SECTION 748:20-5-6. IRC® 2015 Chapter 3 Building Planning

  Chapter 3 of the IRC® 2015 is adopted with the following modifications:

(1)   Table R302.1(1) Exterior Walls has been modified to change most of the requirements in the column entitled "Minimum Fire Separation Distance" and to delete certain sub-rows under the column "Exterior Wall Element". The table description with modifications, is listed below:

(A)   There are three columns in the table entitled "Exterior Wall Element," "Minimum Fire-Resistance Rating," and "Minimum Fire Separation Distance."

(B)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the first row, entitled "Walls - Fire-resistance rated," has been modified to change the requirement in the column "Minimum Fire Separation Distance" from "less than 5 feet" to "less than 3 feet."

(C)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the second row, entitled "Walls - Not fire-resistance rated," has been modified to change the requirement in the column "Minimum Fire Separation Distance" from "greater than or equal to 5 feet" to "greater than or equal to 3 feet."

(E)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the third row, entitled "Projections - Not allowed," has been stricken from the table.

(F)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the fourth row, entitled "Projections - Fire-resistance rated," has been modified to change the requirement in the column "Minimum Fire Separation Distance" from "greater than or equal to 2 feet to less than 5 feet" to "less than 3 feet."

(G)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the fifth row, entitled "Projection - Not fire- resistance rated," has been modified to change the requirement in the column "Minimum Fire Separation Distance" from "greater than or equal to 5 feet" to "greater than or equal to 3 feet."

(H)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the sixth row, entitled "Openings in walls - Not allowed," has not been modified from the requirements in the existing table.

(I)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the seventh row, entitled "Openings in walls - 25 percent maximum of wall area," has been stricken from the code.

(J)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the eighth row, entitled "Openings in walls - Unlimited," has been modified to change the requirement in the column "Minimum Fire Separation Distance" from "5 feet" to "greater than or equal to 3 feet."

(K)   Under the column entitled "Exterior Wall Element" the ninth row, entitled "Penetrations - All," has been modified to change the requirement for the second sub-row in the column entitled "Minimum Fire Separation Distance" from "3 feet" to "greater than or equal to 3 feet."

(2)   Table R302.1(2) Exterior Walls - Dwellings with Fire Sprinklers. This table has been modified to strike certain sub-rows underneath the column "Exterior Wall Element." The table description with modifications is listed below:

(A)   There are three columns in the table entitled "Exterior Wall Element," Minimum Fire-Resistance Rated," and "Minimum Fire Separation Distance."

(B)   There are four rows entitled "Walls," "Projections", "Openings in Walls" and "Penetrations."

(C)   The row entitled "Walls" under the column "Exterior Wall Elements" contains two sub-rows entitled "Fire-resistance rated" and "Not fire-resistance rated." No modifications have been made to this row and the associated sub-rows.

(D)   The row entitled "Projections" under the column "Exterior Wall Elements" contains three sub-rows entitled "Not allowed," Fire-resistance rated" and "Not fire-resistance rated." The sub-row entitled "Projections - Not allowed" has been stricken from the table. The remaining sub-rows have not been modified.

(E)   The row entitled "Openings in walls" under the column "Exterior Wall Elements" contains two sub-rows entitled "Not allowed" and "Unlimited." No modifications have been made to this row and the associated sub-rows.

(F)   The row entitled "Penetrations" under the column "Exterior Wall Elements" does not have any sub-rows and has not been modified.

(3)   Section R303.1 Habitable rooms. The first exception to this section has been modified to change the aggregate glazing area when certain conditions are met. This section has been modified to read: R303.1 Habitable rooms. Habitable rooms shall have an aggregate glazing area of not less than 8 percent of the floor area of such rooms. Natural ventilation shall be through windows, skylights, doors, louvers or other approved openings to the outdoor air. Such openings shall be provided with ready access or shall otherwise be readily controllable by the building occupants. The openable area to the outdoors shall not be less than 4 percent of the floor area being ventilated. Exceptions:

(A)   The glazed areas need not be openable where the opening is not required by Section R310 and an approved mechanical ventilation system capable of producing 0.35 air change per hour in the room is installed or a whole-house mechanical ventilation system is installed capable of supplying outdoor ventilation air of 15 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per occupant on the basis of two occupants for the first bedroom and one occupant for each additional bedroom.

(B)   The glazed areas need not be installed in rooms where Exception 1 is satisfied and artificial light is provided that is capable of producing an average illumination of 6 footcandles (65 lux) over the area of the room at a height of 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor level.

