scope:

This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This code shall also regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and appliances specifically addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be regulated by the International Fuel Gas Code.

Exception: Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the International Residential Code.

❖ This section describes the types of mechanical systems covered by the code. The code is applicable from the initial design of mechanical systems, through installation and construction and into the maintenance of operating systems. The scope of the code is primarily focused on heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, those items specifically addressed in the code and those building "service" items that make a building comfortable, functional and safe. The code is intended to cover all mechanical appliances, equipment and systems that are specifically intended, designed and necessary for the general safety and well-being of the occupants of a building. The code intends to regulate the installation, operation and maintenance of any and all equipment and appliances that can affect the health, safety and welfare of building occupants.

Note that this section references the International Fuel Gas Code^® (IFGC^®) for fuel-gas-related regulations. This is a result of a written cooperative agreement between the International Code Council^® (ICC^®) and the American Gas Association (AGA) to promulgate the IFGC. All regulations for the installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems have been removed from the code. See the IFGC for fuel-gas-related requirements.

The exception sends the user to the International Residential Code^® (IRC^®) for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height. It is the intent of the ICC family of codes that the International Mechanical Code^® (IMC^®) be applied to structures not within the scope of the IRC. For example, a four-story single-family dwelling would be subject to the provisions of the IMC.