2005 Connecticut State Building Code
2005 Connecticut State Building Code
2005 Connecticut State Building Code
Repealed 29-252-1c
Section Page
The 2003 International Building Code, 2003 International Existing Building Code, 2003
International Plumbing Code, 2003 International Mechanical Code, 2003 International Energy
Conservation Code and 2003 International Residential Code of the International Code Council,
Inc. and the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code of the National Fire Protection
Association Inc., except as amended, altered or deleted by this Connecticut Supplement, are
hereby adopted by reference as the 2005 State Building Code. The requirements of the 2005
State Building Code shall apply to all work for which a permit application was made on or after
the date of adoption.
Copies of the International Codes may be obtained from the International Code Council, Inc.,
4051 W. Flossmoor Rd., Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795 (website: www.iccsafe.org).
Copies of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code may be obtained from the National Fire
Protection Association Inc., 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101 (website:
www.nfpa.org). Copies of the 2005 Connecticut Supplement may be downloaded from
www.ct.gov/dps.
Add: A section or subsection in the Connecticut Supplement preceded by (Add) indicates the
addition of this section or subsection to the adopted referenced standard.
Del: A section or subsection in the Connecticut Supplement preceded by (Del) indicates the
deletion of this section or subsection from the adopted referenced standard.
CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION
(Amd) 101.1 Title. Section 29-252-1d, together with the 2003 International Building Code,
2003 International Existing Building Code, 2003 International Plumbing Code, 2003
International Mechanical Code, 2003 International Energy Conservation Code, 2003
International Residential Code and the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code shall be known
as the 2005 State Building Code, hereinafter referred to as “the code” or “this code”.
(Add) 101.1.1 Statutes. In accordance with the provisions of sections 29-252a and 29-253 of
the Connecticut General Statutes, respectively, this code shall be the building code for all
towns, cities and boroughs and all state agencies.
(Amd) 101.4.1 Electrical. The 2003 ICC Electrical Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. The provisions of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code shall apply to the
installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment,
appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto. References to the 2003 ICC
Electrical Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to be references to
the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
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(Amd) 101.4.2 Fuel gas. The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code is not adopted by the State
of Connecticut. The installation and operation of gas equipment and piping shall comply with
sections 29-329, 29-330 and 29-331 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations
known as the Connecticut Gas Equipment and Piping Code adopted by the Commissioner of
Public Safety under authority of section 29-329 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the
regulations known as the Connecticut Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas
Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of section 29-331 of the
Connecticut General Statutes. References to the International Fuel Gas Code within the body
of the model document shall be considered to be references to such statutes and regulations.
(Amd) 101.4.4 Plumbing. The provisions of the 2003 International Plumbing Code shall apply
to the installation, alterations, repairs and replacement of plumbing systems (including
equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances) where such systems are
connected to a water or sewage system and to all aspects of a medical gas system. The 2003
International Private Sewage Disposal Code is not adopted by the State of Connecticut.
Private sewage disposal systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the
Public Health Code adopted under authority of section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General
Statutes. References to the 2003 International Private Sewage Disposal Code within the body
of the model document shall be considered to be references to the Public Health Code.
(Amd) 101.4.5 Property maintenance. The 2003 International Property Maintenance Code is
not adopted by the State of Connecticut. Property maintenance shall be in accordance with
the requirements of this code and the applicable provisions of the 2005 Connecticut State Fire
Safety Code. All references to the 2003 International Property Maintenance Code found within
the body of the model document shall be considered null and void.
(Amd) 101.4.6 Fire prevention. References to the 2003 International Fire Code within the
body of the model document shall be considered to be references to the 2005 Connecticut
State Fire Safety Code.
(Add) 101.4.8 Oil-burning equipment, piping and storage. In addition to the requirements
of this code, the installation of oil burners and equipment used in connection therewith,
including tanks, piping, pumps, control devices and accessories shall comply with sections 29-
316 and 29-317 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations known as the
Connecticut Oil Burning Equipment Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety
under authority of section 29-317 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 101.4.8.1 Local regulations. Pursuant to section 29-316 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, the warden or burgesses of a borough, the selectmen of a town, the common council
of a city or the commissioners of a fire district may enact rules and regulations for the
installation of fuel oil burners, equipment therefore and fuel oil storage tanks.
(Amd) 102.6 Existing structures. The legal use and occupancy of any building or structure
existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change,
except as specifically covered in this code or the 2005 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code.
(Del) SECTION 103 – DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SAFETY. Delete Section 103 in its
entirety and replace with the following:
(Add) 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. Each town, city and borough shall create an
agency whose function is to enforce the provisions of this code. The official in charge thereof
shall be known as the building official.
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(Add) 103.2 Appointment. The chief executive officer of any town, city or borough shall
appoint an officer to administer this code, and this officer shall be known as the “building
official” in accordance with section 29-260 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and referred
to herein as the building official, local building official or code official.
(Add) 103.3 Employees. In accordance with the prescribed procedures and regulations of the
town, city or borough, and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official
shall have the authority to appoint an assistant building official, related technical officers,
inspectors, plan examiners and other employees. Such employees shall have the powers as
regulated by the town, city or borough, and by the State of Connecticut.
(Add) 103.4 Restriction of employees. An official or employee connected with the agency
created to enforce the provisions of this code pursuant to Section 103.1, except one whose
only connection with it is that of a member of the board of appeals established under the
provisions of Section 112, shall not be engaged in or directly or indirectly connected with the
furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the construction, addition, alteration, repair or
maintenance of a building located in the town, city or borough in which such official or
employee is employed, or the preparation of construction documents therefore, unless that
person is the owner of the building. Such officer or employee shall not engage in any work
that conflicts with official duties or with the interests of the agency.
(Amd) 104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the
provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to adopt policies and
procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such policies and procedures
shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures
shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code, nor shall
they have the effect of establishing requirements in excess of those set forth in this code.
(Add) 104.1.1 Rule making authority. Pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of section
29-252 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State Building Inspector and the Codes and
Standards Committee shall, jointly, with the approval of the Commissioner of Public Safety,
adopt and administer a State Building Code for the purpose of regulating the design,
construction and use of buildings or structures to be erected and the alteration of buildings or
structures already erected and make such amendments thereto as they, from time to time,
deem necessary or desirable.
(Amd) 104.6 Right of entry. In accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of section
29-261 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the building official or his assistant shall have the
right of entry to such buildings or structures, except single-family residences, for the proper
performance of his duties between the hours of nine a.m. and five p.m., except that in the
case of an emergency, he shall have the right of entry at any time, if such entry is necessary
in the interest of public safety. On receipt of information from the local fire marshal or from
any other authentic source that any building in his jurisdiction, due to lack of exit facilities, fire,
deterioration, catastrophe or other cause, is in such condition as to be a hazard to any person
or persons, the building official or his assistant shall immediately make inspection in
accordance with the provisions of section 29-393 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 104.10.1 State Building Code. The State Building Inspector may grant modifications,
variations or exemptions from, or approve equivalent or alternative compliance, with the State
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Building Code where strict compliance with the State Building Code would entail practical
difficulty or unnecessary hardship, or is otherwise adjudged unwarranted, provided that the
intent of the law shall be observed and public welfare and safety be assured. Any person
aggrieved by any decision of the State Building Inspector may appeal to the Codes and
Standards Committee within 14 days after mailing of the decision in accordance with
subsection (b) of section 29-254 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 104.10.1.2 Records. The application for modification, variation, exemption or approval
of equivalent or alternative compliance and the decision of the State Building Inspector shall
be in writing and shall be officially recorded with the application for a building permit in the
permanent records of the building department.
(Add) 104.10.2 Accessibility exemption. Any variation of or exemption from any provisions
relating to accessibility to, use of and egress from, buildings and structures as required herein
shall be permitted only when approved by the State Building Inspector and the Executive
Director of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, acting jointly,
pursuant to subsection (b) of section 29-269 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Any person
aggrieved by the joint decision of the State Building Inspector and the Executive Director of
the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities may appeal to the Codes
and Standards Committee within 30 days after such decision has been rendered in
accordance with subsection (b) of section 29-269 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 104.10.3 Historic structures exemption. In accordance with section 29-259 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, exemptions may be granted to the provisions of this code for
historic structures as defined by section 10-320c of the Connecticut General Statutes, which
have been classified as such in the State Register of Historic Places as long as the provisions
of subsection (b) of section 29-259 of the Connecticut General Statutes are adhered to and
provided that such exemptions shall not affect the safe design, use or construction of such
property.
(Add) 104.10.4 Urban homesteading property exemption. In accordance with section 29-
259 of the Connecticut General Statutes, exemptions may be granted to the provisions of this
code for property acquired by an urban homesteading agency, pursuant to section 8-169r of
the Connecticut General Statutes, and transferred to a qualified applicant pursuant to section
8-169s of the Connecticut General Statutes; provided such exemptions shall not affect the
safe design, use or construction of such property. Exemptions shall be granted in accordance
with Section 104.10.1 of this code.
(Add) 104.10.5 Elevators and escalators. In accordance with section 29-192 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, the State Building Inspector may approve variations,
exemptions or equivalent or alternate compliance with regulations governing elevators and
escalators where strict compliance with such provisions would cause practical difficulty or
unnecessary hardship. Any person aggrieved by the decision of the State Building Inspector
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may appeal to the Commissioner of Public Safety or such commissioner’s designee not later
than 30 days after notice of such decision has been rendered.
(Add) 104.10.6 Lift and limited use, limited access elevator approval. Lifts and limited
use, limited access elevators shall not be part of a required accessible path unless approved
in accordance with the provisions of Section 1109.7 of this code.
(Add) 105.1.3 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code abatement. Where conflicts exist
between the requirements of this code and the requirements of Connecticut State Fire Safety
Code abatement orders issued in writing by the local fire marshal with respect to existing
buildings, the requirements of that portion of the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code that
regulates existing buildings shall take precedence.
Exceptions:
1. New fire protection systems shall meet the requirements of Chapter 9 of this code.
2. Electrical work shall meet the requirements of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical
Code.
3. Structural, plumbing and mechanical work shall conform to the requirements of this
code.
(Amd) 105.2 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, statutes, regulations or ordinances of
the jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following work:
Building:
1. Fences not over 6 feet high.
2. Retaining walls that are not over 3 feet in height measured from finished grade at the
bottom of the wall to finished grade at the top of the wall, unless supporting a
surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
3. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000
gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
4. Sidewalks, driveways and on-grade concrete or masonry patios not more than 30
inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below and which are
not part of an accessible route.
5. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work not
involving structural changes or alterations.
6. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
7. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Use Group R-3 occupancy, as
applicable in Section 101.2, which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000
gallon capacity and are installed entirely above ground.
8. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not
including service systems.
9. Swings and other playground equipment.
10. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54
inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R-3, as
applicable in Section 101.2 and Group U occupancies.
11. Movable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height and not
containing any electrical, plumbing or mechanical equipment.
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12. Grandstands or bleachers providing seating for fewer than 100 persons.
Electrical:
1. Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work,
including replacement of lamps and fuses or the connection of approved portable
electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
2. Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply
to electrical equipment used solely for radio and television transmissions, but do apply
to equipment and wiring for power supply and for the installation of towers and
antennas.
3. Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any
temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or
apparatus.
Gas:
1. Portable heating or cooking appliances with a self-contained fuel supply.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such
equipment unsafe.
3. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are
not interconnected to a power grid.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliances with a self-contained fuel supply.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling units.
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 coolers.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that
are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are
not interconnected to a power grid.
Plumbing:
1. 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.
2. 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.
(Add) 105.2.4 State agency exemptions. A state agency shall not be required to obtain a
building permit from the local building official. A state agency shall obtain a building permit for
construction or alteration of state buildings or structures from the State Building Inspector in
accordance with the provisions of section 29-252a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Exception: State agencies shall obtain demolition permits from the local building
official in accordance with the provisions of sections 29-401 through 29-415 of the
Connecticut General Statutes.
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(Amd) 105.3.1 Action on application. The building official shall examine or cause to be
examined applications for permits and amendments thereto within 30 days after filing and
either issue or deny a permit within such 30-day period. If the application or construction
documents do not conform to the requirements of this code and pertinent laws, the building
official shall reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefore. If the building
official is satisfied that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and
applicable laws, statutes, regulations and ordinances, the building official shall issue a permit
therefore as soon as practicable.
(Add) 105.3.1.1 Zoning approval. Pursuant to subsection (f) of section 8-3 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, no building permit shall be issued, in whole or in part, for a
building, use or structure subject to the zoning regulations of a municipality without
certification in writing by the official charged with the enforcement of such regulations that
such building, use or structure is in conformity with such regulations or is a valid
nonconforming use under such regulations.
(Add) 105.3.1.2 Fire marshal approval. No building permit for a building, structure or use
subject to the requirements of the 2005 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code shall be issued in
whole or in part without certification in writing from the local fire marshal that the construction
documents for such building, structure or use are in substantial compliance with the
requirements of the 2005 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code.
(Add) 105.3.3 By whom application is made. Application for a permit shall be made by the
owner in fee or by an authorized agent. If the application is made by a person other than the
owner in fee, it shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the owner or a signed statement of the
applicant witnessed by the building official or such official’s designee to the effect that the
proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee and that the applicant is authorized to make
such application. If the authorized agent is a contractor, the provisions of section 20-338b of
the Connecticut General Statutes shall be followed. The full names and addresses of the
owner, agent and the responsible officers, if the owner or agent is a corporate body, shall be
stated in the application.
(Amd) 105.5 Expiration of permit. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work
authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work
authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time
the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more
extensions of time, for periods of not more than 180 days each. The extensions shall be
requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated.
Exception: The building official shall be permitted to specify an expiration date of not
less than 30 days, nor more than 180 days, for commencement of work under permits
issued to abate unsafe conditions pursuant to Section 115 of this code. Work
performed under such permits shall be completed as expeditiously as possible.
responsible for the review of shop drawings and the observation of construction. In the event
such architect or engineer is unable to fulfill their review responsibilities, an additional architect
or engineer shall be retained and the local building official shall be informed, in writing, of such
retainer. If fabricated structural load-bearing members or assemblies are used in such
construction, the licensed professional engineer responsible for the design of such members
or assemblies shall be responsible for the implementation of their design by reviewing the
fabrication process to ensure conformance with their design specifications and parameters.
The additional requirements set forth in this subsection shall not apply to alterations, repairs,
relocation or change of occupancy to any existing building.
(Add) 106.1.5 Threshold limits. For the purposes of this section, the term “threshold limit”
shall apply to any proposed structure or addition thereto: (1) having four stories; (2) 60 feet in
height; (3) with a clear span of 150 feet in width; (4) containing 150,000 square feet of total
gross floor area; or (5) with an occupancy of 1,000 persons.
The following use groups shall have the following additional threshold limits:
Threshold limits shall not apply to alterations, repairs or change of occupancy to any
existing building.
(Add) 106.1.5.1 Requirements for proposed structures or additions that exceed the
threshold limits. Pursuant to section 29-276b of the Connecticut General Statutes, if a
proposed structure or addition to an existing structure will exceed the threshold limit set forth
in Section 106.1.5 of this code, the building official of the municipality in which the structure or
addition will be located shall require that an independent structural engineering consultant
review the structural plans and design specifications of the structure or addition to be
constructed to determine compliance with the requirements of this code to the extent
necessary to assure the stability and integrity of the primary structural support systems of
such structure or addition. Any modifications of approved structural plans or design
specifications shall require shop drawings to the extent necessary to determine compliance
with the requirements of this code and shall be reviewed by such consultant. Any fees relative
to such review requirements shall be paid by the owner of the proposed building project.
If a structure or addition exceeds the threshold limit, the architect of record,
professional engineer of record responsible for the design of the structure or addition and the
general contractor shall sign a statement of professional opinion affirming that the completed
construction is in substantial compliance with the approved plans and design specifications. If
fabricated structural load-bearing members or assemblies are used in the construction, the
professional engineer responsible for the design of such members or assemblies shall sign a
statement of professional opinion affirming that the completed fabrication is in substantial
compliance with the approved design specifications.
The building official of the municipality in which the structure or addition will be located
shall satisfy himself that each architect, professional engineer, including each professional
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(Add) 106.1.6 Lift slab construction. Pursuant to subsection (b) of section 29-276a of the
Connecticut General Statutes, any building designed to be constructed utilizing the lift-slab
method of construction shall be classified as exceeding the “threshold limit” and shall be
subject to the provisions of Sections 106.1.5.1 and 106.1.6.1.
(Add) 106.1.6.1 Lift slab operations. All buildings and structures utilizing the lift slab
method of construction shall comply with the provisions of 29 CFR 1926 and section 31-372-
107-1926 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
(Add) 106.2.1 Private sewage disposal system. The site plan shall indicate the location of
a private sewage disposal system where a public sewer is not available. Private sewage
disposal systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of the
Public Health Code adopted under authority of section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General
Statutes. All technical and soil data required by the Public Health Code shall be submitted
with the site plan. Approval of such systems shall be by the local authority having jurisdiction.
When such approval is required by the local authority having jurisdiction, written proof of such
approval shall be submitted to the building official prior to issuance of a building permit.
(Del) 106.3.4 Design professional in responsible charge. Delete section and subsections
without substitution.
(Amd) 107.1 General. The building official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary
structures and temporary uses. Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shall
not be permitted for more than 180 days. The building official is authorized to grant a single
180-day extension for demonstrated cause.
Exceptions: The following shall be exempt from permit requirements:
1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
2. Tents less than 350 square feet total area.
3. Tents 900 square feet and smaller in total area when occupied by fewer than
50 persons, which have no heating appliances, no installed electrical service,
and are erected for fewer than 72 hours.
(Amd) 107.3 Temporary power. The building official is authorized to give permission to
temporarily supply and use power in part of an electrical installation before such installation
has been fully completed and the final certificate of approval has been issued. The part
covered by the temporary certificate shall comply with the requirements specified for
temporary lighting, heat or power in this code and in the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical
Code.
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(Amd) 108.2 Schedule of permit fees. Each municipality shall establish a schedule of fees
for each construction document review, building permit, certificate of approval and certificate
of occupancy. A schedule of adopted fees shall be posted for public view.
(Amd) 110.1 Use and occupancy. Pursuant to subsection (a) of section 29-265 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, no building or structure erected or altered in any municipality
after October 1, 1970, shall be occupied or used, in whole or in part, until a certificate of
occupancy has been issued by the building official, certifying that such building or structure or
work performed pursuant to the building permit substantially complies with the provisions of
the State Building Code. Nothing in the code shall require the removal, alteration or
abandonment of, or prevent the continuance of the use and occupancy of, any single-family
dwelling but within six years of the date of occupancy of such dwelling after substantial
completion of construction of, alteration to or addition to such dwelling, or of a building lawfully
existing on October 1, 1945, except as may be necessary for the safety of life or property.
The use of a building or premises shall not be deemed to have changed because of a
temporary vacancy or change of ownership or tenancy.
Exceptions:
1. Work for which a certificate of approval is issued in accordance with Section
110.6.
2. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permit
requirements under Section 105.2.
(Add) 110.1.1 State agency. State agencies shall not be required to obtain certificates of
occupancy from local building officials. State agencies shall obtain certificates of occupancy
from the State Building Inspector in accordance with the provisions of section 29-252a of the
Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 110.1.2 Zoning approval. Pursuant to subsection (f) of section 8-3 of the Connecticut
General Statutes, no certificate of occupancy shall be issued for a building, use or structure
subject to the zoning regulations of a municipality without certification in writing by the official
charged with the enforcement of such regulations that such building, use or structure is in
conformity with such regulations or is a valid nonconforming use under such regulations.
(Add) 110.1.3 Fire marshal approval. No certificate of occupancy for a building, structure or
use subject to the requirements of the 2005 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code shall be
issued without certification in writing from the local fire marshal that the building, structure or
use is in substantial compliance with the requirements of the 2005 Connecticut State Fire
Safety Code.
one or more families, without limitation as to size or number of stories; (2) business, factory
and industrial, mercantile, moderate and low hazard storage, having three stories or more or
exceeding 30,000 square feet total gross area; and (3) nontransient residential dwellings
having more than 16 units or 24,000 square feet total gross area per building, until the building
official has been provided with a statement signed by the architect or professional engineer
and the general contractor stating that the completed structure or addition is in substantial
compliance with the approved plans on file.
(Amd) 110.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary
certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit,
provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely prior to full completion of the
building or structure without endangering life or public welfare. Any occupancy permitted to
continue during completion of the work shall be discontinued within 30 days after completion
of the work unless a certificate of occupancy is issued by the building official.
(Del) SECTION 112 - BOARD OF APPEALS. Delete this section in its entirety and replace
with the following:
(Add) 112.1 Appeal from decision of building official. Pursuant to subsection (a) of section
29-266 of the Connecticut General Statutes, when the building official rejects or refuses to
approve the mode or manner of construction proposed to be followed or the materials to be
used in the erection or alteration of a building or structure, or when it is claimed that the
provisions of the code do not apply or that an equally good or more desirable form of
construction can be employed in a specific case, or when it is claimed that the true intent and
meaning of the code has been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted or when the building
official issues a written order under subsection (c) of section 29-261 of the Connecticut
General Statutes, the owner of such building or structure, whether already erected or to be
erected, or his authorized agent may appeal in writing from the decision of the building official
to the municipal board of appeals. A person, other than such owner, who claims to be
aggrieved by any decision of the building official may, by himself or his authorized agent,
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appeal in writing from the decision of the building official to the municipal board of appeals as
provided by subsection (a) of section 29-266 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 112.1.1 Absence of municipal board of appeals. In the absence of a municipal board
of appeals, the provisions of subsection (c) of section 29-266 of the Connecticut General
Statutes shall be followed.
(Add) 112.1.2 State Building Inspector review. In accordance with the provisions of
subsection (d) of section 29-252 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State Building
Inspector or such inspector’s designee shall review a decision by a local building official or
municipal board of appeals appointed pursuant to section 29-266 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, when he has reason to believe that such official or board has misconstrued or
misinterpreted any provision of the State Building Code.
(Add) 112.2.1 Qualifications. One member of the municipal board of appeals shall be
appointed from the general public. The other four members shall have at least five years
experience each in building design, building construction or supervision of building
construction.
(Add) 112.2.2 Chairman. The board shall annually select one of its members to serve as
chairman.
(Add) 112.3 Notice of meeting. Each appeal under this subsection shall be heard in the
municipality for which the building official serves within five days, exclusive of Saturdays,
Sundays and legal holidays, after the date of receipt of the appeal.
(Add) 112.4 Determination of aggrievement. Upon receipt of an appeal from a person other
than the owner or his agent, the board of appeals shall first determine whether such person
has a right to appeal.
(Add) 112.5 Appointment of a panel. Upon receipt of an appeal from an owner or his agent,
or approval of an appeal by a person other than the owner or his agent, the chairman of the
municipal board of appeals shall appoint a panel of not less than three members of such
board to hear such appeal.
(Add) 112.6 Rendering of decisions. The panel shall, upon majority vote of its members,
affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the building official in a written decision upon the
appeal and file such decision with the building official from whom such appeal has been taken
not later than five days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, following the day
of the hearing thereon. A copy of the decision shall be mailed, prior to such filing, to the party
taking the appeal.
(Add) 112.7 Appeal to the Codes and Standards Committee. Any person aggrieved by the
decision of a municipal board of appeals may appeal to the Codes and Standards Committee
within 14 days after the filing of the decision with the building official in accordance with the
provisions of section 29-266 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 112.8 Court review. Any person aggrieved by any ruling of the Codes and Standards
Committee may appeal to the Superior Court for the judicial district where such building or
structure has been or is being erected.
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(Add) 113.2.1 Written notice. The notice of violation shall be in writing and shall be given to
the owner of the property involved, or to the owner’s agent or to the person doing the work.
