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ICC B3 practice questions

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Question 1Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Section 101.2 of the code states that its provisions apply to which of the following?

  1. Only buildings that the public may enter
  2. Repair, removal and demolition of every building Correct answer.
  3. Only structures designed by a registered design professional
  4. Only the initial construction of a new building

Explanation

Section 101.2 applies the code to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure. The scope is not limited by building size, by occupancy type, or by whether a design professional prepared the documents.

Question 2Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Under Section 105.1, a building permit is required for which of these activities?

  1. Installing a fence that is 4 feet tall
  2. Changing the occupancy of a building Correct answer.
  3. Replacing a damaged kitchen sink faucet
  4. Painting the interior walls of a dwelling unit

Explanation

Section 105.1 requires a permit whenever a building is constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, demolished, or its occupancy is changed. Ordinary finish work, minor repairs and small accessory items are addressed in the exemption list of Section 105.2.

Question 3Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Which item is exempt from permit requirements under Section 105.2?

  1. Installing a 30-foot by 30-foot deck attached to a dwelling
  2. Fences not over 6 feet high Correct answer.
  3. Erecting a retaining wall 6 feet high
  4. Adding a bedroom within an existing single-family dwelling

Explanation

Section 105.2 lists work that does not require a permit, and fences not over 6 feet high are on that list. Retaining walls are only exempt when they do not exceed 4 feet, and decks are only exempt when they are not over 200 square feet, are not more than 30 inches above grade, and are not attached to a dwelling.

Question 4Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Which definition matches the code term "alteration"?

  1. Any reconstruction or renewal of part of a building for maintenance
  2. Construction or renovation other than repair or addition Correct answer.
  3. An increase in floor area, height or number of stories
  4. A change in the use of a building from one occupancy group to another

Explanation

The code defines an alteration as any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition. Reconstruction for maintenance is a repair, an increase in floor area or stories is an addition, and a shift in use between occupancy groups is a change of occupancy.

Question 5Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Who is charged with administering and enforcing the code?

  1. The building official Correct answer.
  2. The fire code official, in all cases
  3. The registered design professional in responsible charge
  4. The board of appeals

Explanation

The code creates the office of the building official and charges that officer with its administration and enforcement, including receiving applications, issuing permits and conducting inspections. The board of appeals hears appeals from the building official's decisions rather than enforcing the code.

Question 6Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Before a newly constructed building may be occupied, the owner must obtain which of the following?

  1. A final inspection report signed by the contractor
  2. A certificate of occupancy Correct answer.
  3. Written approval from the design professional in responsible charge
  4. A temporary certificate of occupancy valid for one year

Explanation

No building may be used or occupied, and no change in occupancy classification may be made, until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy. A temporary certificate may be issued in some circumstances, but it is not the document that ordinarily authorizes permanent occupancy.

Question 7Administration, Scope and General Provisions

When the building official issues a stop work order, the order must be which of the following?

  1. In writing and state the conditions for resuming work Correct answer.
  2. Posted only after the owner has been given a hearing
  3. Approved by the board of appeals before it takes effect
  4. Delivered to the registered design professional of record only

Explanation

A stop work order must be in writing, must be given to the owner, the owner's agent or the person performing the work, and must state the reason for the order and the conditions under which the cited work may resume. The order takes effect immediately upon issuance.

Question 8Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Construction work for which a permit is required is subject to which of the following?

  1. Inspection only after a written request from the owner
  2. Inspection by an approved agency at the owner's option
  3. Weekly inspections regardless of progress
  4. Inspection by the building official Correct answer.

Explanation

Work for which a permit is required is subject to inspection by the building official, and that work must remain accessible and exposed until it is approved. The required inspections occur at stated stages of the work rather than on a fixed calendar.

Question 9Administration, Scope and General Provisions

An applicant asks the building official for relief from a code provision that is impractical to meet on a specific project. Under Section 104.10, the requested modification may be granted when which condition is met?

  1. The owner signs a written waiver of the requirement
  2. The modification meets the intent of the code Correct answer.
  3. The board of appeals has adopted a policy allowing it
  4. The condition is common locally and routinely waived

Explanation

Section 104.10 permits modifications for individual cases where practical difficulties make the strict letter of the code impractical, provided the modification conforms to the intent and purpose of the code and does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The official decides each request on its own facts.

Question 10Administration, Scope and General Provisions

An applicant proposes a material or method of construction that the code does not specifically prescribe. What must the building official find before approving it?

