The Building Code Standards Committee, in accordance with the rulemaking authority of R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-27.3-109.3(a) through (c) inclusive, has formally adopted and promulgated as the Rhode Island State Building Code, the provisions of the International Building Code (IBC), 2018 edition, as published by the International Code Council, Inc. (ICC), together with amendments thereto hereinafter set forth to the articles and sections of this code:

A. The provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 establishing administration and enforcement are hereby incorporated by reference. Chapter 1: Administration immediately follows and is supplemental to the General Laws. Editorial Note: Code users please note:

1. When purchasing or using the IBC 2018 code, please take note of the particular printing edition. Errata to that printing edition is available online directly at no charge at www.iccsafe.org/cs/codes/pages/errata.aspx or call the office of the State Building Code Commissioner at 401-889-5550 for further information.

2. Printed copies of the administrative and enforcement provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 are available at the Office of the State Building Code Commission or online at http://www.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE23/23-27.3/INDEX.HTM

3. The International Building Code, 2018 Edition, is protected by the copyright that has been issued to the ICC. As a result, the State Building Code is not available in complete form to the public in an electronic format. The International Building Code 2018 Edition that is referred to within is contained in a printed volume and is also in an electronic format that have been published by the ICC under an exclusive license.

Delete IBC sections 101.1 Title, 101.2 Scope and 101.2.1 Appendices and substitute the following:

101.1 Title

This Regulation shall be known as SBC-1-2021, the Rhode Island State Building Code, hereinafter referred to as “this code.”

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 SBC-2-2021, The Rhode Island One and Two-Family Dwelling Code.

2. Existing buildings undergoing repair, alterations or additions and changes of occupancy shall comply with the provisions of this code or the State Rehabilitation Code SRC-1-2002, Part 20 of this Subchapter (see R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-106.0).

101.2.1 Appendices

Delete appendices A, B, D, J, and K. Appendices C, E, F, G, H, I apply.

Delete IBC sections 101.4, and 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 Referenced Codes in its entirety and substitute the following:

101.4 Referenced Codes.

The other codes listed in Sections 101.4.1 through 101.4.7 and referenced elsewhere in this code shall be considered part of the requirements of this code to the prescribed extent of each such reference.

101.4.1 Electrical.

The provisions of Rhode Island Electrical Code SBC-5-2021 (Part 5 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the ICC Electrical Code, and shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto.

101.4.2 Gas.

The provisions of the Rhode Island Fuel Gas Code SBC-19-2021 (Part 19 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Fuel Gas Code and shall apply to the installation of gas piping from the point of delivery, gas appliances and related accessories as covered in this code. These requirements apply to gas piping systems extending from the point of delivery to the inlet connections of appliances and the installation and operation of residential and commercial gas appliances and related accessories.

101.4.3 Mechanical.

The provisions of the Rhode Island Mechanical Code SBC-4-2021 (Part 4 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Mechanical Code and shall apply to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of mechanical systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and/or appurtenances, including ventilating, heating, cooling, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, incinerators and other energy-related systems.

101.4.4 Plumbing.

The provisions of Rhode Island Plumbing Code SBC-3-2021 (Part 3 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as the International Plumbing Code, and shall apply to the installation, alteration, repair and replacement of plumbing systems, including equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances, and where connected to a water or sewage system and all aspects of a medical gas system.

101.4.5 Property Maintenance.

The provisions of the Rhode Island State Property Maintenance Code SBC-6-2021 (Part 6 of this Subchapter) Provides requirements for continued use and maintenance buildings and property, and of related plumbing, mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems in existing residential and non-residential structures.

101.4.6 Fire Prevention Code.

The provisions of or references to the International Fire Code 2021 edition shall be cross referenced to the appropriate section of the Rhode Island Fire Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10). The Chapters referencing construction standards will apply to either the Rhode Island Uniform Fire Code Standards {R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-28.01 et seq.} as referenced and amended NFPA 1 and NFPA 101 and those standards will apply when this code references such a section or requirement. These cross-references are not intended to impose any enforcement requirements on State or local fire officials, and any conflicts with the State Fire Safety Codes shall be resolved in favor of the more, restrictive standard, and that standard shall be enforced by the appropriate designated authority having jurisdiction.