(Amd) 113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly,
the building official shall be authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to
institute the appropriate proceeding at law as well as the appropriate proceeding in equity to
restrain, correct or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the
unlawful occupancy of the building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of
the order or direction made pursuant thereto.
(Amd) 113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this code shall be
fined not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more
than six months or both, pursuant to section 29-254a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 114.3 Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall continue any work in or about the
structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is
directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe conditions, shall be liable for penalties in
accordance with Section 113.4.
(Add) 115.6 Unsafe equipment. Equipment deemed unsafe by the building official or his
authorized representative shall not be operated after the date stated in the notice unless the
required repairs or changes have been made and the equipment has been approved, or
unless an extension of time has been secured from the building official or his authorized
representative in writing.
(Add) 115.6.1 Authority to seal equipment. In the case of emergency, the building official or
his authorized representative shall have the authority to seal out of service immediately any
unsafe device or equipment regulated by this code.
(Add) 115.6.2 Unlawful to remove seal. Any device or equipment sealed out of service by
the building official or his authorized representative shall be plainly identified as out of service
by such official and shall indicate the reason for such sealing. The identification shall not be
tampered with, defaced or removed except by the building official or his authorized
representative.
(Add) 115.7 Penalty. Pursuant to the provisions of section 29-394 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, any person who, by himself or his agent, fails to comply with the written order of a
building inspector, or the mayor of a city, the warden of a borough or the first selectman of a
town not having a building inspector, for the provision of additional exit facilities in a building,
the repair or alteration of a building or the removal of a building or any portion thereof, shall be
fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months.
(Add) 116.1 Imminent danger. When, in the opinion of the building official, there is imminent
danger of failure or collapse of a building or structure or any part thereof which endangers
human life, or when any building or structure or part thereof has fallen and human life is
endangered by the occupation of the building or structure, the building official is hereby
authorized and empowered to order and require the occupants to vacate the same forthwith.
The building official shall post, or cause to be posted at each entrance to such building or
structure a notice reading as follows: “This structure is unsafe and its occupancy has been
prohibited by the building official.” It shall be unlawful for any person to enter such premises
15
except upon permission granted by the building official for the purposes of making the
required repairs or of demolishing the premises.
(Add) 116.2 Temporary safeguards. When, in the opinion of the building official, there is
imminent danger to human life due to an unsafe condition, the building official shall cause the
necessary work to be done to render such building or structure temporarily safe, whether or
not the legal procedure described in Section 115 has been instituted.
(Add) 116.3 Temporary closings. When necessary for public safety, the building official shall
temporarily close buildings and structures and close, or order the authority having jurisdiction
to close, sidewalks, streets, public ways and places adjacent to unsafe structures, and prohibit
the same from being used.
(Add) 116.4 Emergency work. When imminent danger or an unsafe condition requiring
immediate action exists and the owner of the building or structure cannot be located, or
refuses or is unable to expeditiously render the premises safe, the building official shall order
the employment of the necessary labor and materials to perform the required work as
expeditiously as possible. Such work shall include that required, in the building official’s sole
opinion, to make the premises temporarily safe, up to and including demolition.
(Add) 116.5 Costs of emergency work. Costs incurred in the performance of emergency
repairs or demolition under the order of the building official shall be paid from the treasury of
the town, city or borough in which the building or structure is located on approval of the
building official. The legal counsel of the town, city or borough shall institute appropriate
action against the owner of the premises where the unsafe building or structure is or was
located.
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Amd) 201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and
are defined in other codes adopted as portions of the 2005 State Building Code, such terms
shall have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
defined by the statutory requirements of the professional registration laws of the State of
Connecticut, and acting within the scope of his or her practice.
(Add) STORY. For the purposes of accessibility for persons with disabilities, see Section
1102.1.
(Amd) 302.2.1 Assembly areas. Accessory assembly areas are not considered separate
occupancies if the floor area is equal to or less than 750 square feet. Assembly areas used
solely for purposes that are accessory to Group E occupancies are not considered separate
occupancies. Accessory religious educational rooms and religious auditoriums with occupant
loads of less than 100 are not considered separate occupancies.
Exception: Special amusement buildings as defined in Section 411.2 of this code.
(Amd) 303.1.1 Nonaccessory assembly use. A building or tenant space used for assembly
purposes by less than 50 persons shall be considered a Group B occupancy.
Exception: Special amusement buildings as defined in Section 411.2 of this code.
(Add) 304.2 Group B medical occupancies. In addition to the requirements of this code for
Group B occupancies, the provisions of Section 420 shall apply to Group B medical and dental
occupancies that provide services or treatment for four or more patients who may
simultaneously be rendered incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency
conditions. This occupancy shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
Outpatient clinics with general anesthesia or life-support equipment;
Dental centers providing treatment under general anesthesia;
One-day surgical centers;
Physician’s offices providing treatment under general anesthesia.
Facilities such as the above that do not provide general anesthesia or life-support equipment
simultaneously to four or more patients shall be classified as Group B occupancies and shall
not be subject to the special provisions of Section 420.
(Amd) 305.2 Day care. The use of a building or structure, or portion thereof, for educational,
supervision or personal care services for less than 24 hours per day for more than six children
older than 3 years of age, shall be classified as a Group E occupancy.
(Amd) 308.2 Group I-1. This occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof
housing more than 16 persons, on a 24-hour 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:
Residential board and care facilities;
Assisted living facilities;
Halfway houses;
Group homes;
Congregate care facilities;
Social rehabilitation facilities;
Alcohol and drug centers;
Convalescent facilities.
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A facility such as the above with three or fewer persons shall be classified as Group R-3. A
facility such as the above, housing at least four and not more than 16 persons, shall be
classified as Group R-4.
(Amd) 308.3 Group I-2. This occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof
used for medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or custodial care on a 24-hour basis of four or
more persons who are not capable of self-preservation. This group shall include, but not be
limited to, the following:
Hospitals;
Nursing homes (both intermediate-care facilities and skilled nursing facilities);
Mental hospitals;
Detoxification facilities.
A facility such as the above with three or fewer persons shall be classified as Group R-3.
(Amd) 308.3.1 Child care facility. A child care facility that provides care on a 24-hour basis to
more than five children 3 years of age or less shall be classified as Group I-2.
(Add) 308.3.2 Alternative compliance for small group homes. See Section 407.12 for
alternative compliance provisions for Group I-2 group homes serving four to six persons who
are not capable of self-preservation.
(Amd) 308.4 Group I-3. This occupancy shall include buildings, structures or portions thereof
that are inhabited by four or more persons who are under restraint or security. An I-3 facility is
occupied by persons who are generally incapable of self-preservation due to security
measures not under the occupant’s control. This group shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
Prisons;
Jails;
Reformatories;
Detention centers;
Correctional centers;
Prerelease centers.
Buildings of Group I-3 shall be classified as one of the occupancy conditions indicated in
Sections 308.4.1 through 308.4.5 (see Section 408.1).
(Amd) 308.5 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 24 hours per day 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 six or
fewer persons shall be classified as a Group R-3 or shall comply with the 2003 International
Residential Code in accordance with Section 101.2. Places of worship during religious
functions are not included.
(Amd) 308.5.1 Adult care facility. A facility that provides accommodations for less than 24
hours per day for more than six unrelated adults and provides supervision and personal care
services shall be classified as Group I-4.
Exception: A facility where occupants are capable of responding to an emergency
situation without physical assistance from the staff shall be classified as Group A-3.
(Amd) 308.5.2 Child care facility. A facility that provides supervision and personal care on
less than a 24-hour-per-day basis for more than six children 3 years of age or less shall be
classified as Group I-4.
Exceptions:
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1. A child day care facility that provides care for more than six but no more than 100
children 3 years of age or less, 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.
2. As defined in subsection (a) of section 19a-77 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a
family day care home that accommodates six or fewer children of any age shall be
classified as Group R-3 or shall comply with the 2003 International Residential Code in
accordance with Section 101.2. During the regular school year, a maximum of three
additional children who are in school full-time, including the provider’s own children,
shall be permitted, except that if the provider has more than three children who are in
school full-time, all of the provider’s children shall be permitted.
(Amd) 310.1 Residential Group R. Residential Group R includes, among others, the use of a
building or structure, or portions thereof, for sleeping purposes when not classified as an
Institutional Group I. Residential occupancies shall include the following:
R-1 Residential occupancies where the occupants are primarily transient in nature (less than
30 days) including:
Boarding houses;
Hotels;
Motels;
Bed and breakfast establishments.
R-2 Residential occupancies containing sleeping units or more than two dwelling units where
the occupants are primarily permanent in nature, including:
Apartment houses;
Boarding houses (not transient);
Convents;
Dormitories;
Fraternities and sororities;
Monasteries;
Hotels (not transient);
Motels (not transient).
R-3 Residential occupancies with independent means of egress 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 six or fewer persons of any age for less than 24
hours per day. Adult and child care facilities that are within a single-family home are permitted
to comply with the 2003 International Residential Code.
R-4 Residential occupancies shall include buildings arranged for occupancy as residential
care/assisted living facilities including more than three but not more than 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.
(Add) BED AND BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENT. A building that does not qualify as a one-
or two-family dwelling unit in accordance with Section 101.2 and which contains only: The
owner’s dwelling unit and guest rooms without permanent provisions for cooking, with a total
building occupant load of not more than 16 persons (see Section 310.3).
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(Add) GUEST ROOM. A space in a Group R-1 structure providing sleeping accommodations
in one room, or in a series of closely associated rooms.
(Add) HOTEL. Any building containing six or more guest rooms, intended or designed to be
used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied or which are occupied for sleeping
purposes by guests.
(Add) 310.3 Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments. A building that the owner
occupies or that is adjacent to a building that the owner occupies as his/her primary place of
residence, has a total building occupant load of not more than 16 persons including the owner-
occupants, and has no provisions for cooking or warming food in the guest rooms. A Group
R-1 bed and breakfast establishment shall not be permitted within a mixed use building. A fire
evacuation plan shall be prominently posted on the inside of each guest room door.
(Add) 310.3.1 Kitchens in Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments. Kitchens in
Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments shall be separated by ½-hour rated fire
separation assemblies.
Exceptions:
1. Fire separation assemblies shall not be required when the kitchen is protected by a
limited area sprinkler system.
2. Fire separation assemblies shall not be required when the kitchen is equipped with
a listed residential range top extinguisher unit or an approved commercial kitchen
hood with a listed, approved automatic fire suppression system.
3. The structural members supporting the rated assemblies shall not be required to be
fire-resistance rated.
(Add) 404.1.2 Exception. The provisions of Section 404 shall not apply to vertical openings in
Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments.
(Amd) 404.3 Automatic sprinkler protection. An approved automatic sprinkler system shall
be installed throughout the entire building.
Exception: That area of the building adjacent to or above the atrium need not be
sprinklered provided that portion of the building is separated from the atrium portion by
a 2-hour fire barrier wall or horizontal assembly or both.
(Amd) 406.1.4 Separation. Separations between private garages or carports and dwelling
units shall comply with the following:
1. Garages attached side by side to residences shall be separated from the residence
and its attic area by means of a minimum 5/8-inch type X gypsum board applied to the
garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms, closets, bathrooms, toilet rooms, halls
or utility spaces in residences shall be separated from adjacent interior spaces by a
minimum 5/8-inch type X gypsum board on the garage side of all walls, ceilings and
combustible structural supports. Gypsum board joints shall be finished in accordance
with the manufacturer’s requirements. 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-inch
thick, solid or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1 3/8-inch thick or 20-minute
fire-rated doors. Doors between the garage and the residence shall be equipped with
a self-closing device.
20
2. Ducts in a private garage and ducts penetrating the walls or ceilings separating the
dwelling unit from the garage shall be constructed of a minimum 0.019 inch sheet steel
and shall have no openings into the garage.
3. A separation is not required between a Group R-3 dwelling and a Group U carport
provided the carport is entirely open on two or more sides and there are no enclosed
areas above.
(Amd) 407.3.2 Locking devices. Locking devices that restrict access to the patient room from
the corridor, and that are operated only by staff from the corridor side, shall not restrict the
means of egress from the patient room except for patient rooms in mental health facilities.
Unlocking of all devices required to move a patient from one smoke compartment to a refuge
area shall be accomplished with not more than two separate keys and not more than 10 locks.
(Add) 407.8 Outside door or window. Every patient sleeping room shall have an outside
door or outside window.
Exceptions:
1. Newborn nurseries and rooms intended for occupancy for less than 24 hours such as
obstetrical labor rooms, recovery rooms and treatment or observation rooms in the
emergency department.
2. For the purposes of this requirement, windows in atrium walls shall be considered
outside windows.
(Add) 407.11 Medical Gas. Medical gas storage and administration areas shall be protected
in accordance with NFPA 99-2002.
(Add) 407.12 Small group home alternative compliance. Group I-2 group homes that serve
four to six persons who are not capable of self-preservation that comply with the alternative
provisions of Section 407.12 shall be considered to be code compliant for the systems
itemized. Other applicable provisions of the code shall apply.
(Add) 407.12.1 Automatic sprinkler system. Buildings shall be equipped with an NFPA 13D
sprinkler system with a 30-minute water supply. All storage, habitable and occupiable rooms
as well as all kitchens and closets shall be sprinklered. Sprinkler valves shall be electrically
supervised and connected to the building fire alarm system.
(Add) 407.12.2 Height and area. Height and area shall comply with Chapter 5.
(Add) 407.12.3 Construction type. Construction type shall comply with Table 503 and the
requirements of Chapter 6. Buildings of construction type VA shall have, in addition to the
requirements of Chapter 6, all interior walls and ceilings covered with a minimum of 5/8-inch
Type X gypsum board, finished in accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions.
(Add) 407.12.3.1 Sleeping room walls. All client sleeping room walls separating the sleeping
room from kitchens, storage rooms other than sleeping room closets and from other habitable
or occupiable portions of the building shall be constructed as smoke partitions in accordance
with Section 710.
21
(Add) 407.12.4 Sleeping room interior doors. All client sleeping room interior doors
separating the sleeping room from kitchens, storage rooms other than sleeping room closets
and from other habitable or occupiable portions of the building shall have a minimum 20-
minute fire-resistance rating and shall be self-closing or automatic closing.
(Add) 407.12.5 Means of egress. In addition to the requirements of Chapter 10, all client
sleeping rooms shall have a door leading directly from the sleeping room to the exterior at the
level of exit discharge.
(Add) 407.12.5.1 Exit signs. Buildings that meet the requirements of Table 1018.2 shall not
be required to be equipped with exit signs.
(Add) 407.12.6 Fire alarm and detection systems. Fire alarm and detection systems shall
be installed in accordance with Section 907.2.6.
(Add) 407.12.6.1 Smoke alarms. Single or multiple station smoke alarms shall be located in
all sleeping rooms. Power source shall be in accordance with Section 907.2.10.2.
Interconnection shall be in accordance with Section 907.2.10.3.
(Amd) PLATFORM. A raised area within a building used for worship, the presentation of
music, plays or other entertainment; the head table for special guests; the raised area for
lecturers and speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theatre-in-the-round stages; and similar
purposes wherein there are no overhead hanging curtains, drops, scenery or stage effects
other than lighting and sound. A temporary platform is one installed for not more than 30
days.
Exception: Curtains that are suspended from overhead but which open and close in a
horizontal manner shall be permitted at platforms.
(Amd) 411.1 General. Special amusement buildings shall comply with the requirements for
the appropriate Group A occupancy and this section.
Exception: Special amusement buildings or portions thereof that are without walls or a
roof and are constructed to prevent the accumulation of smoke.
Flammable decorative materials shall be in accordance with the 2005 Connecticut State Fire
Safety Code.
(Amd) 411.2 Special amusement building. A special amusement building is any temporary
or permanent building, structure or portion thereof that is occupied for amusement,
entertainment or educational purposes and that contains a device or system that conveys
passengers or provides a path of travel along, around or over a course in any direction so
arranged that the means of egress path is not readily apparent due to visual or audio
distractions or is intentionally confounded or is not readily available because of the nature of
the attraction or mode of conveyance throughout the building or portion thereof.
Exception: Multi-level play structures that do not exceed 10 feet in height and do not
have an aggregate horizontal projection in excess of 160 square feet.
(Amd) 415.7.3 Liquefied petroleum gas distribution facilities. The design and
construction of propane, butane, propylene, butylene and other liquefied petroleum gas
distribution facilities shall conform to the applicable provisions of Sections 415.7.3.1 through
415.7.3.5.2 and regulations adopted pursuant to section 29-331 of the Connecticut General
Statutes. The storage and handling of liquefied petroleum gas systems shall conform to the
2005 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code. The design and installation of piping, equipment
and systems that utilize liquefied petroleum gas shall be in accordance with the 2003
22
(Amd) 415.9.2.8.1 General. Electrical equipment and devices within the fabrication area shall
comply with the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code. The requirements for hazardous
locations need not be applied where the average air change is at least four times that set forth
in Section 415.9.2.6 and where the number of air changes at any location is not less than
three times that required by Section 415.9.2.6. The use of recirculated air shall be permitted.
(Add) 419.1 Proximity to the level of exit discharge. Proximity to the level of exit discharge
shall be provided in accordance with Sections 419.1.1 and 419.1.2.
(Add) 419.1.1 Preschool, kindergarten and first grade. Rooms normally occupied by
preschool, kindergarten or first-grade students shall be located on a level of exit discharge.
Exception: Rooms located on levels other than a level of exit discharge shall be
permitted to be occupied by preschool, kindergarten or first-grade students where
such rooms are provided with an independent means of egress dedicated for use by
the preschool, kindergarten or first-grade students.
(Add) 419.1.2 Second grade. Rooms normally occupied by second-grade students shall be
located not more than one story above a level of exit discharge.
Exception: Rooms located on levels other than one story above a level of exit
discharge shall be permitted to be occupied by second-grade students where such
rooms are provided with an independent means of egress dedicated for use by the
second-grade students.
(Add) 419.2 Fire barriers. Group E occupancies shall be subdivided into compartments by
smoke barriers complying with Section 709 where any of the following conditions exist:
1. The maximum area of a compartment, including the aggregate area of all floors
having a common atmosphere, exceeds 30,000 square feet.
2. The length or width of the occupancy exceeds 300 feet.
The area of any compartment required by this section shall not exceed 30,000 square feet
with no dimension exceeding 300 feet.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler
system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
2. Group E occupancies where every classroom throughout the occupancy has at
least one exterior exit door leading to exit discharge.
(Add) 420.1 Scope. The provisions of this section shall apply to Group B medical
occupancies that provide services or treatment for four or more patients who may
simultaneously be rendered incapable of taking action for self-preservation under emergency
conditions, such as outpatient clinics and one-day surgical centers (see Section 304.2).
(Add) 420.2 Construction type. Group B medical occupancies shall be permitted in one-
story buildings of any approved construction. Group B medical occupancies shall not be
permitted in two-story or higher buildings of construction types IIB, IIIB or VB, unless located
at the level of exit discharge and separated from occupancies above in accordance with Table
302.3.2, or unless the building is protected throughout by an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
23
(Add) 420.3.1 Stories below the level of exit discharge. Any story below the level of exit
discharge shall be separated from the level of exit discharge by a floor assembly in
accordance with Section 711. Such floor assembly shall be a minimum of 1-hour fire-
resistance-rated construction.
(Add) 420.3.2 Tenant and occupancy separation. In addition to other requirements of this
code, Group B medical occupancies shall be separated from other occupancies and other
tenant spaces by a minimum of 1-hour fire-resistance-rated construction.
(Add) 420.4 Smoke compartments. Every Group B medical occupancy shall be divided into
not less than two smoke compartments by means of smoke barriers conforming to Section
709.
Exceptions:
1. Group B medical occupancies of less than 5,000 square feet that are protected by
an automatic smoke detection system.
2. Group B medical occupancies of less than 10,000 square feet that are protected
throughout by an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
3. Group B medical occupancies of less than 22,500 square feet shall be permitted to
utilize an area in an adjoining occupancy to serve as a smoke compartment if the
adjoining occupancy is separated by a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated assembly and
access to the adjoining occupancy is unrestricted.
(Add) 420.5 Means of egress. In addition to other requirements of this code, Group B
medical occupancies shall comply with Sections 420.5.1 through 420.5.3.
(Add) 420.5.1 Corridor or passageway width. The clear width of any corridor or
passageway in a Group B medical occupancy shall be 44 inches.
(Add) 420.5.2 Number of exits. Each story or fire area with a Group B medical occupancy
shall have a minimum of two exits, remotely located. Any room or any suite of rooms
exceeding 2,500 square feet in area shall have a minimum of two exit access doors remotely
located.
(Add) 420.5.3 Travel distance. Travel distances within a Group B medical occupancy shall
be as follows:
1. Travel distance to an exit from any room door required as exit access shall not exceed
100 feet.
2. Travel distance to an exit from any point in a Group B medical occupancy shall not
exceed 150 feet in a building without an automatic sprinkler system and shall not
exceed 200 feet in a building equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.
(Add) 420.6 Essential electrical system. Group B medical occupancies that utilize general
anesthesia or life-support systems shall be provided with an essential electrical system in
accordance with NFPA 99-2002.
Exceptions:
1. Where approved battery-operated equipment is provided.
2. Where the facility utilizes life-support equipment for emergency purposes only.
24
(Add) 420.7 Fire alarm and detection systems. A manual fire alarm system shall be
installed in Group B medical occupancies. Initiation of the alarm system shall also be by
means of any detection devices or detection systems required.
(Add) 420.7.1 Emergency forces notification. Emergency forces notification shall be made
in accordance with Section 907.9.3.
(Add) 420.10 Combustion air. Fuel-fired heating devices shall be provided with combustion
air from the outdoors in accordance with Section 703 of the 2003 International Mechanical
Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Add) 504.4 Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments. The height limitation for
existing buildings of Type VB construction undergoing a change of occupancy from detached
one- and two-family dwellings to Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments shall be
increased one story and 5 feet from the values in Table 503 where 1-hour fire-resistance rated
assemblies are constructed between the second and third floors. The structural members
supporting the rated assemblies shall not be required to be fire-resistance rated.
(Amd) 507.1 Nonsprinklered, one story. The area of a one-story, Group F-2 or S-2 building
of other than Type V construction shall not be limited when the building is surrounded and
adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet in width.
(Amd) 507.2 Sprinklered, one story. The area of a one-story, Group A-4, B, F, M or S
building of other than Type V construction shall not be limited when the building is provided
with an automatic sprinkler system throughout in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, and is
surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet in width.
Exceptions:
1. Buildings and structures of Type I and Type II construction for rack storage facilities
which do not have access by the public shall not be limited in height provided that such
buildings conform to the requirements of this code and NFPA 13-02.
2. In occupancies in Group A-4, the automatic sprinkler system shall not be required in
areas occupied for indoor participant sports such as tennis, skating, swimming and
equestrian activities, provided that exit doors directly to the outside are provided for
occupants of the participant sports areas and the building is equipped throughout with
a fire alarm system with manual fire alarm boxes installed in accordance with Section
907.
(Amd) 507.3 Sprinklered, two story. The area of a two-story, Group B, F, M or S building of
Type I or Type II construction shall not be limited when the building is provided with an
automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 throughout, and is
surrounded and adjoined by public ways or yards not less than 60 feet in width.
25
(Amd) 705.1 General. Each portion of a building separated by one or more fire walls that
comply with the provisions of this section shall be considered a separate building. The extent
and location of such fire walls shall provide a complete separation. Fire walls located on lot
lines (party walls) shall also comply with Section 503.2. Party walls shall be constructed
without openings.
(Amd) 707.2 Shaft enclosure required. Openings through a floor/ceiling assembly shall be
protected by a shaft enclosure complying with this section.
Exceptions:
1. A shaft enclosure is not required for openings totally within a residential dwelling unit
and connecting three stories or less.
