APPENDICES
Appendix A Employee Qualifications
Appendix C Group U Agricultural Buildings
Appendix E Supplementary Accessibility Requirements
Appendix G Flood-Resistant Construction
Appendix K Administrative Provisions
Appendix L Earthquake Recording Instrumentation
Appendix M Tsunami-Generated Flood Hazard
The appendix chapters to the International Building Code® (IBC®) contain subjects that have been determined to be an optional part of the code rather than mandatory, with each jurisdiction adopting all, parts of, or none of the appendix chapters—depending on its needs for enforcement in any given area. The provisions of IBC Section 101.2.1 indicate that the requirements contained in the appendices are only applicable where specifically adopted by the jurisdiction. It is important that each jurisdiction review the appendix chapters in detail prior to their adoption to ensure their appropriateness.
Appendix A Employee Qualifications
The provisions of this appendix are intended to assist the jurisdiction in qualifying individuals to be employed in key roles in the Department of Building Safety. Employee qualifications are provided for the position of building official as well as those for chief inspectors, inspectors, and plans examiners. An overview of the qualifications is shown in Figure A-1.
Figure A-1 Employee qualifications.
In addition to the education and experience criteria, an important consideration is the professional qualification obtained through certification. A comprehensive certification program is available through the International Code Council (ICC) that recognizes individuals for their knowledge relating to code enforcement.
Appendix B Board of Appeals
This appendix expands on the provisions of Section 113 relating to the board of appeals. Issues dealing with the filing of an appeal, the board membership, meeting notices, and board decisions are also addressed.
This appendix specifies that the board consist of five individuals, representing various disciplines or professions. In addition, two alternate members should be appointed to serve in the absence or disqualification of a regular member. All individuals are to be registered design professionals or contractors, qualified by registration or experience to rule on technical matters that may come before the board. The following disciplines are identified in Section B101.2.2:
1. Architecture or building construction
2. Structural engineering
3. Plumbing and mechanical engineering or contracting
4. Electrical engineering or contracting
5. Fire-protection engineering or contracting
It is important that all hearings before the board are considered open meetings and are available to all interested parties. The appellant, the appellant’s representative or counsel, the building official, and all other persons who have an affected interest in the decision shall be permitted to address the board. In order to overturn or modify the decision of the building official, a minimum two-thirds vote of the board is required. Unless acceptable to the appellant, all five members must be present for the board to act on an appeal, with at least four concurring votes necessary to modify or reverse the building official’s decision.
Appendix C Group U Agricultural Buildings
The provisions of Appendix C were developed to address the needs of those jurisdictions (primarily unincorporated county territory) whose primary development is agricultural. In these cases, agricultural property usually consists of large tracts of land on which agricultural buildings are placed, usually with large open spaces and with essentially no congestion. Therefore, the provisions for agricultural buildings classify the structures as Group U occupancies and include barns, shade structures, grain silos, stables, and horticultural structures, as well as buildings used for livestock and poultry shelters, equipment and machinery storage, and milking operations.
Because of the generally large open spaces that usually surround the buildings and the relatively low occupant load, the limitations imposed on construction, height, area, mixed uses, and exiting are generally more liberal than the requirements in the body of the code for Group F or S occupancies that would generally otherwise apply.
Appendix D Fire Districts
Maintained by the International Fire Code® (IFC®) and its code change committee, this appendix is available for adoption by jurisdictions wishing to establish fire districts. The use of fire districts provides a method to address fire hazards that are created by a variety of conditions, with the primary concerns based on occupancy and structure density. The provisions apply to new buildings built within the fire district, as well as those buildings undergoing alterations or a change of occupancy.
It is necessary to first establish the territory that is to be included within the fire district. The code identifies three basic types of areas that are of importance in the regulation of fire districts. These include adjoining blocks, buffer zones, and developed blocks. The specifics of each of these areas are illustrated in Figure D-1.
Figure D-1 Fire districts.
