A good way to ensure that you can meet this guideline, even in a small kitchen, is to design an entry door that swings out into the hall instead of into the kitchen. Collectively, these are referred to as the International Residential Code (IRC). Detail any artificial ventilation that may be proposed for any room/space, such as for new or downsized furnace rooms, bathrooms or any finished room that does not have adequate windows for natural ventilation. Remaining unfinished rooms/areas shall have windows with unobstructed ventilation area equal to 1% of the floor area served or artificial ventilation in the amount of .05 CFM/s.f. Show all new and existing window locations and indicate the overall glass size and ventilation area for each. Where emergency egress windows exit to a window well, the minimum area dimensions of that window well shall be equal to 3 feet by 5 feet. The North Carolina Building Code Council is the authority that oversees the code process. GFCI (Ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection is required on all receptacles servicing countertop surfaces. Wherever you place your microwave, it should have a handy countertop spot nearby to set a hot plate on when you pull it out of the appliance. We are not affiliated with, and do not receive any compensation from, any of the companies or products mentioned in this blog. Exception: Aluminum siding shall conform to the requirements of AAMA 1402. Can a local building department choose to not enforce selected parts of the Florida Building Code? Include at least a 24-inch wide landing area to one side of the sink and at least an 18-inch wide landing area on the other side. (IRC M 1504.1). Hex nut Standard cut washer Slotted plate washer Anchor bolt Maximum 11/16 in. Provide a minimum of one AC powered UL listed smoke detector with battery backup at the bottom of the stair for basements without bedrooms. 16822 SE 92nd Danna Avenue, The Villages, FL 32162, www.thevillagesbestinspector.com Comments or questions tomcgarryandmadsen@mac.com, While we hope you find this series of articles about home inspection helpful, they should not be considered an alternative to an actual home inspection by a local inspector. Again, the IRC doesn't specifically comment on walkway width. It should also be emphasized that especially on interior renovation projects many code requirements are verified through the inspection process and are not necessarily reflected within the approved plan documents. Conditions where Class III vapor retarders are required in. Included previous state accessibility, Federal ADAAG, and Fair Housing Act requirements. If you do a lot of cooking and don't have a range hood or adequate ventilation, you might give priority to a new vent hood ducted to the outdoors. The 2002 Codes were also valid during a transition period from July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006. (IRC G 2407.4). What is the difference between prescriptive and performance building codes? The 1996 Codes were also valid during a transition period from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. 1403.5 Vertical and Lateral Flame Propagation, [BS] 1403.7 Flood Resistance for Coastal High-Hazard Areas and Coastal A Zones, 1404.11 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, Section 1405 Installation of Wall Coverings, For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 ounce = 28.35 g, 1 square foot = 0.093 m, 1405.3.4 Minimum Clear Airspaces and Vented Openings for Vented Cladding, [BS] 1405.10.1 Exterior Adhered Masonry Veneer, [BS] 1405.10.1.1 Water-Resistive Barriers, [BS] 1405.10.1.2.1 Flashing at Foundation, [BS] 1405.10.1.4 Adhered Masonry Veneer Installed With Lath and Mortar, [BS] 1405.10.1.5 Adhered Masonry Veneer Applied Directly to Masonry and Concrete, [BS] 1405.10.1.6 Cold Weather Construction, [BS] 1405.10.1.7 Hot Weather Construction, [BS] 1405.10.2 Exterior Adhered Masonry VeneersPorcelain Tile, [BS] 1405.10.3 Interior Adhered Masonry Veneers, [BS] 1405.12.4 Installation at Sidewalk Level, [BS] 1405.12.4.1 Installation Above Sidewalk Level, Section 1406 Combustible Materials on the Exterior Side of Exterior Walls, 1406.2 Combustible Exterior Wall Coverings, 1406.2.1 Type I, II, III and IV Construction, 1406.2.1.1.1 Fire Separation 5 Feet or Less, 1406.2.1.1.2 Fire Separation Greater Than 5 Feet, Section 1407 Metal Composite Materials (MCM), 1407.3 Architectural Trim and Embellishments, 1407.10 Type I, II, III and IV Construction, 1407.10.1 Surface-Burning Characteristics, 1407.11.1 Installations Up to 40 Feet in Height, 1407.11.1.1 Fire Separation Distance of 5 Feet or Less, 1407.11.1.2 Fire Separation Distance Greater Than 5 Feet, 1407.11.2 Installations Up to 50 Feet in Height, 1407.11.3 Installations Up to 75 Feet in Height (Option 1), 1407.11.3.2 Nonfire-Resistance-Rated Exterior Walls, 1407.11.3.4 Area Limitation and Separation, 1407.11.3.5 Automatic Sprinkler System Increases, 1407.11.4 Installations Up to 75 Feet in Height (Option 2), 1407.11.4.1 Minimum Fire Separation Distance, Section 1408 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), Section 1409 High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates (HPL), 1409.3 Architectural Trim and Embellishments, 1409.10 Type I, II, III and IV Construction, 1409.10.1 Surface-Burning Characteristics, 1409.11.1 Installations Up to 40 Feet in Height, 1409.11.1.1 Fire Separation Distance of 5 Feet or Less, 1409.11.1.2 Fire Separation Distance Greater Than 5 Feet, 1409.11.2 Installations Up to 50 Feet in Height, EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS), EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS) WITH DRAINAGE, HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADE COMPACT LAMINATE (HPL), HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADE