2018 IRC Update Publication for PA

This publication is being provided as a public service by the Pennsylvania Construction Codes Academy.

Properly applying and enforcing adopted building codes in Pennsylvania can be quite challenging, especially the International Residential Building Code.

To address this challenge, the enclosed publication is designed to help the reader clearly understand how to properly apply and enforce the 2018 International Residential Code in Pennsylvania.

The IRC code book cannot be read and enforced “as is”.  There are MANY changes that have been made that delete or modify numerous sections of the 2018 International Residential Code – based on decisions of the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council, as well as numerous legislative exclusions and exemptions that are incorporated into the Uniform Construction Code based on bills passed by the state legislature and signed into law by governors back to 2001.

We hope this publication helps to make your job enforcing the 2018 IRC less confusing and more effective. 

It is designed to help the reader clearly understand how to properly apply and enforce the 2018 International Residential Code in Pennsylvania.

The IRC code book cannot be read and enforced “as is”.  There are MANY changes that have been made that delete or modify numerous sections of the 2018 International Residential Code – based on decisions of the Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council, as well as numerous legislative exclusions and exemptions that are incorporated into the Uniform Construction Code based on bills passed by the state legislature and signed into law by governors back to 2001.

The 2018 International Residential Code was adopted by regulation on February 14, 2022 and took effect immediately, unless a permit applicant produces a contract for design or construction, signed before February 14th and submitted with a permit application no later than 6 months after the date of adoption of the regulations.

The content in this publication is based on the assumption that the 2018 International Residential Code is adopted, as printed, unless a change is noted in this publication.

Changes will include:

• Legislative exclusions and exemptions
• Permit exemptions from Section 403.62 of the UCC Administrative and Enforcement Regulations
• Decisions of the UCC Review and Advisory Council:
  
  • To not adopt certain provisions in the 2018 IRC and not provide an alternative provision
  • To modify provisions in the 2018 IRC
  • To replace language in the 2018 IRC with language from the 2015 IRC
  • To replace language in the 2018 IRC with language from the 2009 IRC
  • To replace language in the 2018 IRC with language from the 2021 IRC
  • To replace language in the 2018 IRC with modifications to the 2015 IRC

General exclusion (deletion of all references to residential alterations and repairs)

As a result of Act 92 of 2004, incorporated into the regulations at 403.1 (b) 8 and 403.1. (b)9 , all repairs and alterations to an existing residential dwelling are excluded from the uniform construction code – the residential code does not apply to such provisions, unless a municipality has a lawfully adopted ordinance that would require permits, inspections and compliance for some or all residential alterations and repairs.

The exclusion does not apply to structural alterations.

Recognized religious sect exclusion

For single family dwellings of members of recognized religious sects who have obtained an exclusion from the building code official:

            Plumbing provisions are excluded

            Electrical provisions are excluded

Lumber and wood provisions are excluded (but not related to pressure treated lumber)

Delete all references to LP or propane gas in Chapter 24 Fuel Gas. 

All aspects of LP and Propane Gas installations in Pennsylvania are superseded by the Pennsylvania Propane and LP Gas Act.  No municipality may regulate any aspect of LP or Propane Gas installations.

R101.2 Scope

Delete reference to “alteration” and “repair” – Act 92 exclusion

R102.7.1 Additions, alteration or repairs

Delete references to “alterations” and “repairs” – Act 92 exclusion

R105.1 Permits Required

            Delete references to “alterations and repairs” – Act 92 exclusion

R105.2 Work exempt from permit

 Changes based on Administrative and Enforcement regulations found at 403.62

Building 1 - Detached private garages, greenhouses, carports and sheds less than 1000 square feet in building area and 3 stories or less in height, accessory to single family dwellings are excluded from all requirements in the 2018 IRC

Building 2 -Fences 6 feet or less are exempt from permit, not 7 as stated in the IRC.

Building 10 – Decks less than 30” above grade around the entire perimeter and that have no roof or covering are exempt from compliance with the UCC and IRC.

