RISBC-1 Rhode Island Building Code

A.The Rhode Island Building Code is promulgated by the Building Code Standards Committee pursuant to the authority granted in R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-27.3-100.1.5 and 23-27.3-109.1.

A.The Building Code Standards Committee hereby adopts and incorporates as the Rhode Island Building Code the provisions of the International Building Code (IBC), 2021 edition, as published by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC) not including any further editions or amendments thereof and only to the extent that the provisions therein are not inconsistent with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 and any provisions reserved, deleted, or amended in this Regulation.  

1.IBC 2021 Edition is protected by the copyright that has been issued to the ICC. IBC 2021 can be viewed and purchased here: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/i-codes/2021-icodes.

2.To properly utilize the Rhode Island Building Code, IBC 2021 must be read jointly with the Building Code requirements in R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 and the amendments to IBC 2021 set forth in the sections of this Regulation, below.

3.Format: These code changes follow numbering sequence and topics of the IBC 2021 (first printing). All provisions of IBC 2021 are retained unless indicated as deleted or amended. Published errata are available from the ICC website.

Chapter 1: Administration

Chapter 1 is adopted with the following changes:

101.1Delete IBC section 101.1 Title and substitute the following:

101.1 Title

This Regulation shall be known as the Rhode Island Building Code, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

101.2 Delete IBC section 101.2 and substitute the following:

101.2 Scope

The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures.

Exceptions:

1.Detached one (1) and two (2) family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (town houses) not more than three (3) stories above grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures shall comply with the Rhode Island One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, Part 2 of this Subchapter.

2.Existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations or additions and changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions the Rhode Island Existing Building Code (Part 7 of this Subchapter) or the State Rehabilitation Code, Part 20 of this Subchapter (R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-106.0).

101.4 Delete IBC sections 101.4, 101.4.1, 101.4.2, 101.4.3, 101.4.4, 101.4.5, 1.1.4.6, and 101.4.7, and substitute the following:

101.4 Referenced Codes.

The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.11 below and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

Building Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island State Building Code, this Part, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Building Code.

Residential Code. The provisions of the Rhode Island State One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, Part 2 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Residential Code.

Plumbing Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island State Plumbing Code, Part 3 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Plumbing Code.

Mechanical Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island State Mechanical Code, Part 4 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Mechanical Code.

Electrical Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island State Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Electrical Code.

Property Maintenance Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island Property Maintenance Code, Part 6 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Property Maintenance Code.

Energy Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island State Energy Code, Part 8 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Energy Conservation Code.

Swimming Pool and Spa Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island State Swimming Pool and Spa Code, Part 14 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

Fuel Gas Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island State Fuel Gas Code, Part 19 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Fuel Gas Code.

Fire Safety Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Fire Code.

Existing Building Code: The provisions of the Rhode Island Existing Building Code (Part of this Subchapter) or Rhode Island State Rehabilitation Code (Part of this Subchapter), shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Existing Building Code.

103Delete IBC section 103 without substitution.  

104.1 through 104.8, Delete IBC sections 104.1 through 104.8 without substitution.

105.3, 105.3.1, 105.3.2, and 105.5, Delete IBC sections 105.3, 105.3.1, 105.3.2, and 105.5 without substitution.

107.1, 107.3.1, 107.3.2, 107.3.4, and 107.3.4.1, Delete IBC sections 107.1, 107.3.1, 107.3.2, 107.3.4, and 107.3.4.1 without substitution.

108.2Delete IBC section 108.2 without substitution.

111.4 Delete IBC section 111.4 without substitution.

113.1, 113.2, and 113.3, Delete IBC sections 113.1, 113.2, and 113.3 without substitution.

114.1, 114.2, and 114.3, Delete IBC sections 114.1, 114.2, and 114.3 without substitution.

115.1, 115.2, and 115.3, Delete IBC sections 115.1, 115.2, and 115.3 without substitution.

116.1, 116.2, 116.3, 116.4, and 116.5, Delete IBC sections 116.1, 116.2, 116.3, 116.4, and 116.5 without substitution.

All other administrative provisions of IBC 2021 shall remain in effect. To the extent that there is an apparent conflict between the provisions of these administrative sections and R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3, the provisions of State law shall prevail.

Chapter 2 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 3 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 4 is adopted with the following changes.

429 Add the following new section:

429 Manufactured Homes.

Manufactured homes are constructed in accordance with the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development Part 3280 Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. Refer to Appendix E of the Rhode Island One and Two-Family Dwelling Code (Part 2 of this Subchapter) for specific provisions regarding permitting, foundation systems, additions, site utility connections and foundation and anchorage details.

430 Add the following new section:

430Modular Construction.

