RISBC-3 Rhode Island Plumbing Code

Regulation Authority:

R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-100.1.5 and 23.27.3-109.1

Purpose and Reason:

The Building Code Standards Committee (BCSC) is proposing amendments to the Rhode Island Plumbing Code. The current version of the Plumbing Code adopted the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2018 edition. Currently, these amendments reflect the BCSC’s proposed adoption of the 2021 edition of the IPC. The state specific amendments to the IPC 2021 model code are for consistency with the other building code regulations in RICR Title 510 and the Fire Safety Codes in RICR Title 450, compliance with RI statutes, and ensure that the model codes align with the needs of this state.

Additionally, all building code regulations being amended in this cycle have been edited for clarity and internal consistency of formatting and style, and to be easily read with the other building code regulations and the model codes that these regulations adopt. Formatting changes include: listing every model code chapter and stating whether each chapter is adopted, adopted with changes or deleted; leading the all changes with the model code section number for quick reference; and focusing on model code numbering to simplify citation and avoid confusion.

Summary of substantive changes: 

§§ 3.1 and 3.2 – Updated and simplified the provisions in these sections. 

Chapter 1 contains the administrative provisions of IPC 2021, which are amended for consistency with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 and other RI building codes within Title 510 and the Rhode Island Fire Safety Codes in RICR Title 450. 

Chapters 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 of IPC 2021 are adopted with no substantive changes. Edits to these chapters are for formatting, consistency, and accuracy. No changes to status quo. 

Chapter 3 of IPC 2021 is adopted with amendments. The 3 existing state specific amendments currently in place for IPC 2018 are being retained as amendments to IPC 2021. No change to status quo.

Chapter 6 of IPC 2021 is adopted with amendments. Three of the 4 state specific amendments to IPC 2018 are being retained as amendments to IPC 2021. However, the RI amendment to Table 608.18.1 [erroneously labeled 608.17.1 in the regulation] for IPC 2018 has been deleted. This change aligns the state’s requirements for well locations with the model code resulting in decreased costs of construction because the model code’s minimum distances from sources of contamination are less than most of the minimum distances in now deleted RI amendment.  

Chapter 7 of IPC 2021 is adopted with amendments. Two of the 4 state specific amendments to IPC 2018 are being retained as amendments to IPC 2021. However, the RI amendments to sections 703.1 and 703.6 have been deleted. This deletion reflects the Model Code’s alignment with previous Rhode Island amendments, which are therefore no longer necessary. No change to status quo.

Chapter 8 of IPC 2021 is adopted with amendments. Three of the 5 state specific amendments to IPC 2018 are being retained as amendments to IPC 2021. However, the RI amendments to sections 802.1.8 and the exception to 802.2 have been deleted. This deletion reflects the Model Code’s alignment with previous Rhode Island amendments, which are therefore no longer necessary. No change to status quo. 

Chapter 10 of IPC 2021 is adopted with amendments. Four of the 7 state specific amendments to IPC 2018 are being retained as amendments to IPC 2021. The amendments to sections 1002.4, 1002.4.1 through 1002.4.4, and 1002.6 have been deleted. his deletion reflects the Model Code’s alignment with previous Rhode Island amendments, which are therefore no longer necessary. No change to status quo.

Appendices – Upon review by the BCSC, only Appendix E to IPC 2021 is adopted. All other appendices to IPC 2021 are deleted. No change to status quo.