2.1Authority
A.The Rhode Island One & Two-Family Dwelling 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.
2.2Incorporated Materials
A.The Building Code Standards Committee hereby adopts and incorporates as the Rhode Island One & Two-Family Dwelling Code the provisions of the International Residential Code (IRC), 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.IRC 2021 is protected by the copyright that has been issued to the ICC. IRC 2021 can be viewed and purchased here: https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes/i-codes/2021-icodes.
2.To properly utilize the Rhode Island One & Two-Family Dwelling Code, IRC 2021 must be read jointly with the Building Code requirements in R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 and the amendments to IRC 2021 set forth in the sections of this Regulation, below.
3.Format: These code changes follow numbering sequence and topics of the IRC 2021 (first printing). All provisions of IRC 2021 are retained unless indicated as deleted or amended. Published errata are available from the ICC website.
2.3IRC 2021 is Adopted with the Following Changes
Part I – Administrative
Chapter 1: Scope and Administration
Chapter 1 is adopted with the following changes.
R101.1 Delete and substitute the following:
R101.1 Title.
These provisions shall be known as the Rhode Island One and Two-Family Dwelling Code and will be referred to herein as “this code.”
R101.2 Delete and substitute the following:
R101.2 Scope.
The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy and location of detached one-and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses) not more than three stories in height with a separate means of egress, and their accessory structures.
Exception: Existing one and two-family buildings undergoing a change of use shall comply with the provisions of the State Building Code, Rhode Island Existing Building Code (Part 7 of this Subchapter), or State Rehabilitation Code (Part 20 of this Subchapter) as applicable.
R101.3 Delete and substitute the following:
R101.3 Intent.
The purpose of this code is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.
R102.4 Add the following Rhode Island Code references to the end of IRC section R102.4:
Electrical Code/NFPA 70: 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 (SBC-8), 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 (SBC-14), Part 14 of this Subchapter, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Swimming Pool and Spa 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 7 of this Subchapter) or the State Rehabilitation Code (Part 20 of this Subchapter), as applicable, shall apply wherever referenced in this code as International Existing Building Code.
R105.2 Delete R105.2 and substitute the following:
R105.2 Work exempt from permit.
Exemption from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:
Building:
1.One (1) story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed sixty-four (64) square feet (5.95 m2).
2.Fences not over six feet (6’) (1829 mm) high.
3.Retaining walls that are not over thirty-two inches (32”) in height measured from the lower finished grade to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
a.Exception: All cast-in-place concrete retaining walls greater than twenty-four inches (24”) in height shall require a permit.
4.Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed five thousand (5,000) gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one (2 to 1).
5.Sidewalks and driveways not more than thirty inches (30”) (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
6.Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
7.Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than twenty-four inches (24”) (610 mm) deep, and man-made landscape ponds of any depth.
8.Swings and other playground equipment and play structures.
9.Window awnings supported by an exterior wall.
10.Replacement window sash installations.
Exception: Replacement window installations that include a frame and sash(es) require a permit.
Gas:
Replacement of any minor part or appliance that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
Mechanical:
1.Portable heating appliance.
2.Portable ventilation appliances.
3.Portable cooling unit.
4.Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5.Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
6.Portable evaporative cooler.
7.Self-contained refrigeration systems containing ten (10) pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of one (1) horsepower (746 W) or less.
Plumbing:
The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.
Part II – Definitions
Chapter 2: Definitions
Chapter 2 is adopted with no changes.
Part III – Building Planning and Construction
Chapter 3: Building Planning
Chapter 3 is adopted with the following changes.
R301.2 Delete IRC Table R301.2 and Figures R301.2(1) through R301.2(4) and substitute the Table in § 2.4 of this Part.
R301.2 Delete and substitute the following:
R301.2 Climatic and geographic designs criteria.
Buildings shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions of this code. Additional criteria are established and set forth in Table R301.2(1)
Table R301.2(1) Delete and substitute the following:
Table R301.2(1) |
Ground Snow Load | Wind | Topographic Effects | Seismic Design Criteria |
30psf 1, 2 | See figure R301.2(4) | No | None4 |
|
Weathering | Frost line depth2, 3 | Termite | Decay |
Severe | 40” | Moderate to Heavy | Slight to Moderate |
|
Winter design Temp | Ice Shield Underlayment Required | Flood Hazards | Air Freezing Index | Mean Temperature Annual |
0 degrees F in Prov. County 5 degrees All Other | Yes | Yes (See Community FIRMS) | 1,200-degree Days B.F. | 50 degrees F |
NOTES:
1.Requirements for frost depth footings for accessory attached and detached structures are as follows:
a.Accessory attached structures such as decks, platforms or landings shall have footings extending to three feet and four inches (3’4”) below grade. Exterior stairs and steps off decks, balconies and platforms greater than thirty inches (30”) above grade shall have stringer supports extending to twelve inches (12”) below grade and shall be supported and secured to prevent lateral displacement or vertical collapse due to grade changes. Delete without substitution section 302.13.
