The International Residential Code, 2018 edition, as adopted, is hereby amended as follows:
A. Chapter 1 "Scope and Administration" is amended as follows:
R101.1 Title. Replace bracketed "[]" text with the following: "Ada County."
R101.2 Scope. Amend the subsection by deleting the Exception in its entirety and add a new exception as follows:
Exception: The following shall also be permitted to be constructed in accordance with this code:
1. Owner-occupied lodging houses with five (5) or fewer guestrooms and ten (10) or fewer occupants.
2. A care facility with five (5) persons receiving custodial care within a dwelling unit or single-family dwelling.
3. A care facility for five (5) or fewer persons receiving personal care that are within a dwelling unit or single-family dwelling.
4. A care facility with twelve (12) or fewer children receiving day care within a dwelling unit or single-family dwelling.
R102.7 Existing structures. Amend paragraph as follows:
The legal occupancy of any structure existing on the date of the adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as is specifically covered in this code, or as is deemed necessary by the building official for the general safety and welfare of the occupants or the public.
R104.8 Liability. Delete subsection.
R104.10.1 Flood hazard areas. Delete sentence and replace with the following:
Development within a designated flood hazard area shall be done in conformance with the Ada County Code, Title 8, Chapter 3, Article F. Specific flood hazard area inspection results and elevation documentation shall be provided to Ada County in conformance to that section of the Ada County Code, Title 8, Chapter 3, Article F.
R105.1 Required. Delete paragraph and replace with the following:
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any gas or mechanical system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.
An Ada County building division permit is issued to the owner of the property and remains tied to the specific property even as the ownership may change. The applicant for any Ada County building division permit is, by definition, a representative of the property owner and as such may not have individual control or ownership of that specific permit.
R105.2 Work exempt from permit. Amend the list of "Building" exemptions from permit requirements, delete "Electrical" and “Plumbing” exemptions in their entirety as follows:
Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2).
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1829 mm) high may be exempted from the requirement for a building permit in the absence of any other applicable land use regulations governing the installation, height, type or other aspect.
3. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
4. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
5. Sidewalks and driveways.
6. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools that are not greater than four (4) feet (1219 mm) deep.
8. Swings and other playground equipment.
9. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
10. Decks that are not more than thirty (30) inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.
11. Flag poles.
12. Roof repair, including complete replacement of roof coverings, in association with one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures.
13. Siding repair or replacement when fire resistance is not reduced in association with one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures.
14. Miscellaneous work including the following, provided no changes are made to the building envelope: patio and concrete slabs on grade, paneling or other surface finishes over existing wall and ceiling systems, insulating existing buildings, abatement of hazardous materials, and in-kind or similar replacement of or repair of deteriorated members of a structure.
15. Shade structures such as gazeboes and arbors when the roof covering will not provide weather protection and will not allow a snow load to develop.
16. Commercially available membrane structures, erected according to manufacturer's instructions, intended to provide weather protection for automobiles and recreational vehicles.
17. Buildings or structures used to facilitate construction projects. These buildings shall be removed from the property prior to the issuance of any Certificate of Occupancy.
18. Freestanding solar collectors not greater than two hundred (200) square feet or not more than ten (10) feet above grade.
Delete "Electrical" section in its entirety.
Delete “Plumbing” section in its entirety.
R105.2.2 Repairs. Delete subsection.
R105.3.2 Time limitation of application. Delete paragraph and replace with the following:
Applications for which no permit is issued within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of eligibility for permit issuance shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the building official.
The building official may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding one hundred eighty (180) calendar days on request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken. No application shall be extended more than once. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
R105.5 Expiration. Add a second paragraph to section as follows:
If work has not been completed, the final inspection performed and the project approved for occupancy or use within three (3) years from the date of such permit being issued, such permit shall expire by limitation and become null and void. Prior to work recommencing after the permit has expired, a new permit shall be obtained. The cost of the new permit, if obtained within one year of the original permit expiration, shall be one half (1/2) of the cost of a new permit for the remaining work required to complete the structure or project.
R106.1 Submittal documents. Amend subsection as follows:
Submittal documents consisting of construction documents, and other data shall be submitted in one complete set in digital format with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the statutes of the jurisdiction in which the project is to be constructed. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
R107.1 General. Delete paragraph and replace with the following:
The building official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary structures and temporary uses. Such permits shall be limited as to time of service; service less than thirty (30) days shall not require a permit, and service over thirty (30) days shall require a permit but shall not be permitted for more than one hundred eighty (180) days. Permits for temporary structures shall bear fees identical to permanent structures. The building official is authorized to grant extensions for demonstrated cause.
