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• IBC 403.1

  Applicability

  • High-rises follow 403.2 to 403.6, except control towers, open garages, A-5, special industrial and certain H buildings.

  Works withIBC 412.2IBC 406.5IBC 503.1.1

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2

  Construction

  • High-rise construction follows 403.2.1 to 403.2.3.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.3

  Automatic sprinkler system

  • High-rises are fully sprinklered, with a secondary water supply where 403.3.3 requires; telecom equipment spaces with detection and rated separation are excepted.

  Works withIBC 903.3.1.1IBC 403.3.3

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4

  Emergency systems

  • High-rise detection, alarm and emergency systems follow 403.4.1 to 403.4.8.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.5

  Means of egress and evacuation

  • High-rise egress follows 403.5.1 to 403.5.5.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.6

  Elevators

  • Elevators follow Chapter 30 and 403.6.1 to 403.6.2.

  Works withIBC Chapter 30

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.1

  Reduction in fire-resistance rating

  • Rating reductions apply where every floor has supervised sprinkler valves and waterflow devices.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.2

  Structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures

  • Risk Category III/IV high-rises and buildings over 420 ft need impact-resistant stair and hoistway enclosures.

  Works withIBC 1604.5

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.3

  Sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM)

  • SFRM bond strength: 430 psf up to 420 ft, 1,000 psf above.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.3.1

  Number of sprinkler risers and system design

  • Riser count and design depend on height.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.3.2

  Water supply to required fire pumps

  • Over 420 ft (or IV-A/IV-B over 120 ft), fire pumps connect to two mains in different streets.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.3.3

  Secondary water supply

  • High-rises in Seismic Design Category C–F need an on-site secondary supply lasting 30 minutes.

  Works withIBC 1613

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.3.4

  Fire pump room

  • Fire pumps go in protected rooms.

  Works withIBC 913.2.1

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.1

  Smoke detection

  • Smoke detection per 907.2.13.1.

  Works withIBC 907.2.13.1

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.2

  Fire alarm system

  • Fire alarm per 907.2.13.

  Works withIBC 907.2.13

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.3

  Standpipe system

  • Standpipes per 905.3.

  Works withIBC 905.3

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.4

  Emergency voice/alarm communication system

  • Voice alarm per 907.5.2.2.

  Works withIBC 907.5.2.2

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.5

  Emergency communication coverage

  • Two-way emergency responder radio coverage per IFC 510.

  Works withIFC

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.6

  Fire command

  • A fire command center per 911.

  Works withIBC 911

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.7

  Smoke removal

  • Post-fire smoke removal by operable panels (40 sq ft per 50 ft of perimeter), mechanical exhaust of one air change per 15 minutes, or an approved equal.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.8

  Standby and emergency power

  • Standby power for 403.4.8.3 loads and emergency power for 403.4.8.4 loads.

  Works withIBC 2702IBC 3003

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.5.1

  Remoteness of interior exit stairways

  • Exit stairs are at least 30 ft or one-quarter of the diagonal apart, whichever is less; scissor stairs count as one.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.5.2

  Additional interior exit stairway

  • Non-R-2 buildings over 420 ft need one extra exit stair unless occupant evacuation elevators are provided.

  Works withIBC 1011IBC 1023IBC 3008

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.5.3

  Stairway door operation

  • Stair doors may lock from the stair side if they unlock from the fire command center, on fire alarm, and on power failure.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.5.4

  Smokeproof enclosures

  • Exit stairs serving floors over 75 ft above fire access are smokeproof enclosures.

  Works withIBC 909.20IBC 1023.12

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.5.5

  Luminous egress path markings

  • Luminous egress path markings per 1025.

  Works withIBC 1025

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.6.1

  Fire service access elevator

  • Over 120 ft, at least two fire service access elevators (or all, if fewer), each 3,500 lb or more.

