuel Gas
Section G2411.1.1 CSST
The bonding requirements for gas piping
systems with corrugated stainless steel tubing
(CSST) sections have been relaxed to allow the
bonding jumper to connect to a metallic pipe or
fitting anywhere between the point of delivery
and the first CSST fitting.
This section applies where any amount of
CSST is used in a gas piping system.
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Section G2412.10 Third party
testing and certification (NEW)
Gas piping, tubing, and fittings must be
tested by an approved third-party testing
agency or be certified by an approved thirdparty certification agency.
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Section G2417.7 Purging
A new gas pipe purging procedure has been
put into the code.
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Section G2421.4 Excess flow valve
(NEW)
Excess flow valves are now addressed in
the code.
EXCESS FLOW VALVE (EFV). A valve
designed to activate when the fuel gas
passing through it exceeds a prescribed
flow rate.
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Section G2428.2.9 Chimney and
vent locations
Where vents extend above the roof a
specified distance, the code now requires
such vents to be protected by an insulated
enclosure or be an engineered system.
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Section G2428.2.17 Height entries
Where the actual height of a vent falls between
entries in the height column of the applicable
table in Tables G2428.2(1) through G2428.3(4),
either interpolation must be used or the lower
appliance input rating shown in the table entries
must be used for FAN MAX and NAT MAX
column values and the higher appliance input
rating must be used for the FAN MIN column
values.
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Section G2454.1 General (NEW)
Permanently fixed-in-place outdoor
decorative appliances must be tested in
accordance with ANSI Z21.97 and must be
installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
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Figure G2454.1
Outdoor Campfire
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Chapters 25-33
Plumbing
185
Changes in Chapter 25
Plumbing Administration
Section P2503.5.1 Rough plumbing
Language was added to make it clear that
plastic DWV piping must not be tested with
air because of the risk of injury to personnel.
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Knowledge Review
7. Can all types of DMV piping material be
tested with air pressure?
No. Only non-plastic water distribution
piping can be tested using air pressure.
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Changes in Chapter 26 General
Plumbing Requirements
Section P2601.2 Connections to drainage
system
An exception was added to allow gray water
producing fixtures to be connected to a gray
water collection system where a gray water
recycling system is to be installed.
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190
Section P2603.4 Pipe through
foundation walls
The requirement for a pipe sleeve or a
relieving arch for pipes passing under a
footer was removed because the footer acts
as the relieving arch for the pipe below.
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Section P2606.1 Sealing of annual
spaces (NEW)
A new section was created to consolidate all
of the sealing requirements.
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Figure P2606.1
Sealing of Annular Spaces
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194
Table P2609.4 Third party testing
and certification (DELETED)
For ease and simplicity of enforcement, all
plumbing products and materials must now
be listed by a third party agency and as part
of that listing, the product or material will
have a mark that indicates listing by the third
party. Table P2604.8 is no longer needed.
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Changes in Chapter 27
Plumbing Fixtures
Section P2706.1 General
In addition to waste receptors being prohibited
from being in bathrooms, they are now prohibited
from being in plenums, crawl spaces, attics,
interstitial spaces above ceilings and below floors.
Waste receptors in those locations can dry out or
overflow without knowledge of the occupants.
Clothes washer standpipes are now allowed in
bathrooms.
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Section P2709.1 Construction
Low height thresholds allowed for shower
receptors.
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Section P2709.2 Lining required
Shower lining material is only required to
extend 2 inches above the threshold instead
of three inches (in order to be consistent
with the same IPC requirement).
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Shower liner extensions
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Sections P2709.2.1 and P2709.2.2
PVC and CPE sheet materials
The thickness requirement was deleted
because the puncture testing of ASTM D4551
and D4068 indicates that thinner materials can
pass the puncture test and some 0.040 inch
thick (or thicker) materials cannot pass the
puncture test. Thus, thickness is not a measure
of quality.
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Section P2709.2.4 Liquid-type, trowel-applied,
load-bearing, bonded water proof materials (NEW)
This is a new method for creating a
waterproof shower pan lining that does not
involve the application of sheet materials.
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202
Section P2713.1 Bathtub waste
outlets and overflows
Section language rewritten to make it clear
that waste overflows are required for
bathtubs.
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Section P2722.5 Water closet
personal hygiene devices
Standard ASME A112.4.2 was added to the
code to cover specialized water closets or
water closet seats having sprays for
personal hygiene.
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Changes in Chapter 28
Water Heaters
Section P2801.5 Required plan
Language revised to clarify that drain pans
are required only for storage tank type water
heaters or hot water storage tanks.
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Knowledge Review
8. Do tankless water heaters require a drip
pan?
No.
