RISBC-6 Rhode Island Property Maintenance 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 Property Maintenance Code. The current version of the Property Maintenance Code adopted the International Code Council’s (ICC) International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) 2018 edition. Currently, these amendments reflect the BCSC’s proposed adoption of the 2021 edition of the IPMC. The state specific amendments to the IPMC 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: 

§§ 6.1 and 6.2 – Updated and simplified the provisions in these sections. 

Chapter 1 contains the administrative provisions of IPMC 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. The RI code references section was amended consistent with the other regulations. Section 108 “Board of Appeals” was deleted because those provisions are covered by state statutes. The prior RI specific amendments to Sections 111 and 112.4 were removed because the content of those sections in IMPC 2021 is different and they are no longer necessary. No change to status quo. 

Chapter 2 of IPMC 2021 is adopted with no changes. The prior RI amendment to section 201.3 was deleted because it is repetitive of the same RI amendment in Chapter 1, § 102.8. The additional definitions were deleted because they were redundant of existing definitions in Chapter 1. No change to status quo.  

Chapter 3 of IPMC 2021 is adopted with changes. The RI specific amendments to 303.2.1 and 304.14 were retained and clarified, noting that the RI exception regarding insect screens is no longer necessary because it is included in IMPC 2021’s requirements. The RI specific amendments adding sections 305.3.1 through 305.3.5 relating to lead paint requirements in interior surfaces were deleted because those requirements are contained in state laws enforced by RIDOH. Therefore, they are not needed in this regulation. No change to status quo. 

Chapters 4 and 5 of IPMC 2021 are adopted with no changes. No change to status quo. 

Chapter 6 of IPMC 2021 is adopted with changes. The only RI specific amendments to IPMC 2018 being retained are the ones in sections 602.3 and 602.4 where each jurisdiction inserts specific dates for heating and cooling requirements. The amendments to IPMC 2018 which added sections 605.5 & 605.6  and amended IPMC 2018 sections 606.1 and 606.2 regarding elevators have been deleted because elevators are regulated by DLT and therefore additional RI specific provisions are not required in this code. No change to status quo. 

Chapter 7 of IPMC 2021 is adopted with no changes. All of the prior RI specific amendments to IPMC 2018 are deleted. The old amendments to 702.1, 702.2, 704 are not necessary as they contain the same requirements as the model code. Moreover, chapter 7 contains fire safety requirements that are regulated by the Fire Safety Code. No change to status quo.   

Chapter 8 of IPMC 2021 is adopted with no changes. This is the “Referenced Standards” chapter. The prior RI specific amendments are deleted as they were redundant with the “referenced standards” amendments to chapter 1. No change to status quo. 

Appendix A regarding “Boarding Standards” for windows and doors is adopted. Appendix A was previously incorporated in this code and should have been retained, but it was erroneously deleted in the last amendments. This regulation restores the Appendix. No change to status quo. Appendix B regarding “Board of Appeals” is deleted because that content is covered by state statutes. No change to status quo.