2. A shaft enclosure is not required in a building equipped throughout with an automatic
sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 for an escalator opening or a
stairway which is not a portion of the means of egress protected according to Item 2.1
or 2.2:
2.1 Where the area of the floor opening between stories does not exceed twice
the horizontal projected area of the escalator or stairway and the opening is
protected by a draft curtain and closely spaced sprinklers in accordance
with NFPA 13-02. In other than Groups B and M, this application is limited
to openings that do not connect more than three stories.
2.2 Where the opening is protected by approved power-operated horizontal
automatic shutters at every floor penetrated. The shutters shall be of
noncombustible construction and have a fire-resistance rating of not less
than 1.5 hours. The shutter shall be so constructed as to close immediately
upon actuation of a smoke detector installed in accordance with Section
907.10 and shall completely shut off the well opening. Escalators shall
cease operation when the shutter begins to close. The shutter shall
operate at a speed of not more than 30 feet per minute and shall be
equipped with a sensitive leading edge to arrest its progress where in
contact with any obstacle, and to continue its progress on release there
from.
3. A shaft enclosure is not required for penetrations by pipe, tube, conduit, wire, cable
and vents protected in accordance with Section 712.4.
4. A shaft enclosure is not required for penetrations by ducts protected in accordance
with Section 712.4. Grease ducts shall be protected in accordance with the 2003
International Mechanical Code.
5. A shaft enclosure is not required for floor openings complying with the provisions for
covered malls or atriums.
6. A shaft enclosure is not required for approved masonry chimneys, where annular
space protection is provided at each floor level in accordance with Section 717.2.5.
7. In other than Groups I-2 and I-3, a shaft enclosure is not required for a floor opening
that complies with the following:
7.1. Does not connect more than two stories.
7.2. Is not part of the required means of egress system except as permitted in
Section 1019.1.
7.3. Is not concealed within the building construction.
7.4. Is not open to a corridor in Group I and R occupancies.
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(Amd) 708.1 General. The following wall assemblies shall comply with this section.
1. Walls separating dwelling units in the same building.
2. Walls separating sleeping units in occupancies in Group R-1 hotel occupancies, Group
R-2 and Group I-1.
Exception to Item 2: Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments.
3. Walls separating tenant spaces in covered mall buildings as required by Section
402.7.2.
4. Corridor walls as required by Section 1016.1.
5. Elevator lobby separation as required by Section 707.14.1.
(Amd) 903.1.1 Alternative protection. In any occupancy where the character of fuel for fire is
such that extinguishment or control of fire is accomplished by a type of alternative automatic
extinguishing system complying with Section 904 in lieu of an automatic sprinkler system,
such alternative system shall be installed in accordance with the applicable standard and
approved by the code official.
(Amd) 903.2.6 Group M. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided as required below
in Group M occupancies where one of the following conditions exists:
1. Throughout all buildings where a Group M fire area exceeds 12,000 square feet.
2. Throughout all buildings where a Group M fire area is located more than three stories
above grade.
3. Throughout all buildings where the combined area of all Group M fire areas on all
floors, including any mezzanines, exceeds 24,000 square feet.
4. Throughout stories below the level of exit discharge where such stories have an area
exceeding 2,500 square feet and are used for the sale, storage or handling of
combustible goods or merchandise.
(Amd) 903.2.7 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section
903.3 shall be provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area.
Exceptions:
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(Amd) 903.3.5.1.1 Limited area sprinkler systems. Limited area sprinkler systems serving
six sprinklers or less in any fire area are permitted to be connected to the domestic service
where a wet automatic standpipe is not available. Limited area sprinkler systems connected
to domestic water supplies shall comply with each of the following requirements:
1. Valves shall not be installed between the domestic water riser control valve and the
sprinklers.
Exception to Item 1: An approved indicating control valve supervised
electrically or locked or secured in the open position shall be permitted.
2. The domestic service shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 13-02.
(Add) 903.3.5.1.3 Water authority approval. Unless served by a private well of sufficient
capacity or other approved source, domestic service shall be permitted to provide the water
supply for the automatic sprinkler system only upon written approval of the water authority
supplying such domestic service.
(Amd) 906.1 General. In other than Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments and Group
F occupancies, portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in occupancies and locations as
required by the 2005 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code.
(Add) 906.1.1 Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments. In Group R-1 bed and
breakfast establishments, portable fire extinguishers shall be required to be located in
kitchens. All portable fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed and maintained in
accordance with NFPA 10-00. A listed residential range top extinguisher unit or an approved
commercial kitchen hood with a listed, approved automatic fire suppression system shall be
permitted to be installed in lieu of the installation of a portable fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
(Add) 906.1.2 Group F occupancies. Portable fire extinguishers shall be selected, installed
and maintained in Group F occupancies in accordance with NFPA 10-00.
(Amd) 907.2.7 Group M. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group M
occupancies, other than covered mall buildings complying with Section 402, when any of the
following occurs:
1. There is an occupant load of 500 or more persons;
2. There is an occupant load of more than 100 persons above or below the lowest level of
exit discharge; or
3. There is a Group M occupancy that occupies more than 3 stories, or portions thereof,
for sales purposes.
Exception: A single manual fire alarm box in an approved location shall be
permitted if the building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler
system and the alarm notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler water flow.
(Amd) 907.2.8.2 Automatic fire alarm system. An automatic fire alarm system shall be
installed throughout all interior corridors serving guest rooms.
Exceptions:
1. An automatic fire detection system is not required in buildings that do not have interior
corridors serving guest rooms and each guest room has a means of egress door
opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to an exit.
2. An automatic fire detection system is not required in Group R-1 bed and breakfast
establishments (see Section 907.2.10.1.1.1).
(Amd) 907.2.9 Group R-2. A manual fire alarm system shall be installed in Group R-2
occupancies where:
1. Any dwelling unit or sleeping unit is located three or more stories above the lowest
level of exit discharge;
2. Any dwelling unit or sleeping unit is located more than one story below the highest
level of exit discharge of exits serving the dwelling unit or sleeping unit; or
3. The building contains more than 11 dwelling units or sleeping units.
Exceptions:
1. A fire alarm system is not required in buildings not over two stories in height where
all dwelling units or sleeping units and contiguous attic and crawl spaces are
separated from each other and public or common areas by at least 1-hour fire
partitions and each dwelling unit or sleeping unit has an exit directly to a public
way, exit court or yard.
2. Manual fire alarm boxes are not required throughout the building when the
following conditions are met:
2.1 The building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2,
2.2 The notification appliances will activate upon sprinkler flow, and
2.3 At least one manual fire alarm box is installed at an approved location.
3. A fire alarm system is not required in buildings that do not have interior corridors
serving dwelling units or sleeping units and are protected by an approved
automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1. or
903.3.1.2, provided that dwelling units or sleeping units either have a means of
egress door opening directly to an exterior exit access that leads directly to the
exits or are served by open-ended corridors designed in accordance with Section
1022.6, Exception 4.
(Add) 907.2.10.1.2.1 Group R-4. In Group R-4 occupancies, single- or multiple-station smoke
alarms shall be installed in living rooms, dens, day rooms and similar spaces in addition to the
locations required by Section 907.2.10.1.2.
(Add) 907.2.10.1.4 Day care and child care occupancies. Single- or multiple-station smoke
detectors shall be installed and maintained in all day care and child care occupancies in the
following locations:
1. In each story in front of doors to the stairways;
2. In the corridors of all floors occupied by the day care or child care
occupancy; and
3. In lounges, recreation areas and sleeping rooms in the day care or child
care occupancy.
Exception: Day care or child care occupancies housed in one room.
(Add) 907.9.3.1 Alarm transmission. Where required by Section 907.9.3, the fire alarm
system shall be arranged to automatically transmit the alarm to the municipal fire department
via any of the following means in accordance with NFPA 72-03:
1. Auxiliary alarm system;
2. Central station connection;
3. Proprietary system; or
4. Remote station connection.
(Add) 912.1 Carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed and
maintained in Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies and in Group R-1 bed and breakfast
establishments. Such detectors shall be located outside of each sleeping area in the
immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. When more than one carbon monoxide detector is
required to be installed within a Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishment, the alarm devices
shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one carbon monoxide detector
will activate all of the carbon monoxide detectors in the occupancy. When more than one
carbon monoxide detector is required to be installed in Groups R-3 or R-4 the alarm devices
shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one carbon monoxide detector
will activate all of the carbon monoxide detectors in the individual unit. The alarm shall be
clearly audible in all bedrooms or sleeping rooms over background noise levels with all
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intervening doors closed. All carbon monoxide detectors shall be listed and shall be installed
in accordance with their listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Exception: Carbon monoxide detectors shall not be required in occupancies or
dwelling units not containing a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
(Add) 912.2 Power source. In new construction, the required carbon monoxide detectors shall
be permanently installed and shall receive their primary power from the building wiring when
such wiring is served from a commercial source. When primary power from the building wiring
is interrupted, they shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without
a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Carbon monoxide
detectors shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without
commercial power or in buildings that undergo alterations or additions regulated by Section
912.3.
(Amd) 912.3 Alterations and additions. When alterations or additions requiring a permit
occur to buildings with Group R-3 and R-4 occupancies and to Group R-1 bed and breakfast
establishments, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in such
occupancies, the entire occupancy shall be provided with carbon monoxide detectors located
as required for new construction. The carbon monoxide detectors shall have a power source
in accordance with Section 912.2.
Exceptions:
1. The carbon monoxide detectors may be battery operated or plug-in and are not
required to be interconnected when other remodeling considerations do not require the
removal of the appropriate wall or ceiling coverings to facilitate concealed
interconnected wiring.
2. Alterations to the exterior surfaces of existing buildings including, but not limited to, re-
roofing, re-siding, window replacement and the construction of decks without roofs, are
exempt from the requirements of this section.
3. Carbon monoxide detectors shall not be required in buildings not containing a fuel-
burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
(Add) 1005.1.1 Balanced egress capacity. The total required egress capacity from any story,
balcony, tier or other occupied space shall be balanced among the total number of required
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means of egress. The minimum capacity of any required means of egress shall be the
greatest capacity as determined by all of the following:
1. Minimum width as determined by Sections 1008.1, 1009.1 and 1010.5.
2. Minimum width as determined by the total required exit capacity divided by the
number of required exits.
3. Minimum width as required by use and occupancy classification.
(Amd) 1006.1 Illumination required. The means of egress, including the exit discharge, shall
be illuminated at all times the building space served by the means of egress is occupied.
Exceptions:
1. Occupancies in Group U.
2. Aisle accessways in Group A.
3. Within dwelling units and sleeping units in Groups R-1, R-2 and R-3.
4. Within sleeping units of Group I occupancies.
5. Continuous illumination of the means of egress in Group R-1 bed and breakfast
establishments shall not be required when illumination of the means of egress is
initiated upon initiation of a fire alarm.
(Amd) 1006.3 Illumination emergency power. The power supply for means of egress
illumination shall normally be provided by the premise’s electrical supply. In the event of
power supply failure, an emergency electrical system shall automatically illuminate the
following areas:
1. Exit access corridors, passageways and aisles in rooms and spaces which require two
or more means of egress.
2. Exit access corridors and exit stairways located in buildings required to have two or
more exits.
3. Exterior egress components at other than the level of exit discharge until exit discharge
is accomplished for buildings required to have two or more exits.
4. Interior exit discharge elements, as permitted in Section 1023.1, in buildings required
to have two or more exits.
5. The portion of the exterior exit discharge immediately adjacent to exit discharge
doorways in buildings required to have two or more exits.
6. Means of egress lighting in Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments.
7. The egress side of access controlled egress doors in accordance with Section
1008.1.3.4 or doors equipped with delayed egress locks in accordance with Section
1008.1.8.6.
The emergency power system shall provide power for a duration of not less than 90 minutes
and shall consist of storage batteries, unit equipment or an on-site generator. The installation
of the emergency power system shall be in accordance with Section 2702.
(Amd) 1008.1.1 Size of doors. The minimum width of each door opening shall be sufficient
for the occupant load thereof and shall provide a clear width of not less than 32 inches. Clear
openings of doorways with swinging doors shall be measured between the face of the door
and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees. Where this section requires a minimum clear
width of 32 inches and a door opening includes two door leaves without a mullion, one leaf
shall provide a clear opening width of 32 inches. The maximum width of a swinging door leaf
shall be 48 inches nominal. Means of egress doors in an occupancy in Group I-2 used for the
movement of beds shall provide a clear width not less than 41 ½ inches. The height of doors
shall not be less than 80 inches.
Exceptions:
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1. The minimum and maximum width shall not apply to door openings that are not part of
the required means of egress in occupancies in Groups R-2 and R-3 as applicable in
Section 101.2.
2. Door openings to resident sleeping units not required to be accessible in occupancies
in Group I-3 shall have a clear width of not less than 28 inches.
3. Door openings to storage closets less than 10 square feet in area shall not be limited
by the minimum width.
4. Width of door leafs in revolving doors that comply with Section 1008.1.3.1 shall not be
limited.
5. Door openings within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit shall not be less than 78 inches in
height.
6. Exterior door openings in dwelling units and sleeping units, other than the required exit
door, shall not be less than 76 inches in height.
7. Interior egress doors within a dwelling unit or sleeping unit which is not required to be
adaptable or accessible.
8. Door openings required to be accessible within Type B dwelling units shall have a
minimum clear width of 31 ¾ inches.
9. Doors within and accessing Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments shall have a
minimum clear width of 28 inches. Doors within and accessing bathrooms in Group
R-1 bed and breakfast establishments shall have a minimum clear width of 24 inches.
(Amd) 1008.1.4 Floor elevation. There shall be a floor or landing on each side of a door.
Such floor or landing shall be at the same elevation on each side of the door. Landings shall
be level except for exterior landings, which are permitted to have a slope not to exceed 0.25
unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-per cent slope).
Exceptions:
1. Doors serving individual dwelling units in Groups R-2 and R-3 as applicable in
Section 101.2 where the following apply:
1.1. A door is permitted to open at the top step of an interior flight of stairs,
provided the door does not swing over the top step.
1.2. Screen doors and storm doors are permitted to swing over stairs or landings.
2. Exterior doors as provided for in Section 1003.5, Exception 1, and Section 1017.2,
which are not on an accessible route.
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3. In Group R-3 occupancies, the landing at an exterior doorway shall not be more
than 7 ¾ inches below the top of the threshold, provided the door, other than an
exterior storm or screen door, does not swing over the landing.
4. Variations in elevation due to differences in finish materials, but not more than 0.5
inch.
(Amd) 1008.1.8.6 Delayed egress locks. Approved, listed delayed egress locks shall be
permitted to be installed on doors serving occupancies other than Groups A, E and H in
buildings that are equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with
Section 903.3.1.1 or with an approved automatic smoke or heat detection system installed in
accordance with Section 907, provided that the doors unlock in accordance with Items 1
through 6 below. A building occupant shall not be required to pass through more than one
door supplied with a delayed egress lock before entering an exit.
1. The doors unlock upon actuation of the automatic sprinkler system or automatic
fire detection system.
2. The doors unlock upon loss of power controlling the lock or lock mechanism.
3. The door locks shall have the capability of being unlocked by a signal from the fire
command center.
4. The initiation of an irreversible process which will release the latch in not more than
15 seconds when a force of not more than 15 pounds is applied for 1 second to the
release device. Initiation of the irreversible process shall activate an audible signal
in the vicinity of the door. Once the door lock has been released by the application
of force to the releasing device, relocking shall be by manual means only.
Exception to Item 4: Where approved by the local building official and the
local fire marshal, a delay of not more than 30 seconds shall be permitted.
5. A readily visible, durable sign in letters not less than 1 inch high and not less than
1/8 inch in stroke width shall be provided on the door located above and within 12
inches of the release device reading: PUSH UNTIL ALARM SOUNDS. DOOR
CAN BE OPENED IN 15 (30) SECONDS.
6. Emergency lighting shall be provided at the door.
(Add) 1008.1.8.8 Bathroom doors. Group I-2 child care facility, Group I-4 day care facility
and Group R-4 occupancy bathroom doors subject to locking shall be designed to allow
unlocking from the outside during an emergency.
(Amd) 1009.3 Stair treads and risers. Stair riser heights shall be 7 inches maximum and 4
inches minimum. Stair tread depths shall be 11 inches minimum. The riser height shall be
measured vertically between the leading edges of adjacent treads. The greatest riser height
within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. The tread depth
shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost projection of
adjacent treads and at right angle to the tread’s leading edge. The greatest tread depth within
any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by 3/8 inch.
Exceptions:
1. Circular stairways in accordance with Section 1009.7.
2. Spiral stairways in accordance with Section 1009.9.
3. Aisle stairs in assembly seating areas where the stair pitch or slope is set, for sightline
reasons, by the slope of the adjacent seating area in accordance with Section
1024.11.2.
4. In occupancies in Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments, in occupancies in
Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, within dwelling units in occupancies in
Group R-2 and in occupancies in Group U, which are accessory to an occupancy in
Group R-3, as applicable in Section 101.2, the maximum riser height shall be 8 ¼
inches and the minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches. A nosing not less than ¾ inch
34
but not more than 1 ¼ inches shall be provided on stairways with solid risers where the
tread depth is less than 11 inches.
5. The riser height and tread depth of existing stairways in buildings undergoing addition,
alteration, repair, relocation or change of occupancy that involve the existing stairways
shall be permitted to remain, provided the greatest riser height within any flight of stairs
shall not exceed the smallest by 3/8 inch and the greatest tread depth within any flight
of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by 3/8 inch.
6. Any stairway replacing an existing stairway within a space where the pitch or slope
cannot be reduced because of existing construction shall not be required to comply
with the maximum riser height and minimum tread depth requirements.
(Amd) 1009.8 Winders. Winders are not permitted in means of egress stairways except
within a dwelling unit and within existing detached one- and two-family dwellings undergoing a
change of occupancy to Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments.
(Add) 1009.8.1 Winder treads. Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 9 inches
measured at a right angle to the tread’s leading edge at a point 12 inches from the side where
the treads are narrower and a minimum tread depth of 6 inches. The greatest winder tread
depth at the 12-inch walk line within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more
than 3/8 inch.
(Amd) 1009.11 Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side. Handrails shall be
adequate in strength and attachment in accordance with Section 1607.7. Handrails for ramps,
where required by Section 1010.8, shall comply with this section.
Exceptions:
1. Aisle stairs complying with Section 1024 provided with a center handrail need not have
additional handrails.
2. Stairways within dwelling units, spiral stairways and aisle stairs serving seating only on
one side are permitted to have a handrail on one side only.
3. Decks, patios and walkways that have a single change in elevation where the landing
depth on each side of the change in elevation is greater than what is required for a
landing do not require handrails.
4. In Group R-3 occupancies, a change in elevation consisting of a single riser at an
entrance or egress door does not require handrails.
5. Changes in room floor elevations of only one riser within dwelling units, Group R-1 bed
and breakfast establishments and sleeping units in Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies do
not require handrails.
6. Stairways within Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments shall be equipped with a
minimum of one handrail.
(Amd) 1010.7.1 Ramp surface. The surface of ramps shall be of slip-resistant materials that
are securely attached, solid and without perforations.
(Add) 1011.1.1 Floor proximity exit signs. In addition to the exit signs required by Sections
1011.1 and 1011.1.2 of this code, exit doors shall be marked by floor proximity exit signs in
Group A occupancies with an occupant load of more than 300, Group B medical occupancies,
Group I-1 occupancies, Group I-2 occupancies, Group R-1 hotels and motels and Group R-2
dormitories.
(Add) 1011.1.1.1 Location and illumination. Floor proximity exit signs shall be located with
the bottom of the sign not less than 6 inches nor more than 18 inches above the finished floor.
The signs shall be located on the door or adjacent to the door with the nearest edge within 4
inches of the door. Floor proximity exit signs shall be illuminated in accordance with the
requirements of Section 1011.4 or Section 1011.5 of this code.
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(Add) 1011.1.2 Accessible exits. In addition to the exit signs required by Sections 1011.1 and
1011.1.1 of this code, accessible exits at the level of exit discharge that lead directly to
accessible paths of exit discharge shall be marked by the International Symbol of
Accessibility. Such symbol shall be not less than 6 inches high and shall be incorporated into
the required exit sign or shall be located directly adjacent to it. Such symbol shall meet the
requirements of Section 1011.
(Add) 1016.1.1 Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments. A fire-resistance rating is not
required for corridors in Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments. Doors leading from
guest rooms into corridors or hallways in Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments shall
be equipped with self-closing devices.
(Add) 1017.3 Mercantile occupancies. In mercantile occupancies where the only means of
customer entrance is through one exterior wall of a building, the exits in such wall shall be of
sufficient width to accommodate not less than two-thirds of the occupant load, but such exits
shall not be less than the total required width of all means of egress leading to those exits.
The remaining exits shall be capable of providing at least one-half of the total required exit
capacity.
Exception: Bulk merchandising mercantile occupancies.
(Amd) 1018.2 Buildings with one exit. Only one exit shall be required in buildings as
described below:
1. Buildings described in Table 1018.2, provided that the building has not more than one
level below the first story above grade plane.
2. Buildings of Group R-3 occupancy.
3. Buildings of Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishment occupancy.
4. Single level buildings with the occupied space at the level of exit discharge provided
that the story or space complies with Section 1014.1 as a space with one means of
egress.
(Amd) 1019.1 Enclosures required. Interior exit stairways and interior exit ramps shall be
enclosed with fire barriers. Exit enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than
2 hours where connecting a total of four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where
connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected by the shaft enclosure
shall include any basements but not any mezzanines. An exit enclosure shall not be used for
any purpose other than means of egress. Enclosures shall be constructed as fire barriers in
accordance with Section 706.
Exceptions:
1. In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1 with other than Group H and I occupancies, a stairway serving an
occupant load of less than 10 not more than one story above the level of exit discharge
is not required to be enclosed.
2. Exits in buildings of Group A-5 where all portions of the means of egress are 50 per
cent or more open to the outside at the upper portion of each level need not be
enclosed.
3. Stairways serving not more than three stories and contained within a single residential
dwelling unit or sleeping unit in occupancies in Group R-2 or R-3 and sleeping units in
occupancies in Group R-1 are not required to be enclosed.
4. Stairways that are not a required means of egress element are not required to be
enclosed where such stairways comply with Section 707.2.
5. Stairways in open parking structures that serve only the parking structure are not
required to be enclosed.
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6. Stairways in occupancies in Group I-3 as provided for in Section 408.3.6 are not
required to be enclosed.
7. Means of egress stairways as required by Section 410.5.4 are not required to be
enclosed.
8. Stairways connecting the first and second floors of Group R-1 bed and breakfast
establishments shall not be required to be enclosed. Stairways connecting the second
and third floors in such occupancies shall be enclosed with fire separation assemblies
having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. Stairways connecting the
basement and the first floor in such occupancies shall be enclosed with fire partitions
having a fire-resistance rating of not less than ½ hour with 20-minute fire-resistance
rated door assemblies. Fire-resistance rated assemblies at stairways in Group R-1
bed and breakfast establishments shall not be required to be supported by fire-
resistance rated construction.
(Amd) 1024.2 Assembly main exit. Group A occupancies that have an occupant load of
greater than 300 shall be provided with a main entrance that is also the main exit. In other
Group A occupancies that have a single main entrance, such main entrance shall also be the
main exit. The main entrance/exit shall be of sufficient width to accommodate not less than
two-thirds of the occupant load, but such width shall not be less than the total required width of
all means of egress leading to the exit. Where the building is classified as a Group A
occupancy, the main exit shall front on at least one street or on an unoccupied space of not
less than 10 feet in width that adjoins a street or public way.
Exception: In assembly occupancies where there is no well-defined main entrance
and main exit or where multiple main entrances and main exits are provided, exits shall
be permitted to be distributed around the perimeter of the building or space containing
the assembly occupancy, provided that the total width of egress is not less than 100
per cent of the required width.
