RISBC-4 Rhode Island Mechanical 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 Mechanical Code. The current version of the Mechanical Code adopted the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2018 edition. Currently, these amendments reflect the BCSC’s proposed adoption of the 2021 edition of the IMC. The state specific amendments to the IMC 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: 

§§ 4.1 and 4.2 – Updated and simplified the provisions in these sections. 

Chapter 1 contains the administrative provisions of IMC 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, 7, 8, 9, and 14 of IMC 2021 are adopted with no substantive changes. Edits to these chapters are for formatting, consistency, and accuracy. No changes to status quo.

Chapters 3, 5, 13 and 15 of IMC 202 are adopted with amendments. In these chapters all amendments to IMC 2018 are being retained as amendments to IMC 2021. No changes to status quo. 

Chapter 6 of IMC 2021 is adopted with no changes. All prior state specific amendments have been deleted. This deletion reflects the alignment of the Model Code with a previous Rhode Island amendment, which is therefore no longer necessary.

Chapter 10 of IMC 2021 is adopted with amendments. 1 of the 2 state specific amendments to IMC 2018 are being retained as an amendment to IMC 2021. The amendment to section 1003.1 has been deleted. This deletion reflects the alignment of the Model Code with a previous Rhode Island amendment, which is therefore no longer necessary. 

Chapter 11 of IMC 2021 is adopted with amendments. 2 of the 3 state specific amendments to IMC 2018 are being retained as amendments to IMC 2021. The amendment to section 1105.3 has been deleted. This deletion reflects the alignment of the Model Code with a previous Rhode Island amendment, which is therefore no longer necessary.

Chapter 12 of IMC 2021 is adopted with no changes. The 2 state specific amendments to IMC 2018 have been deleted. This deletion reflects the alignment of the Model Code with a previous Rhode Island amendment, which is therefore no longer necessary.

Appendices – Upon review by the BCSC, only Appendix A to IMC 2021 is adopted. No change to status quo.