COMPACT LAMINATE (HPL) SYSTEM, Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) with drainage, exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates, a. Spray foam with a minimum density of 2 lbs/ft, Compliance with the requirements for a means of drainage, and the requirements of Sections, Wood siding of thicknesses less than 0.5 inch shall be placed over sheathing that conforms to. Your kitchen is arguably the most important room in your home. The following 2018 Codes were effective from January 1, 2019 and are currently effective. If you're deep in the zone, cooking up a meal, you don't want to have to pause constantly to walk to the other side of the room to throw away some scraps or packaging. How often does the National Electrical Code (NEC) change? No major traffic patterns should cross through the work triangle. If it is enclosed on three sides, even if there is no garage door on the fourth side, it must comply with code requirements for a garage. Ample, well-designed storage is another must for a functional kitchen. Why is the National Electrical Code (NEC) so hard to understand and complicated? 2018 NC EXISTING BUILDING CODE: EXISTING: Prescriptive Repair Chapter 14 Alteration: Level I Level II Level III Historic Property Change of Use . diameter bolts Slot is permitted if standard washer is installed over plate washer um 1 3 / 4 in. The NKBA distinguishes between the place where the cook stands while cooking or cleaning up (the work aisle) and a walkway, which is simply a passageway for others to walk through the kitchen. 2018 NC CODE FOR: New Construction Addition Renovation 1st Time Interior Completion Shell/Core . Window treatments above the cooking surface should not use flammable materials. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Raleigh NC 27603-5926, Mailing Address: Indicate size and spacing of new partition studs and finish wall material. Unfortunately, poorly designed kitchens are common in American homes, even in brand-new homes. The Permit ProcessNOTE: The following information is supplied as a guideline of what MAY BE ENCOUNTERED during the permit process. Retaining walls shall be designed for the lateral soil loads set forth in Section 1610. Since then, more work centers have made their way into kitchens, such as dishwashers, second sinks, warming drawers, etc. Open guards shall have intermediate vertical balusters spaced less than 4" apart. Nothing to see here. Kitchen sink drain: The minimum pipe size for the drain parts under the sink and including the P-trap is 1 1/2 inch. 1201 Mail Service Center The 2011 Electrical Code was effective from July 3, 2011 through April 1, 2016. Advanced framing improves energy efficiency by replacing lumber with insulation material. If your stove is mounted higher or lower than the rest of your countertops (not something I normally recommend), the landing area should be at the height of the cooktop. Most garages have a ceiling secured to the bottom chord of the roof trusses or rafters, and that has to be 1/2 drywall also. For an accurate cost based on your specifications . A plan tracking number will be assigned to identify the drawings. Cooking surfaces must have at least 30 inches of clearance between the surface and any combustible materials above. (This may not provide adequate landing area. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits usually do not require a plan submittal or review process. A minimum of 3' clearance is required in front of existing electrical panels. Such testing shall be performed on the HPL system with the HPL in the minimum and maximum thicknesses intended for, HPL and HPL systems shall not be required to comply with Sections, HPL shall not be installed more than 40 feet (12 190 mm) in height above, HPL shall not be installed more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) in height above. (203 mm), with a nominal height not exceeding four times its nominal thickness and a nominal length not exceeding three times its nominal thickness. Air Ventilation Systems Concrete Basements. The public hearing for the 2012 NC Building, Energy Conservation, Fire, Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Plumbing and Residential Codes was June 15, 2010. Bay and oriel windows shall conform to the type of construction required for the building to which they are attached. covered/screened porch construction and inspections. What are those little buttons in the middle of some of your receptacles that pop out and shut off the power? Wall sheathing shall be fastened directly to framing members and, where placed on the exterior side . Vent hoods rated for more than 400 cubic feet per minute (cfm) require make-up air (fresh-air intake in an approved area of the home). You can actually add protection without replacing all of the receptacles or the circuit wiring, by using a single GFCI receptacle installed upstream of the other receptacles on the circuit or, better still, by replacing the receptacles' breaker with a GFCI breaker in your home's service panel. The Correct answer is: ridge boards. Be aware that most of these are merely recommendations and suggestions rather than code requirements. Municipalities can they layer more specific rules on top of the IRC or otherwise amend certain rules. Cooking surfaces (cooktop or range top) must be ventilated by a hooded fan rated for at least 100 cubic feet per minute (cfm). Include at least 15 inches of landing area on the handle side of the refrigerator. Other codes and local jurisdiction amendments may be different. There is nothing specific in the IRC about counter space. (There I go again!) An official website of the State of North Carolina, North Carolina Department of Administration, Governors Advisory Council on Historically Underutilized Businesses, Find