2018 International Residential Code – Flood Provision

Special Occupancy TAC

IRC-SO Code Change No.	IRC-SO Section 	Change Summary b/t 2015 IRC-SO and 2018 IRC-SO	Change Summary b/t 2017 IRC-SO and 2018 IRC-SO	Staff comments	
					
RB160-16	R322.3.3, R322.3.4	Modifies text of Section R322.3.3 “Foundations”. Adds new section R322.3.4 “Concrete slabs”. Coastal high hazard areas (Zone V) and Coastal A Zones are portions of flood hazard areas along open shorelines where wave action will occur. The presence of concrete slabs can increase damage to elevated buildings, in part by shifting such that added loads or increased scour occurs on the building foundation. This proposal helps clarify what is intended by the requirement in R322.3.3. 

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction. The free of obstruction requirement has been enforced by communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and FEMA guidance has long advised the requirement can be satisfied by requiring concrete slabs to meet the proposed specifications.
	Same as change between 2015 IRC-B and 2018 IRC-B	Flood provisions	
RCCIWG – Comment

Impactful (Explain) 

	TAC Action

X

Accommodate Florida Specific Need:
YES (Select Criteria)                                   NO: 

X

 X

X

a.  b.  c.      d.  e.  f. 

Vote – 7 Y  - 0 N

Others (Explain):	Commission Action

Accommodate Florida Specific Need:
YES (Select Criteria)                                   NO: 

 

a.  b.  c.      d.  e.  f. 

Others (Explain):		
TAC	
Commission	

    No Action Needed	

	

	

 Overlapping provisions     	

	

	

	

	
RB161-16	R322.3.6 (New)	Adds new Section R322.3.6 “Stairways and ramps”. Coastal high hazard areas (Zone V) and Coastal A Zones are portions of flood hazard areas along open shorelines where wave action will occur. Stairways and ramp for dwellings are affected by flooding, erosion and scour and the presence of stairways and ramps can increase damage to elevated buildings. This proposal helps clarify what is intended by the requirement in R322.3.3 that the area below elevated buildings shall be free of obstructions.  The code change was further modified by the Committee as follows:  In the modification, Section R322.3.6 Item 1 went from language that is wide open and vague to something that is concrete, which is very helpful in the code. The proposal adds needed clarity. Per comment “The purpose of this public comment is to revise and expand the guidance on stairways and ramps added by this proposal.”

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction. The requirement to avoid obstructions and to have elements below elevated buildings breakaway has been enforced by communities that participate in the NFIP, whether by enforcement of the IRC or local floodplain management regulations. FEMA guidance has long advised the requirement can be satisfied by requiring stairways and ramps to meet the proposed specifications.
	Same as change between 2015 IRC-B and 2018 IRC-B	Flood provision	
RCCIWG – Comment

Impactful (Explain) 

	TAC Action

X

Accommodate Florida Specific Need:
YES (Select Criteria)                                   NO: 

X

 X

X

a.  b.  c.      d.  e.  f. 

Vote -7Y – 0N

Others (Explain):	Commission Action

Accommodate Florida Specific Need:
YES (Select Criteria)                                   NO: 

 

a.  b.  c.      d.  e.  f. 

Others (Explain):		
TAC	
Commission	

    No Action Needed	

	

	

 Overlapping provisions     	

	

	

	

	
RB162-16	R322.3.6 (New)	Adds text of Section R322.3.6 “Decks and porches”. Coastal high hazard areas (Zone V) and Coastal A Zones are portions of flood hazard areas along open shorelines where wave action will occur. Decks and porches attached to or adjacent to dwellings are affected by flooding, erosion and scour. The presence of decks and porches can increase damage to elevated buildings unless they are constructed in ways intended to minimize damage. This proposal clarifies how decks and porches are treated and is based on the requirements of referenced standard ASCE 24-14, Flood Resistant Design and Construction and best practices documented in several publications issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency

Cost Impact: Will not increase the cost of construction. The elevation requirement and free of obstruction requirement have been enforced by communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program and FEMA guidance has long advised the requirement can be satisfied by requiring decks and porches to meet the proposed specifications.
	Same as change between 2015 IRC-B and 2018 IRC-B	Flood Provision 	
RCCIWG – Comment

Impactful (Explain) 

	TAC Action

X

Accommodate Florida Specific Need:
YES (Select Criteria)                                   NO: 

X

 X

X

a.  b.  c.      d.  e.  f. 

Vote – 7Y – 0 N

Others (Explain):	Commission Action

Accommodate Florida Specific Need:
YES (Select Criteria)                                   NO: 

 

a.  b.  c.      d.  e.  f. 

Others (Explain):		
TAC	
Commission	

    No Action Needed	

	

	

 Overlapping provisions