Icc edit version

TOWNHOUSE. A single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units with property lines separating each unit in which each unit extends from foundation to roof and with a yard or public way on at least two sides.

CHAPTER 3, BUILDING PLANNING

Section R301.1 Application. Change to read as follows:
R301.1 Application. Buildings and structures, and all parts thereof, shall be constructed to safely support all loads, including dead loads, live loads, roof loads, flood loads, and wind loads as prescribed by this code. The construction of buildings and structures in accordance with the provisions of this code shall result in a system that provides a complete load path that meets all requirements for the transfer of all loads from their point of origin through the load-resisting elements to the foundation. Buildings and structures constructed as prescribed by this code are deemed to comply with the requirements of this section.

Exception: Buildings and structures located within the High Velocity Hurricane Zone shall comply with Sections R302 to R324, inclusive and the provisions of Chapter R44 and section R406. In addition, buildings and structures located in flood hazard areas established in Table R301.2(1) shall comply with Sections R301.2.4 and R322.

Table R301.2(1). Change to read as shown:
TABLE R301.2(1) CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA

GROUND SNOW LOAD	WIND DESIGN		SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY^f	SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM			WINTER DESIGN TEMP^e	ICE BARRIER UNDERLAYMENT REQUIRED^h	FLOOD HAZARDS^g	AIR FREEZING INDEX^i	MEAN ANNUAL TEMP^j
	Speed^d (mph)	Topographic effects^k (NA) Special wind region^l Wind-born debris zone^m		Weathering^a	Frost line depth^b	Termite^c
NA	See Fig. R301.2(4)		NA	Negligible	NA	Very Heavy		NA		NA	NA

  

For SI: 1 pound per square foot = 0.0479 kN/m², 1 mile per hour =1.609 km/h.

 

a. Weathering is “negligible” for concrete as determined from the Weathering Probability Map [Figure 301.2(3)]. The grade of masonry units shall be determined from ASTM C 34, C 55, C 62, C 73, C 90, C 129, C 145, C 216 or C 652.

b. The frost line depth may require deeper footings than indicated in Figure R403.1(1). The jurisdiction shall fill in the frost line depth column with the minimum depth of footing below finish grade. Reserved.

c. Termite infestation per Figure R301.2(6) is “very heavy.”

d. Wind speed shall be from the basic wind speed map [Figure R301.2(4). Wind exposure category shall be determined on a site-specific basis in accordance with Section R301.2.1.4.

e. The outdoor design dry-bulb temperature shall be selected from the columns of 971/2-

percent values for winter from Appendix D of the Florida Building Code, Plumbing. Deviations from the Appendix D. temperatures shall be permitted to reflect local climates or local weather experience as determined by the building official.

f. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the seismic design category determined from Section R301.2.2.1. Reserved.

g. The applicable governing body shall, by local floodplain management ordinance, specify jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with (a) the date of the jurisdiction’s entry into the National Flood Insurance Program (date of adoption of the first code or ordinance for management of flood hazard areas), (b) the date(s) of the Flood Insurance Study and (c) the panel numbers and dates of all currently effective FIRM and FBFM, or other flood hazard map adopted by the authority having jurisdiction, as amended.  

h. In accordance with Sections R905.2.7.1, R905.4.3.1, R905.5.3.1, R905.6.3.1, R905.7.3.1 and R905.8.3.1, where there has been a history of local damage from the effects of ice damming, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “NO.” Reserved.

i. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the 100-year return period air freezing index (BF-days) from Figure R403.3(2) or from the 100-year (99 percent) value on the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index-USA Method (Base 32°F)” at www.ncdc.noaa.gov/fpsf.html. Reserved.

j. The jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with the mean annual temperature from the National Climatic Data Center data table “Air Freezing Index- USA Method (Base 32°F)” at www.ncdc.noaa.gov/fpsf.html. Reserved.

k. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.5, where there is local historical data documenting structural damage to buildings due to topographic wind speed-up effects, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES.” Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table. Reserved. 

l. In accordance with Figure R301.2(4)A, where there is local historical data documenting unusual wind conditions, the jurisdiction shall fill in this part of the table with “YES” and identify any specific requirements. Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table.

m. In accordance with Section R301.2.1.2.1, the jurisdiction shall indicate the wind-borne debris wind zone(s). Otherwise, the jurisdiction shall indicate “NO” in this part of the table.
Add Section R301.2.1.1.2 to read as follows:

R301.2.1.1.2 Alternative design method for screen enclosure.