  Works withIBC 3007IBC 3002.4

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.6.2

  Occupant evacuation elevators

  • Passenger elevators per 3008 may be used for self-evacuation.

  Works withIBC 3008

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.1.1

  Type of construction

  • Up to 420 ft, Type IA may drop to IB ratings (not floor-supporting columns); IB may drop to IIA except in F-1, H-2, H-3, H-5, M and S-1; height and area stay the same.

  Works withIBC 601

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.1.2

  Shaft enclosures

  • Up to 420 ft, non-exit, non-hoistway shafts may be 1-hour if sprinklered at top and alternate floors.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.2.1

  Wall assembly materials

  • Enclosure walls need impact-resistant panels meeting ASTM C1629 levels (two layers at Soft 2/Hard 2, or one at Soft 2/Hard 3).

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.2.2

  Concrete and masonry walls

  • Concrete or masonry walls qualify.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.2.3

  Other wall assemblies

  • Other assemblies with equivalent impact resistance qualify.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.2.2.4

  Glass walls

  • Safety glazing to CPSC Cat. II or ANSI Z97.1 Class A qualifies.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.3.1.1

  Buildings 420 feet or less in height

  • One standpipe or express riser per vertical zone.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.3.1.2

  Buildings more than 420 feet in height

  • At least two risers per zone, feeding alternate floors.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.3.1.3

  Riser location

  • Risers go in remotely located exit stairways.

  Works withIBC 1007.1

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.8.1

  Equipment room

  • Indoor generators go in 2-hour rooms with supervision and manual start at the fire command center.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.8.2

  Fuel line piping protection

  • Generator fuel lines are protected by 2-hour systems or assemblies (1 hour if sprinklered).

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.8.3

  Standby power loads

  • Standby loads: smokeproof enclosure ventilation and detection, and elevators.

  Works withIBC 1009.4IBC 3007IBC 3008

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.4.8.4

  Emergency power loads

  • Emergency loads: exit signs and egress lighting, elevator car lights, voice alarm, detection, fire alarm, electric fire pumps and fire command center.

  Works withIBC 403.4.6

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 403.5.3.1

  Stairway communication system

  • Locked stairs need two-way communication at least every fifth floor, listed to UL 2525.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 2101.2

  Design methods

  • Masonry is designed per TMS 402, 403 or 404 plus this chapter.

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 21, MasonryRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 2510.6

  Water-resistive barriers

  • Stucco water-resistive barriers per 1403.2 plus 2510.6.1 or 2510.6.2.

  Works withIBC 1403.2IRC R703.7.3IBC 2510.6.1IBC 2510.6.2

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 25, Gypsum Panel Products and PlasterRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 3007.1

  General

  • Fire service access elevators serve every floor from fire department access level where 403.6.1 requires them.

  Works withIBC 403.6.1IBC 3007.9

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 30, Elevators and Conveying SystemsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 412.2.1.2

  Structural integrity of interior exit stairways and elevator hoistway enclosures

  • Cabs over 75 ft need 403.2.2 enclosures.

  Works withIBC 403.2.2

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 412.2.1.3

  Sprayed fire-resistive materials (SFRM)

  • Cabs over 75 ft need 403.2.3 SFRM bond strength.

  Works withIBC 403.2.3

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 412.2.3.3

  Smoke removal

  • Smoke removal per 403.4.7.

  Works withIBC 403.4.7

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and UseRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 508.3.1.1

  High-rise buildings

  • In a high-rise, the most restrictive Section 403 requirement applies throughout.

  Works withIBC 403

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 5, General Building Heights and AreasRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 2702.2.11

  High-rise buildings

  • High-rise emergency and standby power per 403.4.8.

  Works withIBC 403.4.8

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 27, ElectricalRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

• IBC 1407.4.1.1

  Water-resistive barrier

  • Per 1403.2 or ASTM E2570.

  Works withIBC 1403.2

  International Building Code, 2024 · Chapter 14, Exterior WallsRead 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.