ICC 75 flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Model code

A published body of construction requirements prepared by a standards organization. It has no legal effect until a jurisdiction adopts it by ordinance, at which point the adopted edition becomes law.

Adoption by reference

The legal technique by which a jurisdiction enacts a model code and referenced standards without reprinting them. The adopted edition and local amendments together form the enforceable text.

Occupancy classification

The group assigned to a building based on its actual use, such as assembly, business, educational, factory, high-hazard, institutional, mercantile, residential, storage, or utility. It drives height, area, and egress rules.

Type of construction

The classification of building construction as Type I through Type V, with A and B subtypes for Types I and II. It sets the required fire-resistance ratings of structural and exterior elements.

Referenced standards

Technical standards cited in the code that become part of its requirements. Where a referenced standard conflicts with the code text, the more restrictive provision controls compliance.

Occupant load

The computed number of persons a space is designed to hold, determined from use-based area factors, fixed seating, or calculated egress. It sets required egress width, exits, and plumbing fixture counts.

Allowable area increase

A permitted expansion of the tabular allowable building area for open perimeter frontage and for the installation of an automatic sprinkler system, determined by the code's area tables and formulas.

Mandatory versus permissive

Terms that control code interpretation: 'shall' imposes a mandatory requirement that must be satisfied, while 'may' grants permission or discretion. Word choice determines whether a provision is enforceable.

Permit application

A written request to perform regulated work that identifies the work, the proposed use and occupancy, the valuation, and the applicant's qualifications. Incomplete applications may be rejected.

Construction documents

Drawings, specifications, and calculations that show the scope and code compliance of the proposed work. Where required by law, they must be signed and sealed by a registered design professional.

Deferred submittal

Shop drawings or design details for prefabricated or specialized elements accepted with the permit but reviewed separately. The work may not be installed until the deferred submittal is approved.

Application abandonment

An application for permit is deemed abandoned if no permit is issued within 180 days after filing. The official may grant extensions where the applicant is actively pursuing the project.

Phased approval

Authorization to begin defined portions of the work, such as foundations, while remaining construction documents are still under review. The work must conform to the documents once approved.

Plan review

The official's examination of submitted documents for compliance with the adopted code before issuing a permit. Deficiencies are documented and permit issuance is withheld until corrected.

Permit valuation

The applicant's declared value of the proposed work, used to compute permit fees and to identify projects requiring additional review. It excludes land value and certain non-construction costs.

Work without a permit

Work started before permit issuance is subject to an investigation fee in addition to the permit fee, and the official may require removal or approval of the work already done.

Footing and foundation inspection

An inspection made after excavations and reinforcement are complete but before concrete is placed, to verify bearing material, dimensions, and reinforcement conform to the approved documents.

Frame inspection

An inspection performed after structural framing, bracing, and fireblocking are complete but before any covering is applied, verifying member size, spacing, connections, and fastening.

Concealed work

Work that will be hidden by subsequent construction, such as piping in a wall. It must be inspected and approved before being covered, and the permit holder must request that inspection.

Final inspection

The last required inspection, made when all work is complete and all earlier inspections are approved. A satisfactory result supports issuance of a certificate of occupancy or completion.

Special inspection

Independent inspection of specific structural or fire-protective work, such as welding, high-strength bolting, or sprayed fire-resistant materials, performed by an approved inspector who reports results to the code official.

Inspection request duty

The obligation of the permit holder to notify the code official when work is ready for inspection. The official is not required to inspect work that has not been properly requested.

Preliminary inspection

Before issuing a permit, the official may inspect existing structures or the site to determine whether the proposed work can lawfully proceed under the code.

Lowest floor elevation

An inspection verifying that the lowest floor of a building in a flood-hazard area is elevated to or above the required level, documented before further construction proceeds.

Certificate of occupancy

The document issued after a satisfactory final inspection that authorizes a building to be occupied for a specific use. Occupancy before issuance is a code violation.

Board of appeals

A body established by local ordinance to hear appeals of the code official's decisions. An appeal must be filed within the stated period and identify specific grounds for the challenge.

Stop work order

A written order halting work that is contrary to the code or creating an unsafe condition. Work may not resume until the official confirms compliance and authorizes resumption.

Notice of violation

A written statement served on the owner or responsible party describing the code violation and the required correction. It is typically the first formal step in enforcement.

Right of entry

The code official's authority to enter and inspect premises at reasonable times to enforce the code. Where entry is refused, the official may seek legal process to obtain access.

Alternative materials approval

Authority of the code official to approve materials, methods, or designs not specifically prescribed, provided supporting evidence shows performance equivalent to the code's requirements in strength, fire safety, and durability.

Unsafe structure

A building or portion found to be dangerous to life or property through structural deficiency, fire hazard, or unsafe egress. The official may order repair, vacation, or abatement.

Temporary certificate

A certificate allowing limited occupancy for a stated period, commonly 180 days, before all work is complete, when the space is safe and required life-safety systems are operational.