Plumbing 1 – Delete completely – Act 92 exclusion

Plumbing 2 – Delete completely – Act 92 exclusion

R105.2.1 Emergency Repairs

            Delete subsection – Act 92 exclusion

R105.2.2 Repairs

            Delete subsection – Act 92 exclusion

 

R302.5.1 Opening Protection [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this section from the 2009 IRC]:

• Openings from a private garage directly into a room used for sleeping purposes shall not be permitted.
• Other openings between the garage and residence shall be equipped with solid wood doors not less than 1-3/8 inches (35 mm) in thickness, solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1-3/8 inches (35 mm) thick, or 20-minute fire-rated doors
• (No requirement in 2009 IRC for self-closing door)

 

R302.13 Fire Protection of Floors [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with the prescriptive language found in Act 1 of 2011]:

901(h) Fire protection of floors. --

(1)  Except as set forth in paragraph (2), a floor assembly not required in the International Residential Code, or its successor building code, to be fire-resistance rated shall be provided with a 1/2-inch gypsum wallboard membrane, 5/8-inch wood structural panel membrane, or equivalent, on the underside of the floor framing member.

(2)  Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any of the following:

(i)  A floor assembly located directly over a space protected by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with section P2904, NFPA13D or other equivalent sprinkler system approved by a municipal code official.

(ii)  A floor assembly located directly over a crawl space not intended for storage or fuel-fired appliances.

(iii)  A portion of a floor assembly which complies with all of the following:

(A)  The aggregate area of the unprotected portions shall not exceed 80 square feet per story.

(B)  Fire blocking in accordance with section R302.11.1 shall be installed along the perimeter of the unprotected portion to separate the unprotected portion from the remainder of the floor assembly.

(iv)  A wood floor assembly using dimension lumber or structural composite lumber equal to or greater than two-inch by ten-inch nominal dimension or a floor assembly approved by a municipal code official demonstrating equivalent fire performance.

((h) added April 25, 2011, P.L.1, No.1)

 

Replace the following sections in the 2018 IRC and replace them with these prescriptive requirements found at 403.21 (a)(7) (A-F) in Chapter 403 of the UCC regulations, based on Act 13 of 2004 amending the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act:

Delete this portion of Section R311.7.2 Headroom

The headroom in stairways shall be not less than 6 feet 8 inches measured vertically

 

from the sloped line adjoining the tread nosing or from the floor surface of the landing or platform on that portion of the stairway.

AND

Delete this portion of Section R311.7.1 Width

Stairways shall be not less than 36 inches in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height.

Replace with:

Stairways may not be less than 3 feet in clear width and clear headroom of 6 feet 8 inches shall be maintained for the entire run of the stair

Delete this portion of section R311.7.5.1

The riser height shall be not more than 73/4 inches (196 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 3/8 inch

            Replace with:

The maximum riser height is 8 1/4 inches. There may be no more than a 3/8-inch variation in riser height within a flight of stairs. The riser height is to be measured vertically between leading edges of the adjacent treads.

Delete this portion of Section R311.7.5.2

The tread depth shall be not less than 10 inches). 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 3/8 inch

Replace with:

The minimum tread depth is 9 inches measured from tread nosing to tread nosing.  The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs may not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch.

       (D)   Treads may have a uniform projection of not more than 1 1/2 inches when solid risers are used.

       (E)   .

Delete this portion of Section R311.7.8.2        

Handrails shall not project more than 41/2 inches on either side of the stairway.

Replace with:

 

Handrails may project from each side of a stairway a distance of 3 1/2 inches into the required width of the stair

Section R311.7.4 Walk Line

The PA UCC RAC amended this section by ADDING Figure R311.7.4 for clarification

 

 

R313.2 One- And Two-Family Dwellings Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with the prescriptive language in Act 1 of 2011]:

 

901(g) Automatic fire sprinkler systems in one-family and two-family dwellings. --

 

(1)  Section R313.2 (relating to one- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems) of the International Residential Code (2009 edition), and any successor triennial revisions, is excluded from this act and shall not be part of Chapter 3.