(1) The purpose of this Section is to provide an alternate method for designing aluminum screen enclosures as defined by the Florida Building Code, permitting the loads of the structural frame to be based on portions of the screen in the screen walls removed, retracted, moved to the open position, or cut. The use of framing materials other than aluminum is allowed in accordance with Section 104.11 of the Florida Building Code, Building. The method applies only to walls and roofs with 100% screen.

(a) Screen enclosure frames designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this Section, shall be designed using signed and sealed site-specific engineering and shall be designed in accordance with the wind load provisions of the Florida Building Code, Building, Section 1609.1.1,

(b) Designs that consider these screen alternates shall comply with Florida Building Code, Building, Section 2002.4 and Table 2002.4, using the 110 mph column as modified by Table 2002.4A with all screen panels in place.

(c) Designs using strength design or load and resistance factor design in accordance with the Florida Building Code, Building, Section 1605.2 or allowable stress design methods of the Florida Building Code, Building, Section 1605.3.1 shall be permitted.

(d) The design shall be by rational analysis or by 3D Finite Element Analysis. Either method will be acceptable.

(2) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this Section, removable screen may consist of removable panels, retractable panels, or by designating specific screen panels in the design in which the screen is to be removed by cutting the screen. Removable panels shall be removed; retractable panels shall be placed in the retracted position without increasing the load on the affected area. Screen designated in the design to be cut shall be completely cut when wind speeds are forecast to exceed 75 mph.

(3) Where screen enclosures designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this Section serve as the barrier required by R4501.17.1, the required minimum height of the barrier shall be maintained when screen panels are retracted, removed, moved to the open position, or cut.

(4) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this Section, retractable screen panels, removable screen panels, and screen panels identified to be cut shall be clearly identified on adjacent structural members with highly visible permanent labels, at each panel, or by other means approved by the local building department.

(5) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this Section, the retraction of screen panels, removal of screen panels, or cutting of screen panels shall not require the use of ladders or scaffolding.

(6) Engineering documents submitted with building permit applications shall identify the panels to be removed, retracted, opened, or cut.

(7) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this Section based on removing screen panels by cutting the screen, the contractor shall provide replacement screen for a one-time replacement of all screen and spline designated by the design to be cut.

(8) Where screen enclosures are designed in accordance with the screen removal alternates of this Section, the contractor shall provide written notice to the owner and the local building code enforcement department that the owner must retract, remove, or cut a panel or panels of the screen enclosure in accordance with the project engineering design or the manufacturer’s instructions when wind speeds are expected to exceed 75 mph.
Section R301.2.1.2 Protection of openings. Change to read as follows:

R301.2.1.2 Protection of openings. Exterior glazing in buildings located in windborne debris regions shall be protected from windborne debris. Glazed opening protection for windborne debris shall meet the requirements of the Large Missile Test of ASTM E 1996 and ASTM

E 1886 as modified in Section 301.2.1.2.1. Garage door glazed opening protection for windborne debris shall meet the requirements of an approved impact-resisting standard or ANSI/DASMA 115.

1. Opening in sunrooms, balconies or enclosed porches constructed under existing roofs or decks are not required to be protected provided the spaces are separated from the building interior by a wall and all openings in the separating wall are protected in accordance with this section. Such space shall be permitted to be designed as either partially enclosed or enclosed structures.

2. Storage sheds that are not designed for human habitation and that have a floor area of 720 square feet (67 m2) or less are not required to comply with the mandatory wind-borne debris impact standard of this code.

Exception: no change.
R301.2.5 Add to read as follows:
R301.2.5 Structures seaward of a coastal construction control line. Structures located seaward of the coastal construction control line shall be designed to resist the predicted forces of a 100-year storm event in accordance with Section 3109 of the Florida Building Code, Building.

