2024 International Residential Code (IRC) – ICC Codes
The homes of the first American settlers of the mid-1600s were almost completely built from logs. These early dwellings had an open-plan interior, and a single fireplace served as a heater and a stove. Today’s homes have drastically advanced from log cabins in terms of building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, and electrical requirements. As such, the 2024 International Residential Code (ICC IRC-2024) exists to set the requirements for building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy conservation, and electrical of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories.
What Is the International Residential Code (IRC)?
The IRC was created to serve as a complete, comprehensive code regulating the construction of single-family houses, two-family houses (duplexes) and buildings consisting of three or more townhouse units. This code is used as the basis for laws and regulations in many communities in the US and other countries. The IRC is intended to be adopted in accordance with the laws and procedures of a governmental jurisdiction. As a model code, the IRC is adopted in 48 states.
The IRC is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. All buildings within the scope of the IRC are limited to three stories above grade plane. For example, a four-story single-family house would fall within the scope of the International Building Code (IBC), not the IRC.
You can learn more about the ICC IBC-2024 in this blog post: 2024 International Building Code (ICC IBC-2024).
What Is the 2024 International Residential Code (ICC IRC 2024)?
The 2024 International Residential Code (ICC-IRC 2024) establishes requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses using prescriptive provisions. This code details the minimum requirements to provide a reasonable level of safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards and to provide a reasonable level of safety to firefighters and emergency responders during emergency operations.
As such, ICC-IRC 2024 contains coverage for all components of a house or townhouse, including structural components, fireplaces and chimneys, thermal insulation, mechanical systems, fuel gas systems, plumbing systems, and electrical systems. This document is available to anyone, including architects, builders, engineers, and code official. This digital version of the code makes it easy for users to see any technical revisions: a QR code is placed at the beginning of any section that has undergone technical revision, and if there no QR code, there are no technical changes to that section. The use of QR codes allow users to identify changes more precisely.
ICC-IRC 2024 is fully compatible with all of the International Codes® (I-Codes®) published by the International Code Council (ICC), also known as the Code Council.
Arrangement and Format of the ICC-IRC 2024
The ICC-IRC 2024 is divided into nine main parts, specifically:
- Part I—Administrative
- Part II—Definitions
- Part III—Building Planning and Construction
- Part IV—Energy Conservation
- Part V—Mechanical
- Part VI—Fuel Gas
- Part VII—Plumbing
- Part VIII—Electrical
- Part IX—Referenced Standards
Who Is the International Code Council (ICC)?
The International Code Council (ICC) is a leading organization dedicated to developing a single set of comprehensive, coordinated national model construction codes. The ICC develops model codes that are widely adopted by local jurisdictions to ensure the construction of safe, sustainable, and affordable buildings. Essentially, the ICC provides a consistent set of regulations for building construction, promoting public safety through standardized codes and practices.
How Does the ICC Develop Codes?
The code development process regularly provides an international forum for building professionals to discuss requirements for building design, construction methods, safety, performance, technological advances and new products. As such, the ICC has developed partnerships with key industry segments that support the ICC’s important public safety mission, ensuring that organizations with a direct and material interest in the codes have a voice in the code development process. Here are some the ICC’s industry partners:
- American Gas Association (AGA)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
- International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
- National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM)
- National Council of Structural Engineers Association (NCSEA)
- National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC)
- Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (PHCC)
- Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), formerly The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP)
The 2024 International Residential Code (ICC IRC-2024) is available on the ANSI Webstore.