(C)   Use of sunroom and patio covers, as defined in Section R202, shall be permitted for natural ventilation if in excess of 40 percent of the exterior sunroom walls are open, or are enclosed only by insect screening.

(4)   Section R303.4 Mechanical ventilation. This section has been stricken from the code.

(5)   Section R311.1 Means of egress. This section has been modified to require garages to comply with the section requirements while allowing the means of egress from the garage to go through an adjacent dwelling. This section has been modified to read: R311.1 Means of egress. Dwellings and garages (attached or detached from the dwelling) shall be provided with a means of egress in accordance with this section. The means of egress shall provide a continuous and unobstructed path of vertical and horizontal egress travel from all portions of the dwelling to the required egress door without traveling through a garage. The means of egress from the garage may travel through the adjacent dwelling. The required egress door shall open directly into a public way or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.

(6)   Section R311.2 Egress door. This section has been modified to require garages to comply with the section requirements. This section has been modified to read: R311.2 Egress door. Not less than one egress door shall be provided for each dwelling unit or garage. The egress door shall be side-hinged, and shall provide a clear width of not less than 32 inches (813 mm) where measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees (1.57 rad). The clear height of the door opening shall not be less than 78 inches (1981 mm) in height measured from the top of the threshold to the bottom of the stop. Other doors shall not be required to comply with these minimum dimensions. Egress doors shall be readily openable from the inside of the dwelling or garage without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

(7)   Section R311.7.5.1 Risers. This section has been modified to add a third exception that allows the top and bottom riser height to vary by 3/4 inch (19 mm). This section has been modified to read: R311.7.5.1 Risers. The riser height shall be not more than 7 3/4 inches (196 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the underside of the nosing of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 degrees (0.51 rad) from the vertical. Open risers are permitted provided that the openings located more than 30 inches (762 mm), as measured vertically, to the floor or grade below do not permit the passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere. Exceptions:

(A)   The openings between adjacent treads is not limited on spiral stairways.

(B)   The riser height of spiral stairways shall be in accordance with Section R311.7.10.1.

(C)   The top and bottom riser in each flight of stairs may vary by 3/4 inch (19 mm).

(8)   Section R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems. This section, including the exception, has been moved to the newly created Appendix V, entitled "Appendix V, Automatic Fire Systems" and is not adopted as a part of the statewide minimum code for residential construction within the State of Oklahoma. This section has been renumbered in Appendix V to become V101.1. The section number R313.2 itself, will stay as part of this code for numbering alignment but will not have any requirements attached to it.

(9)   Section R313.2.1 Design and installation. This section has been moved to the newly created Appendix V, entitled "Appendix V, Automatic Fire Systems" and is not adopted as a part of the statewide minimum code for residential construction within the State of Oklahoma. This section has been renumbered in Appendix V to become V101.2. The section number R313.2.1 itself, will stay as part of this code for numbering alignment but will not have any requirements attached to it.

(10)   Section R314.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. This section has been modified to include minor electrical alterations, repairs and additions in the second exception to the section. This section has been modified to read: R314.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs, or additions requiring a permit occur, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings. Exceptions:

(A)   Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

(B)   Installation, alteration, or repairs of electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.

(11)   Section R315.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. This section has been modified to include minor electrical alterations, repairs and additions in the second exception to the section. This section has been modified to read: R315.2.2 Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs, or additions requiring a permit occur, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms located as required for new dwellings. Exceptions:

(A)   Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section.

(B)   Installation, alteration, or repairs of electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.

(12)   Section R323.1 General. This section has been modified to include above and below ground storm shelters and to limit the use of the term storm shelter. This section has been modified to read: R323.1 General. This section applies to the construction of above or below ground storm shelters constructed as separate detached buildings or rooms within buildings, structures, or portions thereof for the purpose of providing safe refuge from storms that produce high winds, such as tornados and hurricanes. Any room or structure, as may be used as a place of refuge during a severe wind storm event, shall not be defined as a storm shelter unless specifically designed to the requirements listed in Section R323.

(13)   R323.2 Required. This section has been added to stipulate in addition to other applicable requirements in this code, storm shelters shall be constructed in accordance with ICC 500® except as required by Sections R323.2.1 through R323.2.4 This section has been added to read: R323.2 Required. In addition to other applicable requirements in this code, storm shelters shall be constructed in accordance with ICC 500® except as required by Sections R323.2.1 through R323.2.4.