(Amd) 1024.3 Assembly other exits. Group A occupancies and buildings that have a single
main entrance/exit in accordance with Section 1024.2, shall be provided with additional exits
that provide for at least one-half of the total occupant load of such occupancy or building and
comply with Sections 1005.1.1 and 1014.2.
(Amd) 1024.12 Seat stability. In places of assembly, the seats shall be securely fastened to
the floor.
Exceptions:
1. In places of assembly or portions thereof without balconies, ramped or tiered floors
for seating and with 200 or fewer seats, the seats shall not be required to be
fastened to the floor.
2. In places of assembly or portions thereof with seating at tables and without ramped
or tiered floors for seating, the seats shall not be required to be fastened to the
floor.
3. In places of assembly or portions thereof without ramped or tiered floors for seating
and with greater than 200 seats, the seats shall be fastened together in groups of
not less than three or the seats shall be fastened to the floor.
4. In places of assembly where flexibility of the seating arrangement is an integral
part of the design and function of the space and seating is on tiered levels, a
maximum of 200 seats shall not be required to be fastened to the floor provided
that all seats in balconies are fastened together in groups of not less than three or
the seats shall be fastened to the floor. Plans showing the seating, tiers and aisles
shall be submitted for approval.
5. Groups of seats within a place of assembly separated from other seating by
railings, guards, partial height walls or similar barriers with level floors and having
no more than 14 seats per group shall not be required to be fastened to the floor.
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(Add) 1025.1.2 Group I-4 occupancies. In Group I-4 occupancies, emergency escape and
rescue openings shall be provided in every room or space greater than 250 square feet
normally subject to client occupancy.
(Amd) 1025.2.1 Minimum dimensions. The minimum net clear opening height dimension
shall be 24 inches. The minimum net clear opening width dimension shall be 20 inches. The
net clear opening dimensions shall be the result of normal operation of the opening.
Exception: In existing buildings undergoing a change of occupancy to Group R-1 bed
and breakfast establishments, the net clear opening dimensions shall be permitted to
be obtained by removal of the sash without the use of a key or tool provided that the
instructions for the removal of the sash are clearly posted on the inside of the guest
room door.
CHAPTER 11 – ACCESSIBILITY
(Add) COMPLEX. For application of accessibility requirements, this term means any group of
buildings located on a single parcel of land or on contiguous parcels of land or any building or
group of buildings that are subdivided into separate occupancies and planned, financed,
constructed or promoted by common management for the purpose of sale or lease of the
entire complex or any subdivision thereof, except any single-family detached dwelling.
(Amd) DWELLING UNIT OR SLEEPING UNIT, TYPE B. A dwelling unit or sleeping unit
designed and constructed for accessibility in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003, as
amended.
(Add) STORY. For application of accessibility requirements, this term means that part of a
building comprised between a floor and the floor or roof next above.
(Add) STREET FLOOR. For application of accessibility requirements, this term means the
floor nearest the level of exit discharge.
(Amd) 1103.2.11 Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments. Group R-1 bed and
breakfast establishments are not required to be accessible.
each story above the street floor contains less than three thousand square feet of
total gross area per floor and the street floor is renovated or altered to provide
accessibility to persons with disabilities. This provision shall not apply to stories
above the street floor that include the offices of health care providers, municipal or
state agencies or passenger transportation facilities or offices located in airport
terminals.
2. Buildings and structures of any occupancy not otherwise exempted from the
requirements of this chapter shall be exempt if each story above and below the
street floor contains less than three thousand square feet of total gross area and
the street floor is designed, renovated or altered to provide accessibility to persons
with disabilities. This provision shall not apply to stories above or below the street
floor that include the offices of health care providers, municipal or state agencies or
passenger transportation facilities or offices located in airport terminals or
mercantile facilities having five or more tenant spaces.
(Add) 1103.2.16 Mezzanines. Mezzanines having fewer than 3,000 square feet of gross floor
area, either singly or in the aggregate for multiple mezzanines on any floor are not required to
be accessible and are not required to be located on an accessible route, provided that the
goods and services available on any mezzanine shall be available in accessible areas.
(Amd) 1104.1 Site arrival points. Accessible routes within the site shall be provided from
public transportation stops, accessible parking and accessible passenger loading zones and
public streets or sidewalks to the accessible building entrance served. Where an accessible
route must cross speed bumps or vehicle wheel stops, there shall be a minimum clear
passage width not less than 32 inches.
Exception: An accessible route shall not be required between site arrival
points and the building or facility entrance if the only means of access between them is
a vehicular way not providing for pedestrian access.
(Add) 1105.2 Automatic entrances. Pursuant to section 29-270a of the Connecticut General
Statutes, at least one primary entrance to any covered mall building, anchor store or retail
business (Group M) with more than 50,000 square feet of floor space shall be equipped with
an automatically operating door or doors in sequence, installed in accordance with applicable
provisions of this code. Where controls for automatic doors are provided they shall be in an
accessible location outside the swing of the door, located within a space that is a minimum of
5 feet in length and 3 feet in width that has a surface gradient of not more than one unit
vertical in 50 units horizontal (1:50), within 10 feet of the entrance and set at a maximum
height of 30 inches above the walking surface.
Exception: Nothing in this section shall require the installation of an automatically
operating door in a primary entrance which is open and unobstructed by any door
during the hours the retail business is open to the public.
(Amd) 1106.2 Groups R-2 and R-3. Two per cent, but not less than one, of each type of
parking space provided for in occupancies in Groups R-2 and R-3, which are required to have
Accessible, Type A or Type B dwelling or sleeping units shall be accessible.
39
(Add) 1106.2.1 Group R-2 and R-3 parking within or beneath a building. Where parking is
provided within or beneath a building, accessible parking spaces shall also be provided within
or beneath the building.
Exception: Private parking garages within or beneath the building that contain no
more than two parking spaces, that are reserved for the exclusive use of a specific
dwelling unit and are directly accessed from that dwelling unit are not required to be
accessible.
(Add) 1106.5.1 Van accessible parking spaces. Pursuant to subsection (h) of section 14-
253a of the Connecticut General Statutes, parking spaces for passenger vans designated for
the handicapped shall be as near as possible to a building entrance or walkway and shall be
16 feet wide including 8 feet of cross hatch. Cross hatched portions shall not be shared
between spaces.
(Add) 1106.5.1.1 Van access clearance. Pursuant to subsection (i) of section 14-253a of the
Connecticut General Statutes, each public parking garage or terminal shall have 8 feet 2
inches vertical clearance at a primary entrance and along the route to at least two parking
spaces for passenger vans that conform to Section 1106.5.1 and that have 8 feet 2 inches of
vertical clearance.
(Amd) 1107.6.2.1.1 Type A units. In occupancies in Group R-2, at least 10 per cent, but not
less than one, of the units shall be a Type A unit in accordance with ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003.
All units on the site, within the building or within the complex shall be considered to determine
the total number of units and the required number of Type A units. Type A units shall be
dispersed among the various classes of units.
Exceptions:
1. The number of Type A units is permitted to be reduced in accordance with Section
1107.7.
2. Existing buildings or structures on a site or within a complex shall not contribute to
the total number of units on a site.
(Amd) 1107.7.2 Multistory units. Multistory townhouses as defined and regulated by the
2003 International Residential Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code shall be in
accordance with Section 1107.7.2.1. Other multistory units shall be in accordance with
Section 1107.7.2.2.
(Add) 1107.7.2.1 Multistory townhouses. Where required to comply with the provisions of
Section 1107.6.3.1 of this code, multistory townhouses shall have a Type B dwelling unit on
the street floor providing provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and a complete toilet
and bathing facility on that floor.
(Add) 1107.7.2.2 Other multistory units. A multistory dwelling unit or sleeping unit that is not
a townhouse as defined and regulated by the 2003 International Residential Code portion of
the 2005 State Building Code and which is not provided with elevator service is not required to
be a Type A or Type B unit. Where a multistory unit is provided with external elevator service
to only one floor, the floor provided with elevator service shall be the primary entry to the unit
40
and shall comply with the requirements for a Type A or Type B unit providing provisions for
living, sleeping, eating, cooking and a complete toilet and bathing facility on that floor.
(Amd) 1109.2.1 Unisex toilet and bathing rooms. In assembly and mercantile occupancies,
one accessible unisex toilet room shall be provided where an aggregate of six or more male
and female water closets is required. In buildings of mixed occupancy, only those water
closets required for the assembly or mercantile occupancy shall be used to determine the
unisex toilet room requirement. In recreational facilities where separate-sex bathing rooms
are provided, one accessible unisex bathing room shall be provided. Fixtures located within
required unisex toilet and bathing rooms shall be included in determining the number of
fixtures provided in an occupancy.
Exception: Where each separate-sex bathing room has only one shower or bathtub
fixture, a unisex bathing room is not required.
(Add) 1109.2.2.1 Pull handle. Where accessible water closet compartments or single
occupancy toilet rooms are provided, the compartment or room doors shall have a pull handle
mounted 6 inches from the hinge side on the compartment or room side of the door. This
handle shall be between 26 inches and 36 inches from the floor and shall meet the
requirements of Section 404.2.7 of ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003.
Exception: Compartments or rooms with self-closing, self-latching doors.
(Add) 1109.2.3 Single occupancy toilet. Required accessible toilet rooms designed for
single occupancy in other than Group R shall meet the requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1-
2003. Each such room shall contain both toilet and lavatory, shall have a lever handle privacy
lockset and shall have an emergency call system that actuates a visible and audible alarm in a
normally occupied area. An alarm pull switch shall be provided within 3 feet of the water
closet with a pull cord extending to within 12 inches of the floor. Emergency instructions shall
be provided at the occupied location.
(Add) 1109.2.4 Additional grab bar. In addition to grab bars required by ICC/ANSI A117.1-
2003, a separate, additional swing grab bar shall be provided at a minimum of one accessible
toilet location for each gender per floor within any non-exempt building. Such additional grab
bar shall be located the same distance from the water closet centerline to the side grab bar,
parallel to, opposite from, and at the same height as the side grab bar. The additional grab
bar shall be floor mounted or wall mounted, and shall fix or latch firmly in place when in use.
The mounting height of the required rear bar may be varied to coordinate with the swing grab
bar. The swing grab bar shall be not less than 24 inches nor more than 36 inches in length,
and shall be capable of swinging and storing against a wall or partition when not required.
Exception: Areas in Groups E, R-1, R-2, R-3 and I-3 not serving public and
administrative functions.
(Add) 1109.2.5 Faucets and controls. The controls to operate a faucet shall be located no
more than 25 inches from the front face of a lavatory, kitchen sink, counter or vanity. At least
one lavatory per gender per bathroom shall have its faucet and control located within 13
inches from the face of the fixture or vanity front. Lavatory faucets on accessible fixtures shall
comply with the requirements of ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003.
(Add) 1109.7.1 Limited use, limited access elevators. Limited use, limited access elevators
shall be permitted to be installed in new construction in the same locations specified in Section
1109.7. Limited use, limited access elevators shall be installed in accordance with the
Connecticut Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, adopted under authority of section 29-
192 of the Connecticut General Statutes and with regulations adopted under authority of
section 29-200 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
41
(Add) 1109.16 Telephones. Where public telephones are provided, at least one, but not less
than 25 per cent shall be accessible. Where three or more public telephones are provided in
any one location, or where any public telephone is provided in a hospital, an accessible shelf
and an accessible electrical outlet shall be provided for use of a portable text telephone
device.
(Add) 1109.17 Automated teller machines. Where automated teller machines are provided
for pedestrian use at any site, at least one location and one automated teller machine shall be
accessible.
(Amd) 1110.1 Signs. Required accessible elements shall be identified by the International
Symbol of Accessibility at the following locations:
1. Accessible parking spaces as required by Section 1106. Pursuant to
subsection (h) of section 14-253a of the Connecticut General Statutes,
such spaces shall be designated by above-grade signs with white
lettering against a blue background and shall bear the words
“HANDICAPPED PARKING PERMIT REQUIRED” and “VIOLATORS
WILL BE FINED” in addition to the International Symbol of Accessibility.
When such a sign is replaced, repaired or erected, it shall indicate the
minimum fine for a violation of subsection (f) of section 14-253a of the
Connecticut General Statutes. Such indicator may be in the form of a
notice affixed to such sign.
2. Accessible passenger loading zones.
3. Accessible areas of refuge required by Section 1007.6.
4. Accessible portable toilet and bathing units.
5. Accessible means of egress stairways.
6. Accessible toilet or bathing rooms where multiple single-user toilet or
bathing rooms are clustered at a single location.
7. Accessible entrances where not all entrances are accessible.
8. Accessible check-out aisles where not all aisles are accessible. The sign,
where provided, shall be above the check-out aisle in the same location
as the check-out aisle number or type of check-out identification.
9. Unisex toilet and bathing rooms.
10. Accessible dressing, fitting and locker rooms where not all such rooms are
accessible.
11. Accessible grade level exits required by Section 1011.1.2.
(Add) 1110.4 Interior signage. Interior signs that designate permanent rooms and spaces
shall be raised text characters and Braille, designed and located in accordance with ICC/ANSI
A117.1-2003. Mounting location for signage shall be such that any person approaching the
signage will not encounter protruding objects, or stand within the swing of any door.
square feet of projected roof area and where there is a minimum 10-foot fire-separation
distance from the leading edge of the roof to a lot line on all sides of the building, except for
street fronts or public ways, shall be permitted to have roofs of No. 1 cedar or redwood
shakes and No. 1 wood shingles.
(Amd) 1507.2.7 Attachment. Asphalt shingles shall have the minimum number of fasteners
required by the manufacturer, or as required by Chapter 15. For normal application, asphalt
shingles shall be secured to the roof with not less than four fasteners per strip shingle or two
fasteners per individual shingle. Where the roof slope exceeds 20 units vertical in 12 units
horizontal or where the basic wind speed per Appendix K is 110 mph or greater, asphalt
shingles shall be secured to the roof in accordance with the manufacturer’s special installation
instructions or, in the absence of such instructions, with not less than six fasteners per strip
shingle or three fasteners per individual shingle.
Shingles classified using ASTM D 3161 are acceptable for use in wind zones less than
110 mph. Shingles classified using ASTM D 3161 Class F are acceptable for use where the
basic wind speed per Appendix K is 110 mph or greater and in all cases where special
fastening is required.
(Amd) 1507.11.1 Slope. Modified bitumen membrane roofs shall have a design slope of a
minimum of one-fourth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-per cent slope) for drainage.
Exception: A minimum design slope of one-eighth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal
shall be permitted when the following two conditions are met:
1. The roofing material is warranted/guaranteed by both the roofing material
manufacturer and the roofing installer for the proposed slope.
2. The registered design professional responsible for the design of the roof
structure certifies that the roof structure is designed to support all loads,
including any additional loads resultant to the reduced slope.
(Amd) 1507.12.1 Slope. Thermoset single ply membrane roofs shall have a design slope of a
minimum of one-fourth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-per cent slope) for drainage.
Exception: A minimum design slope of one-eighth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal
shall be permitted when the following two conditions are met:
1. The roofing material is warranted/guaranteed by both the roofing material
manufacturer and the roofing installer for the proposed slope.
2. The registered design professional responsible for the design of the roof
structure certifies that the roof structure is designed to support all loads,
including any additional loads resultant to the reduced slope.
(Amd) 1507.13.1 Slope. Thermoplastic single ply membrane roofs shall have a design slope
of a minimum of one-fourth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-per cent slope) for drainage.
Exception: A minimum design slope of one-eighth unit vertical in 12 units horizontal
shall be permitted when the following two conditions are met:
1. The roofing material is warranted/guaranteed by both the roofing material
manufacturer and the roofing installer for the proposed slope.
2. The registered design professional responsible for the design of the roof
structure certifies that the roof structure is designed to support all loads,
including any additional loads resultant to the reduced slope.
(Add) 1607.3.1 Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments. Live loads shall comply with
the requirements of Table 1607.1 for one- and two-family dwellings.
43
(Amd) 1608.2 Ground snow loads. Ground snow loads to be utilized in determining the
design snow loads for roofs shall be as listed in Appendix K. See Section 1608.3 for
application of minimum design snow loads.
(Amd) 1608.3 Flat roof snow loads. The flat roof snow load, pf, on a roof with a slope equal
to or less than 5 degrees (0.09 rad) (1 inch per foot = 4.76 degrees) shall be calculated in
accordance with Section 7.3 of ASCE 7-02. The calculated value of pf shall not be less than 30
pounds per square foot. The calculated value of pf without the 30 pounds per square foot
minimum requirement shall be used to determine partial loading effects, unbalanced snow
loads, snow drifting loads and snow sliding loads in accordance with Sections 1608.5, 1608.6,
1608.7 and 1608.9.
(Amd) 1608.4 Sloped roof snow loads. The snow load, ps, on a roof with a slope greater than
5 degrees (0.09 rad) (1 inch per foot = 4.76 degrees) shall be calculated in accordance with
Section 7.4 of ASCE 7-02. The value of pf used in such calculation shall not be less than 30
pounds per square foot. The calculated value of pf without the 30 pounds per square foot
minimum requirement shall be used to determine partial loading effects, unbalanced snow
loads, snow drifting loads and snow sliding loads in accordance with Sections 1608.5, 1608.6,
1608.7 and 1608.9.
(Amd) 1609.3 Basic wind speed. The basic wind speed, in miles per hour, for the
determination of the wind loads shall be determined by Appendix K. Basic wind speed for the
special wind regions indicated shall be in accordance with Section 6.5.4 of ASCE 7-02.
(Amd) 1612.3 Establishment of flood hazard areas. Flood hazard areas shall be
established locally by methods lawfully adopted by the town, city or borough.
(Amd) 1615.1 General procedure for determining maximum considered earthquake and
design spectral response accelerations. Ground motion accelerations, represented by
response spectra and coefficients derived from these spectra, shall be determined in
accordance with the general procedure of Section 1615.1, or the site-specific procedure of
Section 1615.2. The site-specific procedure of Section 1615.2 shall be used for structures on
sites classified as Site Class F, in accordance with Section 1615.1.1.
The mapped maximum considered earthquake spectral response acceleration at
short periods (SS) and at 1-second period (S1) shall be determined from Appendix K.
The site class shall be determined in accordance with Section 1615.1.1. The
maximum considered earthquake spectral response accelerations at short period and 1-
second period adjusted for site class effects, SMS and SM1, shall be determined in accordance
with Section 1615.1.2. The design spectral response accelerations at short period, SDS, and
at 1-second period, SD1, shall be determined in accordance with Section 1615.1.3. The
general response spectrum shall be determined in accordance with Section 1615.1.4.
(Amd) 1704.2.2 Fabricator approval. Special inspections required by Section 1704.2.1 are
not required where the work is done on the premises of a fabricator of structural steel that has
been certified by AISC Fabricator Certification Program or a fabricator of precast concrete that
has been certified by PCI Plant Certification Program. Such fabricators shall not be exempt
from special inspections required by Sections 1704.3 or 1704.4.
(Del) SECTION 1705 – QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR SEISMIC RESISTANCE. Delete this
section in its entirety without substitution.
(Del) SECTION 1706 – QUALITY ASSURANCE FOR WIND REQUIREMENTS. Delete this
section in its entirety without substitution.
(Amd) 1805.2 Depth of footings. The minimum depth of footings shall conform to Sections
1805.2.1 through 1805.2.3.
45
(Amd) 1805.2.1 Frost protection. Except where otherwise protected from frost, foundation
walls, piers and other permanent supports of buildings and structures shall be protected from
frost by one or more of the following methods:
1. Extending a minimum of 42 inches below finished grade;
2. Construction in accordance with ASCE 32-01; or
3. Erecting on solid rock.
Exception: Free-standing buildings or structures meeting all of the following
conditions shall not be required to be protected:
1. Classified in importance category I (see Table 1604.5);
2. Area of 400 square feet or less; and
3. Eave height of 10 feet or less.
Footings shall not be cast on frozen soil.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1 Small diameter grouted piles. Small diameter grouted piles are defined as
grouted cast-in-place piles that are less than 12 inches in diameter and in which all or a portion
of the pile is cast directly against the soil without permanent casing.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.1 General. Small diameter grouted piles shall be designed and installed in
accordance with Sections 1808.2.3.1.2 through 1808.2.3.1.10.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.2 Materials. Concrete or sand-cement grout shall have a 28-day specified
compressive strength of not less than 4,000 psi. The mix design shall be adjusted to produce a
pumpable mixture.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.3 Allowable stresses. For compressive loads, the maximum allowable
design stress on the cement grout or concrete shall be 33% of the specified 28-day unconfined
compressive strength, but not exceeding 1,600 psi. The maximum allowable design stress on
the steel reinforcing, including permanent steel casing, shall be 40% of the minimum specified
yield strength but not exceeding 24,000 psi. For tension loads, the maximum allowable design
tensile stress on the steel reinforcing shall be 60% of the minimum specified yield strength.
The allowable design tensile stress on the cement grout shall be zero.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.4 Minimum reinforcing. The steel reinforcing shall be designed to carry the
following minimum percentage of the design compression load:
1. For a pile or a portion of a pile grouted inside a temporary casing, grouted inside a
hole drilled into rock, or grouted with a hollow-stem auger, the reinforcing steel shall
be designed to carry not less than 40% of the design compression load.
2. For a pile or a portion of a pile grouted in an open drill hole without temporary or
permanent casing or grouted within bedrock, the pile shall be designed to carry the
entire design compression load on the reinforcing steel. If a steel pipe section is
used for reinforcing, any portion of the cement grout enclosed within the pipe may
also be included at the allowable stress for the grout.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.5 Load test. Where design compressive loads per pile are greater than 40
tons per pile, the allowable load shall be determined by load tests in accordance with Section
1808.2.8.3.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.6 Alternative load test procedure for friction piles. For piles designed as
friction piles, the friction capacity in compression may be verified by load testing in tension.
The tension load test shall be performed in accordance with Section 1808.2.8.5, with the
following exceptions:
1. The test pile shall be cased or left ungrouted down to the top of the bearing stratum
in a manner that will ensure that no friction resistance is developed above the
bearing stratum.
46
2. The maximum design load shall be taken as 50% of the applied test load that
results in a movement under load of ½ inch at the pile tip. The movement at the pile
tip shall be a) measured directly by a tell-tale or b) computed by deducting the
theoretical elastic elongation of the pile from the displacement measured at the top
of the pile.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.7 Installation. The pile may be formed in a hole advanced by rotary or rotary
percussive drilling methods (with or without temporary casing), by a hollow-stem auger or by
driving a temporary casing. The pile shall be grouted with a fluid cement grout. The grout shall
be pumped through a tremie pipe extending to the bottom of the pile until grout of suitable
quality returns at the top of the pile. The following requirements apply to specific installation
methods:
1. Piles grouted with temporary casing: For piles grouted inside a temporary casing,
the reinforcing steel shall be inserted prior to withdrawal of the casing. The casing
shall be withdrawn in a controlled manner with the grout level maintained at the top
of the pile, to ensure that the grout completely fills the drill hole. During withdrawal
of the casing, the grout level inside the casing shall be monitored to check that the
flow of grout inside the casing is not obstructed.
2. Piles grouted without temporary casing: For a pile or portion of a pile grouted in an
open drill hole in soil without temporary casing, the minimum design diameter of the
drill hole shall be verified by a suitable device immediately prior to grouting. The
reinforcing steel shall be inserted prior to grouting.
3. Piles grouted with hollow-stem augers: For piles installed with a hollow-stem auger,
the grout shall be pumped under continuous pressure, and the rate of withdrawal of
the auger shall be carefully controlled to ensure that the hole is completely filled
with grout as the auger is withdrawn. The actual volume of grout pumped for each
1 foot of withdrawal of the auger shall be recorded and must be equal to or greater
than the theoretical volume. The reinforcing steel shall be inserted prior to
withdrawal of the auger.