R309.5 Delete IRC section R309.5 without substitution.
R310.1 Delete R310.1 and substitute the following:
R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue required.
Basements with habitable space and every sleeping room shall have at least one (1) openable emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door opening for emergency escape and rescue.
Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, emergency egress and rescue openings shall be required in each sleeping room but shall not be required in adjoining areas of the basement.
Where openings are provided as a means of escape and rescue they shall have a sill height of not more than forty-four inches (44”) (1118 mm) above the floor.
Where a door opening having a threshold below the adjacent ground elevation serves as an emergency escape and rescue opening and is provided with a bulkhead enclosure, the bulkhead enclosure shall comply with Section R310.3.
The net clear opening dimensions required by this section shall be obtained by the normal operation of the window or door opening from the inside.
Escape and rescue window openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310.2.
Exception: Basements with habitable space not used for bedrooms shall not require an emergency escape under any one of the following two conditions:
1.Residential sprinkler systems conforming to NFPA 13D or RP 2904 latest edition shall be installed throughout all areas of the basement or cellar, or
2.Fuel-fired equipment shall be separated from the habitable room and means of egress with one (1) hour rated construction and twenty (20) minute rated opening protectives.
R310.8 Add the following new section R310.8:
R310.8 Basement or Cellar Windows:
Except as may be otherwise provided for habitable or occupiable rooms, at least two (2) operable windows twelve inches (12 ”) by thirty-two inches (32”) nominal size shall be installed reasonably remote from each other. Security devices shall not unreasonably impede the use of these windows for light, ventilation or firefighting purposes.
R311.3.1 Delete the only exception to IRC section R311.3 and substitute the following:
R311.3.1 Floor Elevations at the Required Egress Doors
Exception: The landing or floor of the exterior side shall be not more than eight and one quarter inches (8 ¼”) (209.55 mm) below the top of the threshold provided that the door does not swing over the landing or floor.
R311.3.2 Delete IRC section R311.3.2 and substitute the following:
R311.3.2 Floor elevations at other exterior doors
Doors other that the required egress door shall be provided with landings or floors no more than eight and one quarter inches (8 ¼”) (209.55 mm) below the top of the threshold.
Exception: A top landing is not required where a stairway of not more than two (2) risers is located on the exterior side of the door, provided that the door does not swing over the stairway.
R311.6 Delete IRC section R311.6 and substitute the following:
R311.6 Hallways.
The minimum width of a hallway shall be not less than three feet (3’). Baseboard, casings and other trim shall not reduce the required width to less than thirty-four and one half inches (34 1/2”).
R311.7.5.1 Delete IRC section R311.7.5.1 and substitute the following:
R311.7.5.1 Riser height.
The maximum riser height shall be eight and one quarter inches (8 1/4”) (210 mm).
The riser shall be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads.
The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than three eighths of one inch (3/8”) (9.5 mm).
R311.7.5.2 Delete IRC section R311.7.5.2 and substitute the following:
R311.7.5.2 Tread depth.
The minimum tread depth shall be nine inches (9”) (229 mm).
The tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread’s leading edge.
The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than three eighths of one inch (3/8”) (9.5 mm).
Section R313 Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems is deleted without substitution; Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems are governed by the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code. Section R314 Smoke Alarms is deleted without substitution; Fire Alarms are governed by the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code.
Section R315 Carbon Monoxide Alarms is deleted without substitution; Carbon Monoxide Alarms are governed by the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code.
R322.1 Delete IRC section R322.1 and substitute the following:
R322.1 General.
Buildings and structures in flood hazard areas, not designated as coastal A zones or coastal high hazard areas, shall have the lowest floors elevated to or above the base flood elevation, plus one foot (1’) (305 mm), or the design flood elevation, whichever is higher.
R322.2.1 Buildings and structures in flood hazard areas, not designated as coastal A zones or coastal high hazard areas, shall have the lowest floors elevated to or above the base flood elevation, plus one foot (1’), or design flood elevation, whichever is higher.