Buildings and structures partially or completely constructed off-site shall be constructed in conformance with this code or the Rhode Island Residential One and Two-Family Code (Part 2 of this Subchapter) as appropriate for the use and occupancy. Inspection, verification, and approval shall be conducted in accordance with procedures issued by the State Building Code Commissioner.

Chapter 5 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 6 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 7 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 8 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 9 is adopted with the following changes.

906 Delete IBC section 906 in its entirety (including 906.1 through 906.10) and substitute the following:

906 Portable Fire Extinguishers

Portable Fire Extinguishers shall be provided in accordance with the Rhode Island State Fire Safety Code.

907 Delete IBC section 907 in its entirety (including 907.1 through 907.8) and substitute the following:

907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

FIRE ALARM AND DETECTION SYSTEMS shall be provided in accordance with the Rhode Island State Fire Safety Code.

915 Delete section 915 in its entirety (including 915.1 through 915.6) and substitute the following:

Section 915 Carbon Monoxide Detection

CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION shall be provided in accordance with the Rhode Island State Fire Safety Code.

Chapter 10 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 11 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 12 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 13 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 14 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 15 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 16 is adopted with the following changes.

1608.2 Delete all Tables and Figures in IBC section 1608.2 "Ground Snow Loads" and substitute the Table below in § 1.4 of this Part.

1609.3 Delete all Tables and Figures in IBC section 1609.3 "
#x200eBasic design wind speed" and substitute the Table below in § 1.4 of this Part.

Chapter 17 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 18 is adopted with the following changes.

1809.5 Delete IBC section 1809.5 and substitute the following:

1809.5 Frost Protection

Except where otherwise protected from frost, foundation walls, piers and other permanent supports of buildings and structures shall be protected by one or more of the following methods:

1.Extending below the frost depth as shown in the Table below in § 1.4 of this Part;

2.Construction in accordance with ASCE 32; or

3.Erecting on solid rock.

Exception: Free-standing buildings meeting all of the following conditions shall not be required to be protected:

1.Classified in Occupancy Category I, in accordance with section 1604.5;

2.Area of two hundred (200) square feet (18.58 m²) or less; and

3.Eave height of ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) or less.

Footings shall not bear on frozen soil unless such frozen condition is of a permanent character.

Chapter 19 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 20 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 21 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 22 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 23 is adopted with the following changes:

2303.11 Add the following exception to IBC section 2303.1.1 Sawn Lumber

Exception to 2303.1.1.1

Use of Native Lumber shall be in accordance with Rhode Island Use of Native Lumber Regulation, Part 18 of this Subchapter.

Chapter 24 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 25 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 26 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 27 is deleted and not adopted as part of the Rhode Island Building Code.

Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part of this Subchapter.

Chapter 28 is deleted and not adopted as part of the Rhode Island Building Code.

Refer to the Rhode Island Mechanical Code, Part 4 of this Subchapter, and Rhode Island Fuel Gas Code, Part 19 of this Subchapter.

Masonry chimneys, fireplaces and barbecues shall comply with the Rhode Island Mechanical Code (Part 4 of this Subchapter) and Chapter 21 of IBC 2021, as adopted above in this Part.

Chapter 29 is deleted and not adopted as part of the Rhode Island Building Code.

Refer to the Rhode Island Plumbing Code, Part 3 of this Subchapter.

Chapter 30 is adopted with the following changes.

3001.1 Delete IBC section 3001.1 and substitute the following:

3001.1 SCOPE

Except as may otherwise be provided by statute, the provisions of this Chapter shall control the design, construction and installation of all special hoisting and conveying equipment hereafter installed, relocated or altered in all buildings or structures. The design, construction, installation, maintenance, relocation and operation of all elevators, dumbwaiters, moving stairways, moving walks, and certain elevating devices used to handle materials only, shall be subject to the Rules and Regulations adopted and enforced by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training, Division of Occupational Safety, Elevator Unit. Portable elevating devices not covered by this Chapter or by the Department of Labor, shall be constructed, operated and maintained in compliance with accepted engineering practice.

Chapter 31 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 32 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 33 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 34 is adopted with no changes.

Chapter 35 is adopted with the following changes:

Add the following General Statement:

The various State of Rhode Island departments and agencies have designated powers to adopt and enforce Regulations impacting new and existing construction. Users of this code are advised to use all available resources to coordinate the design and approval process.

The following Appendices to IBC 2021 are adopted: C, E, F, G, H, and I.

All other IBC 2021 Appendices are deleted.

Appendix G is amended as follows:

FLOOD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

G105.1Add the following section to Appendix G105.1

G105.1.1Notice.

Upon receipt of an application for a variance the State Building Code Commissioner shall forward a copy of said application to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Office, Attention: Statewide Flood-Plain Coordinator.