  1. That the owner will maintain the method for the life of the building
  2. That the method is at least equivalent in safety and durability Correct answer.
  3. That the method costs no more than the prescribed method
  4. That a national model code has published the method as acceptable

Explanation

Section 104.11 allows alternative materials, designs and methods where the building official finds the proposal satisfactory and equivalent to the prescribed approach in quality, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety. The code is not intended to prevent the use of non-prescribed methods that meet that test.

Question 11Administration, Scope and General Provisions

A permit application is filed, no permit is issued, and the applicant then takes no further action. When is the application deemed abandoned?

  1. 90 days after the date of filing
  2. 30 days after the date of filing
  3. 180 days after the date of filing Correct answer.
  4. One full year after the date the application is filed

Explanation

An application for a permit is deemed abandoned 180 days after the date of filing unless the application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued. The building official may grant extensions of time for good cause.

Question 12Administration, Scope and General Provisions

A permit is issued and work begins, but the work is then suspended for 180 days. Under Section 105.5, what happens to the permit?

  1. It becomes invalid Correct answer.
  2. Is automatically renewed when work resumes
  3. Expires 30 days after the suspension begins
  4. Remains valid until the project is complete

Explanation

A permit becomes invalid if the work does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if the work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after it has commenced. The building official may grant extensions of time for good cause.

Question 13Administration, Scope and General Provisions

What standard must construction documents satisfy under Section 107.2.1?

  1. Submitted on paper no smaller than 24 by 36 inches
  2. Prepared in the format prescribed by the state licensing board
  3. Stamped by an architect regardless of the size of the project
  4. Sufficient clarity to show that the work conforms to the code Correct answer.

Explanation

Construction documents must be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and to show in detail that it will conform to the code and to relevant laws and ordinances. Reproduction method and sheet size are not what the section regulates.

Question 14Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Where the code requires construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional, the building official may require the owner to do which of the following?

  1. Name a design professional in responsible charge on the application Correct answer.
  2. Post the professional's license number at the job site
  3. Retain a separate professional to review the plans for the building department
  4. Submit all structural calculations to the board of appeals

Explanation

The building official may require the owner or the owner's agent to engage and designate on the permit application a registered design professional who acts as the design professional in responsible charge. That person coordinates and oversees the submitted documents and subsequent changes.

Question 15Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Which matter may the board of appeals properly consider?

  1. A challenge to the jurisdiction's interpretation of its zoning ordinance
  2. A request to waive a code requirement because of cost
  3. A claim that an equally good or better form of construction is proposed Correct answer.
  4. A challenge to the building official's determination of a permit fee

Explanation

An appeal may be based on a claim that the true intent of the code has been incorrectly interpreted, that the provisions do not fully apply, or that an equally good or better form of construction is proposed. The board has no authority to waive code requirements or to interpret the administrative provisions of the code.

Question 16Administration, Scope and General Provisions

A building is found to be unsafe and the owner fails to correct the condition within the time stated in the notice. What action may the building official take?

  1. Revoke the permit issued for the original construction
  2. Repair or demolish the structure to abate the hazard Correct answer.
  3. Issue a certificate of occupancy with conditions attached
  4. Nothing further; abatement requires a court order in every case

Explanation

Where an unsafe structure is not vacated, secured, repaired, removed or demolished within the time specified, the building official is authorized to take the necessary action to abate the hazard, including repairing or demolishing the structure. The costs may be charged against the owner or the property.

Question 17Administration, Scope and General Provisions

An existing building is converted from a retail store to a restaurant. Which statement is correct?

  1. Only the fire code official must be notified; the building official has no role
  2. No permit is required because the building is already occupied
  3. A new certificate of occupancy is required Correct answer.
  4. The old certificate remains valid until the building is sold

Explanation

A change in the occupancy classification of a building may not be made until the building official issues a certificate of occupancy for the new use. The work associated with the change also requires a permit.

Question 18Administration, Scope and General Provisions

A building contains a retail area on the first story and offices above it. How does the code treat the occupancy of this building?

  1. The building is classified as a single Group B occupancy
  2. The occupancies must be separated by a 4-hour fire wall in all cases
  3. Each portion is classified separately and Section 508 applies Correct answer.
  4. The entire building takes the classification of the largest area

Explanation

Where a building is used for two or more occupancies, each portion is classified separately and the building must comply with the mixed occupancy provisions of Section 508. Section 508 offers accessory, nonseparated and separated occupancy approaches.

Question 19Administration, Scope and General Provisions

How does the code treat a space that appears as an incidental use in Table 509?

  1. A separate occupancy classification requiring a fire wall
  2. Part of the principal occupancy, with a required separation Correct answer.
  3. An accessory occupancy limited to 10 percent of the story area
  4. An unclassified use for which the code imposes no requirements

Explanation

Incidental uses are not classified as separate occupancies; they remain part of the principal occupancy of the building. The code nevertheless requires separation of the incidental space from the remainder of the building as specified in Table 509.