(14)   R323.2.1 Design wind speed. This section has been added to modify the requirements of ICC 500® Section 304.2 to clarify the minimum design wind speed for all storm shelters in the State of Oklahoma shall be set at 250 miles per hour. This section has been added to read: R323.2.1 Design wind speed. For storm shelters, the minimum design wind speed for the entire State of Oklahoma shall be 250 miles per hour.

(15)   R323.2.2 In-ground storm shelters. This section has been added to clarify for all in-ground storm shelters installed in garages, the rim of the shelter shall be raised a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm) above the highest point of the adjacent garage floor to resist surface drainage and to require the floor around the shelter to slope at a maximum slope of 1:8. This section has been added to read: R323.2.2 In-ground storm shelters. When installed in the floor of a garage, the rim of the storm shelter shall be raised a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm) above the highest point of the adjacent garage floor to resist surface drainage into the shelter. The floor around the shelter shall slope at a maximum slope of 1;8.

(16)   R323.2.3 Height of storm shelter. This section has been added to clarify how to determine the location of the natural ventilation openings in storm shelters in accordance with ICC 500® Section 702.1.1.1, by providing a definition for the height of a storm shelter to be calculated by taking the average of the vertical dimensions from the floor elevation to the bottom of the storm shelter deck or to the underside of a hard ceiling within the storm shelter. This section has been added to read: R323.2.3 Height of storm shelter. When determining the location of natural ventilation in accordance with ICC 500® Section 702.1.1.1, the height of the storm shelter shall be defined as an average of the vertical dimensions from the floor elevation to the bottom of the storm shelter deck or to the underside of a hard ceiling within the storm shelter.

(17)   R323.2.4 Occupant density. This section has been added to modify the requirements of ICC 500® Section 501.1.1 to clarify residential storm shelters may exceed the occupant density requirements in ICC 500® Table 502.4 and not be required to conform to the requirements of a community shelter. This section has been added to read: R323.2.4 Occupant density. Residential storm shelters located in or adjacent to one- and two-family dwellings may exceed the occupant density in ICC 500® Table 502.4 and shall not be required to conform to the requirements of a community shelter.

(18)   Section R326.1 General. This section has been modified to remove the requirement for the construction of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs to comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code^TM and to require compliance with Sections R326.2 through R326.4. This section has been modified to read: R326.1 General. Residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs requiring a permit shall comply with Sections R326.2 through R326.4.

(19)   Section R326.2 Enclosure. This section has been added to provide enclosure requirements for residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. This section has been added to read: R326.2 Enclosure. Swimming pools shall be completely enclosed by a fence or barrier not less than 4 feet (1219 mm) in height or a screen enclosure. Openings in the fence or barrier shall not permit the passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere. Exceptions:

(A)   Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs on lots in excess of 2 acres are exempt from the requirements.

(B)   A swimming pool with a power safety cover or a spa with a safety cover complying with ASTM F 1346 need not comply with this section.

(20)   Section R326.3 Gates. This section has been added to provide gate requirements for residential swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. This section has been added to read: R326.3 Gates. Exterior pedestrian access doors or gates shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Doors or gates other than pedestrian access doors or gates shall have a self-latching device. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the door or gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the door or gate, 3 inches (76 mm) or more below the top of the door or gate, and the door or gate and barrier shall be without openings greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism. Exception: Gates equipped with a locking device.

(21)   Section R326.4 Suction outlet fitting assemblies. This section has been added to clarify all suction outlet fitting assemblies shall be listed and labeled in compliance with ANSI/APSP/ICC 16. This section has been added to read: R326.4 Suction outlet fitting assemblies. Suction outlet fitting assemblies shall be listed and labeled in compliance with ANSI/APSP/ICC 16.

(22)   R326.5 Entrapment avoidance. This section has been modified to require suction entrapment avoidance for pools and spas to comply with ANSI/APSP/ICC 7 and provide an exception for portable spas and portable exercise pools listed in accordance with UL 1563 or CSA C22.2 No 218.1. This section has been modified to read: R326.5 Entrapment avoidance. Suction entrapment avoidance for pools and spas shall be provided in accordance with ANSI/APSP/ICC 7. Exception: Portable spas and portable exercise pools listed in accordance with UL 1563 or CSA C22.2 No 281.1.

[Source: Added at 28 Ok Reg 2122, eff 7-15-11; Amended at 33 Ok Reg 1852, eff 11-1-16; Amended at 35 Ok Reg 2137, eff 9-17-18]