Exploring the Building Code - Cracking Open the Code Crystal Ball - The Top 5 Code Changes in the 2021 Model Code

As part of the goal to keep the building code up to date the International Code Council issues an update to the model code every 3 years. The most recent version the 2021 model code was made available in late 2020 and unless you have been attending code hearings along the way you might not know what changes are in store. With every new model code there is always a period of discovery. As an architect and plans examiner I am always looking for the changes that will have the biggest impact on how we design, but discovering those changes can either be a hunt or a waiting game. Fortunately earlier this year I attended an all-day seminar which went through the major changes to the 2021 model code, there are a lot of changes all around but below are my top 5 that will have an impact on how we design buildings as this new model code is adopted:

1: Construction Types: As long as I have been a practicing architect, which in my head may have just been a few years earlier, but in reality was so long ago I am no longer wondering where the gray in my beard came from, there have been the following construction types. IA&B, IIA&B, IIIA&B, IV, and VA&B. Never did I imagine that there would ever be the need for more construction types, but the 2021 model code doesn’t just add one its adds three new types all under type IV. When the dust clears there will be type IVA,B&C with the old type IV referred to as IV HT (Heavy Timber). So What is type IVA,B and C? All three are variations on what is being referred to as Mass Timber. What is Mass Timber? Per the 2021 Model Code Mass Timber is defined as “Structural Elements of type IV construction primarily of solid, built-up, panelized or engineered wood products that meet the minimum cross-sectional area measured in the same plane." In a nut shell its wood, lots and lots of wood, built up to take advantage of the unique burning characteristics that wood possess to allow buildings to be built 270 feet tall or an astounding 18 stories, and you guessed it all out of wood. The read through the extensively expanded section 602.4 describing type IV construction is an exciting read at least for code buffs

2: Intermodal Shipping Containers: Shipping Containers have been for many owners an intriguing and tempting low cost construction option that has left building code professionals scratching their heads on how to conduct plan reviews and inspections. IBC 3115 begins to take the guess work out of designing with this appealing but troublesome dare I say construction method.

3: NFPA 13R: Not all code changes make my list because I like them. Changes to 903.3.1.2 covering the use of NFPA 13R sprinkler systems have addressed what many saw as a loop hole. Limiting the use of the inexpensive alternative to a standard NFPA 13 sprinkler system for residential use to buildings no more than 4 stories above grade plane and whose highest floor level is no more than 30’ above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access. This will greatly impact the use of this reduced cost sprinkler system in podium buildings, going forward.

4: Open Parking Garages: Another not so great change and one I think could have been addressed differently, but to make a long story short the 2021 model code will require that open parking garages be sprinklered if they have a floor area exceeding 48.000 sf due to concerns about putting out electric vehicle battery fires. (903.2.10-3)

5: Frontage Increase: Technically nothing was changed but yet so much has. With the 2021 model code figuring out the frontage increase got a whole lot easier as it’s been distilled to a table which can be found in 506.3.2. Previously, the process of determining the allowable frontage increase was a confusing and difficult process of several equations. Hopefully the new table becomes a little more straight forward. (Okay it wasn’t really that hard but some architects either had a liberal interpretation of perimeter or intentionally messed up the calculation:)

Honorable Mentions… Making spirits and storing other alcoholic beverages get exceptions from being considered group H (307.1.1), Dead-End Corridors in Hospitals when not serving patient rooms grow to 30’ (1020.5) Those pesky Escape Rooms I mean Puzzle Rooms get their own definition in chapter 2 and special detailed requirements per 411.5. Play Structures are not just for kids and include adult fare like climbing walls per 424. Stairways can be combustible construction in podium buildings per 510.2. The square footage for fire areas containing upholstered furniture has been reduced without sprinklers and can be found in 903.2.1,903.2.7 and 903.2.9 (F, M and S) Elevators will be required to serve occupied roofs more than 3 stories above grade 1009.2.1. Guidance for Handrails added for combination stair and seating designs. 1030.16 Vehicle Charging stations and accessibility requirements added per 1105.1.1, Special Inspections will be required of storage racks per 1705.13.7. Finally and probably should have made my top 5, allowances for multiple-user gender neutral plumbing facilities added to 2902