Question 20Administration, Scope and General Provisions

The building official learns that a permit was issued on the basis of incorrect information in the application. What does the code authorize?

  1. Increase the permit fee to cover the additional review
  2. Refer the matter to the board of appeals for action
  3. Revoke the permit in writing Correct answer.
  4. Note the error in the file and allow the work to continue

Explanation

The building official may suspend or revoke a permit issued in error, on the basis of incorrect or incomplete information, or in violation of the code, and the action must be taken in writing. The permit holder may then appeal the decision to the board of appeals.

Question 21Administration, Scope and General Provisions

An applicant submits test data to support approval of an alternative material. Under the code, that supporting data must come from which source?

  1. A nationally recognized testing laboratory
  2. A registered design professional employed by the owner
  3. An approved agency Correct answer.
  4. The manufacturer's quality control department

Explanation

Supporting data submitted to justify approval of materials or assemblies not specifically provided for in the code must consist of valid research reports from approved agencies. Approval of the agency rests with the building official.

Question 22Administration, Scope and General Provisions

After the building official grants a modification under Section 104.10, what else must be done?

  1. Notify the board of appeals within 30 days
  2. Publish the modification in the jurisdiction's newspaper
  3. Obtain written consent from the design professional
  4. Record the details in the department files Correct answer.

Explanation

The details of the action granting a modification must be recorded and entered in the files of the department of building safety. This documentation preserves an administrative record of the decision and the reasons behind it.

Question 23Administration, Scope and General Provisions

The building official is refused entry to a building for an inspection required by the code. What recourse does the code provide?

  1. Obtain a decision from the board of appeals before entering
  2. Enter at any time without consent because a permit was issued
  3. Seek recourse through the remedies provided by law Correct answer.
  4. Revoke the certificate of occupancy without notice

Explanation

The building official may enter a premises at reasonable times with consent of the owner or occupant; where entry is refused, the official must have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry. Self-help entry without consent is not authorized.

Question 24Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Under the code, when may the building official issue a temporary certificate of occupancy?

  1. Only when the owner has posted a bond equal to the permit fee
  2. Before the work is complete, if the occupied portion is safe Correct answer.
  3. Only after the entire project has passed final inspection
  4. Only after the board of appeals has granted a variance

Explanation

The building official may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy before completion of the entire work covered by the permit, provided the portion or portions to be occupied can be occupied safely. The certificate is limited in duration and may carry conditions.

Question 25Administration, Scope and General Provisions

An applicant wants to submit truss design drawings after the permit has been issued. Under the deferred submittal provisions, this is permitted only when which condition exists?

  1. The trusses are manufactured by an approved agency
  2. The building official approves the deferral in advance Correct answer.
  3. The project is a one-story building of Type V construction
  4. The drawings are prepared by a registered design professional

Explanation

Deferral of any submittal items requires the prior approval of the building official. The design professional in responsible charge must also list all deferred submittals on the construction documents.

Question 26Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Under the code, which entity is responsible for enforcing the building code?

  1. The board of appeals, acting through its chairperson
  2. The local fire department, which enforces the fire code
  3. The planning commission of the jurisdiction
  4. The department of building safety Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 104.1 states that the code shall be enforced by the department of building safety, which the jurisdiction creates and authorizes for that purpose. Other agencies may administer separate regulations, but they are not the enforcement agency for this code.

Question 27Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Which of the following work items is exempt from a building permit under Section 105.2?

  1. A detached tool shed of 100 square feet, one story Correct answer.
  2. Adding a second story to a one-family dwelling
  3. Converting an attached garage into a sleeping room
  4. Removing a load-bearing wall from a retail store

Explanation

Section 105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses where the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Work that alters structural members or changes how a space is used falls outside the exemption and requires a permit.

Question 28Administration, Scope and General Provisions

How are the fees for building permits and inspections established under the code?

  1. By a fee schedule adopted by the jurisdiction Correct answer.
  2. By resolution of the board of appeals at its annual meeting
  3. Through negotiation between the applicant and the building official
  4. By the state code council for every local jurisdiction

Explanation

Section 109 provides that permit and inspection fees are those set forth in a fee schedule adopted by the jurisdiction. The building official collects the fees but does not establish them by negotiation or board action.

Question 29Administration, Scope and General Provisions

While work authorized by a permit is in progress, what must be done with the permit?