4. For piles designed for end bearing, a suitable means shall be employed to verify
that the bearing surface is properly cleaned prior to grouting.
5. Subsequent piles shall not be drilled or driven near piles that have been grouted
until the grout has had sufficient time to harden.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.8 Pile diameter. The design pile diameter shall be taken as:
1. The outside diameter of the temporary casing; or
2. The diameter of a full circumferential drill bit attached to the bottom of the
temporary casing; or
3. The outside diameter of the hollow-stem auger; or
4. The borehole diameter verified by suitable measurements made immediately prior
to grouting.
(Add) 1808.2.3.1.10 Records. The owner shall engage a registered design professional to
observe the installation of the piles. The design professional or his representative shall make
an accurate record of the installation equipment used, pile dimensions, grouting volumes and
procedures used and all other pertinent installation data.
(Amd) 1808.2.8.3 Load tests. Where design compressive loads per pier or pile are greater
than those permitted by Section 1808.2.10, or where the design load for any pier or pile
foundation is in doubt, control test piers or piles shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D
1143-81 (1994) E01 or ASTM D 4945-00. At least one pier or pile shall be test loaded in each
area of uniform subsoil conditions. Where required by the building official, additional piers or
piles shall be load tested where necessary to establish the safe design capacity. The resulting
allowable loads shall not be more than one-half of the ultimate load capacity of the test pier or
pile as assessed by one of the published methods listed in Section 1808.2.8.3.1 with
consideration for the test type, duration and subsoil. The allowable load shall be determined by
a registered design professional, but shall be no greater than one-half the test load that
produces a permanent net settlement of 0.75 inches. In subsequent installation of the balance
of foundation piles, all piles shall be deemed to have a supporting capacity equal to the control
pile where such piles are of the same type, size and relative length as the test pile; are
installed using the same or comparable methods and equipment as the test pile; and for driven
piles, where the rate of penetration (e.g., net displacement per blow) of such piles is equal to
or less than that of the test pile through a comparable driving distance.
CHAPTER 19 – CONCRETE
(Amd) 1905.11 Curing. The curing of concrete shall be in accordance with Sections 1905.11.1
through 1905.11.3. In cold weather the provisions of ACI 306R-88 shall be permitted in lieu of
these provisions.
CHAPTER 21 – MASONRY
(Amd) 2106.1 Seismic design requirements for masonry. Masonry structures and
components shall comply with the requirements in Section 1.13.2.2 of ACI 530-02/ASCE 5-
02/TMS 402-02 and Section 1.13.3, 1.13.4, 1.13.5, 1.13.6 or 1.13.7 of ACI 530-02/ASCE 5-
02/TMS 402-02, depending on the structure’s seismic design category as determined in
Section 1616.3. In addition, the following requirements shall be met.
(Amd) 2106.3 Seismic Design Category B. Structures assigned to Seismic Design Category
B shall conform to the requirements of Section 1.13.4 of ACI 530-02/ASCE 5-02/TMS 402-02.
(Del) 2106.3.1 Masonry walls not part of the lateral-force-resisting system. Delete without
substitution.
(Add) 2106.4.2 Masonry walls not part of the lateral-force-resisting system. Masonry
partition walls, masonry screen walls and other masonry elements that are not designed to
resist vertical or lateral loads, other than those induced by their own mass, shall be isolated
from the structure so that the vertical and lateral forces are not imparted to these elements.
Isolation joints and connectors between these elements and the structure shall be designed to
accommodate the design story drift.
(Del) 2107.2.3 ACI 530-02/ASCE 5-02/TMS 402-02, Section 2.1.10.6.1.1, lap splices. Delete
without substitution.
48
CHAPTER 23 – WOOD
(Add) 2303.1.1.1 Ungraded lumber. Pursuant to section 29-256b of the Connecticut General
Statutes, the use of ungraded lumber shall be allowed in Group U Utility and Miscellaneous
structures in accordance with Section 312.
CHAPTER 27 – ELECTRICAL
(Amd) 2701.1 Scope. This chapter shall govern the electrical components, equipment and
systems used in buildings and structures covered by this code. Electrical components,
equipment and systems shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions
of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
(Amd) 2702.1 Installation. Emergency and standby power systems shall be installed in
accordance with the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code, NFPA 110-02 and NFPA 111-
01.
(Amd) 2702.3 Maintenance. Emergency and standby power systems shall be maintained
and tested in accordance with the 2005 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code.
(Amd) 2801.1 Scope. Mechanical appliances, equipment and systems shall be constructed,
installed and maintained in accordance with this chapter, the 2003 International Mechanical
Code and applicable statutes and regulations as set forth in Section 101.4 of this code.
Masonry chimneys, fireplaces and barbeques shall comply with Chapter 21 and the 2003
International Mechanical Code.
(Add) 2801.2 Space heaters. Space heaters shall comply with the requirements of sections
29-318, 29-318a, 29-318b and 29-318c of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the
regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection under authority of section
29-318c of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 2901.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter and the 2003 International Plumbing
Code shall govern the erection, installation, alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement,
addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing equipment and systems. Plumbing systems and
equipment shall be constructed, installed and maintained in accordance with the 2003
International Plumbing Code. Private sewage disposal systems shall be designed and
installed in accordance with the Public Health Code adopted under authority of section 19a-36
of the Connecticut General Statutes. Approval of such systems shall be by the local authority
having jurisdiction. When such approval is required by the local authority having jurisdiction,
written proof of such approval shall be submitted to the building official prior to issuance of a
building permit.
49
(Amd) 2902.1 Minimum number of fixtures. Plumbing fixtures shall be provided for the type
of occupancy and in the minimum number shown in Table 2902.1. Types of occupancies not
shown in Table 2902.1 shall be considered individually by the building official. The number of
occupants shall be determined by this code. Occupancy classification shall be determined in
accordance with Chapter 3.
Exceptions:
1. The following minimum fixtures shall be provided in Group R-1 bed and breakfast
establishments: Water closets – one per two guest rooms; lavatories – one per two
guest rooms; bathtubs/showers – one per two guest rooms. Plumbing fixtures in
Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments shall be permitted to be accessed from
hallways and corridors and to be shared by guests.
2. Child washing and diaper changing facilities shall be permitted in lieu of bathtubs or
showers in Group I-4 child care occupancies.
(Amd) 2902.1.1 Unisex toilet and bath fixtures. Fixtures located within unisex toilet and
bathing rooms required by Section 1109.2.1 of this code are permitted to be included in
determining the minimum required number of fixtures for assembly and mercantile
occupancies. Such fixtures shall comply with Section 404 of the 2003 International Plumbing
Code.
(Add) 3001.1.1 Equipment regulated by statute. All elevators, dumbwaiters, material lifts,
vertical and inclined chair lifts, limited use, limited access elevators and escalators, including
existing systems, shall comply with regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety
pursuant to chapter 538 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Where the provisions of this
chapter conflict with other statutory or regulatory provisions, those requirements shall prevail.
(Amd) 3004.2 Location of vents. Vents shall be located below the floor or floors at the top
of the hoistway, and shall open either directly to the outer air or through noncombustible ducts
to the outer air. Noncombustible ducts shall be permitted to pass through the elevator machine
room provided that portions of the ducts located outside the hoistway or machine room are
enclosed by construction having not less than the fire protection rating required for the
hoistway. Holes in the machine room floors for the passage of ropes, cables or other moving
elevator equipment shall be limited so as not to provide greater than 2 inches of clearance on
all sides.
Exception: Where elevator machine rooms are not located at the top of the
hoistway enclosure, vents shall be permitted to be located at the top of such
hoistway enclosure. Vents shall open either directly to the outer air or through
noncombustible ducts to the outer air.
(Amd) 3102.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to air-supported, air-inflated,
membrane-covered-cable and membrane-covered-frame structures, collectively known as
membrane structures, erected for a period of 180 days or longer. Such structures erected for
a period of less than 180 days shall comply with Section 3103. Membrane structures covering
water storage facilities, water clarifiers, water treatment plants, sewage treatment plants,
greenhouses and similar facilities not used for human occupancy, are required to meet only
the requirements of Sections 3102.3.1 and 3102.7.
50
(Amd) 3103.1 General. The provisions of this section shall apply to structures, including tents,
canopies and other membrane structures, erected for a period of less than 180 days. Those
erected for a longer period of time shall comply with applicable sections of this code.
Exception: The Connecticut Tent and Portable Shelter Code shall apply to the
following tents and portable shelters when such tents and portable shelters are not erected on
the grounds of one- and two-family dwellings for private parties and no admission is charged:
1. Tents erected for less than 180 consecutive calendar days with an occupancy of 100 or
more persons or covering an area in excess of 1,200 square feet.
2. Portable shelters erected for less than 180 consecutive calendar days with an
occupancy of 100 or more persons.
(Amd) 3103.1.1 Permit required. All temporary structures that cover an area in excess of
120 square feet, including all connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress or
entrance that are used or intended to be used for the gathering together of 10 or more
persons, shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without obtaining a
permit from the code official. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes shall
be exempt from the above requirements.
Exceptions:
1. Tents less than 350 square feet total area.
2. Tents 900 square feet and smaller in total area when occupied by fewer
than 50 persons, which have no heating appliances, no installed electrical
service and are erected for fewer than 72 hours.
(Add) 3103.5 Construction. Tents and membrane structures shall be constructed as required
by this code and NFPA 102-1995.
(Add) 3103.6 Membrane material. The membrane material for all tents, canopies and
membrane structures shall be of: approved noncombustible material as set forth in Section
703.4; flame-resistant material as determined in accordance with NFPA 701-1999 and the
manufacturer’s test protocol; or material treated in an approved manner to render the material
flame-resistant.
(Add) 3103.6.1 Label. Tents, canopies and membrane structures shall have a permanently
affixed label which shall identify the size of the structure and the fabric or material type.
(Add) 3103.7 Certification. An affidavit or affirmation shall be submitted to the code official
and a copy retained on the premises on which the tent, canopy or membrane structure is
located. The affidavit or affirmation shall attest to the following information relative to the flame
resistance of the fabric:
1. Names and addresses of the owners of the tent, canopy or membrane structure.
2. Date the fabric was last treated with flame-resistant solution.
3. Trade name or kind of chemical used in the treatment.
4. Name of person or firm treating the material.
5. Name of testing agency and test standard by which the fabric was tested.
(Add) 3103.8.3 Auxiliary power. Places of assembly for more than 200 occupants shall be
furnished with either a fully automatic auxiliary engine-generator set capable of powering one
blower continuously for 4 hours, or a supplementary blower powered by an internal
combustion engine that shall be automatic in operation.
(Add) 3103.8.4 Door operation. In high winds over 50 mph or in snow conditions, the doors in
air-supported structures shall be controlled to avoid excessive air loss. Doors shall not be left
open under any condition.
(Add) 3103.9 Anchorage required. Tents, canopies and membrane structures and their
appurtenances shall be adequately roped, braced and anchored to withstand the elements of
weather and prevent against collapsing. Documentation of structural stability shall be
furnished to the building official upon request.
(Add) 3103.10 Portable fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided in
accordance with Section 906.
(Amd) 3109.3 Public swimming pools. Public swimming pools shall be completely enclosed
by a barrier meeting the requirements of Section 3109.4.
(Amd) 3109.4 Swimming pool barriers. Residential and public swimming pool barriers shall
comply with Sections 3109.4.1 through 3109.4.3.
Exception: A residential spa or hot tub with a safety cover complying with ASTM F
1346-91 (1996).
(Amd) 3109.4.1.4 Widely spaced horizontal members. Where the barrier is composed of
horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members
is 45 inches or more, spacing between vertical members in residential pools shall not exceed
4 inches and spacing between vertical members in public pools shall not exceed 2 inches.
Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall
not exceed 1.75 inches.
(Amd) 3109.4.1.8 Dwelling wall as a barrier. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the
barrier, one of the following shall apply:
1. Doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm
that produces an audible warning when the door and its screen or storm door are
opened. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds within 7
seconds after the door is opened and be capable of being heard throughout the house
during normal household activities. The alarm shall automatically reset under all
conditions. The alarm shall be equipped with a manual means to temporarily
deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last no more than 15
52
seconds. The deactivation device shall be located at minimum of 54 inches above the
door threshold.
2. The pool shall be equipped with a power safety cover which complies with ASTM
F1346-91 (1996).
3. All doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with a self-
closing and self-latching device with the release mechanism located a minimum of 54
inches above the door threshold. Swinging doors shall open away from the pool area.
(Amd) 3109.4.2 Indoor swimming pools. Walls surrounding indoor swimming pools shall be
required to comply with Section 3109.4.1.8.
(Amd) 3109.5 Entrapment avoidance. Entrapment avoidance shall be in accordance with the
provisions of Section 11 of ANSI/NSPI-1 2003.
(Add) 3109.6 Temporary enclosure. A temporary enclosure shall be installed prior to the
commencement of the installation of any in-ground swimming pool unless the permanent
barrier specified in Section 3109 is in place prior to the commencement of the installation. The
temporary enclosure shall be a minimum of 4 feet in height, shall have no openings that will
allow passage of a 4-inch sphere and shall be equipped with a positive latching device on any
openings.
(Add) 3109.7 Pool alarm. No building permit shall be issued for the construction or
substantial alteration of a swimming pool at a residence occupied by, or being built for, one or
more families unless a pool alarm is installed with the swimming pool. As used in this section,
“pool alarm” means a device that emits a sound of at least 50 decibels when a person or an
object weighing 15 pounds or more enters the water in a swimming pool.
Exception: Hot tubs and portable spas shall be exempt from this requirement.
(Add) 3109.8 Accessibility. Public swimming pools, when less than 50 meters in length,
shall be provided with ramps or approved fixed or portable lifting equipment for the purpose of
providing assisted access to the water for persons with disabilities. Public swimming pools,
when 50 meters or more in length, shall be provided with ramps. All public swimming pools,
pool decks, toilet facilities, showers, locker and dressing areas shall be accessible and located
along accessible routes.
(Add) 3109.8.1 Slopes and handrails. The slopes of ramps for accessibility, where
required, shall not exceed one unit vertical to eight units horizontal (1:8) where located at least
24 inches below the water line and one unit vertical to 12 units horizontal (1:12) above that
point. Ramps shall be provided with handrails on both sides in accordance with Section
1010.8.
(Add) 3109.9 Pool structure. The pool structure shall be engineered and designed to
withstand the expected forces to which the pool will be subjected.
53
(Amd) 3401.3 Compliance with other codes. In addition to the requirements of this code,
alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy to existing structures shall comply
with the provisions for alterations, repairs, additions and changes of occupancy in the 2005
Connecticut State Fire Safety Code, 2003 International Plumbing Code, 2003 International
Mechanical Code and the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
(Add) 3406.1.1 Determination of hazard. For the purposes of Section 3406.1, the
determination of hazard category shall be made in accordance with Section 812.4.1 of the
2003 International Existing Building Code.
(Amd) 3407.1 Historic buildings. Exemptions may be granted to the provisions of this code
for historic structures pursuant to section 29-259 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 3409.5 Alterations. A building, facility or element that is altered shall comply with the
applicable provisions in Chapter 11 and ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003, unless technically infeasible.
When it has been determined that the alteration is technically infeasible, as defined herein, the
alteration shall provide access to the maximum extent technically feasible.
Exceptions:
1. The altered element or space is not required to be on an accessible route, unless
required by Section 3409.6.
2. Accessible means of egress required by Chapter 10 are not required to be provided
in existing buildings and facilities undergoing alteration.
3. Alterations to individually owned Type A dwelling units within a Group R-2
occupancy shall meet the provisions for Type B dwelling units and shall comply with
the applicable provisions of Chapter 11 and ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003.
(Amd) 3409.7 Scoping for alterations. The provisions of Sections 3409.7.1 through
3409.7.12 shall apply to alterations to existing buildings and facilities.
54
(Amd) 3409.7.3 Lifts and limited use, limited access elevators in existing buildings.
Vertical wheelchair or incline lifts, inclined stairway chairlifts and limited use, limited access
elevators shall not be a part of an accessible route in existing buildings undergoing alteration
or repair except that vertical wheelchair lifts and limited use, limited access elevators shall be
permitted in existing buildings where permitted in the locations set forth in Section 1109.7.
Pursuant to section 29-200 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the following additional
exceptions are allowed:
Exceptions:
1. In existing buildings principally used for meeting, gathering or assembling
by any civic, religious, fraternal or charitable organization.
2. In residential buildings designed to be occupied by one or two families.
3. In other existing buildings and structures only if the Executive Director of
the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities and
the State Building Inspector jointly approve such installation.
Lifts and limited use, limited access elevators shall be installed in accordance with regulations
adopted under authority of section 29-200 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Limited use,
limited access elevators shall also be installed in accordance with regulations adopted under
authority of section 29-192 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 3409.7.9.1 Directional signage. Where existing toilet or bathing rooms are being
altered and are not made accessible, directional signage shall be provided indicating the
location of the nearest accessible toilet or bathing facility within the facility.
(Amd) 3410.2 Applicability. Structures existing prior to the adoption date of the 2005 State
Building Code, in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy
shall be made to conform to the requirements of this section or the provisions of Sections
3403 through 3407. The provisions in Sections 3410.2.1 through 3410.2.5 shall apply to
existing occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, M,
R, S and U. These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Groups H or I.
55
ICC
International Code Council, Inc.
(Amd) 4051 W. Flossmoor Rd.
Country Club Hills, Il 60478-5795
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
ICC/ANSI Accessible and Usable . . . . . . .406.2.2, 907.9.1.3, 1007.6.5, 1010.1,
A117.1—03 Buildings and Facilities 1010.6.5, 1010.9, 1011.3, 1101.2, 1102.1,
1103.2.13, 1106.6, 1107.2, 1109.2.2, 1109.3,
1109.4, 1109.8, 1109.15, 3001.3, 3409.5,
3409.7.2, 3409.7.3
ICC 300—02 ICC Standard on Bleachers, Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1024.1.1
and Telescopic Seating, and
Grandstands
IEBC—03 International Existing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101.2
Building CodeTM
IECC—03 International Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . 101.4.7, 1202.3.2, 1301.1.1,
Conservation Code ® 1403.2
NFPA
National Fire Protection
(Amd) Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269-9101
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
11—02 Low Expansion Foam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.7
11A—99 Medium- and High-Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .904.7
Foam Systems
12—00 Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.8, 904.11
Systems
12A—04 Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .904.9
Systems
13—02 Installation of Sprinkler . . . . 704.12, 707.2, 903.3.1.1, 903.3.2,
Systems 903.3.5.1.1, 904.11, 907.8,
1621.3.10.1, 3104.5, 3104.9
13D—02 Installation of Sprinkler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .903.1.2, 903.3.1.3,
Systems in One- and Two- 903.3.5.1.1
Family Dwellings and
Manufactured Homes
13R—02 Installation of Sprinkler . . . . . . 903.1.2, 903.3.1.2, 903.3.5.1.1,
Systems in Residential 903.3.5.1.2, 903.4
Occupancies Up to and
Including Four Stories in
Height
14—03 Installation of Standpipe, . . . . . . . 905.2, 905.3.4, 905.4.2, 905.8
Private Hydrants and Hose
System
16—03 Installation Foam-Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.7, 904.11
Sprinkler and Foam-Water
Spray Systems
17—02 Dry Chemical Extinguishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.6, 904.11
Systems
17A—02 Wet Chemical Extinguishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.5, 904.11
Systems
30—03 Flammable and Combustible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .415.3
Liquids Code
32—04 Drycleaning Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.7.4
40—01 Storage and Handling of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .409.1
Cellulose Nitrate Motion
Picture Film
61—02 Prevention of Fires and Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.7.1
Explosions in Agricultural and
Food Product Facilities
72—02 National Fire Alarm Code . . . . . . 505.4, 901.6, 903.4.1, 904.3.5,
907.2, 907.2.1, 907.2.1.1, 907.2.10,
907.2.10.4, 907.2.11.2, 907.2.11.3,
907.2.12.2.3, 907.2.12.3, 907.4, 907.5,
907.9.2, 907.10, 907.14, 907.16,
907.17, 911.1, 3006.5
80—99 Fire Doors and Fire Windows . . . . . . . . . 302.1.1.1, 715.3, 715.4.6.1,
715.4.4, 715.4.7.2, 715.5, 1008.1.3.3
57
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
85—04 Boiler and Combustion System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.7.1
Hazards Code
(Note: NFPA 8503 has been
incorporated into NFPA 85)
99-02 Standard for Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 407.9, 407.10, 407.11,
Facilities 420.2, 420.3
101—03 Life Safety Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1024.6.2
110—02 Emergency and Standby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2702.1
Power Systems
111—01 Stored Electrical Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2702.1
Emergency and Standby
Power Systems
120—04 Coal Preparation Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .415.7.1
231C—98 See NFPA 13-2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 507.2
252—03 Standard Methods of Fire . . . . . . . . . . .715.3.1, 715.3.2, 715.3.3,
Tests of Door Assemblies 715.3.4.1
253—00 Test for Critical Radiant Flux of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406.6.4, 804.2, 804.3
Floor Covering Systems Using
a Radiant Heat Energy Source
257—00 Standard for Fire Test for . . . . . .715.3.3, 715.4, 715.4.1, 715.4.2
Window and Glass Block
Assemblies
259—03 Test Method for Potential Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2603.4.1.10, 2603.5.3
of Building Materials
265—02 Standard Method of Fire Tests . . . . . . . . 803.6.1, 803.6.1.1, 803.6.1.2
for Evaluating Room Fire
Growth
Contribution of Textile Wall
Coverings
268—01 Standard Test Method for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1406.2.1, 1406.2.1.1,
Determining Ignitibility of 1406.2.1.2, 2603.5.7
Exterior Wall Assemblies
Using a Radiant Heat Energy
Source
285—98 Standard Method of Test for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1407.10.4, 2603.5.5
the Evaluation of Flammability
Characteristics of Exterior
Non-load-bearing Wall
Assemblies Containing
Combustible Components
286—00 Standard Method of Fire Test . . . . . . . . . . .402.14.4, 803.2, 803.2.1,
for Evaluating Contribution of 803.5, 2603.4, 2603.8
Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish
to Room Fire Growth
409—04 Standard on Aircraft Hangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.2.6, 412.4.5
418—01 Standard for Heliports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .412.5.6
651—98 Machining and Finishing of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .415.7.1
Aluminum and the Production
and Handling of Aluminum
Powders
58
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
654—00 Prevention of Fire & Dust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.7.1
Explosions from the
Manufacturing, Processing,
and Handling of Combustible
Particulate Solids
655—01 Prevention of Sulfur Fires and . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.7.1
Explosions
664—02 Prevention of Fires Explosions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.7.1
in Wood Processing and
Woodworking Facilities
701—04 Standard Methods of Fire . . . . . . . 802.1, 805.1, 805.2, 3102.3.1,
Tests for Flame-Propagation of 3105.3
Textiles and Films
704—01 Standard System for the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 414.7.2, 415.2
Identification of the Hazards of
Materials for Emergency
Response
1124—03 Manufacture, Transportation, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .415.3.1
and Storage of Fireworks and
Pyrotechnic Articles
2001—04 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 904.10
Systems
NSPI
National Spa and Pool Institute
(Add) 2111 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22314-4698
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
ANSI/NSPI-1 2003 American National Standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3109.5
for Public Swimming Pools
Footnotes:
1. Western portions of these municipalities lie within the Special Wind Region.
2. Areas south of I-95 = 120 mph; areas north of I-95 = 115 mph
3. Areas south of Rt. 15 = 110 mph; areas north of Rt. 15 = 105 mph
4. Areas south of I-95 = 110 mph; areas north of I-95 = 105 mph
5. Areas east of Rt. 8 = 110 mph; areas west of Rt. 8 = 105 mph
6. Areas south of Rt. 80 = 115 mph; areas north of Rt. 80 = 110 mph
7. Areas south of Rt. 165 = 115 mph; areas north of Rt. 165 = 110 mph
8. Areas south of Rt. 184 = 120 mph; areas north of Rt. 184 = 115 mph
63
(Amd) Fig. 404.2.3.1 Maneuvering clearance at swinging doors, (a) front approach, pull
side. Amend the 18 min. notation to read 24 min.