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Changes in Chapter 29
Water Supply and Distribution
Section P2901.1 Potable water required
Wherever nonpotable water systems are
installed, the piping must be identified. This
includes piping installed outside the building
either above or below ground.
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Section P2904.1 General
Partial fire sprinkler systems are allowed to
be installed only in buildings that do not
require complete fire sprinkler coverage.
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Table P2905.4 Water Service Pipe
Table P2905.5 Water Distribution Pipe
Table P2905.6 Pipe Fittings
Polyethylene of Raised Temperature (PERT) tubing is added to the code.
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Knowledge Review
9. Can a partial fire sprinkler system be
installed in a residential building?
Yes, but only where the residential
building is not required to have a
complete fire sprinkler system.
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Changes in Chapter 30
Sanitary Drainage
Section P3003.19 Joints between
drainage piping and water closets
A new type of water closet drain connection
is added to this section.
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Section P3007.3.3.1 Materials (NEW)
Materials specified to be either brass,
copper, CPVC, ductile iron, PE or PVC.
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Section P3007.3.3.2 Ratings (NEW)
Piping must be rated for the maximum
discharge pressure and temperature.
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Section P3007.3.5 Ejector
connection to the drainage system
Pumps connected to the drainage system
can now connect to a building sewer,
building drain, soil stack, waste stack or
horizontal branch drain. For a connection
near the base of a stack or near a future
drain, the distance has been reduced from
10 feet to 10 stack diameters.
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Section P3009 Gray Water
Recycling Systems (NEW)
Gray water recycling system requirements
have been added to the code (eliminating
Appendix O).
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Knowledge Review
10. Can fixtures can discharge to a gray
water recycling system?
Bathtubs, showers, and lavatories.
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Changes in Chapter 31 Vents
Section P3103.5 Location of vent terminal
Vertical distance increased from 2 feet to 3
feet to coordinate with similar requirements
for vent terminal requirements in the
mechanical section of the code.
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Location of vent terminal
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Section P3103.4 Prohibited use
Vent terminals are prohibited from being
used for any purpose other than venting
even if the vent terminal is anchored.
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Section P3111.2 Installation
The term, drain, was changed to waste. The
term drain implied that fecal matter might be
drained by the system but only waste is
allowed to be carried by CDV systems.
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Knowledge Review
11.Can a vent terminal be used for
mounting a television satellite
dish?
No
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Chapters 34-43
Electrical
230
Changes in Chapter 36 Services
Section E3608.4 Supplemental electrode
required
This section was completely reorganized to
make supplemental grounding electrodes
the rule, with an exception for those having
a resistance of less than 25 ohms to earth.
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Changes in Chapter 39
Power and Lighting Distribution
Section E3901.11 Foyers (NEW)
The code was formerly silent on receptacle
requirements for foyers which can be quite
large and contain electrical plug-loads.
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Section E3902.13 Arc-fault circuit
interrupter protection (NEW)
New requirements were added to address
arc-fault circuit interrupter protection for
existing wiring that is modified, extended or
replaced.
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Section E3905.8 Boxes at fan
outlets
A new rule requires fan-rated boxes where
switched conductors are provided,
suggesting the future installation of paddle
fans.
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Changes in Chapter 40
Devices and Luminaires
Section E4001.15 Switching controlling
lighting loads (NEW)
A new section requires that a ground circuit
conductor be provided in all switch boxes to
accommodate devices that consume power, such
as timers and automated lighting controllers.
Exceptions address locations where adding the
conductor at a later date is readily accomplished.
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For more information
 Significant Changes to
the International
Residential Code, 2012
Edition.
 Book
 6-hour classroom training
 There is also a
3-hour classroom IRC
update course available.
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239
Maryland Codes Administration
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
410-514-7220 or 1-800-756-0119
Maryland Code Administration Information Portal
http://mdcodes.umbc.edu/
Ed Landon
Director, Codes Administration
100 Community Place
Room 3.641
Crownsville, MD 21032
landon@mdhousing.org
410-514-7444
FAX 410-987-8902
2012 IRC Update with Maryland Amendments
Ujjval Dave, P.E.
Manager, Design Standards and Review
Industrialized Building and Manufactured
Homes Program
Maryland Building Performance Standards
Program
100 Community Place
Room 3.627
Crownsville, MD 21032
dave@mdhousing.org
410-514-7218
FAX 410-987-8902
240
International Code Council is a Registered Provider with The American
Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on
completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA
members. Certificates of Completion for non-AIA members are available on
request.
This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional
education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or
construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of
construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or
dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials,
methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this
presentation.
241
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Copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, display and use of
the presentation without written permission of the speaker is
prohibited.
© International Code Council 2011
242
Thank you for participating
To schedule a seminar, contact:
Annie Martinez
at
1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233) Ext. 33818
or
E-mail amartinez@iccsafe.org
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