Those buildings already existing when a fire district is established may not be increased in height or area unless in compliance with the code for new buildings. Any new construction must also be of a type permitted within the fire district. Alterations may not increase the level of fire hazard in the building, nor may the occupancy be changed to a classification that is not permitted in the fire district. Any buildings located partially in the fire district are to be regulated as if they are in the district, provided at least 50 percent of the structure lies within the district, or the building extends more than 10 feet (3,048 mm) inside the fire district’s boundaries.
Section D105 identifies a number of types of uses and structures permitted within a fire district that might otherwise be excluded. The listed uses are all relatively minor in nature and do not pose a significant hazard to the fire-safety level that is mandated. Such uses include small private garages and sheds, fences, tanks and towers, small greenhouses, and wood decks. This section also permits a limited amount of alteration on dwellings of Type V construction.
Appendix E Supplementary Accessibility Requirements
This appendix addresses the design and construction of those accessible facilities not typically addressed by a building code. Although it is important that all reasonable efforts are made to make buildings accessible and usable, the body of the code in Chapter 11 contains only those requirements that directly relate to structures. Therefore, additional criteria are provided in this appendix to expand on the other accessibility features of the built environment.
Many of the facilities regulated by this chapter involve furnishings or equipment. In Section E103.1, the code requires that an accessible route be provided to a raised platform used as a head table or speaker’s lectern. Section E104.2 regulates communications features in Group I-3 occupancies and transient lodging facilities.
Portable toilet and bathing rooms, laundry equipment, gaming machines, vending machines, mailboxes, automatic-teller machines, and fare machines are other possible features of a building that, through the regulation of this section, can be made more usable for individuals with physical disabilities. Telephones are fully addressed in Section E106, including provisions for wheelchair access, volume controls, and TTYs. Section E107.2 mandates that where permanent signage designates the use or description of a room or area, tactile identification, visual characters, and braille are also required. Directional and informational signs, as well as other special types of signage, are also addressed.
Three of the remaining sections of this appendix regulate specific types of uses or buildings. Bus stops and bus shelters must be designed and constructed in a manner that makes them accessible. Fixed transportation facilities, such as stations for rapid rail, light rail, commuter rail, high-speed rail, and other fixed-guideway systems, must selectively have station entrances, signage, fare machines, platforms, TTYs, track crossings, public-address systems, and clocks that are accessible or usable. Some of these same features are regulated for airports as well.
Appendix F Rodentproofing
In an effort to reduce the possibility of rodents entering a building, this appendix sets forth construction methods to seal those potential entry points. The provisions apply not only to habitable and occupiable rooms but also to any spaces containing feed, food, or foodstuffs. The obvious intent is to prevent unsanitary conditions and the potential spread of disease that may follow.
All openings in the foundation walls are to be covered or sealed in a prescribed manner to prevent the passage of rodents. Doors and windows are regulated when located adjacent to ground level. It is also the intent of this appendix that an apron or similar protective barrier be installed where the foundation wall is not continuous. The intent of this appendix is an attempt to eliminate all potential avenues for rodent entry that occur around the exterior of a building.
Appendix G Flood-Resistant Construction
Most jurisdictions in the United States have specific areas that are subject to flood conditions. This appendix is designed to reduce those losses, both public and private, that occur because of flooding. Administrative procedures and land-use limitations are set forth, intending to meet or exceed the regulations of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
The building-sciences provisions for flood-resistant design and construction are located in Section 1612. In conjunction with the provisions of this appendix, the regulations are consistent with the NFIP regulations.
Appendix H Signs
The design and installation of outdoor signs is regulated by this appendix. Signs can come in many shapes and sizes, and are used for many purposes. This appendix classifies signs based on their location such as ground signs, roof signs, wall signs, projecting signs, marquee signs, and portable signs. The types of signs, including internally illuminated signs, combustible signs, and animated devices, are also addressed.