101.4.7 Energy.

The provisions of the Rhode Island Energy Code SBC-8-2021 (Part 8 of this Subchapter) shall apply wherever referenced in this code as International Energy Conservation Code and shall apply to all matters governing the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

Any and all such references to the various International Code Council family of codes shall be substituted for the appropriate state code as indicated above.

101.4.8 Swimming Pool and Spa Code

The Provisions of the Rhode Island Swimming Pool and Spa Code SBC-14-2021 (Part 14 of this Subchapter) shall apply whenever the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code is referenced in this code and shall apply to matters governing the design and construction of swimming pools and spas.

Delete IBC sections:

103, 104.1 to 104.8, 105.3, 105.3.1, 105.3.2, 105.5, 107.1, 107.3.1, 107.3.2, 107.3.4, 107.3.4.1, 108.2, 111.4, 113.1, 113.2, 113.3, 114.1, 114.2, 114.3, 115.1, 115.2, 115.3, 116.1, 116.2, 116.3, 116.4, 116.5.

All other Administrative provisions 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. Where other provisions of this code refer to provisions of Chapter 1 Administration, or R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.3 shall apply as appropriate.

Add the following definitions:

"Commissioner" means the State Building Code Commissioner, the Building Official responsible to enforce this code in accordance with the provisions of R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-27.3-108.2.

"Committee" means the Rhode Island Building Code Standards Committee

"Nightclub" means an assembly occupancy in which people congregate in high densities for social entertainment such as drinking and dancing and characterized by some or all of the following unique characteristics:

1. Low lighting levels

2. Entertainment by a live band or recorded music generating above-normal sounds

3. Later-than average operating hours

4. Tables and seating (if any) arranged or positioned so as to create ill-definable aisles

5. Flexible fuel loading

6. A specific area designated for dancing

7. Service facilities for alcoholic beverages and food

8. Potential for consumption of legal or illegal drug use contributing to delayed reaction time to emergency events

9. High occupant load density

10. Movable furnishings

The Building Official shall have the authority to determine whether a proposed use is deemed a nightclub or a restaurant (see also section 903.2.1.2).

Delete IBC section 305.2 Day Care and substitute the following:

305.2 Day Care.

The use of a building or structure, or portion thereof, for educational, supervision or personal care services for more than eight children older than two and one half (2-1/2) years of age, shall be classified as a Group E occupancy.

305.2.2 Eight or fewer children. A facility having eight (8) or fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

305.2.3 Eight or fewer children in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having eight (8) or fewer children receiving such day care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the International Residential Code.

Delete IBC sections 308.2 Group I-1 and substitute the following:

308.2 Group I-1.

This occupancy shall include buildings, structures, or parts thereof housing more than sixteen (16) persons, on a twenty-four (24) hours basis, who because of age, mental disability or other reasons, live in a supervised residential environment that provides personal care services. The occupants are capable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from staff. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Residential board and custodial care facilities

2. Assisted living facilities

3. Halfway houses

4. Group homes

5. Congregate care facilities

6. Social rehabilitation facilities

7. Alcohol and drug centers

8. Convalescent facilities

A facility such as the above with eight (8) or fewer persons shall comply with the International Residential Code in accordance with section 101.2. A facility such as above, housing at least nine (9) and not more than sixteen (16) persons, shall be classified as Group R-4.

308..2.4 Eight or fewer persons receiving care. A facility such as the above with eight (8) or fewer persons receiving such care shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the International Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with section 903.3.1.3 or with section P2904 of the International Residential Code.

308.2.3 Eight to sixteen persons receiving care. A facility such as above, housing not fewer than eight (8) and not more than sixteen (16) persons receiving such care, shall be classified as Group R-4.

Delete IBC section 308.3 Group I-2 and substitute the following:

308. 3 Group I-2.

This occupancy shall include buildings and structures used for medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or custodial care on a twenty-four (24) hour basis of more than eight (8) persons who are not capable of self-preservation. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Child Care Facilities

2. Hospitals

3. Nursing homes (both intermediate-care facilities and skilled nursing facilities)

4. Mental hospitals

5. Detoxification facilities

A facility such as the above with six (6) to eight (8) persons shall be classified as a Use Group R-4.