(Amd) 502.2 Vehicle space size. Parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities shall
be as near as possible to a building entrance or walkway. Accessible automobile parking
spaces shall be 15 feet in width including 5 feet of cross hatch. Accessible van spaces shall be
16 feet in width including 8 feet of cross hatch. Cross hatched portions shall not be shared
between spaces.
(Del) Fig. 502.2 Vehicle parking space size. Delete figure without substitution.
(Del) 502.4 Access aisle. Delete section and subsections without substitution.
(Del) Fig. 502.4 Parking space access aisle. Delete figure without substitution.
(Amd) 502.5 Floor or ground surfaces. Accessible parking spaces shall have a surface with
a gradient not more than one unit vertical to 50 units horizontal (1:50).
(Amd) 502.7 Identification. Accessible parking spaces shall be identified by above grade
signs in accordance with Section 1110.1 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the
2005 State Building Code.
(Del) 505 Handrails. Delete section in its entirety and replace with the following:
(Add) 505.1 General. Handrails shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of the
2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Amd) 607.5 Controls. Controls, other than drain stoppers, shall be provided on an end wall,
located between the bathtub rim and grab bar, and between the open side of the bathtub and
the midpoint of the width of the bathtub. Controls shall comply with Section 309.4.
64
Exception: Controls in Group I-2 long-term health care facilities that provide
supervised, assisted bathing shall be permitted to be located outside of the bathtub
compartment.
(Amd) 608.5 Controls. Controls and hand showers shall comply with Sections 608.5 and
309.4.
Exception: Controls in Group I-2 long-term health care facilities that provide
supervised, assisted bathing shall be permitted to be located outside of the shower
compartment.
(Amd) 1004.3.1 Location. At least one accessible route shall connect all spaces and elements
that are a part of the unit. Where only one accessible route is provided, it shall not pass through
bathrooms and toilet rooms, closets or similar spaces.
Exceptions: An accessible route is not required to unfinished attics and unfinished
basements that are part of the unit.
(Add) 1004.3.3 Wheelchair turning space. All spaces shall provide a wheelchair turning space
complying with Section 304.
Exception: Exterior spaces less than 30 inches in depth.
(Amd) 1004.4.2 Changes in level. Changes in level shall comply with Section 303.
(Amd) 1004.5.1 Primary entrance door. The primary entrance door to the dwelling unit shall
comply with Section 404.
(Amd) 1004.12.2.2 Dishwasher. Clear floor or ground space shall be positioned for parallel or
forward approach. Clear floor or ground space shall be positioned beyond the swing of the
dishwasher door. The dishwasher door in the open position shall not obstruct the clear floor or
ground space for the dishwasher or the sink.
(Add) 1004.12.3 Kitchen storage. Cabinets shall have a clear floor or ground space complying
with Section 305.3, positioned for parallel or forward approach.
(Add) 1004.13 Windows. Each window required for emergency escape and rescue shall have
operable parts complying with Sections 309.3 and 309.4.
65
CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION
(Amd) 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the 2003 International Existing Building
Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code, hereinafter referred to as “the code” or “this
code”.
(Amd) 101.4 Existing buildings and structures. The legal occupancy of any building or
structure existing on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without
change, except as is specifically covered in this code or in the 2005 Connecticut State Fire
Safety Code.
(Amd) 101.5 Property maintenance. The 2003 International Property Maintenance Code is not
adopted by the State of Connecticut. Property maintenance shall be in accordance with the
requirements of this code and the applicable provisions of the 2005 Connecticut State Fire
Safety Code. References to the 2003 International Property Maintenance Code found within the
body of the model document shall be considered null and void.
(Add) 101.9 Electrical. The 2003 ICC Electrical Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. The provisions of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code shall apply to the
installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment,
appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto. References to the 2003 ICC Electrical
Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to be references to the 2005
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
(Add) 101.10 Fuel gas. The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. The installation and operation of gas equipment and piping shall comply with
sections 29-329, 29-330 and 29-331 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations
known as the Connecticut Gas Equipment and Piping Code adopted by the Commissioner of
Public Safety under authority of section 29-329 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the
regulations known as the Connecticut Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas
Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of section 29-331 of the
Connecticut General Statutes. References to the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code within the
body of the model document shall be considered to be references to such statutes and
regulations.
(Add) 101.11 Fire prevention. References to the 2003 International Fire Code within the body
of the model document shall be considered to be references to the 2005 Connecticut State Fire
Safety Code.
(Add) 101.12 Oil-burning equipment, piping and storage. In addition to the requirements of
this code, the installation of oil burners and equipment used in connection therewith, including
tanks, piping, pumps, control devices and accessories shall comply with sections 29-316 and
29-317 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Oil
Burning Equipment Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of
section 29-317 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 101.12.1 Local regulations. Pursuant to section 29-316 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, the warden or burgesses of a borough, the selectmen of a town, the common council
of a city or the commissioners of a fire district may enact rules and regulations for the
installation of fuel oil burners, equipment therefore and fuel oil storage tanks.
66
(Amd) 102.4.2 Compliance with other codes. Compliance with the structural provisions of the
2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code or the 1999 State
Building Code shall be deemed equivalent to compliance with the structural provisions of this
code.
(Del) SECTION 103 – DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SAFETY. Delete in its entirety and
replace with the following:
(Add) 103.1 General. The creation of the enforcement agency responsible for administration
and enforcement of this code shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 of the
2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Del) SECTION 104 – DUTIES AND POWERS OF CODE OFFICIAL. Delete in its entirety and
replace with the following:
(Add) 104.1 General. The duties and powers of the building official shall be in accordance with
the provisions of Section 104 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State
Building Code.
(Del) SECTION 105 – PERMITS. Delete in its entirety and replace with the following:
(Add) 105.1 General. Requirements for permits shall be in accordance with the provisions of
Section 105 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Add) 106.1.5 Threshold limits. For the purposes of this section, the term “threshold limit”
shall apply to any proposed structure or addition thereto: (1) having four stories; (2) 60 feet in
67
height; (3) with a clear span of 150 feet in width; (4) containing 150,000 square feet of total
gross floor area; or (5) with an occupancy of 1,000 persons.
The following use groups shall have the following additional threshold limits:
Threshold limits shall not apply to alterations, repairs or change of occupancy to any
existing building.
(Add) 106.1.5.1 Requirements for proposed structures or additions that exceed the
threshold limits. Pursuant to section 29-276b of the Connecticut General Statutes, if a
proposed structure or addition to an existing structure will exceed the threshold limit set forth in
Section 106.1.5 of this code, the building official of the municipality in which the structure or
addition will be located shall require that an independent structural engineering consultant
review the structural plans and design specifications of the structure or addition to be
constructed to determine compliance with the requirements of this code to the extent necessary
to assure the stability and integrity of the primary structural support systems of such structure or
addition. Any modifications of approved structural plans or design specifications shall require
shop drawings to the extent necessary to determine compliance with the requirements of this
code and shall be reviewed by such consultant. Any fees relative to such review requirements
shall be paid by the owner of the proposed building project.
If a structure or addition exceeds the threshold limit, the architect of record, professional
engineer of record responsible for the design of the structure or addition and the general
contractor shall sign a statement of professional opinion affirming that the completed
construction is in substantial compliance with the approved plans and design specifications. If
fabricated structural load-bearing members or assemblies are used in the construction, the
professional engineer responsible for the design of such members or assemblies shall sign a
statement of professional opinion affirming that the completed fabrication is in substantial
compliance with the approved design specifications.
The building official of the municipality in which the structure or addition will be located
shall satisfy himself that each architect, professional engineer, including each professional
engineer responsible for the design of fabricated structural load-bearing members or
assemblies, general contractor and major subcontractor involved in the project holds a license
to engage in the work or occupation for which the appropriate building permit has been issued.
(Add) 106.1.6 Lift slab construction. Pursuant to subsection (b) of section 29-276a of the
Connecticut General Statutes, any building designed to be constructed utilizing the lift slab
method of construction shall be classified as exceeding the “threshold limit” and shall be subject
to the provisions of Sections 106.1.5.1 and 106.1.6.1.
(Add) 106.1.6.1 Lift slab operations. All buildings and structures utilizing the lift-slab
method of construction shall comply with the provisions of 29 CFR 1926 and section 31-372-
107-1926 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.
68
(Add) 106.2.1 Private sewage disposal system. The site plan shall indicate the location of a
private sewage disposal system where a public sewer is not available. Private sewage disposal
systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of the Public
Health Code adopted under authority of section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
All technical and soil data required by the Public Health Code shall be submitted with the site
plan.
(Add) 107.1.1 Tents and portable shelters. Tents and portable shelters shall be regulated in
accordance with the Connecticut Tent and Portable Shelter Code.
(Amd) 107.3 Temporary power. The building official is authorized to give permission to
temporarily supply and use power in part of an electrical installation before such installation has
been fully completed and the final certificate of occupancy or certificate of approval has been
issued. The part covered by the temporary certificate shall comply with the requirements
specified for temporary lighting, heat or power in this code and in the 2005 NFPA 70 National
Electrical Code.
(Del) SECTION 108 – FEES. Delete in its entirety and replace with the following:
(Add) 108.1 General. Fees shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 108 of the
2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Amd) 110.1 Use and occupancy. Pursuant to subsection (a) of section 29-265 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, no building or structure erected or altered in any municipality
after October 1, 1970, shall be occupied or used, in whole or in part, until a certificate of
occupancy has been issued by the building official, certifying that such building or structure or
work performed pursuant to the building permit substantially complies with the provisions of the
State Building Code. Nothing in the code shall require the removal, alteration or abandonment
of, or prevent the continuance of the use and occupancy of, any single-family dwelling but
69
within six years of the date of occupancy of such dwelling after substantial completion of
construction of, alteration to, or addition to such dwelling, or of a building lawfully existing on
October 1, 1945, except as may be necessary for the safety of life or property. The use of a
building or premises shall not be deemed to have changed because of a temporary vacancy or
change of ownership or tenancy.
(Add) 110.1.1 State agency. State agencies shall not be required to obtain certificates of
occupancy from local building officials. State agencies shall obtain certificates of occupancy
from the State Building Inspector in accordance with the provisions of section 29-252a of the
Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 110.3 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary
certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit,
provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely prior to full completion of the
building or structure without endangering life or public welfare. Any occupancy permitted to
continue during completion of the work shall be discontinued within 30 days after completion of
the work unless a certificate of occupancy is issued by the building official.
(Del) SECTION 112 – BOARD OF APPEALS. Delete in its entirety and replace with the
following:
(Add) 112.1 General. Means of appeal shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section
112 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Del) SECTION 113 - VIOLATIONS. Delete in its entirety and replace with the following:
(Add) 113.1 General. Violations shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of Section
113 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Del) SECTION 114 – STOP WORK ORDER. Delete in its entirety and replace with the
following:
70
(Add) 114.1 General. Stop work orders shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of
Section 114 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Del) SECTION 115 – UNSAFE BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT. Delete in its entirety and
replace with the following:
(Add) 115.1 General. Unsafe buildings and equipment shall be regulated in accordance with
the provisions of Section 115 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State
Building Code.
(Del) SECTION 116 – EMERGENCY MEASURES. Delete in its entirety and replace with the
following:
(Add) 116.1 General. Emergency measures shall be regulated in accordance with the
provisions of Section 116 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State
Building Code.
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Amd) 503.3.1 Fuel gas requirements. The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code is not adopted
by the State of Connecticut. The installation and operation of gas equipment and piping shall
comply with sections 29-329, 29-330 and 29-331 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the
regulations known as the Connecticut Gas Equipment and Piping Code adopted by the
Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of section 29-329 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquefied
Natural Gas Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of section 29-
71
331 of the Connecticut General Statutes. References to the 2003 International Fuel Gas Code
within the body of the model document shall be considered to be references to such statutes
and regulations.
(Add) 505.2 Minimum standards. In addition to the requirements of this code, means of
egress in existing buildings shall meet the requirements of the existing buildings provisions of
the 2003 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code portion of the Connecticut State Fire Safety Code.
(Amd) 506.1.3 Lifts and limited use, limited access elevators in existing buildings.
Vertical wheelchair or incline lifts, inclined stairway chairlifts and limited use, limited access
elevators shall not be a part of an accessible route in existing buildings undergoing alteration or
repair. Pursuant to section 29-200 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the following
exceptions are allowed:
Exceptions:
1. In existing buildings principally used for meeting, gathering or assembling
by any civic, religious, fraternal or charitable organization.
2. In residential buildings designed to be occupied by one or two families.
3. In other existing buildings and structures only if the Executive Director of
the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities and the
State Building Inspector jointly approve such installation.
Lifts shall be installed in accordance with ASME A18.1-99. Limited use, limited access
elevators shall be installed in accordance with the Connecticut Safety Code for Elevators and
Escalators adopted under authority of section 29-192 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Del) 507.2.2 Parapet bracing and wall anchors for reroof permits. Delete without
substitution.
(Amd) 605.2 General. The means of egress shall comply with the requirements of this section.
Exceptions:
1. Where the work area and the means of egress serving it complies with the 2003
NFPA 101 Life Safety Code portion of the 2005 Connecticut State Fire Safety Code.
2. For buildings constructed under a permit applied for on or after September 1, 1971,
means of egress conforming to the requirements of the State Building Code under
which the building was constructed shall be considered compliant means of egress
providing that no unsafe conditions exist within the means of egress.
(Amd) 704.1.1 High-rise buildings. In high-rise buildings, all work areas shall be provided with
automatic sprinkler protection where the building has a sufficient municipal water supply system
to the building. Where the work area exceeds 50 per cent of the floor area, sprinklers shall be
provided in the entire work area where sufficient municipal water supply for the design and
installation of a fire sprinkler system is available on the site.
(Amd) 704.1.2 Rubbish and linen chutes. Rubbish and linen chutes located in the work area
shall be provided with automatic sprinkler protection where protection of the rubbish or linen
chute would be required under the provisions of the 2005 State Building Code for new
construction and there is sufficient municipal water supply available to the building.
(Amd) 812.4.2.1 Height and area for change to higher hazard category. When a change of
occupancy group is made to a higher hazard category as shown in Table 812.4.2, heights and
areas of buildings and structures shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 5 of the 2003
International Building Code for the new occupancy group.
(Add) 1001.1.1 Exemptions. Exemptions may be granted to the provisions of this code for
historic structures pursuant to section 29-259 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 1201.2 Applicability. Structures existing prior to the adoption date of the 2005 State
Building Code, in which there is work involving additions, alterations or changes of occupancy,
shall be made to conform to the requirements of this chapter or the provisions of Chapters 4
through 10. The provisions in Sections 1201.2.1 through 1201.2.5 shall apply to existing
occupancies that will continue to be, or are proposed to be, in Groups A, B, E, F, M, R, S and U.
These provisions shall not apply to buildings with occupancies in Group H or I.
ICC
International Code Council, Inc.
(AMD) 4051 West Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60478-5795
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
IBC—03 International Building Code ® . . . . . . . . . 101.2, 102.4.2, 106.1.1.1,
73
CHAPTER 1 - ADMINISTRATION
(Amd) 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the 2003 International Plumbing Code
portion of the 2005 State Building Code, hereinafter referred to as “the code” or “this code”.
(Amd) 101.2 Scope. The provisions of this code shall apply to the erection, installation,
alteration, repairs, relocation, replacement, addition to, use or maintenance of plumbing
systems within the State of Connecticut. This code shall also regulate nonflammable medical
gas, inhalation anesthetic, vacuum piping, nonmedical oxygen systems and sanitary and
condensate vacuum collection systems. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and
equipment, fuel gas-fired water heaters and water heater venting systems shall be regulated in
accordance with Section 101.2.1. The provisions of appendices B, C, D, E, F and G shall be
considered part of this code.
Exceptions:
1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and
their accessory structures shall comply with the 2003 International Residential Code.
2. Plumbing systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration, addition or
change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the 2003 International Existing
Building Code.
(Add) 101.2.1 Fuel gas. The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. In addition to the requirements of this code, the installation and operation of gas
equipment and piping shall comply with sections 29-329, 29-330 and 29-331 of the Connecticut
General Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Gas Equipment and Piping
Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of section 29-329 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Liquefied
Petroleum Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety
under authority of section 29-331 of the Connecticut General Statutes. References to the
International Fuel Gas Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to be
references to such statutes and regulations.
(Add) 101.2.2 Electrical. The 2003 ICC Electrical Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. The provisions of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code shall apply to the
installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment,
appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto. References to the 2003 ICC Electrical
Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to be references to the 2005
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
(Amd) 102.6 Historic buildings. Pursuant to section 29-259 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, exemptions may be granted to the provisions of this code for historic structures, as
defined by section 10-320c of the Connecticut General Statutes, which have been classified as
such in the State Register of Historic Places, as long as the provisions of subsection (b) of
section 29-259 of the Connecticut General Statutes are adhered to and provided that such
exemptions shall not affect the safe design, use or construction of such property.
(Del) SECTION 103 – DEPARTMENT OF PLUMBING INSPECTION. Delete Section 103 in its
entirety and replace with the following:
(Add) 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. Each town, city and borough shall create an
agency whose function is to enforce the provisions of this code. The official in charge thereof
shall be known as the building official.
(Add) 103.2 Appointment. The chief executive officer of any town, city or borough shall
appoint an officer to administer this code, and this officer shall be known as the “building official”
in accordance with section 29-260 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and referred to herein
as the building official, local building official, or code official.
(Add) 103.3 Employees. In accordance with the prescribed procedures and regulations of the
town, city or borough, and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official
shall have the authority to appoint an assistant building official, related technical officers,
inspectors, plan examiners and other employees. Such employees shall have the powers as
regulated by the town, city or borough, and by the State of Connecticut.
(Add) 103.4 Restriction of employees. An official or employee connected with the agency
created to enforce the provisions of this code pursuant to Section 103.1, except one whose only
connection with it is that of a member of the board of appeals established under the provisions
of Section 112, shall not be engaged in or directly or indirectly connected with the furnishing of
labor, materials or appliances for the construction, addition, alteration, repair or maintenance of
a building located in the town, city or borough in which such official or employee is employed, or
the preparation of construction documents therefore, unless that person is the owner of the
building. Such officer or employee shall not engage in any work that conflicts with official duties
or with the interests of the agency.
(Amd) 104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the
provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to adopt policies and
procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such policies and procedures
shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures
shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code, nor shall
they have the effect of establishing requirements in excess of those set forth in this code.
(Amd) 104.2 Rule making authority. Pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of section
29-252 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State Building Inspector and the Codes and
Standards Committee shall, jointly, with the approval of the Commissioner of Public Safety,
adopt and administer a State Building Code for the purpose of regulating the design,
construction and use of buildings or structures to be erected and the alteration of buildings or
structures already erected and make such amendments thereto as they, from time to time,
deem necessary or desirable.
(Amd) 104.5 Right of entry. In accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of section 29-
261 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the building official or his assistant shall have the right
of entry to such buildings or structures, except single-family residences, for the proper
performance of his duties between the hours of nine a.m. and five p.m., except that in the case
of an emergency, he shall have the right of entry at any time, if such entry is necessary in the
interest of public safety. On receipt of information from the local fire marshal or from any other
authentic source that any building in his jurisdiction, due to lack of exit facilities, fire,
deterioration, catastrophe or other cause, is in such condition as to be a hazard to any person
or persons, the building official or his assistant shall immediately make inspection in accordance
with the provisions of section 29-393 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 105.1 Modifications. The State Building Inspector may grant variations or exemptions
from, or approve equivalent or alternative compliance with, the State Building Code where strict
compliance with the State Building Code would entail practical difficulty or unnecessary
76
hardship, or is otherwise adjudged unwarranted, provided that the intent of the law shall be
observed and public welfare and safety be assured. Any person aggrieved by any decision of
the State Building Inspector may appeal to the Codes and Standards Committee within 14 days
after mailing of the decision in accordance with subsection (b) of section 29-254 of the
Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 105.1.1 Records. The application for modification, variation or exemption and the
decision of the State Building Inspector shall be in writing and shall be officially recorded with
the application for a building permit in the permanent records of the building department.
(Add) 105.1.2 Accessibility exemptions. Any variation of or exemption from any provisions
relating to accessibility to, use of, and egress from, buildings and structures as required herein
shall be permitted only when approved by the State Building Inspector and the Executive
Director of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, acting jointly,
pursuant to subsection (b) of section 29-269 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Any person
aggrieved by the joint decision of the State Building Inspector and the Executive Director of the
Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities may appeal to the Codes and
Standards Committee within 30 days after such decision has been rendered in accordance with
subsection (b) of section 29-269 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 106.2.1 State agency exemptions. A state agency shall not be required to obtain a
building permit from the local building official. A state agency shall obtain a building permit for
construction or alteration of state buildings or structures from the State Building Inspector in
accordance with the provisions of section 29-252a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 106.4 By whom application is made. Application for a permit shall be made by the
owner in fee or by an authorized agent. If the application is made by a person other than the
owner in fee, it shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the owner or a signed statement of the
applicant witnessed by the building official or such official’s designee to the effect that the
proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee and that the applicant is authorized to make
such application. If the authorized agent is a contractor, the provisions of section 20-338b of
the Connecticut General Statutes shall be followed. The full names and addresses of the
owner, agent and the responsible officers, if the owner or agent is a corporate body, shall be
stated in the application.
(Amd) 106.5 Permit issuance. The building official shall examine or cause to be examined
applications for permits and amendments thereto within 30 days after filing and either issue or
deny a permit within such 30 day period. If the application or construction documents do not
conform to the requirements of this code and pertinent laws, the building official shall reject
such application in writing, stating the reasons therefore. If the building official is satisfied that
the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and applicable laws, statutes,
regulations and ordinances, the building official shall issue a permit therefore as soon as
practicable.
(Del) 106.6.1 Work commencing before permit issuance. Delete without substitution.
(Amd) 106.6.2 Fee schedule. Each municipality shall establish a schedule of fees for each
construction document review, building permit, and certificate of occupancy. A schedule of
adopted fees shall be posted for public view.
(Amd) 106.6.3 Fee refunds. In the case of the revocation of a permit or abandonment or
discontinuance of a building project, the portion of the work actually completed shall be
computed and any excess fee for the incomplete work shall be returned to the permit holder
upon written request. All plan examination and permit processing fees and all penalties that
have been imposed on the permit holder under the requirements of this code shall first be
collected.
(Amd) 108.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this code shall be
fined not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more
than six months or both, pursuant to section 29-254a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 108.5 Stop work orders. Upon notice from the building official, work on any plumbing
system that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe
manner shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner
of the property, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work. The notice shall state
the conditions under which the work is authorized to resume. Where an emergency exists, the
building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work. Any
person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a
stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or
unsafe condition, shall be liable for penalties in accordance with Section 108.4.
(Del) SECTION 109 - MEANS OF APPEAL. Delete this section in its entirety and replace with
the following:
(Add) 109.1 Means of appeal. Means of appeal shall be in accordance with Section 112 of the
2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Amd) 201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are
defined in other portions of the 2005 State Building Code, such terms shall have the meanings
ascribed to them as in those codes.
(Add) BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative. Also known
as the local building official or the code official.
(Amd) 301.3 Connection to drainage system. All plumbing fixtures, drains, appurtenances
and appliances used to receive or discharge liquid wastes or sewage shall be directly
connected to the drainage system of the building or premises, in accordance with the
requirements of this code. This section shall not be construed to prevent indirect waste
systems provided for in Chapter 8.