Programs/Services for NC American Indians, Schedule an appointment with State Parking (Agencies), Host a Demonstration/Meeting on Public Grounds. An exhaust fan over your cooktop (or incorporated into it) is essential in the kitchen, and it needs to have sufficient flow to be effective. Studs may be bored or drilled, provided that the diameter of the resulting hole is no greater than 40 percent of the stud width, the edge of the hole is no closer than 5/8 inch to the edge of the stud, and the hole is not located in the same section as a cut or notch. The four model codes that most kitchen codes are based on are: When researching kitchen design and remodeling, you will surely run into a lot of "kitchen design rules" and similar guidelines. The Council has also adopted a policy that all other codes except the NEC on a 6-year cycle to match the residential code. In bathrooms installed adjacent to the basin. Unfinished basement spaces except for laundry circuit and single receptacle dedicated to sump pumps. No entry door should interfere with the safe operation of appliances. If you have a seating area built into your kitchen (most commonly a "breakfast bar"), you need to make sure there is enough space behind seated individuals. After all, the same space can be used for a hot pan from the oven and a gallon of milk from the fridge! Chapter 2, 2006 NC Administrative Policies, Appendix A, Permit Application Information, Appendix D, Affidavit of Workers' Compensation. At least 3 inches of countertop frontage should be provided on one side of the auxiliary sink and 18 inches on the other side. For reductions in the minimum vertical separation, see Section 1407.11.3.4. The units must be operable from the inside to a full clear opening without the use of a key or tool. summarizes changes to the building envelope-related requirements in the updated code for North Carolina. Permits and Plans Job address is clearly shown on site. To be comfortable while you're seated, you need plenty of knee and elbow room. NKBA. If it is enclosed on three sides, even if there is no garage door on the fourth side, it must comply with code requirements for a garage. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Design Recommendations May Not Be Code Rules, Kitchen Ventilation: What You Should Know, One wall-switch-controlled light, with a switch at each entrance to the kitchen, Two 20-amp "small appliance" circuits supplying counter area receptacles and the refrigerator (refrigerator may also be powered by its own dedicated circuit), Lighting circuit must be separate from the small appliance circuits, Garbage disposer and dishwasher must be on separate dedicated circuits if their combined wattage rating exceeds the safe wattage rating of a single circuit, All counter area receptacles and all receptacles within 6 feet of a sink must be GFCI-protected, Counter area receptacles may be no more than 4 feet apart on any single countertop area, All counter spaces 12 inches or wider must have a receptacle, Counter area receptacles may be no more than 20 inches above the countertop, Dedicated circuit required for electric range or oven must be a 40-amp, 240-volt circuit or have a minimum rating of 8.75 kilowatts (kW). In other words, does it meet the current standards (and laws) for safety and livability? If it is enclosed on three sides, even if there is no garage door on the fourth side, it must comply with code requirements for a garage. Garage floor surface must be approved non-combustible material (IRC R309.1) A garage floor must be sloped toward the vehicle entry door to facilitate the drainage of liquids (IRC R309.1). An automatic garage door opener is not required. The 2006 North Carolina Building Code includes requirements for the design and construction of retaining walls. There aren't any code restrictions against people needing to walk through a kitchen to access another room or an exterior door. The 2018 NC Codes (Effective 1/1/2019) include the 2018 NC Ad-Hoc Committee amendments as adopted by the Building Code Council and approved by the Rules Review Commission along with the 2015 International Codes. Fully . An AC powered, UL listed smoke detector with battery backup shall be located in the vicinity of all bedroom entrance doors and inside each bedroom. Furnace rooms must be provided with two permanent openings to adjacent spaces; one shall be located within 12 inches of the top and one within 12 inches from the bottom of the adjoining wall. NOTE: If you are remodeling an existing kitchen, most cities will allow the existing door width to remain, even if they have a local code in place requiring a wider door. All editions of the NEC can be accessed through the NFPA website at NEC Access (Note: NFPA requires an user account be created prior to viewing the Codes) Go to the State Electrical Division Webpage The IRC doesn't comment on kitchen work aisles. Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement 2145 Suttle Avenue Charlotte, NC 28208 Office Location: 2145 Suttle Avenue Charlotte, NC 28208 MAP Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Any seating area with more than one seat requires a minimum of 36 inches of clearance. The effect of this rule is to prevent the refrigerator or stove being installed along the same wall as the sink. There aren't many specific code requirements for plumbing in the kitchen, and rules tend to vary depending on which model codebook the local code follows. This one is a no-brainer! 2018 North Carolina Building Code Adopts With Amendments: International Building Code 2015 (IBC 2015) Change Code Code Compare Chapter 1 Scope and Administration Chapter 2 Definitions Chapter 3 Use and Occupancy Classification Chapter 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy Chapter 5 General Building Heights and Areas