R108.3 Building permit valuations. Add a second paragraph as follows:
The building permit valuation upon which the Ada County building permit fee is based shall be the project valuation as stated by the Ada County building permit applicant or the calculated value using the building division fees as adopted by the Board of Ada County Commissioners, whichever valuation is greatest.
R108.4 Related fees. Add a second paragraph as follows:
If work is commenced without first obtaining a required Ada County building permit, an investigative fee equal to the Ada County permit fee for the work accomplished illegally, shall be paid Ada County prior to the acceptance of an Ada County building permit application. This fee is an additional fee and shall not apply to any fee for any Ada County building permit that may subsequently be issued. Payment of the investigative fee does not vest the illegal work with any legitimacy, nor does it establish any right to an Ada County permit for continued development of that project.
R108.5 Refunds. Delete sentence and replace with the following:
Eighty percent (80%) of the plan review fee shall be available for refund if no plan review has begun. Eighty percent (80%) of the building permit fee shall be available for refund if no work has begun on the project. All requests for fee refunds must be made to the Ada County building official in writing and must be made within thirty (30) days of payment of the fee in question in order to be eligible for a refund.
R109.1.3 Floodplain inspections. Delete paragraph and replace with the following:
For construction in areas prone to flooding as established by Table R301.2(1), upon placement of the lowest floor, including basement, the building official is authorized to require submission of documentation of the elevation of the lowest floor, including basement, required in section R322.
Development within a designated flood hazard area shall be done in conformance with the Ada County Code, Title 8, Chapter 3, Article F. Specific flood hazard area inspection results and elevation documentation shall be provided to Ada County in conformance to that section of the Ada County Code, Title 8, Chapter 3, Article F.
R112 Board of Appeals. Delete subsections R112.1, R112.2, R112.2.1, R112.2.2, R112.3 and R112.4 in their entirety and replace with the following new subsection R112.1:
R112.1 General. Ada County Code, Title 7, Chapter 1 establishes the Ada County Building Board of Appeals. Appeals shall be heard as set out in Ada County Code, Title 7, Chapter 1.
R113.4 Violation penalties. Amend the subsection as follows:
Any person who violates a provision of this code or fails to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who erects, constructs, alters or repairs a building or structure in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the building official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be subject to the penalties as prescribed by law in Ada County Code, Title 7, Chapter 2.
R114.2 Unlawful continuance. Delete paragraph and replace with the following:
Any person who shall continue any work in or about the building or structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to the penalties set forth in Ada County Code, Title 7, Chapter 2.
B. Chapter 2 "Definitions" is amended as follows:
R202 Definitions. Add new definitions as follows:
AREA, BUILDING. The area included within surrounding exterior walls (or exterior walls and fire walls) exclusive of vent shafts and courts. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the building area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above.
BUILDING FACE. Foundation wall face or face of exterior wall member not including sheathing, siding or trim.
PERMIT APPLICANT. The property owner or the individual that legally represents a property owner seeking permission from Ada County to construct a building or structure on a specific piece of property.
C. Chapter 3 "Building Planning" is amended as follows:
R301.2 Climatic and geographic design criteria. Amend subsection to add a second paragraph as follows:
The minimum roof snow load for Ada County shall be twenty-five (25) pounds per square foot. No reduction below that roof snow load shall be permitted.
R301.2.1.2 Protection of openings. Delete R301.2.1.2 in its entirety.
Table R301.2(1) Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria. Delete Table R301.2(1) in its entirety and replace with the following Table R301.2(1):
TABLE R301.2(1)
CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
Ground Snow Load | Wind Design | Seismic Design Category | Subject To Damage From | Winter Design Temp | Ice Barrier Underlayment Required | Flood Hazards | Air Freezing Index | Mean Annual Temp | |||
Speed (mph) | Topographic Effects | Weathering | Frost Line Depth | Termite
| |||||||
Ground snow load Pg shall be 20 pounds per square foot. The minimum roof snow load shall be 25 pounds per square foot. No reduction below that roof snow load shall be permitted. | 115 mph | No | C | Severe | 24 inches | Slight Moderate | 10°F | No | Date of adoption 1/30/1980. Date of current FIRM 6/19/2020. | 894 | 51.1 |
Table R302.1(1) Exterior Walls. Delete Table R302.1(1) in its entirety and replace with the following Table R302.1(1):
TABLE R302.1(1)
EXTERIOR WALLS
Exterior Wall Element | Minimum Fire- Resistance Rating | Minimum Fire Separation Distance | |
Exterior Wall Element | Minimum Fire- Resistance Rating | Minimum Fire Separation Distance | |
Walls | |||
(Fire-resistance rated) | 1 hour-tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 or section 703.3 of the International Building Code with exposure from both sides | <3 feet | |
(Not fire-resistance rated) | 0 hours | 3 feet | |
Projections | |||
(Fire-resistance rated) | 1 hour on the underside, or heavy timber, or fire- retardant-treated wooda,b | 2 feet to <3 feet | |
(Not fire-resistance rated) | 0 hours | 3 feet | |
Openings in walls | |||
Not allowed | n/a | <3 feet | |
25% maximum of wall area | 0 hours | 3 feet to <5 feet | |
Unlimited | 0 hours | 5 feet | |
Penetrations | |||
All | Comply with section R302.4 | <3 feet | |
None required | 3 feet | ||
For SI: 1 foot = 304.8 mm.