Section R306.3 Sewage disposal. Change to read as shown:

R306.3 Sewage disposal. Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to a sanitary sewer or to an approved private sewage disposal system in accordance with Chapter 64E-6, Florida Administrative Code, Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems.

R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required. Change to read as follows:
R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required. [No change to text; exceptions only]

Exceptions:

1. Storm shelters and basements used only to house mechanical equipment not exceeding a total floor area of 200 square feet (18.58 m2).

2. The emergency escape and rescue opening shall be permitted to open into a screen enclosure, open to the atmosphere, where a screen door is provided leading away from the residence.

Section R311.2 Egress door. Add exception to read as follows: 

R311.2 Egress door. At least one egress door shall be provided for each dwelling unit. The egress door shall be side-hinged, and shall provide a minimum clear width of 32 inches (813 mm) when measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees (1.57 rad). The minimum 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 inside the dwelling without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.

Exception: Buildings that are 400 square feet or less and that are intended for use in conjunction with one- and two-family residences are not subject to the door height and width requirements of this code.
Section R313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler. Change to read as follows:

SECTION R313

AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER

RESERVED

R313.1 Townhouse automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in townhouses.

Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required when additions or alterations are made to existing townhouses that do not have an automatic residential fire sprinkler system installed.

R313.1.1 Design and installation. Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems for townhouses shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section P2904 or NFPA 13D.

R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings.

Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential sprinkler system.

R313.2.1 Design and installation. Automatic residential fire sprinkler systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Section P2904 or NFPA 13D.
Section R314 Smoke Alarms
Add Exception 3 to Section R314.6
One-family and two-family dwellings and townhomes undergoing a repair, or a level 1 alteration as defined in the Florida Building Code, may use smoke alarms powered by 10-year nonremovable, nonreplaceable batteries in lieu of retrofitting such dwelling with smoke alarms powered by the dwelling's electrical system.

R315. Carbon monoxide alarms. Replace Section R315 to read as shown:
SECTION R315

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS
R315.1 Carbon monoxide protection.  Every separate building or an addition to an existing building for which a permit for new construction is issued and having a fossil-fuel-burning heater or appliance, a fireplace, an attached garage, or other feature, fixture, or element that emits carbon monoxide as byproduct of combustion shall have an operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within 10 feet of each room used for sleeping purposes.

Exception: This section shall not apply to existing buildings that are undergoing alterations or repair unless the alteration is an addition as defined in Section R315.1.3.

R315.1.1 Carbon monoxide alarm. The requirements of Section R315.1 shall be satisfied by providing for one of the following alarm installations:

(1) A hard-wired carbon monoxide alarm.

(2) A battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm.

(3) A hard-wired combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm.

(4) A battery-powered combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm.

R315.1.2 Combination alarms. Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed and labeled by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.

R315.1.3 Addition shall mean: An extension or increase in floor area, number of stories or height of a building or structure.

R315.1 General. Carbon monoxide alarms shall comply with Section R315.

R315.1.1 Listings. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 2034. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 2034 and UL 217.

R315.2 Where required. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in accordance with Sections R315.2.1 and R315.2.2.

R315.2.1 New construction. For new construction, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in dwelling units where either or both of the following conditions exist.

1. The dwelling unit contains a fuel-fired appliance.

2. The dwelling unit has an attached garage with an opening that communicates with the dwelling unit.

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:

1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, is

exempt from the requirements of this section.

2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section.

R315.3 Location. Carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Where a fuel-burning

appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed within the bedroom.

R315.4 Combination alarms. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms shall be permitted to be used in lieu of carbon monoxide alarms.

R315.5 Power source. Carbon monoxide alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and, where primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection.

Exceptions:

1. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated where installed in buildings without commercial power.

2. Carbon monoxide alarms installed in accordance with Section R315.2.2 shall be permitted to be battery powered.

R315.6 Carbon monoxide detection systems. Carbon monoxide detection systems shall be permitted to be used in lieu of carbon monoxide alarms and shall comply with Sections

R315.6.1 through R315.6.4.