Exception: Bathtubs, showers, lavatories, clothes washers and laundry sinks shall not
be required to discharge to the sanitary drainage system where such fixtures discharge
to an approved gray water recycling system in accordance with Appendix C of this code.
(Amd) 305.6 Freezing. A water, soil or waste pipe shall not be installed outside of a building,
or concealed in outside walls or in any place subjected to freezing temperature, unless
adequate provision is made to protect such pipe from freezing by insulation or heat or both.
Water service pipe shall be installed not less than 48 inches deep.
(Amd) 312.9.2 Testing. Required reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assemblies,
double check-valve assemblies, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, reduced pressure
detector fire protection backflow prevention assemblies, double check detector fire protection
backflow prevention assemblies, hose connection backflow preventers and spill-proof vacuum
breakers shall be tested at the time of installation by individuals or agencies qualified to perform
such inspections. It shall be the responsibility of the owner to have such tests performed and
copies of test reports shall be given to the local building official. The testing procedure shall be
performed in accordance with one of the following standards:
ASSE 5013-98, ASSE 5015-98, ASSE 5020-98, ASSE 5047-98, ASSE 5048-98,
ASSE 5052-98, ASSE 5056-98, CAN/CSA B64.10-01
(Amd) 403.1 Minimum number of fixtures. Plumbing fixtures shall be provided for the type of
occupancy and in the minimum number shown in Table 403.1. Types of occupancies not shown
in Table 403.1 shall be considered individually by the building official. The number of occupants
shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 10 of the 2003 International Building Code.
Occupancy classification shall be determined in accordance with Chapter 3 of the 2003
International Building Code.
Exceptions:
1. The following minimum fixtures shall be provided in Group R-1 bed and breakfast
establishments: Water closets – one per two guest rooms; lavatories – one per two
guest rooms; bathtubs/showers – one per two guest rooms. Plumbing fixtures in
79
Group R-1 bed and breakfast establishments shall be permitted to be accessed from
hallways and corridors and to be shared by guests.
2. Child washing and diaper changing facilities shall be permitted in lieu of bathtubs or
showers in Group I-4 child care occupancies.
(Amd) 403.1.1 Unisex toilet and bath fixtures. Fixtures located within unisex toilet and bathing
rooms required by Section 1109.2.1 of the 2003 International Building Code are permitted to be
included in determining the minimum required number of fixtures for assembly and mercantile
occupancies. Such fixtures shall comply with Section 404 of this code.
(Add) 403.6.3 Food service establishments. Access to public toilet facilities in food service
establishments shall not require passage through food preparation areas.
(Amd) 405.3.1 Non-accessible water closets, urinals, lavatories and bidets. Water closets,
urinals, lavatories and bidets that are not required to be accessible to or adaptable for persons
with disabilities in accordance with the 2003 International Building Code shall be installed in
accordance with the requirements of this section. A water closet, urinal, lavatory or bidet shall
not be set closer than 15 inches from its center to any side wall, partition, vanity or other
obstruction, or closer than 30 inches center-to-center between water closets, urinals or adjacent
fixtures when not separated by compartment enclosures. There shall be at least a 21-inch
clearance in front of the water closet, urinal or bidet to any wall, fixture or door. Water closet
compartments shall not be less than 30 inches wide or 60 inches deep. There shall be at least
a 21-inch clearance in front of a lavatory to any wall, fixture or door (see Figure 405.3.1).
(Add) 412.5 Connection required. Floor drains shall connect to the sanitary sewer system or
to an on-site holding tank(s) when the discharge contains petroleum-based oil, grease, sand or
other harmful or hazardous substances. Interceptors and separators shall be provided in
accordance with Section 1003 when floor drains connect to the sanitary sewer system, and
shall be installed in accordance with the Public Health Code of the State of Connecticut
adopted pursuant to section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Floor drains shall not
be connected to a storm sewer, a storm drainage system or a storm building drain. Floor drains
shall have trap seals in accordance with Section 1002.4.
(Amd) 608.17 Protection of individual water supplies. An individual water supply shall be
located and constructed so as to be safeguarded against contamination in accordance with the
Public Health Code of the State of Connecticut adopted pursuant to section 19a-36 of the
Connecticut General Statutes.
(Del) 608.17.1 through 608.17.8. Delete subsections and referenced table without substitution.
(Amd) 701.2 Sewer required. Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed and all
premises having drainage piping shall be connected to a public sewer, where available, or an
approved private sewage disposal system in accordance with the Public Health Code adopted
under authority of section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
CHAPTER 9 – VENTS
(Amd) 904.1 Roof extension. All open vent pipes that extend through a roof shall be
terminated at least 12 inches above the roof, except that where a roof is to be used for any
80
purpose other than weather protection, the vent extension shall be run at least 7 feet above the
roof.
(Amd) 1201.1 Scope. The provisions of this chapter shall govern the design and installation of
piping and storage systems for non-flammable medical gas systems and non-medical oxygen
systems. All maintenance and operation of such systems shall be in accordance with the 2005
State Fire Safety Code.
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
50—01 Bulk Oxygen Systems at Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1203.1
Sites
51—02 Design and Installation of Oxygen- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1203.1
Fuel Gas Systems for Welding,
Cutting, and Allied Processes
70—05 National Electrical Code . . . . . . . . . . . .502.1, 504.3, 1113.1.3
99C—02 Gas and Vacuum Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1202.1
CHAPTER 1 - ADMINISTRATION
(Amd) 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the 2003 International Mechanical
Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code, hereinafter referred to as “the code” or “this
code”.
(Amd) 101.2 Scope. This code shall regulate the design, installation, maintenance, alteration
and inspection of mechanical systems that are permanently installed and utilized to provide
control of environmental conditions and related processes within buildings. This code shall also
regulate those mechanical systems, system components, equipment and appliances specifically
addressed herein. The installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel-gas-fired
appliances and fuel-gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be in accordance with Section
101.2.2.
Exceptions:
1. Detached one- and two-family dwellings and multiple single-family dwellings
(townhouses) not more than three stories high with separate means of egress and their
accessory structures shall comply with the 2003 International Residential Code.
2. Mechanical systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration, addition or
change of occupancy shall be permitted to comply with the 2003 International Existing
Building Code.
(Add) 101.2.2 Fuel gas. The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. In addition to the requirements of this code, the installation and operation of gas
equipment and piping shall comply with sections 29-329, 29-330 and 29-331 of the Connecticut
General Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Gas Equipment and Piping
Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of section 29-329 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Liquefied
Petroleum Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety
under authority of section 29-331 of the Connecticut General Statutes. References to the
International Fuel Gas Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to be
references to such statutes and regulations.
(Add) 101.2.3 Oil-burning equipment, piping and storage. In addition to the requirements of
this code, the installation of oil burners and equipment used in connection therewith, including
tanks, piping, pumps, control devices and accessories shall comply with sections 29-316 and
29-317 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Oil
Burning Equipment Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of
section 29-317 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 101.2.3.1 Local regulations. Pursuant to section 29-316 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, the warden or burgesses of a borough, the selectmen of a town, the common council
of a city or the commissioners of a fire district may enact rules and regulations for the
installation of fuel oil burners, equipment therefore and fuel oil storage tanks.
(Add) 101.2.4 Electrical. The 2003 ICC Electrical Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. The provisions of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code shall apply to the
installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment,
appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto. References to the 2003 ICC Electrical
82
Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to be references to the 2005
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
(Amd) 101.2.5 Fire prevention. References to the 2003 International Fire Code within the body
of the model document shall be considered to be references to the 2005 Connecticut State Fire
Safety Code.
(Amd) 102.6 Historic buildings. Pursuant to section 29-259 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, exemptions may be granted to the provisions of this code for historic structures, as
defined by section 10-320c of the Connecticut General Statutes, which have been classified as
such in the State Register of Historic Places, as long as the provisions of subsection (b) of
section 29-259 of the Connecticut General Statutes are adhered to and provided that such
exemptions shall not affect the safe design, use or construction of such property.
(Add) 103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. Each town, city and borough shall create an
agency whose function is to enforce the provisions of this code. The official in charge thereof
shall be known as the building official.
(Add) 103.2 Appointment. The chief executive officer of any town, city or borough shall
appoint an officer to administer this code, and this officer shall be known as the “building official”
in accordance with section 29-260 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and referred to herein
as the building official, local building official, or code official.
(Add) 103.3 Employees. In accordance with the prescribed procedures and regulations of the
town, city or borough and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building official
shall have the authority to appoint an assistant building official, related technical officers,
inspectors, plan examiners and other employees. Such employees shall have the powers as
regulated by the town, city or borough, and by the State of Connecticut.
(Add) 103.4 Restriction of employees. An official or employee connected with the agency
created to enforce the provisions of this code pursuant to Section 103.1, except one whose only
connection with it is that of a member of the board of appeals established under the provisions
of Section 112, shall not be engaged in or directly or indirectly connected with the furnishing of
labor, materials or appliances for the construction, addition, alteration, repair or maintenance of
a building located in the town, city or borough in which such official or employee is employed, or
the preparation of construction documents therefore, unless that person is the owner of the
building. Such officer or employee shall not engage in any work that conflicts with official duties
or with the interests of the agency.
(Amd) 104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the
provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to adopt policies and
procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such policies and procedures
shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures
shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code, nor shall
they have the effect of establishing requirements in excess of those set forth in this code.
(Amd) 104.2 Rule making authority. Pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of section
29-252 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State Building Inspector and the Codes and
Standards Committee shall, jointly, with the approval of the Commissioner of Public Safety,
83
adopt and administer a State Building Code for the purpose of regulating the design,
construction and use of buildings or structures to be erected and the alteration of buildings or
structures already erected and make such amendments thereto as they, from time to time,
deem necessary or desirable.
(Amd) 104.5 Right of entry. In accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of section 29-
261 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the building official or his assistant shall have the right
of entry to such buildings or structures, except single-family residences, for the proper
performance of his duties between the hours of nine a.m. and five p.m., except that in the case
of an emergency, he shall have the right of entry at any time, if such entry is necessary in the
interest of public safety. On receipt of information from the local fire marshal or from any other
authentic source that any building in his jurisdiction, due to lack of exit facilities, fire,
deterioration, catastrophe or other cause, is in such condition as to be a hazard to any person
or persons, the building official or his assistant shall immediately make inspection in accordance
with the provisions of section 29-393 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 105.1 Modifications. The State Building Inspector may grant variations or exemptions
from, or approve equivalent or alternative compliance with the State Building Code where strict
compliance with the State Building Code would entail practical difficulty or unnecessary
hardship, or is otherwise adjudged unwarranted, provided that the intent of the law shall be
observed and public welfare and safety be assured. Any person aggrieved by any decision of
the State Building Inspector may appeal to the Codes and Standards Committee within 14 days
after mailing of the decision in accordance with subsection (b) of section 29-254 of the
Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 105.1.1 Records. The application for modification, variation or exemption and the
decision of the State Building Inspector shall be in writing and shall be officially recorded with
the application for a building permit in the permanent records of the building department.
(Add) 105.1.2 Accessibility exemptions. Any variation of or exemption from any provisions
relating to accessibility to, use of and egress from, buildings and structures as required herein
shall be permitted only when approved by the State Building Inspector and the Executive
Director of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities, acting jointly,
pursuant to subsection (b) of section 29-269 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Any person
aggrieved by the joint decision of the State Building Inspector and the Executive Director of the
Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities may appeal to the Codes and
Standards Committee within 30 days after such decision has been rendered in accordance with
subsection (b) of section 29-269 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) 106.1.1 By whom application is made. Application for a permit shall be made by the
owner in fee or by an authorized agent. If the application is made by a person other than the
owner in fee, it shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the owner or a signed statement of the
applicant witnessed by the building official or such official’s designee to the effect that the
proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee and that the applicant is authorized to make
such application. If the authorized agent is a contractor, the provisions of section 20-338b of
the Connecticut General Statutes shall be followed. The full names and addresses of the
owner, agent and the responsible officers, if the owner or agent is a corporate body, shall be
stated in the application.
(Add) 106.2.1 State agency exemptions. A state agency shall not be required to obtain a
building permit from the local building official. A state agency shall obtain a building permit for
construction or alteration of state buildings or structures from the State Building Inspector in
accordance with the provisions of section 29-252a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
84
(Amd) 106.4 Permit issuance. The building official shall examine or cause to be examined
applications for permits and amendments thereto within 30 days after filing and either issue or
deny a permit within such 30 day period. If the application or construction documents do not
conform to the requirements of this code and pertinent laws, the building official shall reject
such application in writing, stating the reasons therefore. If the building official is satisfied that
the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and applicable laws, statutes,
regulations and ordinances, the building official shall issue a permit therefore as soon as
practicable.
(Del) 106.5.1 Work commencing before permit issuance. Delete without substitution.
(Amd) 106.5.2 Fee schedule. Each municipality shall establish a schedule of fees for each
construction document review, building permit, and certificate of occupancy. A schedule of
adopted fees shall be posted for public view.
(Amd) 106.5.3 Fee refunds. In the case of the revocation of a permit or abandonment or
discontinuance of a building project, the portion of the work actually completed shall be
computed and any excess fee for the incomplete work shall be returned to the permit holder
upon written request. All plan examination and permit processing fees and all penalties that
have been imposed on the permit holder under the requirements of this code shall first be
collected.
(Amd) 108.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this code shall be
fined not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more
than six months or both, pursuant to section 29-254a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) 108.5 Stop work orders. Upon notice from the building official, work on any
mechanical system that is being done contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous
or unsafe manner shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to
the owner of the property, or to the owner’s agent, or to the person doing the work. The notice
shall state the conditions under which the work is authorized to resume. Where an emergency
exists, the building official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the
work. Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been
85
served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove
a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable for penalties in accordance with Section 108.4.
(Del) SECTION 109 - MEANS OF APPEAL. Delete this section in its entirety and replace with
the following:
(Add) 109.1 Means of appeal. Means of appeal shall be in accordance with Section 112 of the
2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Amd) 201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are
defined in other portions of the 2005 State Building Code, such terms shall have the meanings
ascribed to them as in those codes.
(Add) BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative. Also known
as the local building official or code official.
(Amd) 301.1 Scope: Except as may be otherwise regulated by Chapters 540 and 541 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, or regulations of other state agencies, this chapter shall govern
the approval and installation of all equipment and appliances that comprise parts of the building
mechanical systems regulated by this code in accordance with Section 101.2.
(Amd) 301.3 Fuel gas appliances and equipment. The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code is
not adopted by the State of Connecticut. In addition to the requirements of this code, the
installation and operation of gas equipment and piping shall comply with sections 29-329, 29-
330 and 29-331 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations known as the
Connecticut Gas Equipment and Piping Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety
under authority of section 29-329 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations
known as the Connecticut Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas Code adopted
by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of section 29-331 of the Connecticut
General Statutes. References to the International Fuel Gas Code within the body of the model
document shall be considered to be references to such statutes and regulations.
(Amd) 301.7 Electrical. The 2003 ICC Electrical Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. The provisions of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code shall apply to the
installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment,
appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto. References to the ICC Electrical Code
within the body of the model document shall be considered to be references to the 2005 NFPA
70 National Electrical Code.
86
(Amd) 606.2 Where required. Smoke detectors shall be installed where indicated in Sections
606.2.1 through 606.2.3.
Exception: Smoke detectors shall not be required where air distribution systems are
incapable of spreading smoke beyond the enclosing walls, floors and ceilings of the
room or space in which the smoke is generated, or where the sole purpose of the air
distribution system is to remove air from the inside of the building to the outside of the
building.
(Amd) 606.2.1 Supply air systems. Smoke detectors shall be installed in supply air systems
with a design capacity greater than 2,000 cubic feet per minute in the supply air duct
downstream of any filters and ahead of any branch connections.
(Amd) 606.2.2 Common supply and return air systems. Where multiple air-handling systems
share common supply or return air ducts or plenums with a combined design capacity greater
than 2,000 cubic feet per minute, the supply air system shall be provided with smoke detectors
in accordance with Section 606.2.1.
Exception: Individual smoke detectors shall not be required for each fan-powered
terminal unit, provided that such units do not have an individual design capacity greater
than 2,000 cubic feet per minute and will be shut down by the activation of the smoke
detectors required by Section 606.2.1.
In all cases the smoke detectors shall comply with Sections 606.4 and 606.4.1.
(Amd) 606.2.3 Return air risers. Where return air risers serve two or more stories and serve
any portion of a return air system having a design capacity greater than 15,000 cubic feet per
minute, smoke detectors shall be installed at each story. Such smoke detectors shall be
located upstream of the connection between the return air riser and any air ducts or plenums.
Exception: Smoke detectors are not required in the return air system where all portions
of the building served by the air distribution system are protected by area smoke
detectors connected to a fire alarm system in accordance with the 2005 Connecticut
State Fire Safety Code. The area smoke detection system shall comply with Section
606.4.
(Add) 1001.1.1 Boilers and water heaters. Boilers and water heaters shall also be
governed by the regulations adopted under authority of chapter 540 of the Connecticut General
Statutes.
CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION
(Amd) 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the 2003 International Energy
Conservation Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code, hereinafter referred to as “the
code” or “this code”.
(Amd) 101.2 Scope. This code establishes minimum prescriptive and performance-related
regulations for the design of energy-efficient buildings and structures or portions thereof that
provide facilities or shelter for public assembly, educational, business, mercantile, institutional,
storage and residential occupancies, as well as those portions of factory and industrial
occupancies designed primarily for human occupancy. This code thereby addresses the design
of energy-efficient building envelopes and the selection and installation of energy-efficient
mechanical, service water-heating, electrical distribution and illumination systems and
equipment for the effective use of energy in these buildings and structures.
(Amd) 101.2.1 Exempt buildings. Buildings and structures indicated in Sections 101.2.1.1
through 101.2.1.3 shall be exempt from the building envelope provisions of this code, but shall
comply with the provisions for building, mechanical, service water-heating and lighting systems.
(Add) 101.2.1.3 Renewable energy sources. Buildings and structures for which heating and
cooling is supplied solely by utilization of non-purchased renewable energy sources including,
but not limited to, on-site wind, on-site water or on-site solar power, or wood-burning heating
appliances that do not rely on backup heat from other purchased, non-renewable sources.
(Add) 101.5 Administrative matters not provided for. Administrative matters not covered by
this code are to be in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 1 of the 2003 International
Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Amd) 104.1 General. Two sets of construction documents and other supporting data shall be
submitted to the building official at the time of application for the building permit. The
construction documents and designs submitted under the provisions of Chapter 4 shall be
prepared by a registered design professional when required by the provisions of chapter 390 or
391 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
Exception: The building official is authorized to waive the submission of construction
documents and other supporting data not required to be prepared by a registered
design professional if the work proposed is not required by the provisions of this code,
or if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of the
construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code.
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Amd) 201.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and are
defined in other codes adopted as portions of the 2005 State Building Code, such terms shall
have the meanings ascribed to them as in those codes.
(Add) BUILDING OFFICIAL. The officer or other designated authority charged with the
administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative. Also known
as the local building official or code official.
88
(Add) FULL CUTOFF LUMINAIRE. A luminaire that allows no direct light emissions above a
horizontal plane through the luminaire’s lowest light-emitting part.
(Amd) SUNROOM ADDITION. A one-story structure, enclosing a habitable space, with glazing
in excess of 40 per cent of the gross area of the exterior walls and roof, and with the area of
windows and doors operable to the exterior equal to a minimum of 20 per cent of the area of the
sunroom floor.
(Add) 803.2.8.2 Duct insulation values. Minimum duct insulation values stated in Section
803.2.8 shall be installed R-values.
(Add) 805.6.1 Light pollution controls. When the power for exterior lighting is supplied
through the energy service to the building, luminaires used for exterior lighting shall be full cutoff
luminaires.
Exceptions:
1. Luminaires with an output of 150 Watts incandescent or less, or the equivalent light
output.
2. Luminaires intended to illuminate the façade of buildings or to illuminate other objects
including but not limited to flagpoles, landscape and water features, statuary and works
of art.
3. Luminaires for historic lighting on the premises of an historic building as defined in the
2003 International Existing Building Code or within a designated historic district.
4. Outdoor sports facility lighting of the participant sport area.
5. Emergency exit discharge lighting.
6. Low voltage landscape lighting.
7. Sign illumination.
8. Festoon lighting as defined in the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
9. Temporary lighting for emergency, repair, construction, special events or similar
activities.
90
CHAPTER 1 – ADMINISTRATION
(Amd) R101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the 2003 International Residential
Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings portion of the 2005 State Building Code, hereinafter
referred to as “the code” or “this code”.
(Add) R101.4.1 Fuel gas. The 2003 International Fuel Gas Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. In addition to the requirements of this code, the installation and operation of gas
equipment and piping shall comply with sections 29-329 and 29-331 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Gas Equipment and Piping Code
adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority of section 29-329 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations known as the Connecticut Liquefied
Petroleum Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety
under authority of section 29-331 of the Connecticut General Statutes. References to the
International Fuel Gas Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to be
references to such statutes and regulations.
(Add) R101.4.2 Oil burning equipment, piping and storage. In addition to the requirements
of this code, the installation of oil burners and equipment used in connection therewith,
including tanks, piping, pumps, control devices and accessories shall comply with sections 29-
316 and 29-317 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and the regulations known as the
Connecticut Oil Burning Equipment Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under
authority of section 29-317 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) R101.4.2.1 Local regulations. Pursuant to section 29-316 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, the warden or burgesses of a borough, the selectmen of a town, the common council
of a city or the commissioners of a fire district may enact rules and regulations for the
installation of fuel oil burners, equipment therefore and fuel oil storage tanks.
(Add) R101.4.3 Private sewage disposal. The 2003 International Private Sewage Disposal
Code is not adopted by the State of Connecticut. Private sewage disposal systems shall be
designed and installed in accordance with the Public Health Code adopted under authority of
section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General Statutes. References to the 2003 International
Private Sewage Disposal Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to
be references to the Public Health Code.
(Add) R101.4.4 Property maintenance. The 2003 International Property Maintenance Code is
not adopted by the State of Connecticut. Property maintenance shall be in accordance with the
requirements of this code or the requirements of local property maintenance codes when such
codes are adopted by the town, city or borough. References to the 2003 International Property
Maintenance Code found within the body of the model document shall be considered null and
void.
(Add) R101.4.5 Fire prevention. References to the 2003 International Fire Code within the
body of the model document shall be considered to be references to the 2005 Connecticut State
Fire Safety Code.
(Add) R101.4.6 Electrical. The 2003 ICC Electrical Code is not adopted by the State of
Connecticut. The provisions of Part VIII of this code or of the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical
Code shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs,
91
replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings and appurtenances thereto. The permit
applicant shall state which code will be followed at the time of permit application. References to
the 2003 ICC Electrical Code within the body of the model document shall be considered to be
references to the 2005 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
(Amd) R102.5 Appendices. The following appendices of the 2003 International Residential
Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings are hereby specifically adopted and included in this
code: E; G; H; K; L; and M.
(Amd) R102.7 Existing structures. The legal occupancy of any building or structure existing
on the date of adoption of this code shall be permitted to continue without change, except as
specifically covered in this code.
(Del) SECTION R103 – DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING SAFETY. Delete Section 103 in its
entirety and replace with the following:
(Add) R103.1 Creation of enforcement agency. Each town, city and borough shall create an
agency whose function is to enforce the provisions of this code. The official in charge thereof
shall be known as the building official.
(Add) R103.2 Appointment. The chief executive officer of any town, city or borough shall
appoint an officer to administer this code, and this officer shall be known as the “building official”
in accordance with section 29-260 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and referred to herein
as the building official, local building official or code official.
(Add) R103.3 Employees. In accordance with the prescribed procedures and regulations of
the town, city or borough, and with the concurrence of the appointing authority, the building
official shall have the authority to appoint an assistant building official, related technical officers,
inspectors, plan examiners and other employees. Such employees shall have the powers as
regulated by the town, city or borough, and by the State of Connecticut.