R322.4 Add the following new section:
R322.4 Variances and Appeals
The Board of Appeals after examining the applicant’s hardships shall approve or disapprove a variance request and shall hear and decide appeals from the requirements of these regulations, in accordance with the procedures of R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-127.1 and -127.1.4 of the Rhode Island State Building Code and the following:
Board of Appeals
The local (or State) Board of Appeals shall hear and decide appeals when it is alleged there is an error in any requirement, decision or determination made by the Building Official in the enforcement or administration of these Regulations.
Conditions of Acceptance:
(1)Variances may be issued for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or restoration of structures listed on the National Register of the State Inventory of Historic Places, without regard to the procedures set forth in this Section.
(2)Variances may be issued for new construction and substantial improvements to be erected on a lot of one half (1/2) acre or less in size contiguous to and surrounded by lots with existing structures constructed below the base flood level in conformance with the procedures of paragraphs (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) and (8) of this Section.
(3)Variances shall only be issued upon a determination that the variance is the minimum necessary, considering the flood hazard, to afford relief.
(4)Variances shall only be issued upon:
1.A showing of good and sufficient cause,
2.A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in exceptional hardship to the applicant, and
3.A determination that the granting of a variance will not result in increased flood heights, additional threats to public safety, extraordinary public expense, create nuisances, cause fraud on or victimization of the public or conflict with existing local laws or ordinances.
(5)Any applicant to whom a variance is granted shall be given notice in the written decision from the Board of Appeals that the structure will be permitted to be built with a lowest floor elevation X foot below the base flood elevation.
(6)The Board of Appeals shall notify the applicant in the written decision that:
The issuance of a variance to construct a structure below the base flood level will result in increased premium rates for flood insurances up to amounts as high as twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for one hundred dollars ($100.00) of insurance coverage and
Such construction below the base flood level increases risks to life and property. Such notification shall be maintained with a record of all variances actions, including justification for their issuance. All such variances issued shall be reported in the community's Annual Report to the Federal Insurance Administration.
(7)Variances shall not be issued by a community within any designated regulatory floodway, if any increase in flood levels during the base discharge would result. (For communities which must meet the requirements of Section 60.3 (d) of the National Flood Insurance Program regulations).
(8)Upon receipt of an application for a variance the Chairman of the Board of Appeals shall forward a copy of the application to the Rhode Island Emergency Management Office, Statewide Flood-Plain Coordinator.
Chapter 4: Foundations
Chapter 4 is adopted with no changes.
Table R401.4.1 Presumptive Load-Bearing Values of Foundation Materials |
Type of Soil | Load Bearing Pressure psf |
Crystalline Bedrock | 12,000-20,000 psf |
Sedimentary and Foliated Rock | 8,000-12,000 psf |
Medium Dense-to-Dense Sandy Gravel and Gravel | 4,000 psf |
Medium Dense-to-Dense well-graded Sand, Silty Sand and Silty Gravel | 3,000 psf |
Firm Fine Sand, Silty Sand and Silty Gravel | 1,500 psf |
Loose Fine Sand, Silty Sand, organic soils, clay and areas suspected at being filled | 1,000 psf |
Chapter 5: Floors
Chapter 5 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 6: Wall Construction
Chapter 6 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 7: Wall Covering
Chapter 7 is adopted with the following changes.
R703.18 Add the following new section:
R703.18 Re-siding Exterior Walls.
Materials and methods of application used for residing or replacing an existing wall covering shall comply with the requirements of section R703. New exterior side wall covering shall not be installed without first removing existing wall coverings when any of the following conditions occur:
1.When the existing wall or wall covering is water-soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing wall or wall covering is not acceptable as a base for additional covering.
2.When the existing wall has three (3) or more applications of any wall covering.
Exception:
The total number of wall coverings shall not be limited when any of the existing wall coverings consist of asbestos cement board or asbestos cement shingles or any protective encapsulating or protective siding/layer immediately over the asbestos material.
Asbestos cement board or asbestos cement shingles and any protective encapsulating layer thereupon shall not be required to be removed unless the existing wall is unacceptable for use as a base for additional layers of wall covering.
Any disturbance, repair or removal of existing asbestos cement board or asbestos cement shingles shall be in accordance with all State and Federal Regulations.
Chapter 8: Roof-Ceiling Construction
Chapter 8 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 9: Roof Assemblies
Chapter 9 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 10: Chimneys and Fireplaces
Chapter 10 is adopted with no changes. Part IV – Energy Efficiency
Chapter 11: Energy Efficiency
Chapter 11 is deleted.
