Commercial building code administration and general provisions
Domain 1 tests how the IBC is administered and how a building is classified before any technical chapter applies. Expect permit processing, inspection duties, certificate of occupancy, change of occupancy, and the definitions and occupancy groups in Chapters 2 through 4.
Permits and inspections
A permit is required for construction, alteration, relocation, demolition, and change of use. The building official may require plans and calculations; approved plans must be kept on the job site. Required inspections include foundation, framing, and final, plus special inspections under Chapter 17. A certificate of occupancy is required before a building is occupied and must state the occupancy group and type of construction.
Occupancy classification
Classify each space into A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S, or U. Hazardous occupancies are H-1 through H-5. Incidental uses are listed in Table 509 and must be separated or protected as required. Mixed occupancies can be accessory, nonseparated, or separated under Chapter 508; the choice changes area calculations and fire separations.
Worked example
A tenant asks to convert 2,000 sq ft of office (B) to a coffee shop with 40 seats (A-2). This is a change of occupancy, not a simple remodel. A new certificate of occupancy is required. The inspector checks occupant load (40 seats plus standing), two exits if the calculated load exceeds the single-exit limit, accessibility of the new route and toilet rooms, and any required separation from the remaining B space. The old C of O cannot be reused.
Traps
Do not confuse accessory uses with incidental uses; accessory uses are part of the primary occupancy, while incidental uses have Table 509 protection. Do not treat a C of O as a final inspection form only. Do not classify by tenant name; classify by actual use and occupant load.