scope:

The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exception:

Detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures not more than three stories above grade plane in height, shall comply with this code or the International Residential Code.

This section establishes when the regulations contained in the code must be followed, whether all or in part. Something must happen (construction of a new building, modification to an existing one or allowing an existing building or structure to become unsafe) for the code to be applicable. While such activity may not be as significant as a new building, a fence is considered a structure and, therefore, its erection is within the scope of the code. The IBC is not a maintenance document requiring periodic inspections that will, in turn, result in an enforcement action, although periodic inspections are addressed by the International Fire Code^® (IFC^®).

The exception indicates that detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses that are not more than three stories above grade and have separate means of egress have the option of complying with the International Residential Code^® (IRC^®). The definition of townhouse adds that to be able to use the IRC, a townhouse must meet four criteria:

1. It is not more than three stories in height.

2. It has a separate means of egress.

3. Each unit extends from foundation to roof.

4. There is open space on two or more sides.

This applies to all such structures, whether there are lot lines separating them, and also to accessory structures such as garages and pools. Accessory structures are also limited to not more than three stories in height. Such structures four stories or more in height are beyond the scope of the IRC and must comply with the provisions of the IBC and its referenced codes.

There are five exceptions in the IRC that allow for buildings otherwise required to be constructed in accordance with the IBC to be constructed in accordance with the IRC. These include live/work units (see Section 508.5), small bed-and-breakfast style hotels where there are five or fewer guestrooms and the owner also lives in the hotel (see Section 310.4.2), and care facilities within a dwelling unit with five or fewer persons receiving care (see Sections 305.2.2, 308.2.4, 308.3.2, 308.5.4 and 310.4.1).

Appendices.

Provisions in the appendices shall not apply unless specifically adopted.

The provisions contained in Appendices A through N are not considered part of the code and are, therefore, not enforceable unless they are specifically included in the ordinance or other adopting law or regulation of the jurisdiction.