R315.6.1 General. Household carbon monoxide detection systems shall comply with NFPA 720. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be listed in accordance with UL 2075.

R315.6.2 Location. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in the locations specified in Section R315.3. These locations supersede the locations specified in NFPA 720.

R315.6.3 Permanent fixture. Where a household carbon monoxide detection system is installed, it shall become a permanent fixture of the occupancy and owned by the homeowner.

R315.6.4 Combination detectors. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors shall be permitted to be installed in carbon monoxide detection systems in lieu of carbon monoxide detectors, provided that they are listed in accordance with UL 2075 and UL 268.
Section R318 Protection against subterrannean termites . Replace with Florida specific criteria to read as shown:
SECTION R318

PROTECTION AGAINST TERMITES
R318.1 Termite Protection. Termite protection shall be provided by registered termiticides, including soil applied pesticides, baiting systems, and pesticides applied to wood, or other approved methods of termite protection labeled for use as a preventative treatment to new construction. See §202, REGISTERED TERMITICIDE. Upon completion of the application of the termite protective treatment, a Certificate of Compliance shall be issued to the building department by the licensed pest control company that contains the following statement: "The building has received a complete treatment for the prevention of subterranean termites. Treatment is in accordance with rules and laws established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services."

R318.1.1 If soil treatment used for subterranean termite prevention, the initial chemical soil treatment inside the foundation perimeter shall be done after all excavation, backfilling and compaction is complete.

R318.1.2If soil treatment is used for subterranean termite prevention, soil area disturbed after initial chemical soil treatment shall be retreated with a chemical soil treatment, including spaces boxed or formed.

R318.1.3 If soil treatment is used for subterranean termite prevention, space in concrete floors boxed out or formed for the subsequent installation of plumbing traps, drains or any other purpose shall be created by using plastic or metal permanently placed forms of sufficient depth to eliminate any planned soil disturbance after initial chemical soil treatment.

R318.1.4 If soil treatment is used for subterranean termite prevention, chemically treated soil shall be protected with a minimum 6 mil vapor retarder to protect against rainfall dilution. If rainfall occurs before vapor retarder placement, retreatment is required. Any work, including placement of reinforcing steel, done after chemical treatment until the concrete floor is poured, shall be done in such manner as to avoid penetrating or disturbing treated soil.

R318.1.5 If soil treatment is used for subterranean termite prevention, concrete overpour or mortar accumulated along the exterior foundation perimeter shall be removed prior to exterior chemical soil treatment, to enhance vertical penetration of the chemicals.

R318.1.6 If soil treatment is used for subterranean termite prevention, chemical soil treatments shall also be applied under all exterior concrete or grade within 1 foot (305 mm) of the primary structure sidewalls. Also, a vertical chemical barrier shall be applied promptly after construction is completed, including initial landscaping and irrigation/sprinkler installation. Any soil disturbed after the chemical vertical barrier is applied shall be promptly retreated.

R318.1.7 If a registered termiticide formulated and registered as a bait system is used for subterranean termite prevention, §R318.1.1 through §R318.1.6 do not apply; however, a signed contract assuring the installation, maintenance and monitoring of the baiting system that is in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 482, F.S. shall be provided to the building official prior to the pouring of the slab, and the system must be installed prior to final building approval.

If the baiting system directions for use require a monitoring phase prior to installation of the pesticide active ingredient, the installation of the monitoring phase components shall be deemed to constitute installation of the system.
R318.1.8 If a registered termiticide formulated and registered as a wood treatment is used for subterranean termite prevention, Sections R318.1.1 through R318.1.6 do not apply. Application of the wood treatment termiticide shall be as required by label directions for use, and must be completed prior to final building approval.
R318.2 Penetration. Protective sleeves around piping penetrating concrete slab-on-grade floors shall not be of cellulose-containing materials. If soil treatment is used for subterranean termite protection, the sleeve shall have a maximum wall thickness of 0.010 inch (0.25 mm), and be sealed within the slab using a non-corrosive clamping device to eliminate the annular space between the pipe and the sleeve. No termiticides shall be applied inside the sleeve.