 

 

Section R314.4 Interconnection of Smoke Alarms [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this section from the 2015 IRC, along with the exception which is as a result of a PA Legislative Amendment]:

 

• Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in accordance with Section R314.3, the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual dwelling unit.

 

• Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm.

 

• The provisions of R 314.4 requiring interconnected smoke alarms shall not apply to one-family and two-family dwellings undergoing alterations, repairs or additions. Non-interconnected battery operated smoke alarms shall be installed in these dwellings.
•  

Section R325.5 Mezzanines (Openness)

The PA UCC RAC amended this section by eliminating Exception #2, crossed out:

 

 

Section R325.6 Habitable Attics

The PA UCC RAC amended this section by eliminating Item #4, crossed out:

• A habitable attic shall not be considered a story where complying with all of the following requirements:

 

1. The occupiable floor area is not less than 70 square feet (17 m2), in accordance with Section R304.

 

2. The occupiable floor area has a ceiling height in accordance with Section R305.

 

3. The occupiable space is enclosed by the roof assembly above, knee walls (if applicable) on the sides and the floor-ceiling assembly below.

4. The floor of the occupiable space shall not extend beyond the exterior walls of the floor below.

 

Section R408.3 Unvented Crawl Spaces

The PA UCC RAC amended this section by eliminating Item 2.4 and replacing it with a new section 2.4:

• Ventilation openings in under-floor spaces specified in Sections R408.1 and R408.2 shall not be required where the following items are provided:

 

• • • 1. Exposed earth is covered with a continuous Class I vapor retarder. Joints of the vapor retarder shall overlap by 6 inches (152 mm) and shall be sealed or taped. The edges of the vapor retarder shall extend not less than 6 inches (152 mm) up the stem wall and shall be attached and sealed to the stem wall or insulation.
• • • 2. One of the following is provided for the under-floor space:

 

• • • • 2.1. Continuously operated mechanical exhaust ventilation at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of crawl space floor area, including an air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille), and perimeter walls insulated in accordance with Section N1102.2.11 of this code.

 

• • • • 2.2. Conditioned air supply sized to deliver at a rate equal to 1 cubic foot per minute (0.47 L/s) for each 50 square feet (4.7 m2) of under-floor area, including a return air pathway to the common area (such as a duct or transfer grille), and perimeter walls insulated in accordance with Section N1102.2.11 of this code.

 

• • 2.3. Plenum in existing structures complying with Section M1601.5, if under-floor space is used as a plenum.

 

• • 2.4 Dehumidification sized to provide 70 pints (33 liters) of moisture removal per day for every 1,000 square feet (93 m2) of crawl space floor area.

 

• Replace 2.4 with:  2.4. Dehumidification sized in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

 

Sections R602.10- 602.10.10.3 of the 2018 IRC in their entirety have been replaced:

Act 1 of 2011 legislatively amended Section 901 (i) of Act 45 of 1999 PA Construction Code Act

1. Wall bracing requirements. --Sections R602.10 through R602.12.1.6 of the 2009 International Residential Code, or its successor provisions, are excluded from the Uniform Construction Code. The wall bracing requirements of sections R602.10 through R602.11.3 of the 2006 International Residential Code shall be part of the Uniform Construction Code.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

• R702.7.3 Vented Cladding

 

• • PA UCC RAC modified this section by adding a comma that was neglected in the publication of the IRC

 

• • Inserted a comma between the words “vinyl” and “polypropylene”:

 

• • For the purposes of this section, vented cladding shall include the following minimum clear airspaces. Other openings with the equivalent vent area shall be permitted.
  • Vinyl, polypropylene or horizontal aluminum siding applied over a weather-resistive barrier as specified in Table R703.3(1).
  • Brick veneer with a clear airspace as specified in Table R703.8.4.
  • Other approved vented claddings.

