ICC 75 cheat sheet

ICC model codes have no legal force until adopted by reference in a local ordinance; the adopted edition plus local amendments is the enforceable text, and amendments prevail over the model language.

The building code is organized by scope: Chapter 1 administration, Chapter 3 occupancy classification, Chapter 5 types of construction, Chapter 6 allowable height and area, Chapter 10 egress, Chapter 17 special inspections; use the chapter that matches the question's subject.

Referenced standards (IBC Chapter 35) are part of the code's requirements; where a referenced standard and the code text conflict, the more restrictive provision controls.

Occupancy classification (Group A, B, E, F, H, I, M, R, S, U) is assigned from the actual use and is the first input into height/area, egress, and fire-protection decisions.

Type of construction (I, II, III, IV, V; A or B subtypes for I and II) sets fire-resistance ratings from the construction-type and fire-resistance tables.

Allowable building area = base tabular area x frontage increase x sprinkler increase; allowable height and stories are read from the same table using occupancy group, construction type, and sprinkler status.

Egress capacity is occupant load x egress width factor; occupant load comes from the use-based factor table (e.g., floor area per occupant) or from fixed seating counts.

Terminology rule: 'shall' denotes a mandatory requirement, 'may' denotes a permissive provision, and neither can be overridden by field judgment or common practice.

A permit is required before construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, repair, or demolition of a structure; the code's exemption list covers limited items such as minor finish work, low retaining walls, small detached decks, and similar low-hazard work.

A permit application must identify the work, the intended use and occupancy, the valuation, and the identity/qualification of the applicant; missing information is grounds to reject the application as incomplete.

Construction documents must be sufficiently complete to show compliance, and where required by law must be signed and sealed by the registered design professional responsible for the work.

Scope of submitted drawings: site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, structural details, fire-protection and energy provisions, and the design loads and methods used.

Deferred submittals (shop drawings, prefabricated elements) may be accepted with the permit but require separate review and approval before the covered work is installed.

An application is deemed abandoned if no permit is issued within 180 days of filing; the official may grant extensions for good cause where the applicant is pursuing the application in good faith.

Phased approval lets foundations, site work, or other early elements proceed while the remainder of the documents are still under review, but the work must still conform to the approved documents.

The review decision rule: if the documents show compliance, the official approves and issues the permit; if not, the applicant is notified in writing of the deficiencies and the permit is withheld until corrected.

Construction authorized by a permit is subject to inspection; the permit holder must notify the official when work is ready for inspection, and concealed work must not be covered before it is inspected and approved.

Footing and foundation inspection occurs after excavations are complete and forms/reinforcement are in place but before concrete is placed.

Concrete slab and under-floor inspection occurs after the subgrade is prepared and all underground plumbing, electrical, and mechanical items are installed, and before the slab is poured.

Frame inspection occurs after roof and floor framing, fireblocking, and bracing are complete but before any covering is applied.

Additional required inspections include fire- and smoke-resistant penetration (firestop) inspection, energy-efficiency inspections, and verification of the lowest floor elevation in flood-hazard areas.

The final inspection is made after all work is complete and all other required inspections are approved; a certificate of occupancy or completion follows a satisfactory final inspection.

Special inspections under Chapter 17 cover fabrication and erection of certain structural elements and are documented by an approved special inspector reporting to the official, not to the contractor alone.

If field work is contrary to the approved documents or creates an unsafe condition, the official may issue a written stop work order; work may not resume until the official authorizes it.

The building official is appointed by the jurisdiction and has the authority to interpret the code, approve materials and methods, conduct inspections, and issue or deny permits and certificates.

Modifications may be granted for practical difficulty in individual cases only where the modification is equivalent in quality, strength, fire resistance, and safety and does not lessen the code's intent.

Alternative materials, methods, or designs may be approved where the official finds them equivalent to the code's requirements in performance, supported by test data or technical evidence.

The official has a right of entry to inspect structures and premises at reasonable times and may seek a warrant or other legal process where entry is refused.

A board of appeals, established by local ordinance, hears appeals of the official's decisions; the appeal is filed within the period stated in the ordinance and must state the specific grounds, such as misinterpretation or a proposed equivalent construction.

Enforcement tools form a ladder: notice of violation, stop work order, prosecution or civil penalty, unsafe-structure abatement, emergency measures, and demolition of dangerous structures.

A structure may not be occupied or used until a certificate of occupancy is issued; a temporary certificate of occupancy is issued for a limited period (commonly 180 days) when the work is sufficiently complete and life safety is protected.

Official records of permits, applications, certificates, and inspection results must be retained and made available as required by the jurisdiction.