A facility such as the above with five (5) or fewer persons shall comply with the International Residential Code in accordance with section 101.2.

308.3.2 Eight or fewer persons receiving care. A facility such as the above with eight (8) or fewer persons receiving such care shall be classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the International Residential Code provided an automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with section 903.3.1.3 or with section P2904 of the International Residential Code.

Delete IBC section 308.4.3 Child Care Facility and substitute the following:

308.4.3 Child Care Facility

Facility that provides care on a twenty-four (24) hour basis to more than eight (8) children two and one half (2 ½) years of age or less.

Detoxification Facilities

Facilities that serve patients who are provided treatment for substance abuse on a twenty-four (24) hour basis and who are incapable of self-preservation or who are harmful to themselves or others.

Hospitals and Mental Hospitals

Buildings or portions thereof used on a twenty-four (24) hour basis for the medical, psychiatric, obstetrical or surgical treatment of inpatients who are incapable of self-preservation.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are long-term care facilities on a twenty-four (24) hour basis, including both intermediate care facilities and skilled nursing facilities, serving more than five (5) persons and any of the persons are incapable of self-preservation.

Delete IBC section 308.5 I-4 Day Care Facilities and substitute the following:

308.6 Group I-4, Day Care Facilities.

This group shall include buildings and structures occupied by persons of any age who receive custodial care for less than twenty-four (24) hours by individuals other than parents or guardians, relatives by blood marriage or adoption and in a place other than the home of the person cared for. A facility such as the above with eight (8) or fewer persons shall be classified as a Group R-3 or shall comply with International Residential Code in accordance with section 101.2. Places of worship during religious functions are not included.

Delete IBC Section 308.5.2 Child Care Facility and substitute the following:

308..5 Child Day Care Facility

A facility that provides supervision and personal care on less than a twenty-four (24) hour basis for more than eight (8) children two and one half (2-1/2) years of age or less shall be classified as Group I-4.

Exception: A child day care facility that provides care for more than eight (8) but no more than one hundred (100) children two and one half (2-1/2) years or less of age, when the rooms where such children are cared for are located on the level of exit discharge and each of these child care rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior, shall be classified as Group E.

308..5.1 Classification as Group E. A child day care facility that provides care for more than eight (8) but no more than one hundred (100) children two and one half (2½) years or less of age, where the rooms in which the children are cared for are located on a level of exit discharge serving such rooms and each of these child care rooms has an exit door directly to the exterior, shall be classified as Group E.

308.5.3 Eight or fewer persons receiving care. A facility having eight (8) or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as part of the primary occupancy.

308.5.4 Eight or fewer persons receiving care in a dwelling unit. A facility such as the above within a dwelling unit and having eight (8) or fewer persons receiving custodial care shall be classified as a Group R-3 occupancy or shall comply with the International Residential Code.

Delete IBC section 310.4 Residential Group R-3 and 310.5 R-4 and substitute the following:

310.4 R-3 Residential occupancies where the occupants are primarily permanent in nature and not classified as R-1, R-2, R-4 or I and where buildings do not contain more than two dwelling units as applicable in section 101.2, or adult and child care facilities that provide accommodations for eight (8) or fewer persons of any age for less than twenty-four (24) hours. Adult and child care facilities that are within a single-family home are permitted to comply with the International Residential Code in accordance with section 101.2.

310.5 R-4 Residential occupancies shall include buildings arranged for occupancy as residential care/assisted living facilities including more than eight (8) but not more than sixteen (16) occupants, excluding staff.

Group R-4 occupancies shall meet the requirements for construction as defined for Group R-3 except as otherwise provided for in this code or shall comply with the International Residential Code in accordance with section 101.2.

Group R-4 occupancies shall meet the requirements for construction as defined for Group R-3 except as otherwise provided for in this code or shall comply with the International Residential Code in accordance with section 101.2.

Delete IBC section 310.2 Definition of Residential Care/Assisted Living Facilities and substitute the following: 310.1.1 Definition

RESIDENTIAL CARE/ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES.