This appendix identifies the areas of concern when signs are placed on structures. It is important that any exit signs, fire escapes, or egress openings remain unobstructed. Required natural ventilation openings must also remain available. Signs must be able to withstand all imposed loads, including any wind or seismic loads that may be encountered. The combustibility of signs is also regulated, with specific provisions for plastic materials.
Appendix I Patio Covers
Patio covers regulated by Appendix I are limited to one-story structures not exceeding 12 feet (3,657 mm) in height. Enclosure walls may have any configuration, provided the open area of the longer wall and one additional wall is equal to at least 65 percent of the area below a minimum of 6 feet, 8 inches (2,032 mm) of each wall, measured from the floor. Openings may be enclosed with insect screening, translucent or transparent plastic not more than ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) in thickness, or glass conforming to Chapter 24.
Patio covers may be detached or attached to dwelling units. Patio covers shall be used only for recreational, outdoor living purposes and not as carports, garages, storage rooms, or habitable rooms.
Exterior openings required for light or ventilation may open into a patio structure conforming to this section. Where emergency egress or rescue openings from sleeping rooms lead to a patio structure, the structure shall be unenclosed. Where an exit from the dwelling unit passes through the patio structure, the structure shall be unenclosed or exits shall be provided in conformance with Chapter 10.
Patio covers shall be designed and constructed to sustain the applicable snow loads or all dead loads plus a vertical live load of 10 pounds per square foot (0.48 kN/m2), whichever is greater. The minimum wind and seismic loads shall also be considered in the design.
A patio cover may be supported on concrete slab on grade without footings, provided the slab is not less than 3½ inches (89 mm) thick, and further provided that the columns do not support live and dead loads in excess of 750 pounds (3.34 kN) per column.
Appendix J Grading
Not every jurisdiction is located in an area where the topography of the terrain requires extensive grading operations on private property. In those areas where developers need to grade private property, Appendix J provides appropriate administrative and technical regulations to assure the jurisdiction of reasonable safety against slope failure, landslides, and other soil failure hazards.
Appendix K Administrative Provisions
Appendix K is provided to allow those communities who adopt NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code® (NEC®), to include administrative provisions that will assist in their implementation and enforcement. These provisions assist in the administration of the NEC by providing administrative language that correlates with that of the International Codes. In addition, the provisions established in Section K111 address technical issues that are additions or modifications to the requirements of the NEC.
Appendix L Earthquake Recording Instrumentation
Earthquake recording instrumentation measurements provide fundamental information needed to cost-effectively improve understanding of the seismic response and performance of buildings subjected to earthquake ground motions. The language of the new provision in the IBC requiring earthquake recording instrumentation originated with the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC). The requirement only applies to newly constructed buildings of a specified size and located where the 1-second spectral response acceleration, S1, is greater than 0.40. Because the provision is in an appendix chapter, it is not mandatory unless specifically adopted by the jurisdiction.
Appendix M Tsunami-Generated Flood Hazard
The areas designated on State or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Tsunami Hazard Inundation Maps are most likely to suffer significant damage during a design tsunami event. Given the potentially serious life-safety risk presented to structures within these areas, the intent of the provisions in Appendix M is to limit the presence of high-hazard and high-occupancy structures (Risk Categories III and IV) within the designated Tsunami Hazard Zone. Buildings within the designated hazard zone are only permitted under certain conditions. A vertical evacuation tsunami refuge is permitted when constructed in accordance with FEMA P646 or where critical facilities are located within the hazard zone to fulfill their function, and they incorporate adequate structural and emergency evacuation features. Vertical evacuation is a central part of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, driven by the fact that there are coastal communities along the West Coast of the United States that are vulnerable to tsunamis that could be generated within minutes of an earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Vertical evacuation structures provide a means to create areas of refuge for communities in which evacuation out of the inundation zone is not feasible. The referenced FEMA guide includes information to assist in the planning and design of tsunami vertical evacuation structures. Because the provision is in an appendix chapter, it is not mandatory unless specifically adopted by the jurisdiction.