 

R703.7 Exterior plaster (stucco) [Delete this section from the 2018 IRC and replace it with the following section from the 2021 IRC]:

R703.7 Exterior plaster (stucco)

• Installation of exterior plaster shall be in compliance with ASTM C926-2018B, ASTM C1063-2018B and the provisions of this code.

R703.7.1 Lath [Delete this section from the 2018 IRC and replace it with the following section from the 2021 IRC]:

• Lath and lath attachments shall be of corrosion-resistant materials in accordance with ASTM C1063-2018B. Expanded metal, welded wire, or woven wire lath shall be attached to wood framing members or furring. Where the exterior plaster is serving as wall bracing in accordance with Table R602.10.4, the lath shall be attached directly to framing. The lath shall be attached with 1-1/2-inch-long, 11-gage nails having a 7/16 -inch head, or 7/8 -inch-long, 16-gage staples, spaced not more than 7 inches on center along framing members or furring and not more than 24 inches on center between framing members or furring, or as otherwise approved.
• Additional fastening between wood framing members shall not be prohibited. Lath attachments to cold-formed steel framing or to masonry, stone, or concrete substrates shall be in accordance with ASTM C1063-2018B. Where lath is installed directly over foam sheathing, lath connections shall also be in accordance with Section R703.15, R703.16 or R703.17. Where lath is attached to furring installed over foam sheathing, the furring connections shall be in accordance with Section R703.15, R703.16 or R703.17.
  
  • Exception: Lath is not required over masonry, cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete or stone substrates prepared in accordance with ASTM C1063-2018B.
• 703.7.1.1 Furring. Where provided, furring shall consist of wood furring strips not less than 1 inch by 2 inches (25 mm by 51 mm), minimum 3/4-inch (19 mm) metal channels, or self-furring lath, and shall be installed in accordance with ASTM C1063-2018B. Furring shall be spaced not greater than 24 inches (600 mm) on center and, where installed over wood or cold-formed steel framing, shall be fastened into framing members.

 

 

R703.7.2 Plaster [Delete this section from the 2018 IRC and replace it with the following section from the 2021 IRC]:

• Plastering with cement plaster shall be in accordance with ASTM C926-2018B. Cement materials shall be in accordance with one of the following:
   

1. Masonry cement conforming to ASTM C91-2018A, Type M, S or N.

2. Portland cement conforming to ASTM C150-2018, Type I, II or III.

3. Blended hydraulic cement conforming to ASTM C595-2018, Type IP, IS (< 70), IL, or IT (S < 70).

4. Hydraulic cement conforming to ASTM C1157-11, Type GU, HE, MS,
    HS or MH.

5. Plastic (stucco) cement conforming to ASTM C1328-12.

 

• Plaster shall be not less than three coats where applied over metal lath or wire lath and shall be not less than two coats where applied over masonry, concrete, pressure preservative-treated wood or decay-resistant wood as specified in Section R317.1 or gypsum backing. If the plaster surface is completely covered by veneer or other facing material or is completely concealed, plaster application need be only two coats, provided the total thickness is as set forth in Table R702.1(1).

 

• On wood-frame construction with an on-grade floor slab system, exterior plaster shall be applied to cover, but not extend below, lath, paper and screed.
• The proportion of aggregate to cementitious materials shall be as set forth in Table R702.1(3).

R703.7.3 Water Resistive Barriers [Delete this section from the 2018 IRC and replace it with the following section from the 2021 IRC]:

R703.7.3 Water-resistive barriers

• Water-resistive barriers shall be installed as required in Section R703.2 and, where applied over wood-based sheathing, shall comply with Section R703.7.3.1 or R703.7.3.2.