A building or part thereof housing a maximum of sixteen (16) persons, on a twenty-four (24) hour basis, who because of age, mental disability or other reasons live in a supervised residential environment which provides personal care services. The occupants are capable of responding to an emergency situation without physical assistance from staff. This classification shall include, but not be limited to, the following: residential board and care facilities, assisted living facilities, halfway houses, group homes, congregate care facilities, social rehabilitation facilities, alcohol and drug abuse centers and convalescent facilities. Residential care/assisted living facilities housing more than sixteen (16) persons shall be classified as a Group I-1.

Add the following sections to IBC section 401 Scope:

401.2 Fire Alarm Systems.

The requirements herein prescribed for the design, operation and installation of fire alarm systems, detection devices, suppression systems, communications systems, etc. shall be construed as supplemental to any applicable provisions of Rhode Island State Fire Safety Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10).

401.3 Fire Prevention Code.

The provisions of the International Fire Code 2019 Edition shall apply when this code directly references a section or requirement. These cross-references are not intended to impose any enforcement requirements on State and local fire officials, and any conflicts with the State Fire Safety Codes shall be resolved in favor of the stricter standard, and that standard shall be enforced by the appropriate designated authority having jurisdiction.

Add the following new sections:

IBC section 429 Manufactured Homes

429.1 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 SBC2-2021 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.

IBC section 430 Modular Construction

430.1 Modular Construction.

Buildings and structures partially or completely constructed off-site shall be constructed in conformance with this code or SBC-2-2021 the Rhode Island Residential One and Two-Family Code (Part 2 of this Subchapter) as appropriate for the use and occupancy. Manufacturers shall be registered with the Interstate Industrialized Building Commission (IIBC) and submit for approvals and permits in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 23-27.4 and IIBC Compact Regulations.

Reserved

Add the following section to IBC section 901 General.

901.8 Other Codes.

Provisions governing where fire protection systems are required are also contained in the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code. The most restrictive provision of each code shall apply.

Delete IBC section 903.2.1.2 Group A-2 and substitute the following:

903.2.1.2 Group A-2.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group A-2 occupancies where one (1) of the following conditions exists:

1. The fire area exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet (464.5m²)

2. The fire area has an occupant load of three hundred (300) or more.

3. The fire area is located on a floor other than the level of exit discharge.

4. Nightclubs with an occupancy load in a single fire area of more than one hundred fifty (150) occupants (see also § 1.4 of this Part).

Delete IBC section 903.2.3 Group E and substitute the following:

[F] 903.2.3 Group E.

An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for Group E occupancies as follows:

1. Throughout all Group E fire areas greater than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet (1115 m²) in area.

2. Throughout every portion of educational buildings below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that portion of the building.

Exception: An automatic sprinkler system is not required in any area below the lowest level of exit discharge serving that area where every classroom throughout the building has at least one (1) exterior exit door at ground level.

IBC section 903.3.1.1.1 Exempt Locations 1-4. Add the following paragraph five (5)

5. In passenger elevator shafts, pits and mechanical rooms. If provided, the installation shall meet all requirements of this code, NFPA 13, the Rhode Island Fire Safety Code (450-RICR-00-00-1 through 10) and the Rhode Island Elevator Code (260-RICR-30-10-1).

Delete IBC section 906 in its entirety and substitute the following:

IBC section 906 Portable Fire Extinguishers

906.1 General.

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

Delete IBC section 907 in its entirety and substitute the following:

IBC section 907 Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

907.1 General.

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

Delete section 915 and substitute the following

Section 915 Carbon Monoxide Detection

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

Delete IBC section 1010.1.4.4 and substitute the following:

1010.1.4.4 Locking Arrangements in Educational Occupancies

In group E and Group B educational occupancies egress doors in classrooms, offices and other occupied rooms shall be permitted to be provided with locking arrangements designed to keep intruders from entering the room where such arrangements are in full compliance with the Rhode Island Fire Code.

Add the following definition to IBC section 1102.1.

CHILDREN:

Students in classes ranging from pre-kindergarten to sixth (6^th) grade. All other students are considered adults for the purposes of this Chapter.

Add the following section 1112 Children’s’ Features

Section 1112.0 Children’s Features

1112.1 Children’s Water Closets:

Where provided, at least one (1) shall comply with the following:

1. Clear floor space: Clear floor space for water closets shall comply with ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009-604.3.1. Clear floor space shall be permitted to be arranged to allow either a left-handed or right-handed approach.