  1. It must be returned to the department after the first inspection
  2. It must be filed with the county recorder before work begins
  3. It must be posted on the premises in a conspicuous place Correct answer.
  4. It must be kept in the contractor's office until the work is done

Explanation

Section 105.7 requires the permit to be kept on the premises, posted in a conspicuous place, and visible to the building official until the work is completed and approved.

Question 30Administration, Scope and General Provisions

A building was lawfully occupied under the prior code when the current code took effect. How is that existing legal occupancy treated?

  1. It may continue only if the owner obtains a new certificate of occupancy
  2. It becomes unlawful on the date the new code takes effect
  3. It must be brought into full compliance with the new code at once
  4. It may continue unchanged unless the code says otherwise Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 102.6 allows the legal occupancy of a structure existing when the code is adopted to continue without change, except as the code specifically provides. Requirements are triggered by alterations, additions, repairs or a change of occupancy, not by continued lawful use.

Question 31Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Under what condition may a utility service be connected to a new building regulated by the code?

  1. When the building official has released the connection Correct answer.
  2. When the permit fee has been paid in full by the owner
  3. When the owner signs a waiver of further inspections
  4. When the contractor has scheduled the final inspection

Explanation

Section 112.1 prohibits connecting a utility, energy, fuel or power service to a building or system regulated by the code until the building official has released the connection. Scheduling, payment of fees or owner waivers do not substitute for that release.

Question 32Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Who has the duty to notify the building official that work is ready for a required inspection?

  1. The owner, who must call before each phase of the work
  2. The design professional of record, when the work is finished
  3. The building official, who tracks the construction schedule
  4. The permit holder or the holder's authorized agent Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 110.1 places the duty to notify the building official when work is ready for inspection on the holder of the permit or the holder's duly authorized agent. The building official does not monitor project schedules, and the design professional's role does not shift this duty.

Question 33Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Which statement correctly describes the membership of the board of appeals?

  1. Members serve one four-year term and cannot be reappointed
  2. A majority must be licensed architects or engineers
  3. Members must have building experience and be nonemployees Correct answer.
  4. All members must be building department employees

Explanation

Section 113.1 requires board members to be qualified by experience and training to pass on matters pertaining to building construction and to not be employees of the jurisdiction. The code does not impose a licensing majority or a fixed single-term limit.

Question 34Administration, Scope and General Provisions

How are the ICC codes referenced in Chapter 1, such as the International Mechanical Code, treated?

  1. They apply only if the building official adopts them by separate order
  2. They are part of this code's requirements as referenced Correct answer.
  3. They are advisory only and may be applied at the owner's option
  4. They are superseded wherever they differ from the building code

Explanation

Section 102.4 provides that the other codes referenced in the code are considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each reference. They are not advisory and do not depend on separate adoption.

Question 35Administration, Scope and General Provisions

An owner begins construction before the permit is issued. What does the code authorize?

  1. Automatic approval if the completed work is compliant
  2. An investigation fee in addition to the permit fee Correct answer.
  3. A fine set by the board of appeals after a hearing
  4. Permanent refusal of a permit for that work

Explanation

Section 109.4 authorizes the building official to assess an investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, when work is commenced before the permit is issued. Payment of that fee does not legalize work done without a permit.

Question 36Administration, Scope and General Provisions

What does the code require of the building official's records of permits, fees and inspections?

  1. They are retained only by the applicant as part of the project file
  2. They may be destroyed once the certificate of occupancy issues
  3. They are official records open to public inspection Correct answer.
  4. They are confidential and are not released to the public

Explanation

Section 104.7 requires the building official to keep official records of applications, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, inspection reports, and notices and orders, and those records are available for public inspection.

Question 37Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Where a structure is in immediate danger of collapse, what may the building official do under Section 116?

  1. Refer the matter to the board of appeals for a ruling
  2. Act at once to make the structure safe Correct answer.
  3. Issue a notice and wait for the owner to respond
  4. Act only after a court orders the structure demolished

Explanation

Section 116 authorizes emergency measures where an unsafe condition creates an actual and immediate danger of failure or collapse. The building official may act immediately to make the structure safe or to demolish it, and the costs become a lien on the property.

Question 38Administration, Scope and General Provisions

A 3-foot-high retaining wall will support a surcharge from a driveway above it. Is a building permit required?

  1. Yes, because every retaining wall requires a permit
  2. No, because the wall is below grade on both sides
  3. Yes, walls supporting a surcharge are not exempt Correct answer.
  4. No, retaining walls of 4 feet or less are always exempt

Explanation

Section 105.2 exempts retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, but only where they do not support a surcharge. A wall carrying a driveway surcharge falls outside the exemption.

Question 39Administration, Scope and General Provisions

A required inspection has been requested but not yet approved. What does the code require of the work?