Refer to Rhode Island Energy Conservation Code, Part 8 of this Subchapter.
Part V - Mechanical
Chapter 12: Mechanical Administration
Chapter 12 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 13: General Mechanical System Requirements
Chapter 13 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 14: Heating and Cooling Equipment and Appliances
Chapter 14 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 15: Exhaust Systems
Chapter 15 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 16: Duct Systems
Chapter 16 is adopted with the following changes.
M1601.4.1 Add the following additional exception to IRC section M1601.4.1:
Exceptions:
4.Flexible air ducts shall be permitted to be joined with or without tapes using approved mechanically fastened tension straps or flex-ties installed with a tensioning gun or other similar technologies.
Chapter 17: Combustion Air
Chapter 17 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 18: Chimneys and Vents
Chapter 18 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 19: Special Appliances, Equipment and Systems
Chapter 19 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 20: Boilers and Water Heaters
Chapter 20 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 21: Hydronic Piping
Chapter 21 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 22: Special Piping and Storage Systems
Chapter 22 is adopted with the following changes.
M2201.1 Add the following sentence to the end of IRC section M2201.1 Materials.
Non-metallic storage tanks shall meet the requirements of UL subject 2258 and shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Chapter 23: Solar Thermal Energy Systems
Chapter 23 is adopted with no changes.
Part VI – Fuel Gas
Chapter 24: Fuel Gas
Chapter 24 is adopted with no changes.
Part VII – Plumbing
Chapter 25: Plumbing Administration
Chapter 25 is adopted with the following changes.
P2503.4 Delete IRC section P2503.4 without substitution.
Chapter 26: General Plumbing Requirements
Chapter 26 is adopted with the following changes.
P2603.4 Add the following exception to the end of IRC section P2603.4 “Pipes through footings or foundation walls”:
Exception:
PVC schedule forty (40) minimum pipe shall not be required to be sleeved or be provided with a relieving arch.
P2603.5 Add the following exception to the end of IRC section P2603.5 “Freezing”:
Exception:
Soil and vent stacks located within exterior walls and vent pipes in attics shall not be required to be insulated.
P2603.5.1 Delete section P2603.5.1 and substitute the following:
P2603.5.1Sewer Depth.
Building sewers that connect to private sewage disposal systems shall meet the requirements of the Department of Environmental Management’s Regulations for onsite wastewater treatment systems, 250-RICR-150-05-4 and 250-RICR-150-10 Parts 1 through 8.
Building sewers connecting to a public sewer shall be a minimum of thirty-six inches (36”) below grade.
Chapter 27: Plumbing Fixtures
Chapter 27 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 28: Water Heaters
Chapter 28 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 29: Water Supply and Distribution
Chapter 29 is adopted with the following changes.
P2902.7 Add the following new sections P2902.7, P2902.7.1 through P2902.7.9, and add Table P2902.7.1.
P2902.7 Protection of individual water supplies.
An individual water supply shall be located and constructed so as be safeguarded against contamination in accordance with sections P2902.7.1 through P2902.7.8.
P2902.7.1 Well locations.
A potable ground water source or pump suction line shall not be located closer to potential sources of contamination than the distances shown in Table P2902.7.1. In the event the underlying rock structure is limestone or fragmented shale, the local or State Health Department shall be consulted on well site location. The distances in Table P2902.7.1 constitute minimum separation and shall be increased in areas of creviced rock or limestone, or where the direction of movement of ground water is from sources of contamination toward the well.
TABLE P2902.7.1DISTANCE FROM SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION TO PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES AND PUMP SUCTION LINES
Source of Contamination | Distance (feet) (1 foot=304.8mm) |
Sewer | 50 |
Septic Tank | 50 |
Pasture | 100 |
Sewer (leaded or mechanical joints or approved plastic) | 10 |
Subsurface pits | 100 |
Seepage pits | 100 |
Cesspools | 100 |
Barnyard | 100 |
Farm silo | 25 |
Pump house floor drain of cast iron draining to ground surface | 2 |
P2902.7.2 Elevation.
Well sites shall be positively drained and shall be at higher elevations than potential sources of contamination.
P2902.7.3 Depth.
Private potable well supplies shall not be developed from a water table less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the ground surface.
P2902.7.4 Water-tight casings.
Each well shall be provided with a water-tight casing extending to not less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the ground surface. Casings shall extend not less than six inches (6”) (152 mm) above the well platform. Casings shall be large enough to permit installation of a separate drop pipe. Casings shall be sealed at the bottom in an impermeable stratum or extend several feet into the water-bearing stratum.