n/a = Not Applicable.
a. The fire-resistance rating shall be permitted to be reduced to zero (0) hours on the underside of the eave overhang if fireblocking is provided from the wall top plate to the underside of the roof sheathing.
b. The fire-resistance rating shall be permitted to be reduced to zero (0) hours on the underside of the rake overhang where gable vent openings are not installed.
R302.13 Fire protection of floors. Delete section.
R303.4 Mechanical ventilation. Delete sentence and replace with the following:
Dwelling units shall be provided with whole-house mechanical ventilation in accordance with Section M1505.4.
R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems. Delete the exception in its entirety and replace with the following:
Exception: Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems shall not be required in townhouses where either two (2) one (1)-hour fire-resistance-rated walls or a common two (2)-hour fire-resistance rated wall, as specified in item number 2 of section R302.2.2 is installed between dwelling units or when additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed.
R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems. Delete section.
R314.2.2 Alteration, repairs and additions. Delete the Exceptions and replace with the following:
Exceptions:
1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as, but not limited to, replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows and doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, or electrical permits, are exempt from the requirements of this section.
2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.
R315.2.2 Alteration, repairs and additions. Delete the Exceptions and replace with the following:
1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as, but not limited to, replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows and doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, or electrical permits, are exempt from the requirements of this section.
2. Installation, alteration or repairs of noncombustion plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.
R322 Flood-resistant Construction. Delete the section in its entirety and replace with new section R322 as follows:
R322 Flood-resistant Construction.
R322.1 General. Development within a designated flood hazard area shall be done in conformance with the Ada County Code, Title 8, Chapter 3, Article F. Specific flood hazard area inspection results and evaluation documentation shall be provided to Ada County in conformance to Ada County Code, Title 8, Chapter 3, Article F.
D. Chapter 4 Foundations is amended as follows: Tables R403.1(1), R403.1(2), and R403.1(3) are deleted and a new Table R403.1 ‘Minimum width of concrete, precast, or masonry footings (inches)’ is added as follows:
Table R403.1
MINIMUM WIDTH OF CONCRETE, PRECAST, OR MASONRY FOOTINGS
(INCHES)
Load-Bearing Value of Soil (psf) | ||||
1,500 | 2,000 | 3,000 | 4,000 | |
Conventional light-frame construction | ||||
1-story | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
2-story | 15 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
3-story | 23 | 17 | 12 | 12 |
4-inch brick veneer over light frame or 8-inch hollow concrete masonry | ||||
1-story | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
2-story | 21 | 16 | 12 | 12 |
3-story | 32 | 24 | 16 | 12 |
8-inch solid or fully grouted masonry | ||||
1-story | 16 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
2-story | 29 | 21 | 14 | 12 |
3-story | 42 | 32 | 21 | 16 |
R403.1.1 Minimum size. Delete paragraph and replace with the following:
Minimum sizes for concrete and masonry footings shall be as set forth in Table R403.1 and Figure R403.1(1). The footing width (W) shall be based on the load bearing value of the soil in accordance with Table R401.4.1. Spread footings shall be at least six (6) inches in thickness (T). Footings projections (P) shall be at least two (2) inches and shall not exceed the thickness of the footing. The size of footings supporting piers and columns shall be based on the tributary load and allowable soil pressure in accordance with Table 401.4.1. Footings for wood foundations shall be in accordance with the details set forth in Section R403.2 and Figures R403.1(2) and R403.1(3).
E. Chapter 6 "Wall Construction" is amended as follows:
R602.10 Wall bracing. Amend paragraph as follows:
Buildings shall be braced in accordance with this section or, when applicable section R602.12, or the most current edition of APA System Report SR-102 as an alternate method. Where a building, or portion thereof, does not comply with one (1) or more of the bracing requirements in this section, those portions shall be designated and constructed in accordance with section R301.1.
F. Chapter 12 “Mechanical Administration” is amended as follows:
Add a new section M1201.3 as follows:
M1201.3 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction equipment. The provisions of this part of the code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction must be approved where the authority having jurisdiction finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provisions of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code. Compliance with the specific performance-based provisions of this part of the code in lieu of specific requirements of this code will also be permitted as an alternate.