R703.7.3.1 Dry climates

• In Dry (B) climate zones indicated in Figure N1101.7, water-resistive barriers shall comply with one of the following: (there are no dry climate zones in Pennsylvania)

 

 

 

 

 

• 1. The water-resistive barrier shall be two layers of 10-minute Grade D paper or have a water resistance equal to or greater than two layers of a water-resistive barrier complying with ASTM E2556-10, Type I. The individual layers shall be installed independently such that each layer provides a separate continuous plane. Flashing installed in accordance with Section R703.4 and intended to drain to the water-resistive barrier shall be directed between the layers.

• 2. The water-resistive barrier shall be 60-minute Grade D paper or have a water resistance equal to or greater than one layer of a water-resistive barrier complying with ASTM E2556-10, Type II. The water-resistive barrier shall be separated from the stucco by a layer of foam plastic insulating sheathing or other non-water-absorbing layer, or a designed drainage space.

R703.7.3.2 Moist or marine climates

• In the Moist (A) or Marine (C) climate zones indicated in Figure N1101.7, water-resistive barriers shall comply with one of the following: (Pennsylvania is a moist climate zone)

 

• 1. In addition to complying with Section R703.7.3.1, a space or drainage material not less than 3/16 inch (5 mm) in depth shall be added to the exterior side of the water-resistive barrier.

 

• 2. In addition to complying with Section R703.7.3.1, Item 2, drainage on the exterior of the water-resistive barrier shall have a drainage efficiency of not less than 90 percent, as measured in accordance with ASTM E2273-2018 or Annex A2 of ASTM E2925-17.

 

R806.1 Ventilation required.

 

• The PA UCC RAC amended this section as reflected by the words crossed out:
• Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters shall have cross ventilation for each separate space by ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain or snow. Ventilation openings shall have a least dimension of 1/16 inch minimum and 1/4-inch maximum. Ventilation openings having a least dimension larger than 1/4 inch shall be provided with corrosion-resistant wire cloth screening, hardware cloth, perforated vinyl or similar material with openings having a least dimension of 1/16 inch minimum and 1/4-inch maximum.
• Openings in roof framing members shall conform to the requirements of Section R802.7. Required ventilation openings shall open directly to the outside air. and shall be protected to prevent the entry of birds, rodents, snakes and other similar creatures.

 

R806.2 Minimum Vent Area [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this section from the 2015 IRC]:

 

• Exception: The minimum net free ventilation area shall be 1/300 of the vented space provided one or more of the following conditions are met:

 

1. 1. In Climate Zones 6, 7 and 8, a Class I or II vapor retarder is installed on the warm-in-winter side of the ceiling.

 

1. 2. Not less than 40 percent and not more than 50 percent of the required ventilating area is provided by ventilators located in the upper portion of the attic or rafter space. Upper ventilators shall be located not more than 3 feet below the ridge or highest point of the space, measured vertically, with the balance of the required ventilation provided by eave or cornice vents. Where the location of wall or roof framing members conflicts with the installation of upper ventilators, installation more than 3 feet below the ridge or highest point of the space shall be permitted.

 

(The 2018 IRC requires that both conditions are met.  By maintaining the 2015 language, only one condition must be met to fulfill the exception)

 

R806.3 Vent and insulation clearance

 

The PA UCC RAC amended this section as reflected by the words crossed out:

 

• Where eave or cornice vents are installed, blocking, bridging and insulation nothing shall not block the free flow of air. Not less than a 1-inch space shall be provided between the insulation and the roof sheathing and at the location of the vent.

 

M1005.8 Insulation Shield

The PA UCC DID NOT ADOPT THIS PROVISION:

• Where factory-built chimneys pass through insulated assemblies, an insulation shield constructed of steel having a thickness of not less than No. 26 gage shall be installed to provide clearance between the chimney and the insulation material.

 

• Where chimneys pass through attic space, the shield shall terminate not less than 2 inches above the insulation materials and shall be secured in place to prevent displacement.  Insulation shields provided as part of a listed chimney system shall be installed in accordance with the MII.

