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Search the building code.

Every 2024 IRC section and the IBC as it loads, by number or topic, plus the local rules for your city. Free to search.

Detached houses, duplexes and townhouses up to 3 stories with their own exits use the IRC; every other building uses the IBC (IBC 101.2).

A random sample from 1,598 sections for San Antonio, TX, the 2024 IRC

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  • R319.4.4

    Bars, Grilles, Covers and Screens

    • Bars, grilles or covers over escape openings keep the full clear size and release from inside with no key, tool or extra force.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 3, Building PlanningRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

  • R905.2.8.2

    Valleys

    • Open metal valleys are at least 24 in wide; roll-roofing valleys use 18 and 36 in plies; closed valleys use 36 in smooth roll or self-adhered lining.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 9, Roof AssembliesRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

  • R1005.3

    Solid-Fuel Appliances

    • In dwellings, factory-built chimneys for solid-fuel appliances meet UL 103 Type HT and carry its markings; chimneys for open fireplaces need UL 103 without the HT rating.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 10, Chimneys and FireplacesRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

  • R301.5

    Live Load

    • Design floors and parts for at least these uniform and point live loads.
    • Garage floors take 2,000 lb on a 4.5 in square and stair treads take 300 lb on a 2 in square, if worse than the uniform load.
    • An attic counts as limited storage when there is 42 in of clear height or truss webs leave a 42 x 24 in space; the 20 psf only applies where the access, slope and insulation conditions are all met, the rest takes 10 psf.
    • Glass in guards and handrails is designed for four times the rail and infill loads; infill takes 50 lb on one square foot.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 3, Building PlanningRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

Searches all 4,276 IRC 2024 sections, 5,532 IBC 2024 sections and defined terms (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 so far) and each city's local rules as they are added. Section numbers and titles from the International Residential Code and International Building Code, 2024 editions, copyrighted by the International Code Council; the IRC's electrical chapters (34 to 43) follow NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code. Requirements are summarized in our words (IRC Chapters 3 to 43, IBC Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33); read the full text at the link on each result. Local values come from each city's published documents.

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