Add a new section M1201.3.1 as follows:
M1201.3.1 Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this part of the code, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this part of the code, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the authority having jurisdiction has the authority to require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction. Test methods are as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the authority having jurisdiction approves the testing procedures. Tests must be performed by an approved agency. Reports of such test must be retained by the authority having jurisdiction for the period required for retention of public records.
Add a new section M1203.1 as follows:
M1203.1 Carbon monoxide alarms. For new construction, an approved carbon monoxide alarm must be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.
Add a new section M1203.2 as follows:
M1203.2 Where required in existing dwellings. Where work requiring a permit occurs in existing dwellings that have attached garages or in existing dwellings within which fuel-fired appliances exist, carbon monoxide alarms must be provided in accordance with R315.
Add a new section M1203.3 as follows:
M1203.3 Alarm requirements. Single station carbon monoxide alarms must be listed as complying with UL 2034 and must be installed in accordance with this code and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
G. Chapter 15 "Exhaust Systems" is amended as follows:
M1502.4.1 Material and size. Add the following exception:
Exception: Dryer duct may be constructed of 0.013 (30 gauge) or equivalent if prefabricated 0.016 (28 gauge) ducts and fittings are not available.
M1502.4.2 Duct installation. Delete paragraph and replace with new paragraph as follows:
Exhaust ducts shall be supported at four (4) foot (1,219 mm) intervals and secured in place. The insert end of the duct shall extend into the adjoining duct or fitting in the direction of airflow. Ducts shall not be joined with screws or similar fasteners that protrude into the inside of the duct.
H. Chapter 16 "Duct Systems" is amended as follows:
Table M1601.1.1 Duct Construction Minimum Sheet Metal Thickness for Single Dwelling Units. Add the following exception:
Exception: Round duct, enclosed rectangular ducts and fittings less than fourteen (14) inches may be constructed of 0.013 (30 gauge) or equivalent if prefabricated 0.016 (28 gauge) ducts and fittings are not available.
I. Chapter 24 "Fuel Gas" is amended as follows:
Add a new section G2402.4 (201.4) is amended as follows:
G2402.4 (301.4) Alternative materials, design and methods of construction equipment. The provisions of this part of the code are not intended to prevent the installation of any material or to prohibit any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided that any such alternative has been approved. An alternative material, design or method of construction must be approved where the authority having jurisdiction finds that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the intent of the provision of this code, and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code. Compliance with the specific performance-based provisions of this part of the code in lieu of specific requirements of this code will also be permitted as an alternate.
Add a new section G2402.4.1 (201.4.1) as follows:
G2402.4.1 (201.4.1) Tests. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with the provisions of this part of the code, or evidence that a material or method does not conform to the requirements of this part of the code, or in order to substantiate claims for alternative materials or methods, the authority having jurisdiction has the authority to require test as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to the jurisdiction. Test methods are as specified in this code or by other recognized test standards. In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods, the authority having jurisdiction approves the testing procedures. Tests must be performed by an approved agency. Reports of such tests must be retained by the authority having jurisdiction for the period required for retention of public records.
G2417.4 (406.4). Test pressure management. Delete the last sentence and replace with the following:
Mechanical gauges used to measure test pressure shall have a range such that the highest end of the scale is not greater than two (2) times the test pressure nor lower than one and one-half (1.5) times the test pressure.
G2417.4.1 (406.4.1) Test pressure. Delete paragraph and replace with new paragraph as follows:
Not less than twenty (20) psig (140kPa gauge) test pressure shall be required for systems with a maximum working pressure up to ten (10) inches water column. For systems with a maximum working pressure between ten (10) inches water column and ten (10) psig (70kPa gauge); not less than sixty (60) psig (420kPa gauge) test pressure shall be required. For systems over ten (10) psig (70kPa gauge) working pressure, minimum test pressure shall be no less than six (6) times working pressure.
G2417.4.2 (406.4.2) Test duration. Amend sentence as follows:
The test duration may not be less than twenty (20) minutes.
Add new subsection G2427.4.1.2 (503.4.1.2) as follows:
G2427.4.1.2 (503.4.1.2) Testing. All plastic pipe within a dwelling used for venting flue gases shall be tested at five (5) psi for fifteen (15) minutes. (Ord. 498, 3-25-2003; amd. Ord. 560, 8-24-2004; amd. Ord. 592, 8-2-2005; amd. Ord. 678, 11-13-2007; amd. Ord. 725, 5-5-2009; amd. Ord. 748, 4-28-2010; amd. Ord. 781, 5-17-2011; amd. Ord. 817, 1-7-2014; amd. Ord. 836, 1-6-2015; amd. Ord. 879, 2-13-2018; amd. Ord. 919, 2-16-2021)