 

(However, the identical provision WAS ADOPTED for fuel gas appliances)

 

N1101.4 Above code programs [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this Section N1101.8 from the 2009 IRC]:

 

• The building official or other authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to deem a national, state or local energy efficiency program to exceed the energy efficiency required by this chapter.

 

• Buildings approved in writing by such an energy efficiency program shall be considered in compliance with this chapter.

 

 

N1103.3.5 Building Cavities [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with Section N1103.5.2 from the 2009 IRC]:

 

 

• Framing cavities cannot be used as ducts or plenums.

 

• Building framing cavities shall not be used as supply ducts.

 

N1105.2 Mandatory requirements- Simulated Performance Alternative [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this Section N1105.2 from the 2015 IRC]:

 

• Compliance with this section requires that the mandatory provisions identified in Section N1101.13 (of the 2015 IRC) be met. All supply and return ducts not completely inside the building thermal envelope shall be insulated to a minimum of R-6.

 

N1105.4.2 Compliance report [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this Section N1105.4.2 from the 2015 IRC]:

 

• Compliance software tools shall generate a report that documents that the proposed design complies with Section N1105.3. A compliance report on the proposed design shall be submitted with the application for the building permit. Upon completion of the building, a compliance report based on the as-built condition of the building shall be submitted to the code official before a certificate of occupancy is issued. Batch sampling of buildings to determine energy code compliance for all buildings in the batch shall be prohibited.

N1106.3 Energy rating index [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this Section N1106.3 from the 2015 IRC]:

 

 

 

 

• • The Energy Rating Index (ERI) shall be a numerical integer value that is based on a linear scale constructed such that the ERI reference design has an Index value of 100 and a residential building that uses no net purchased energy has an Index value of 0. Each integer value on the scale shall represent a 1 percent change in the total energy use of the rated design relative to the total energy use of the ERI reference design. The ERI shall consider all energy used in the residential building.

N1106.3.1 ERI reference design – insert this Section from the 2015 IRC.  This does not specifically replace a section in the 2018 IRC (reference design is included as part o N1106.3 in 2018 IRC, which has been deleted by the UCC RAC

 

• The ERI reference design shall be configured such that it meets the minimum requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code prescriptive requirements. The proposed residential building shall be shown to have an annual total normalized modified load less than or equal to the annual total loads of the ERI reference design.

N1106.6.1 Compliance software tools [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this Section N1106.6.1 from the 2015 IRC]:

• Documentation verifying that the methods and accuracy of the compliance software tools conform to the provisions of this section shall be provided to the code official.

N1106.6.4 Specific approval [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with Section N1106.7.2 from the 2015 IRC]:

 

• Performance analysis tools meeting the applicable sections of Section N1106 shall be approved. Tools are permitted to be approved based on meeting a specified threshold for a jurisdiction.

 

• The code official shall approve tools for a specified application or limited scope.

 

N1106.6.5 Input values [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this Section N1106.3.1 from the 2015 IRC]:

 

• When calculations require input values not specified by Sections N1102, N1103, N1104 and N1105, those input values shall be taken from an approved source.
  
  • Calculation software, where used, shall be in accordance with Sections N1106.7.1 through N1106.7.3.
• N1106.7 Calculation software tools – insert this section from the 2015 IRC.  This section does not exist in the 2018 IRC

 

N1106.7.1 Minimum capabilities – insert this section from the 2015 IRC.  This section does not exist in the 2018 IRC:

• Calculation procedures used to comply with this section shall be software tools capable of calculating the ERI as described in Section N1106.3, and shall include the following capabilities:

                               1. Computer generation of the ERI reference design using only
                                 the input for the rated design.

The calculation procedure shall not allow the user to                       directly modify the building component characteristics of the ERI reference design.

2. Calculation of whole-building, as a single zone, sizing for the heating and cooling equipment in the ERI reference design residence in accordance with Section N1103.7.

3. Calculations that account for the effects of indoor and outdoor temperatures and part-load ratios on the performance of heating, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment based on climate and equipment sizing.

