News & Info

2006 IRC Changes Overview

There were many significant changes contained in the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC) that went into effect on July 1, 2007. Listed below is a brief overview of some of those changes:

Emergency Escapes and Rescue Openings

Prior to July 1, 2007 emergency openings were only required for basements containing habitable space. Now all basements, regardless of habitable space, are required to have at least one emergency exit or rescue opening. The only exception is for basements less than 200 square feet used solely for mechanical purposes.

Smoke Alarms

Previously, alarms were required to be audible in bedrooms. The new requirement is for smoke/fire alarms to be audible in all areas of the dwelling that can be occupied. The alarms must be interconnected and hard wired.

Drainage

Drains or swales were previously required when 6 inches of fall within 10 feet were not possible. This has been revised requiring a minimum grade of 6 inches within the first 10 feet (with a few exceptions) and swales shall be sloped a minimum of 2% when located within 10 feet of the building foundation.

 

Duct Length

The 2003 IRC allowed the use of a booster fan. Under the 2006 code, the maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust is limited to 25 feet. There is no longer an exception allowing booster fans to be installed for longer lengths. There is a new exception where large radius (45 degree and 90 degree) bends are installed. The determination of the equivalent length of the clothes dryer duct for each bend is permitted.

Emergency Ruling Regarding Concrete and Masonry Foundation Walls

Changes in section R404.1 (1) (2) (3) regarding provisions for laterally supporting basement walls has been struck down. The proponent of the change suggested there have been failures of foundation walls built according to the 2000 and 2003 IRC provisions, but no detailed data to substantiate any failures was provided. Absent any technical justification for the change, the IBC Structural Committee took action to strike the new requirements and current practices under 2003 IRC should be continued.

If you would like more detailed information, please contact Will Stakelin, Olympia Master Builders' Government Affairs Directors at 360-754-0912 or will@omb.org.