ID 234 01/02Building Codes

Catalog Description• This course will introduce students to the intent

scope, detail, and examination of local, state, national, and international building codes, standards, and regulations that protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public in new and existing materials and methods of construction. Emphasis will be given to the international, federal, state, Local and professional standards. Students will also develop an understanding of Universal Design and the Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines.

Course Objectives• To develop an understanding of local, state, national, and international building

codes, standards, and regulations. Emphasis will be given to the International Building Code, the Massachusetts State Building, the Massachusetts Plumbing Code, the National Electric Code, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

• To apply codes, standards, and regulations to complex design studio assignments• To demonstrate a knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations.• To demonstrate an ability to assess, apply, and analyze the following:

– Code and Specification navigation.– Use and Occupancy and Types of Construction.– Means of Egress and multi-level evacuation regulations. – Interior fire-resistive construction, compartmentalization, and fire separations.– Universal design and ADA / Accessibility Laws and Guidelines.– Flame spread and ratings for fabrics, finishes, and interior surfaces based on use and

classification.– Interior Environments: Complex Residential, Institutional, Healthcare and Commercial

interior design problem-solving situations.

Grading• Three assignments– Stair design– Toilet room calculations and design– Comprehensive Code Analysis

• Quiz• One absence allowed – you’re responsible for

the work missed• Weekly reading

What are building codes, anyway• Various jurisdictions (local, regional, state, federal)– Laws – Regulations– Prescriptive– Performance

• What they control– Site development, including building size– Building construction– Building performance (energy usage, fires)– Accessibility

History of Codes• Code of Hammurabi (structural stability)• National Building Code (fire prevention)• Model codes (UBC, BOCA, SBC, etc)• ADAAG (accessibility)• NFPA (fire)• IBC (building)

When do we worry about codes

Intent and Interpretation

Determining which ones are in effect

• Local jurisdiction first – look online– Building department, inspectional services– Call the Building Official– Versions of code and zoning bylaws

• State building codes• Possibly a separate fire code• or, call a code consultant…

What if you don’t comply• Before construction, design must change –

you pay• After construction, building itself must change

– you pay• Liability of at least 10 years• No jail time

Aids

Key terms• Accessible• Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)• Codes Department• Jurisdiction• Performance/Prescriptive Code• Sustainable design

Let’s go for a walk…