2. Location: The centerline of the water closet shall be located eleven inches (11”) (11” = 279 mm) from the nearest side wall for pre-kindergarten; eleven to fifteen inches (11” to 15”) (11” to 15” = 279 mm to 381 mm) for kindergarten to the third (3^rd) grade and fifteen to eighteen inches (15” to 18”) (15” to 18” = 381 mm to 457 mm) for fourth (4^th) grade to sixth (6^th) grade. The water closet shall also be located forty-two inches (42”) (42” = 1067mm) from the centerline of the water closet to the opposite wall or closest edge of next fixture.

3. Height: Water closets shall be set at a height measured from the floor to the top of the seat as follows:

4. Flush Controls: Controls for flush valves on water closets used by children shall be mounted on the wide side of water closet within twenty to thirty inches (20” to 30”) (20” to 30” = 508 mm to 762 mm) above the floor.

5. Toilet paper dispensers: Toilet paper dispensers used by children shall be centered above finished floor, as follows:

1112.2 Children’s Grab Bars

1112.2.1

The water closet shall have two grab bars, forty-two inches (42”) (42” = 1067 mm) long, one mounted on the wall in back of the water closet and one on the side wall closest to the water closet and located no more than six inches (6”) (6” = 152 mm) from the interior corner where a tank prevents location of the rear grab bar, a bar may be installed three inches (3”) (3” = 76 mm) above the tank. Where a flushometer prevents the location of a forty-two inch (42”) (42” = 1067 mm) rear grab bar, one grab bar, thirty-six inches (36”) (36” = 914 mm) shall be installed to the side of the flushometer, located three inches (3”) (3” = 76 mm) from the closest edge of the flushometer.

1112.2.2 Height:

A grab bar shall be mounted from the floor to the top of the grab bar as follows:

1112.2.3 Thickness:

The outside diameter of grab bars shall be as follows:

1112.3 Children’s Sink

Where provided at least one (1) sink including vanities shall comply with the following:

1112.3.1 Clear floor space:

A clear floor space complying with ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009-606.2 be provided in front of a sink to allow a forward approach. The clear floor space shall be on an accessible route and shall extend no more than a maximum of nineteen inches (19”)(19” = 483 mm) underneath the sink.

1112.3.2 Height:

Sinks shall be mounted with the rim no higher than thirty inches (30”) (30” = 762 mm) above the finish floor. A clearance of at least twenty-five inches (25”) (25” = 635 mm) above the finish floor to the bottom of the apron shall be provided. Knee and toe clearance shall be at least thirty inches (30”) (30” = 762 mm) wide and nineteen inches (19”) (19” = 483 mm) deep.

1112.3.3 Piping:

Sink traps and drains shall be located as close to rear walls as possible. Hot water and drainpipes exposed under sinks shall be recessed, insulated, or guarded. There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under sinks.

1112.3.4 Faucets:

Faucets shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. Lever-operated push-type, touch-type, or electronically controlled mechanisms are acceptable designs. If self-closing valves are used, the faucet shall remain open for at least ten (10) seconds.

1112.4 Children’s Urinals

1112.4.1 Urinals:

Where one (1) or more urinal is provided, at least one (1) urinal shall be accessible.

1112.4.2 Height:

The accessible urinal shall be stall-type or wall-hung with an elongated rim at a maximum of fifteen inches (15”) (15” = 381 mm) above the finish floor.

1112.4.3 Flush Controls:

Flush controls shall be a hand operated or automatic and shall be mounted no more than thirty inches (30”) (30” = 762 mm) above the flush floor.

1112.5 Children’s Mirror.

The top of any shelf and or bottom of any mirror which is provided above a sink shall be set with the bottom edge of the reflecting surface no higher than thirty-one inches (31”) (31” = 787 mm) above the finish floor.

Children’s Dispensers:

Towel dispensers, drying devices, or other types of devices and dispensers shall have at least one of each device mounted within the zone of reach, and at least one (1) of each device shall be located within reach of a person using the accessible sink.

1112.7 Children’s Controls and Receptacles.

If controls, receptacles, or other equipment are provided, then at least one (1) of each shall be mounted no higher than thirty-six inches (36”) (36” = 914 mm) above the floor to the centerline of the operable portion of the control.