R318.3 Cleaning. Cells and cavities in masonry units and air gaps between brick, stone or masonry veneers and the structure shall be cleaned of all non-preservative treated or non-naturally durable wood, or other cellulose-containing material prior to concrete placement.

Exception: Inorganic material manufactured for closing cells in foundation concrete masonry unit construction or clean earth fill placed in concrete masonry unit voids below slab level before termite treatment is performed.
R318.4 Concrete bearing ledge. Brick, stone or other veneer shall be supported by a concrete bearing ledge at least equal to the total thickness of the brick, stone or other veneer which is poured integrally with the concrete foundation. No supplemental concrete foundation pours which will create a hidden cold joint shall be used without supplemental treatment in the foundation unless there is an approved physical barrier. An approved physical barrier shall also be installed from below the wall sill plate or first block course horizontally to embed in a mortar joint. If masonry veneer extends below grade, a termite protective treatment must be applied to the cavity created between the veneer and the foundation, in lieu of a physical barrier.

Exception: Veneer supported by a structural member secured to the foundation sidewall in accordance with ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402, provided at least a 6 inch (152 mm) clear inspection space of the foundation sidewall exterior exist between the veneer and the top of any soil, sod, mulch or other organic landscaping component, deck, apron, porch, walk or any other work immediately adjacent to or adjoining the structure.
R318.5 Protection against decay and termites. Condensate Lines, irrigation/sprinkler system risers for spray heads, and roof downspouts shall discharge at least 1 foot (305 mm) away from the structure sidewall, whether by underground piping, tail extensions or splash blocks. Gutters with downspouts are required on all buildings with eaves of less than 6 inches (152 mm) horizontal projection except for gable end rakes or on a roof above another roof.
R318.6 Preparation of building site and removal of debris.

R318.6.1 All building sites shall be graded to provide drainage under all portions of the building not occupied by basements.

R318.6.2 The foundation and the area encompassed within 1 foot (305 mm) therein shall have all vegetation, stumps, dead roots, cardboard, trash and foreign material removed and the fill material shall be free of vegetation and foreign material. The fill shall be compacted to assure adequate support of the foundation.

R318.6.3 After all work is completed, loose wood and debris shall be completely removed from under the building and within 1 foot (305 mm) thereof. All wood forms and supports shall be completely removed. This includes, but is not limited to: wooden grade stakes, forms, contraction spacers, tub trap boxes, plumbing supports, bracing, shoring, forms or other cellulose-containing material placed in any location where such materials are not clearly visible and readily removable prior to completion of the work. Wood shall not be stored in contact with the ground under any building.
R318.7 Inspection for termites. In order to provide for inspection for termite infestation, clearance between exterior wall coverings and final earth grade on the exterior of a building shall not be less than 6 inches (152 mm).

Exceptions:

l. Paint or decorative cementitious finish less than 5/8 inch (17.1 mm) thick adhered directly to the masonry foundation sidewall.

2. Access or vehicle ramps which rise to the interior finish floor elevation for the width of such ramps only.

3. A 4-inch (102 mm) inspection space above patio and garage slabs and entry areas.

4. If the patio has been soil treated for termites, the finish elevation may match the building interior finish floor elevations on masonry construction only.

5. Masonry veneers constructed in accordance with Section R318.4.
R318.8 Foam plastic protection.
In areas where the probability of termite infestation is "very heavy” as indicated in Figure R301.2(6), extruded and expanded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate and other foam plastics shall not be installed on the exterior face or under interior or exterior foundation walls or slab foundations located below grade. The clearance between foam plastics installed above grade and exposed earth shall be at least 6 inches (152 mm).

Exceptions:

1. Buildings where the structural members of walls, floors, ceilings and roofs are entirely of noncombustible materials or pressure-preservative-treated wood.

2. When in addition to the requirements of Section R318.1, an approved method of protecting the foam plastic and structure from subterranean termite damage is used.

3. On the interior side of basement walls.