P2902.7.5 Drilled or driven well casings.
Drilled or driven well casings shall be of steel or other approved material. Where drilled wells extend into a rock formation, the well casing shall extend to and set firmly in the formation. The annular space between the earth and the outside of the casing shall be filled with cement grout to a depth of not less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the ground surface. In an instance of casing to rock installation, the grout shall extend to the rock surface.
P2902.7.6 Dug or bored well casings.
Dug or bored well casings shall be of water-tight concrete, tile, galvanized or corrugated metal pipe extending to not less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the ground surface. Where the water table is more than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the ground surface, the water-tight casing shall extend below the table surface. Well casings for dug wells or bored wells constructed with sections of concrete, tile, or galvanized or corrugated metal pipe shall be surrounded by six inches (6”) (152 mm) of grout poured into the hole between the outside of the casing and the ground and extending not less than ten feet (10’) (3048 mm) below the ground surface.
P2902.7.7 Cover.
Potable water wells shall be equipped with an overlapping water-tight cover at the top of the well casing or pipe sleeve such that contaminated water or other substances are prevented from entering the well through the annular opening at the top of the well casing, wall or pipe sleeve. Covers shall extend downward not less than two inches (2”) (51 mm) over the outside of the well casing or wall. A dug well cover shall be provided with a pipe sleeve permitting the withdrawal of the pump suction pipe, cylinder or jet body without disturbing the cover. Where pump sections or discharge pipes enter or leave a well through the side of the casing, the circle of contact shall be watertight.
P2902.7.8 Drainage.
Potable water wells and springs shall be constructed such that surface drainage will be diverted away from the well or spring.
P2902.7.9 Private Wells.
For Private wells, forty (40) psi minimum shall be provided at the outlet of any storage tank or pump.
Chapter 30: Sanitary Drainage
Chapter 30 is adopted with the following changes.
P3003.9.2 Delete the exception to IRC section P3003.9.2 without substitution.
P3008.1 Delete IRC section P3008.1 and substitute the following:
P3008.1 Mandatory installation of check valves.
All new residential construction that will connect to a sanitary sewer system and any residential construction where the existing sewer connection will be substantially altered shall have a check valve installed that is automatically activated, on the main building sewer line for purposes of protecting residents from the possible backflow of, and exposure to, untreated sewage.
Chapter 31: Vents
Chapter 31 is adopted with the following changes.
P3103.1.1 Delete IRC section P3103.1.1 and substitute with the following:
P3103.1.1 Roof Extension
Open vent pipes that extend through a roof that do not meet the conditions of IRC sections P3103.1.2 or P3103.1.3 shall terminate not less than 12 inches (304.8 mm) above the roof or 12 inches (304.8 mm) above the anticipated snow accumulation, whichever is greater.
P3103.2 Delete IRC section P3103.2 and substitute the following:
P3103.2 Frost Closure:
Each vent extension through a roof shall have a minimum size of three inches (3”) in Providence County and two inches (2”) in all others. Where this results in an increase in size of the vent extension, the change in diameter shall be made inside the building a minimum of six inches (6") below the roof with an approved fitting.
Chapter 32: Traps
Chapter 32 is adopted with no changes.
Chapter 33: Storm Damage
Chapter 33 is adopted with no changes.
Part VIII - Electrical
Chapter 34: Electrical – General Requirements
Chapter 34 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 35: Electrical Definitions
Chapter 35 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 36: Services
Chapter 36 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 37: Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements
Chapter 37 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 38: Wiring Methods
Chapter 38 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 39: Power and Lighting Distribution
Chapter 39 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 40: Devices and Luminaires
Chapter 40 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 41: Appliance Installation
Chapter 41 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 42: Swimming Pools
Chapter 42 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Chapter 43:Class 2 Remote-Control, Signaling and Power-Limited Circuits
Chapter 43 is deleted.
Refer to the Rhode Island Electrical Code, Part 5 of this Subchapter.
Part IX – Referenced Standards
Chapter 44:Referenced Standards
Chapter 44 is adopted with no changes.
Appendices to IRC 2021
The following Appendices are adopted: AE, AH, AK, AM, AO, AQ, AR, AS and AW.
All other Appendices are deleted.
