ICC B1 key terms

A written authorization from the building department allowing specific construction work to begin. It records the approved scope and requires inspections before covered work is concealed or occupied.

Construction drawings and specifications reviewed and stamped by the building department. Work must follow them; changes affecting code compliance require review and written approval before construction proceeds.

A building department review of completed work at required stages. The permit holder requests it, and work must be accessible for examination before it is covered or used.

A written notice issued by the building official directing that construction stop because work is unsafe or violates code or permit conditions. Work may resume only after the issue is corrected and clearance is given.

The appointed authority responsible for enforcing the building code. This person interprets code provisions, issues permits and orders, approves plans, and may authorize equivalent alternatives when code compliance is demonstrated.

The minimum required horizontal distance between a building or structure and a lot line, street, or other specified line. Setbacks control placement and are measured as the code or approved plans require.

A room or area used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking. Bathrooms, closets, halls, storage areas, and similar spaces are generally not habitable space for code purposes.

Outdoor air supplied to a space through operable windows, doors, louvers, or other openings. The code specifies opening area and access so occupied spaces receive adequate fresh air.

Daylight admitted to a room through glazing or other approved openings. Required amounts are based on floor area, and some rooms may use artificial light alternatives where the code permits.

A window, door, or other opening that allows occupants to escape a sleeping room and allows rescuers to enter. It must meet minimum size, sill height, and operability requirements.

The clear vertical distance from finished floor to finished ceiling. Habitable rooms, halls, and other spaces must meet minimum heights, with limited exceptions for sloped ceilings and basements.

The widened base of a foundation that spreads building loads over a larger soil area. It must be sized, placed, and constructed to support the foundation without excessive settlement.

A wall that supports exterior or interior loads and transfers them to footings. It may retain soil and must resist water, frost, and lateral pressures as required by code.

The maximum depth to which soil is expected to freeze in a given area. Footings must extend below this depth, or be protected differently, to prevent frost heave damage.

A vertical foundation element, often isolated, that supports a concentrated load such as a post or beam. It extends to a footing or stable soil and must be sized for the load.

A bolt embedded in concrete or masonry to connect the foundation to wood framing or other structural elements. Its size, spacing, placement, and washers must match approved plans and code.

The horizontal wood member fastened to the foundation and supporting floor or wall framing. It must be anchored, protected from decay and termites, and sized for the loads.

A repeated horizontal framing member that supports a floor and its loads. Joists must be sized, spaced, supported, and drilled or notched only within code limits.

A primary horizontal beam that supports floor joists or other framing and transfers loads to columns, piers, or walls. It must be sized and supported according to approved plans.

The structural panel or boards installed over floor joists to form a base for finish flooring. It must be thick enough, fastened, and supported to carry floor loads.

A vertical framing member in a wall that supports loads or provides a base for wall coverings. Stud size, spacing, grade, and height limits depend on loading and code tables.

A wall that supports structural loads from floors, ceilings, or roof above in addition to its own weight. Removing or altering it requires engineering and approval.

A horizontal structural member placed over an opening to carry loads above and transfer them to adjacent framing. Its size and bearing depend on span and load.

The horizontal framing member at the top of a wall that ties studs together and supports ceiling or roof framing. It must be sized, lapped, and fastened as required.

A system of panels, braces, or sheathing that resists lateral loads such as wind and earthquakes. Required amounts and methods depend on wall location, construction, and exposure.

Panels or boards fastened over studs, rafters, or joists to provide structural support and a base for coverings. Structural sheathing may also transfer lateral and diaphragm loads.

A membrane or material installed behind exterior wall coverings to prevent water from entering the wall assembly. It must be lapped, fastened, and integrated with flashing.

The outer wall covering that protects the building from weather and provides the finished appearance. It must be attached, spaced, and flashed to shed water and allow drying.

A water-resistant material installed at joints, edges, and penetrations to direct water away from the building. Correct flashing prevents moisture entry at roofs, walls, windows, and chimneys.

A sloping structural framing member that supports roof sheathing and roof coverings. Rafters must be sized, spaced, braced, and connected to resist gravity and lateral loads.

A horizontal framing member that supports a ceiling and may tie opposing roof rafters together. It must be sized and connected to resist loads and rafter thrust where required.

A horizontal member connecting opposing roof rafters above the wall line. It helps resist rafter separation and thrust, with placement and size determined by the roof design.

Panels or boards fastened to rafters or trusses to support roof coverings and transfer loads. Thickness, span rating, fastening, and support must match code and manufacturer requirements.

The outermost material on a roof that sheds rain and snow. It must be approved for the slope, installed per manufacturer instructions, and supported by proper underlayment and flashing.

A sheet material placed between roof sheathing and the roof covering. It provides a secondary water barrier and is required based on roof slope and covering type.

A metal or plastic strip at roof edges that directs water away from fascia and sheathing. It must be installed at eaves and gables where required and integrated with underlayment.

A vertical masonry or listed structure that carries smoke and gases from a fireplace or appliance to outdoors. It must have a lined flue, proper height, clearance, and support.

A masonry or listed hearth assembly designed to contain a fire and direct smoke into a chimney. Construction, clearances, hearth extension, and damper requirements depend on the type.

The passage or liner inside a chimney that conveys smoke and gases to the outdoors. It must be sized for the appliance, continuous, and kept clear of obstructions and combustible materials.

The required separation between a chimney or flue and combustible materials. Clearance protects framing from heat and is achieved by air spaces, insulation, or listed chimney assemblies.