4. Printed code official inspection checklist listing each of the rated design component characteristics determined by the analysis to provide compliance, along with their respective performance ratings

 

N1108.1.1.2 Heating and cooling systems [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this section from the 2015 IRC]:

 

• New heating, cooling and duct systems that are part of the addition shall comply with Sections N1103.1, N1103.2, N1103.3, N1103.5 and N1103.6.

 

• • • • Exception: Where ducts from an existing heating and cooling system are extended to an addition, duct systems with less than 40 linear feet in unconditioned spaces shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section N1103.2.2.

 

N1109.1.2 Heating and cooling systems [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this section from the 2015 IRC]:

• • • New heating, cooling and duct systems that are part of the alteration shall comply with Sections N1103.1, N1103.2, N1103.3, N1103.5 and N1103.6.

 

• • • • Exception: Where ducts from an existing heating and cooling system are extended, duct systems with less than 40 linear feet in unconditioned spaces shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section N1103.2.2.

M1201.1 Scope

            Delete reference to “alterations” – Act 92 exclusion

M1202.2 Existing Mechanical Installations

            Delete entire subsection – Act 92 exclusion

M1305.1.3.2 Pit Locations [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this section from the 2015 IRC]:

• M1305.1.4.2 Excavations

• Excavations for appliance installations shall extend to a depth of 6 inches below the appliance and 12 inches on all sides, except that the control side shall have a clearance of 30 inches

 

M1411.6.1 Refrigerant line insulation protection [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this PA UCC RAC Modification from the 2021 IRC]:

 

• Refrigerant piping insulation shall be protected in accordance with Section N1103.4.1.

 

M1502.3.1 Exhaust Termination Outlet and Passageway Size (Dryer Exhaust Ducts) [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and do not replace it anything – it was not adopted by the PA UCC RAC)

• The passageway of dryer exhaust duct terminals shall be undiminished in size and shall provide an open area of not less than 12.5 square inches.

 

(However, the identical provision WAS ADOPTED for fuel gas fired clothes dryers)

 

M1801.3 Existing Chimneys and Vents

            Delete entire subsection – Act 92 exclusion

 

M2001.1.1 Standards for boilers

 

By legislative amendment:

           

Coal fired boilers are not required to comply with the ASME stamping requirements.

 

G2404.5 Repair

            Delete entire subsection – Act 92 exclusion

 

P2503.5.1 Rough Plumbing – DWV Testing [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this Section P2503.5.1 from the 2009 IRC]:

 

• DWV systems shall be tested on completion of the rough piping installation by water or air without evidence of leakage

 

P2903.5 Water Hammer

[Delete the 2018 IRC language, and replace with Section P2903.5 of the 2015 IRC:

• The flow velocity of the water distribution system shall be controlled to reduce the possibility of water hammer.

 

• Water-hammer arrestors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Water-hammer arrestors shall conform to ASSE 1010.

 

P2503.5.1 Rough Plumbing – DWV Testing [Delete this section in the 2018 IRC and replace it with this Section P2503.5.1 from the 2009 IRC]:

 

• DWV systems shall be tested on completion of the rough piping installation by water or air without evidence of leakage

 

P2906.6.1 Prohibited Joints

The PA UCC RAC modified this section by NOT ADOPTING #6 prohibited joints – saddle tap fittings

The following types of joints and connections shall be prohibited:

6. Saddle-type fittings.

Therefore, saddle tap fittings are allowed

E3901.11 Electrical Receptacles – Foyers

The PA UCC RAC modified this section as noted in bold, underline:

Foyers that are not part of a hallway in accordance with Section E3901.10 and that have an area that is greater than 60 square feet shall have a receptacle(s) located in each wall space that is 3 6 feet or more in width, [ADD]: but a minimum of 1 receptacle

Doorways, door-side windows that extend to the floor, and similar openings shall not be considered as wall space.