  1. Work may continue if the contractor documents the delay
  2. Work may continue if the inspector does not appear within 48 hours
  3. Work may continue if the owner accepts responsibility in writing
  4. Work may not go beyond that point until it is approved Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 110.4 provides that work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official. Written assumptions of responsibility by the owner or contractor do not substitute for that approval.

Question 40Administration, Scope and General Provisions

Which item must a certificate of occupancy contain under Section 111.2?

  1. The date the next periodic inspection is scheduled
  2. The occupant load and the occupancy classification Correct answer.
  3. The name of the contractor who performed the work
  4. A copy of the structural calculations for the project

Explanation

Section 111.2 requires the certificate of occupancy to state, among other items, the use and occupancy classification and the occupant load, together with the permit number, address, owner and type of construction. Calculations and contractor names are not among the required contents.

Question 41Building Planning and Construction Types

A retail store where merchandise is displayed and sold to the public is classified in which occupancy group?

  1. Group A-2
  2. Group S-1
  3. Group M Correct answer.
  4. Group B

Explanation

IBC Chapter 3 assigns occupancy groups according to the use of the building or space. Group M covers buildings used for the display and sale of merchandise, including retail stores, department stores, and markets.

Question 42Building Planning and Construction Types

Which construction type requires noncombustible structural members and provides the highest fire-resistance ratings?

  1. Type IA Correct answer.
  2. Type V
  3. Type IIB
  4. Type III

Explanation

Type IA construction requires noncombustible structural members throughout and carries the highest fire-resistance ratings in Table 601, including a 3-hour rating for the structural frame.

Question 43Building Planning and Construction Types

Under the IBC, a one- or two-family dwelling is classified in which occupancy group?

  1. Group R-2
  2. Group R-1
  3. Group R-4
  4. Group R-3 Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 310.1 places one- and two-family dwellings, and townhouses not more than three stories above grade plane, in Group R-3.

Question 44Building Planning and Construction Types

Type V construction is distinguished by which characteristic?

  1. Combustible materials for structural members Correct answer.
  2. Unlimited building height without sprinklers
  3. Only noncombustible structural members
  4. Structural members of heavy timber throughout

Explanation

In Type V construction the structural members, including exterior walls, are permitted to be of combustible materials. It carries the lowest fire-resistance ratings and the most limited height and area allowances.

Question 45Building Planning and Construction Types

A warehouse used to store furniture and other nonhazardous goods is classified in which occupancy group?

  1. Group F
  2. Group M
  3. Group S Correct answer.
  4. Group H

Explanation

Group S is the storage occupancy group and is divided into S-1 for moderate-hazard commodities and S-2 for low-hazard commodities. A furniture warehouse falls within Group S.

Question 46Building Planning and Construction Types

A building used for the transaction of business, such as an office building, is classified in which occupancy group?

  1. Group B Correct answer.
  2. Group A-3
  3. Group I-2
  4. Group E

Explanation

Group B is the business occupancy and includes office, professional, and service-type transactions that are not classified in another group.

Question 47Building Planning and Construction Types

Which construction type has noncombustible exterior walls but permits combustible interior structural elements?

  1. Type II
  2. Type I
  3. Type III Correct answer.
  4. Type IV

Explanation

Type III construction requires noncombustible exterior walls while allowing combustible interior structural elements, such as wood floor framing within masonry bearing walls.

Question 48Building Planning and Construction Types

An accessory occupancy may be classified as part of the main occupancy without separation where its area does not exceed what percentage of the building area on that story?

  1. 25 percent
  2. 15 percent
  3. 10 percent Correct answer.
  4. 20 percent

Explanation

Section 508.2 permits accessory occupancies to be considered part of the main occupancy where they occupy not more than 10 percent of the building area on the story and meet the other conditions of the section.

Question 49Building Planning and Construction Types

According to Table 601, what is the required fire-resistance rating for the structural frame of a Type IB building?

  1. 2 hours Correct answer.
  2. 3 hours
  3. 0 hours
  4. 1 hour

Explanation

Table 601 requires a 2-hour fire-resistance rating for the structural frame of Type IB construction. By comparison, Type IA requires 3 hours and Type IIA requires 1 hour.

Question 50Building Planning and Construction Types

The required fire-resistance rating of an exterior bearing wall is determined primarily by which factor?

  1. The presence of a mezzanine
  2. The building's occupant load
  3. The fire separation distance Correct answer.
  4. The number of stories above grade plane

Explanation

Table 602 assigns exterior wall fire-resistance ratings based on fire separation distance, construction type, and occupancy group. Walls located closer to a lot line or public way must have higher ratings.