Delete in its entirety and substitute the following:

1301.1 Scope.

This Chapter governs the design and construction of buildings for energy efficiency.

1301. Criteria.

Buildings shall be designed in accordance with the Rhode Island Energy Code SBC 8-2021 (Part 8 of this Subchapter).

Add the following new subsection to IBC section 1404.1 General:

1404.1.1 Re-siding Exterior Walls.

Materials and methods of application used for re-siding or replacing an existing wall covering shall comply with the requirements of this section. 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 consists of asbestos cement board or asbestos cement shingles or any protective encapsulating or protective siding/layer immediately over the asbestos material.

3. 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.

4. Any disturbance, repair or removal of existing asbestos cement board or asbestos cement shingles shall be in accordance with all State and Federal Regulations.

Delete IBC section 1406.3 exceptions 3 and 4 and substitute as follows:

1406.3 Balconies and similar projections.

Balconies and similar projections of combustible construction, other than fire-retardant-treated wood, shall afford the fire-resistance rating required by Table 601 for floor construction or shall be of Type IV construction as described in section 602.4, and the aggregate length shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the building perimeter on each floor.

Exceptions:

1. On buildings of Types I and II construction, three (3) stories or less in height, fire-retardant-treated wood shall be permitted for balconies, porches, decks, and exterior stairways not used as required exits.

2. Untreated wood is permitted for pickets and rails, or similar guardrail devices that are limited to forty-two inches (42”) (42” = 1067 mm) in height.

3. Construction Types 3A and 5A are not required to meet the provisions of this section.

4. If the balcony is subject to deterioration as specified in section 2304.11.5, the provisions of 2304.11.2 shall prevail in lieu of this section’s fire resistance requirements for Types 3, 4 and 5 constructions.

Delete IBC section 1507.2.6 attachment and substitute the following:

1507.2.6 Attachment.

Asphalt strip shingles shall have a minimum of six (6) fasteners per shingle strip.

Exceptions:

1. Where the roof slope exceeds twenty (20) units vertical in twelve (12) units horizontal (20:12), special fastening details may be required by the manufacturer.

2. Fastening systems tested by the manufacturer to one hundred ten (110) MPH shall be permitted to be installed in any wind zone.

Delete IBC section 1608.1 General and substitute the following:

1608.1 General.

Design snow loads shall be determined in accordance with section 7 of ASCE 7 using the ground snow load values determined by Table 1608.1, but the minimum flat roof snow load shall be not less than that determined by Table 1608.1. The design roof load shall not be less than that determined by section 1607.

Delete IBC section 1608.2 Ground Snow Load.

Add the following to IBC section 1608 Snow Loads.

1608.2 Structural Loads.

When a new building is to be constructed or an existing building extended to a greater height than an existing adjoining building, a determination of structural integrity of the roof of the adjoining building shall be made regarding the snow loads in accordance with section 1608.0 SNOW LOADS. The person intending to cause the construction or building height extension shall deliver written notice of intent to the owner of the potentially affected building. The notice shall request license to enter the potentially affected building to inspect and determine the existing building's capacity to sustain additional imposed snow drift load. The person causing such construction shall be liable and shall at their own expense preserve, protect and, if necessary, reconstruct those portions of the adjacent building affected by this construction. If the owner of the adjacent building refuses to allow inspection, protection or reconstruction as may be required, the person causing such new construction or building height extension shall notify, in writing, both the Building Official and the owner of the adjacent property. Such notification shall identify that the responsibility of providing inspection, protection or reconstruction to the adjacent building has become the exclusive responsibility of the owner of the adjacent property.

1609.3 Basic Wind Speed.

The basic wind speed, in mph, shall be determined by Table 1608.1.

Delete all IBC Figures 1609 and substitute Rhode Island Wind Speed Map Figure 1609 and Figure 1609 (A), and Rhode Island frost protection Figure 1609 (B)

XWB, XWB1, and WXW2 – No longer wind borne debris regions.

WB1 = 130 – 139 mph

WB2 = 140 mph and above

Delete IBC section 1613.3.1 and substitute the following:

1613.3.1 Acceleration parameters.

The parameters S_S and S₁ for each Rhode Island community are given in Table 1608.1.