Building Codes, Zoning, and Accessibility
This domain tests application of building codes, zoning, and accessibility to design. Expect occupancy, construction type, egress, fire separation, height/area, parking, setbacks, and ADA clearances.
Core rules
- IBC occupancy groups and construction types I-V establish allowable height and area; sprinklers can increase limits.
- Egress requires two means where occupant load exceeds thresholds; travel distance, common path, and exit width apply.
- Zoning controls use, FAR, setbacks, height, parking, and variances.
- ADA requires an accessible route, 36-in clear width, 60-in turning space, and 15-48 in reach range.
Worked example
A 10,000-sf Group B office, Type V-B, fully sprinklered. IBC Table 506.2 may allow more area with sprinklers, but height must also comply. If the building is 40 ft tall and Type V-B allows 40 ft, it is at the limit. Egress: occupant load at 100 sf/person = 100 occupants; two exits are required if load exceeds 49; exit width = 100 x 0.2 in = 20 in, but minimum door width is 32 in clear.
Traps
Mixing zoning envelope with code allowable area; applying ADA only to public spaces; forgetting local amendments; using gross area for occupant load.