2.4Rhode Island Snow Load, Wind Speed and Frost Depth Table
Municipality | Ground Snow Load (psf) | Flat Roof Snow Load (psf) | Basic Wind Speed, V (mph) | Frost Depth |
Risk Category I | Risk Category II | Risk Category III | Risk Category IV |
From fig 1609.3(4) | From fig 1609.3(1) | From fig 1609.3(2) | From Fig 1609.3(3) |
Barrington | 30 | 30 | 117 | 127 | 135 | 139 | 3’-4” |
Bristol | 30 | 30 | 118 | 128 | 137 (#) | 140 (*) | 3’-4” |
Burrillville | 40 | 30 | 111 | 121 | 130 | 135 | 3’-4” |
Central Falls | 30 | 30 | 114 | 124 | 133 | 137 | 3’-4” |
Charlestown | 30 | 30 | 121 | 131 (#) | 140 (*) | 143 (*) | 3’-4” |
Coventry | 35 | 30 | 116 | 126 | 135 | 138 | 3’-4” |
Cranston | 30 | 30 | 116 | 126 | 134 (#) | 138 (#) | 3’-4” |
Cumberland | 40 | 30 | 116 | 123 | 131 | 136 | 3’-4” |
East Greenwich | 30 | 30 | 118 | 128 | 136 (#) | 140 (*) | 3’-4” |
East Providence | 30 | 30 | 115 | 126 | 134 (#) | 138 (#) | 3’-4” |
Exeter | 35 | 30 | 118 | 128 | 137 | 140 (*) | 3’-4” |
Foster | 40 | 30 | 112 | 123 | 131 | 135 | 3’-4” |
Glocester | 40 | 30 | 112 | 122 | 135 | 135 | 3’-4” |
Hopkinton | 35 | 30 | 119 | 128 | 137 | 141 (*) | 3’-4” |
Jamestown | 30 | 30 | 108 | 121 | 131 (#) | 139 (#) | 3’-4” |
Johnston | 35 | 30 | 114 | 125 | 133 | 137 | 3’-4” |
Lincoln | 40 | 30 | 113 | 124 | 132 | 136 | 3’-4” |
Little Compton | 30 | 30 | 121 | 131 (#) | 140 (*) | 144 (*) | 3’-4” |
Middletown | 30 | 30 | 121 | 131 (#) | 139 (#) | 143 (*) | 3’-4” |
Narragansett | 30 | 30 | 121 | 131 (#) | 140 (*) | 143 (*) | 3’-4” |
New Shoreham | 25 | 25 | 124 | 134 (#) | 143 (*) | 149 (*) | 2'-6" |
Newport | 30 | 30 | 121 | 131 (#) | 140 (*) | 144 (*) | 3’-4” |
North Kingstown | 30 | 30 | 119 | 129 | 138 (#) | 141 (*) | 3’-4” |
North Providence | 35 | 30 | 114 | 124 | 133 | 137 | 3’-4” |
North Smithfield | 40 | 30 | 112 | 122 | 131 | 135 | 3’-4” |
Pawtucket | 35 | 30 | 114 | 125 | 133 | 137 | 3’-4” |
Portsmouth | 30 | 30 | 120 | 129 | 138 (#) | 142 (*) | 3’-4” |
Providence | 30 | 30 | 115 | 125 | 134 (#) | 138 (#) | 3’-4” |
Richmond | 35 | 30 | 119 | 129 | 137 | 141 (*) | 3’-4” |
Scituate | 35 | 30 | 114 | 132 | 133 | 137 | 3’-4” |
Smithfield | 40 | 30 | 113 | 123 | 131 | 136 | 3’-4” |
South Kingstown | 30 | 30 | 121 | 130 (#) | 139 (#) | 143 (*) | 3’-4” |
Tiverton | 30 | 30 | 119 | 129 | 138 (#) | 142 (*) | 3’-4” |
Warren | 30 | 30 | 114 | 127 | 136 (#) | 140 (*) | 3’-4” |
Warwick | 30 | 30 | 117 | 127 | 136 (#) | 139 (#) | 3’-4” |
West Greenwich | 35 | 30 | 117 | 127 | 135 | 139 | 3’-4” |
West Warwick | 30 | 30 | 116 | 126 | 135 | 139 | 3’-4” |
Westerly | 30 | 30 | 120 | 137 (#) | 138 (#) | 142 (*) | 3’-4” |
Woonsocket | 40 | 30 | 112 | 122 | 130 | 135 | 3’-4” |
Notes: # - Wind-borne Debris Region greater than 130 MPH within a mile of “mean high coastal water line” *- Wind-borne Debris Region In areas where wind speed is 140 mph (63.6 m/s) or greater |