(Add) R103.4 Restriction of employees. An official or employee connected with the agency
created to enforce the provisions of this code pursuant to Section R103.1, except one whose
only connection with it is that of a member of the board of appeals established under the
provisions of Section R112, shall not be engaged in, or directly or indirectly connected with, the
furnishing of labor, materials or appliances for the construction, addition, alteration, repair or
maintenance of a building located in the town, city or borough in which such official or employee
is employed, or the preparation of construction documents therefore, unless that person is the
owner of the building. Such officer or employee shall not engage in any work that conflicts with
official duties or with the interests of the agency.
(Amd) R104.1 General. The building official is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the
provisions of this code. The building official shall have the authority to adopt policies and
procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. Such policies and procedures
shall be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this code. Such policies and procedures
shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code, nor shall
they have the effect of establishing requirements in excess of those set forth in this code.
(Add) R104.1.1 Rule making authority. Pursuant to the provisions of subsection (a) of
section 29-252 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State Building Inspector and the Codes
and Standards Committee shall, jointly, with the approval of the Commissioner of Public Safety,
adopt and administer a State Building Code for the purpose of regulating the design,
92
construction and use of buildings or structures to be erected and the alteration of buildings or
structures already erected and make such amendments thereto as they, from time to time,
deem necessary or desirable.
(Amd) R104.6 Right of entry. In accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of section 29-
261 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the building official or his assistant shall have the right
of entry to such buildings or structures, except single-family residences, for the proper
performance of his duties between the hours of nine a.m. and five p.m., except that in the case
of an emergency he shall have the right of entry at any time, if such entry is necessary in the
interest of public safety. On receipt of information from the local fire marshal or from any other
authentic source that any building in his jurisdiction, due to lack of exit facilities, fire,
deterioration, catastrophe or other cause, is in such condition as to be a hazard to any person
or persons, the building official or his assistant shall immediately make inspection in accordance
with the provisions of section 29-393 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) R104.10 Modifications. The State Building Inspector may grant variations or
exemptions from, or approve equivalent or alternative compliance with, the State Building Code
where strict compliance with the State Building Code would entail practical difficulty or
unnecessary hardship, or is otherwise adjudged unwarranted, provided that the intent of the law
shall be observed and public welfare and safety be assured. Any person aggrieved by any
decision of the State Building Inspector may appeal to the Codes and Standards Committee
within 14 days after mailing of the decision in accordance with subsection (b) of section 29-254
of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Del) R104.10.1 Areas prone to flooding. Delete and substitute the following:
(Add) R104.10.1 Records. The application for modification, variation or exemption and the
decision of the State Building Inspector shall be in writing and shall be officially recorded with
the application for a building permit in the permanent records of the building department.
(Add) R104.10.3 Urban homesteading property exemption. In accordance with section 29-
259 of the Connecticut General Statutes, exemptions may be granted to the provisions of this
code for property acquired by an urban homesteading agency, pursuant to section 8-169r of the
Connecticut General Statutes, and transferred to a qualified applicant pursuant to section 8-
169s of the Connecticut General Statutes, provided such exemptions shall not affect the safe
design, use or construction of such property. Exemptions shall be granted in accordance with
Section R104.10 of this code.
(Add) R104.11.2 Research reports. Submission to the local building official of a valid research
report prepared by an approved evaluation service that supports the efficacy of use of any
material, appliance, equipment or method of construction not specifically provided for in this
code, or that demonstrates compliance with this code, shall be deemed evidence of compliance
with this code.
(Add) R105.1.1 By whom application is made. Application for a permit shall be made by the
owner in fee or by an authorized agent. If the application is made by a person other than the
93
owner in fee, it shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the owner or a signed statement of the
applicant witnessed by the building official or such official’s designee to the effect that the
proposed work is authorized by the owner in fee and that the applicant is authorized to make
such application. If the authorized agent is a contractor, the provisions of section 20-338b of the
Connecticut General Statutes shall be followed. The full names and addresses of the owner,
agent and the responsible officers, if the owner or agent is a corporate body, shall be stated in
the application.
(Amd) 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, statutes, regulations or ordinances of
the town, city or borough, or the State of Connecticut. Permits shall not be required for the
following work:
Building:
1. Fences not over 6 feet high.
2. Retaining walls that are not over 3 feet in height measured from finished grade at the
bottom of the wall to finished grade at the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
3. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons
and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
4. Sidewalks, driveways and on-grade concrete or masonry patios not more than 30 inches
above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
5. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work not
involving structural changes or alterations.
6. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
7. Swings, non-habitable tree houses and other playground equipment.
8. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches
from the exterior wall and which do not require additional support.
Electrical:
Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work,
including replacement of lamps and fuses or the connection of approved portable
electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
Gas:
1. Portable heating or cooking appliances with a self-contained fuel supply.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such
equipment unsafe.
3. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not
interconnected to a power grid.
Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliances with a self-contained fuel supply.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping contained within any heating or cooling equipment
regulated by Chapters 18 through 24 of this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such
equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative coolers.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that
are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not
interconnected to a power grid.
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Plumbing:
1. 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 Sections R105 and R109 of this code.
2. 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.
(Amd) R105.3.1 Action on application. The building official shall examine or cause to be
examined applications for permits and amendments thereto within 30 days after filing and either
issue or deny a permit within such 30-day period. If the application or construction documents
do not conform to the requirements of this code and pertinent laws, the building official shall
reject such application in writing, stating the reasons therefore. If the building official is satisfied
that the proposed work conforms to the requirements of this code and applicable laws, statutes,
regulations and ordinances, the building official shall issue a permit therefore as soon as
practicable.
(Add) R105.3.1.2 Zoning approval. Pursuant to subsection (f) of section 8-3 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, no building permit shall be issued, in whole or in part, for a
building, use or structure subject to the zoning regulations of a municipality without certification
in writing by the official charged with the enforcement of such regulations that such building, use
or structure is in conformity with such regulations or is a valid nonconforming use under such
regulations.
(Amd) R105.5 Expiration of permit. Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work
authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work
authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time
the work is commenced. The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more
extensions of time, for periods of not more than 180 days each. The extensions shall be
requested in writing and justifiable cause shall be demonstrated.
Exception: The building official shall be permitted to specify an expiration date of not
less than 30 days, nor more than 180 days, for commencement of work under permits
issued to abate unsafe conditions pursuant to Section R115 of this code. Work
performed under such permits shall be completed as expeditiously as possible.
(Add) R106.2.1 Private sewage disposal system. The site plan shall indicate the location of
a private sewage disposal system where a public sewer is not available. Private sewage
disposal systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with the requirements of the
Public Health Code adopted under authority of section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General
Statutes. All technical and soil data required by the Public Health Code shall be submitted with
the site plan. Approval of such systems shall be by the local authority having jurisdiction.
When such approval is required by the local authority having jurisdiction, written proof of such
approval shall be submitted to the building official prior to issuance of a building permit.
(Add) R106.6 Additional requirements. Nontransient residential dwellings having more than
16 units or 24,000 square feet total gross area per building shall be subject to the additional
requirements set forth in Section 106.1.4 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the
2005 State Building Code.
(Amd) R107.1 General. The building official is authorized to issue a permit for temporary
structures and temporary uses. Such permits shall be limited as to time of service, but shall not
be permitted for more than 180 days. The building official is authorized to grant a single 180-
day extension for demonstrated cause.
Exceptions: The following shall be exempt from permit requirements:
1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
2. Tents less than 350 square feet total area.
3. Tents 900 square feet and smaller in total area when occupied by fewer
than 50 persons, which have no heating appliances, no installed electrical
service, and are erected for fewer than 72 hours.
(Amd) R107.3 Temporary power. The building official is authorized to give permission to
temporarily supply and use power in part of an electrical installation before such installation has
been fully completed and the final certificate of occupancy or certificate of approval has been
issued. The part covered by the temporary permission shall comply with the requirements
specified for temporary lighting, heat or power in this code or in the 2005 NFPA 70 National
Electrical Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(Amd) R108.2 Schedule of permit fees. Each municipality shall establish a schedule of fees
for each construction document review, building permit, certificate of approval and certificate of
occupancy. A schedule of adopted fees shall be posted for public view.
(Amd) R108.3 Building permit valuations. The applicant for a permit shall provide an
estimated permit value at the time of application. Permit valuations shall include total value of
work, including materials and labor, for which the permit is being issued, such as electrical, gas,
mechanical, plumbing equipment and permanent systems. If, in the opinion of the building
official, the valuation is underestimated on the application, the permit shall be denied, unless
the applicant can show detailed estimates to meet the approval of the building official. Final
building permit valuation shall be set by the building official.
(Amd) R110.1 Use and occupancy. Pursuant to subsection (a) of section 29-265 of the
Connecticut General Statutes, no building or structure erected or altered in any municipality
after October 1, 1970, shall be occupied or used, in whole or in part, until a certificate of
occupancy has been issued by the building official, certifying that such building, structure or
work performed pursuant to the building permit substantially conforms to the provisions of the
State Building Code. Nothing in the code shall require the removal, alteration or abandonment
of, or prevent the continuance of the use and occupancy of, any single-family dwelling but
within six years of the date of occupancy of such dwelling after substantial completion of
construction of, alteration to or addition to such dwelling, or of a building lawfully existing on
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October 1, 1945, except as may be necessary for the safety of life or property. The use of a
building or premises shall not be deemed to have changed because of a temporary vacancy or
change of ownership or tenancy.
Exceptions:
1. Work for which a certificate of approval is issued in accordance with Section R110.9.
2. Certificates of occupancy are not required for work exempt from permit requirements
under Section R105.2.
(Add) R110.1.1 Zoning approval. Pursuant to subsection (f) of section 8-3 of the Connecticut
General Statutes, no certificate of occupancy shall be issued for a building, use or structure
subject to the zoning regulations of a municipality without certification in writing by the official
charged with the enforcement of such regulations that such building, use or structure is in
conformity with such regulations or is a valid nonconforming use under such regulations.
(Amd) R110.4 Temporary occupancy. The building official is authorized to issue a temporary
certificate of occupancy before the completion of the entire work covered by the permit,
provided that such portion or portions shall be occupied safely prior to full completion of the
building or structure without endangering life or public welfare. Any occupancy permitted to
continue during completion of the work shall be discontinued within 30 days after completion of
the work unless a certificate of occupancy is issued by the building official.
(Add) R110.8 Manufactured housing used as dwellings. Provisions for foundation systems
and building service equipment connections necessary to provide for the installation of new
manufactured homes and for existing manufactured homes to which additions, alterations or
repairs are made are contained in Appendix E.
(Del) SECTION R112 - BOARD OF APPEALS Delete this section in its entirety and replace
with the following:
(Add) R112.1 Appeal from decision of building official. Pursuant to subsection (a) of section
29-266 of the Connecticut General Statutes, when the building official rejects or refuses to
approve the mode or manner of construction proposed to be followed or the materials to be
used in the erection or alteration of a building or structure, or when it is claimed that the
provisions of the code do not apply or that an equally good or more desirable form of
construction can be employed in a specific case, or when it is claimed that the true intent and
meaning of the code has been misconstrued or wrongly interpreted or when the building official
issues a written order under subsection (c) of section 29-261 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, the owner of such building or structure, whether already erected or to be erected, or
his authorized agent may appeal in writing from the decision of the building official to the
municipal board of appeals. A person, other than such owner, who claims to be aggrieved by
any decision of the building official may, by himself or his authorized agent, appeal in writing
from the decision of the building official to the municipal board of appeals as provided by
subsection (a) of section 29-266 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) R112.1.1 Absence of municipal board of appeals. In the absence of a municipal board
of appeals, the provisions of subsection (c) of section 29-266 of the Connecticut General
Statutes shall be followed.
(Add) R112.1.2 State Building Inspector review. In accordance with the provisions of
subsection (d) of section 29-252 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the State Building
Inspector or such inspector’s designee shall review a decision by a local building official or
municipal board of appeals appointed pursuant to section 29-266 of the Connecticut General
Statutes, when he has reason to believe that such official or board has misconstrued or
misinterpreted any provision of the State Building Code.
(Add) R112.2.1 Qualifications. One member of the municipal board of appeals shall be
appointed from the general public. The other four members shall have at least five years
experience each in building design, building construction or supervision of building construction.
(Add) R112.2.2 Chairman. The board shall annually select one of its members to serve as
chairman.
(Add) R112.3 Notice of meeting. Each appeal under this subsection shall be heard in the
municipality for which the building official serves within five days, exclusive of Saturdays,
Sundays and legal holidays, after the date of receipt of the appeal.
(Add) R112.5 Appointment of a panel. Upon receipt of an appeal from an owner or his
agent, or approval of an appeal by a person other than the owner or his agent, the chairman of
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the municipal board of appeals shall appoint a panel of not less than three members of such
board to hear such appeal.
(Add) R112.6 Rendering of decisions. The panel shall, upon majority vote of its members,
affirm, modify or reverse the decision of the building official in a written decision upon the
appeal and file such decision with the building official from whom such appeal has been taken
not later than five days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, following the day
of the hearing thereon. A copy of the decision shall be mailed, prior to such filing, to the party
taking the appeal.
(Add) R112.7 Appeal to the Codes and Standards Committee. Any person aggrieved by the
decision of a municipal board of appeals may appeal to the Codes and Standards Committee
within 14 days after the filing of the decision with the building official in accordance with the
provisions of subsection (b) of section 29-266 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) R112.8 Court review. Any person aggrieved by any ruling of the Codes and Standards
Committee may appeal to the Superior Court for the judicial district where such building or
structure has been or is being erected in accordance with the provisions of subsection (d) of
section 29-266 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) R113.2.1 Written notice. The notice of violation shall be in writing and shall be given to
the owner of the property involved, or to the owner’s agent or to the person doing the work.
(Amd) R113.3 Prosecution of violation. If the notice of violation is not complied with promptly,
the building official is authorized to request the legal counsel of the jurisdiction to institute the
appropriate proceeding at law as well as the appropriate proceeding in equity to restrain, correct
or abate such violation, or to require the removal or termination of the unlawful occupancy of the
building or structure in violation of the provisions of this code or of the order or direction made
pursuant thereto.
(Amd) R113.4 Violation penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this code shall
be fined not less than two hundred nor more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more
than six months or both, pursuant to section 29-254a of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) R114.2 Unlawful continuance. Any person who shall continue any work in or about
the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person
is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe conditions, shall be liable for penalties in
accordance with Section R113.4.
(Add) R115.1 General: The procedures to be followed regarding unsafe structures and
equipment shall be as set forth in Section 115 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of
the 2005 State Building Code.
(Add) R116.1 General: The procedures to be followed regarding emergency measures shall be
as set forth in Section 116 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State
Building Code.
CHAPTER 2 – DEFINITIONS
(Amd) WIND BORNE DEBRIS REGION. Areas where the basic wind speed in accordance
with Appendix M is equal to or greater than 120 miles per hour.
(Amd) R301.2.1 Wind limitations. Buildings and structures or portions thereof shall be
designed and constructed in accordance with the wind speed requirements and construction
methods of this code. Basic wind speeds shall be determined by Appendix M. Where different
construction methods and structural materials are used for various portions of a building or
structure, the applicable requirements of this section for each portion shall apply. Where loads
for windows, skylights and exterior doors are not otherwise specified, the loads listed in Table
R301.2(2) adjusted for height and exposure per Table R301.2(3), shall be used to determine
design load performance requirements for windows and doors.
(Amd) R301.2.1.1 Design criteria. Construction in locations where the basic wind speed as
determined by Appendix M equals or exceeds 110 miles per hour shall be designed in
accordance with one of the following:
1. American Forest and Paper Association (AF&PA), Wood Frame Construction Manual
for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (WFCM-01); or
2. Southern Building Code Congress International Standard for Hurricane Resistant
Residential Construction (SSTD 10-99); or
3. Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures (ASCE-7-02); or
4. American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing –
Prescriptive Method for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (COFS/PM-01).
5. Concrete construction shall be designed in accordance with the provisions of this code.
WIND SPEED (mph): Basic Wind Speed (3 second gust) shall be as set forth in Appendix M.
(Amd) R301.6 Roof load. Roofs shall be designed for the 30 pound snow load indicated in
Table R301.2(1).
(Del) Table R301.6 – MINIMUM ROOF LIVE LOADS IN POUNDS-FORCE PER SQUARE
FOOT OF HORIZONTAL PROJECTION. Delete table in its entirety without substitution.
(Add) R301.9 Ungraded lumber. Pursuant to section 29-256b of the Connecticut General
Statutes, the use of ungraded lumber is allowed in accessory structures.
(Amd) R302.1 Exterior walls. Exterior walls with a fire separation distance less than 3 feet
shall have not less than a one-hour fire-resistive rating with exposure from both sides.
Projections shall not extend to a point closer than 2 feet from the line used to determine the fire
separation distance.
Exception: Detached garages accessory to a dwelling located within 2 feet of a lot line
may have roof eave projections not exceeding 4 inches.
Projections extending into the fire separation distance shall have not less than one-hour fire-
resistive construction on the underside. The above provisions shall not apply to walls that are
perpendicular to the line used to determine the fire separation distance.
(Amd) R305.1 Minimum height. Habitable rooms, hallways, corridors, bathrooms, toilet rooms,
laundry rooms and basements shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet. The required
height shall be measured from the finished floor to the lowest projection from the ceiling.
Exceptions:
1. Beams, girders, pipes, ducts or other obstructions spaced not less than 4 feet on center
shall be permitted to project not more than 6 inches below the required ceiling height.
2. Basements without habitable spaces shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet, 8
inches. Beams, girders, pipes, ducts or other obstructions shall be permitted to project
not more than 4 inches below the required ceiling height.
3. Not more than 50 per cent of the required area of a habitable room or space is permitted
to have a sloped or furred ceiling less than 7 feet in height. No portion of the required
floor area shall be less than 5 feet in height.
4. Bathrooms are permitted to have sloped or furred ceilings, but shall have a minimum
ceiling height of 6 feet, 8 inches over the fixtures and at the front clearance area for the
fixtures as shown in Figure R307.2. A shower or tub equipped with a showerhead shall
have a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet, 8 inches above a minimum area 30 inches by
30 inches at the showerhead.
5. Ceiling height in existing basements being converted to habitable space shall be not
less than 6 feet, 10 inches clear except under beams, girders, pipes, ducts or other
obstructions where the clear height shall be a minimum of 6 feet, 6 inches.
(Amd) R309.1 Opening protection. 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 in thickness, solid
or honeycomb core steel doors not less than 1 3/8 inches in thickness or 20-minute fire-rated
doors in solid wood jambs. Doors between the garage and the residence shall be equipped
with a self-closing device.
(Amd) R309.2 Separation required: Garages attached side by side to residences shall be
separated from the residence and its attic area by means of a minimum 5/8-inch type X gypsum
board applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms, closets, bathrooms, toilet
rooms, halls or utility spaces in residences shall be separated from adjacent interior spaces by
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a minimum 5/8-inch type X gypsum board applied to the garage side of all walls, ceilings and
combustible structural supports. Gypsum board joints shall be finished in accordance with the
manufacturer’s requirements.
Exception: Wood structural members of the minimum dimensions specified in Section
602.4 of the 2003 International Building Code for Type IV construction shall be
acceptable without further protection.
(Amd) R309.3 Floor surface. Garage floor surfaces shall be of approved noncombustible
material. The area of floor used for parking of automobiles or other vehicles shall be sloped to
facilitate the movement of liquids to an approved drain or toward the main vehicle entry
doorway.
Exception: Detached garages that are separated from the dwelling by a minimum
distance of 10 feet.
(Amd) R310.1 Emergency escape and rescue openings required. Habitable spaces located
within basements and every sleeping room within the dwelling shall have at least one operable
emergency escape and rescue opening. 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 habitable areas of the basement. Where emergency escape
and rescue openings are provided, they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches
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. Emergency escape and
rescue openings with a finished sill height below the adjacent ground elevation shall be
provided with a window well in accordance with Section R310.2.
Exceptions:
1. Habitable basements without sleeping rooms are not required to have emergency
escape and rescue openings when they are provided with two remote, code-compliant
stairways.
2. In existing buildings, basements being converted to habitable space without sleeping
rooms are not required to have emergency escape and rescue openings.
(Amd) R310.1.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall be
operational from the inside of the room without the use of a key or tool and the net clear
opening dimensions shall be obtained by the normal operation of the opening from the inside.
Exception: Existing buildings undergoing alterations or installation of replacement
windows shall be permitted to utilize removable sash to achieve the required minimum
net clear openings. Such removable sash shall be capable of being removed without
the use of a key or tool.
(Amd) R311.4.2 Door type and size. The required exit door shall be a side-hinged door not
less than 3 feet in width and 6 feet, 8 inches in height. Other doors shall be permitted to be
side-hinged, swinging, sliding, bi-fold or revolving doors, shall not be required to comply with the
minimum door width and shall be permitted to be not less than 6 feet, 6 inches in height.
(Amd) R311.4.3 Landings at exterior doors. There shall be a floor or landing a minimum of 3
feet in the direction of travel and 3 feet in width, or a width equal to the width of any adjacent
stair, whichever is greater, on each side of each exterior door. The landing on the exterior side
of doors shall not be more than 8 ¼ inches below the top of the threshold provided that the
door, other than an exterior storm or screen door, does not swing over the landing. In the event
that the door, other than an exterior storm or screen door, swings over the landing, the landing
shall not be more than 1.5 inches below the top of the threshold.
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Exception: At other than the required exit door, a landing is not required for the exterior
side of the door where a stairway of three or fewer risers, including the top riser from the
dwelling to the top tread, is located on the exterior side of a door.
(Amd) R311.5.1 Width. Stairways shall not be less than 36 inches in clear width at all points
above the permitted handrail height and below the required headroom height. Handrails shall
not project more than 4.5 inches on either side of the stairway and the minimum clear width of
the stairway at and below the handrail height, including treads and landings, shall not be less
than 31.5 inches where a handrail is installed on one side and 27 inches where handrails are
provided on both sides.
Exceptions:
1. The width of spiral stairways shall be in accordance with Section R311.5.8.
2. The width of existing or replacement stairways serving existing unfinished attics or
existing unfinished basements being converted to habitable space shall not be less than
32 inches in clear width at all points above the permitted handrail height and below the
required headroom height. Handrails shall not project more than 4 inches on either side
of the stairway and the minimum clear width of the stairway at and below the handrail
height, including treads and landings, shall not be less than 28 inches where a handrail
is installed on one side and 24 inches where handrails are provided on both sides.
(Amd) R311.5.2 Headroom. The minimum headroom in all parts of the stairway shall not be
less than 6 feet, 8 inches measured vertically from the sloped plane adjoining the tread nosing
or from the floor surface of the landing or platform.
Exception: The minimum headroom in all parts of existing or replacement stairways
serving existing unfinished attics or existing unfinished basements being converted to
habitable space shall be 6 feet, 6 inches, measured as above.
(Amd) R311.5.3.1 Riser height. The maximum riser height shall be 8 ¼ inches. The minimum
riser height shall be 4 inches. Riser height shall be measured vertically between leading edges
of adjacent treads.
Exception: The maximum riser height of existing or replacement stairs serving existing
unfinished attics or existing unfinished basements being converted to habitable space
shall be 9 inches, measured as above.
The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than
3/8 inch.
(Amd) R311.5.3.2 Tread depth. The minimum tread depth shall be 9 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.
Exception: The minimum tread depth of existing or replacement stairs serving existing
unfinished attics or existing unfinished basements being converted to habitable space
shall be 8 inches, measured as above.
The greatest tread depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than
3/8 inch. Winder and circular stairway treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 9 inches
measured as above at a point 12 inches from the sides where the treads are narrower. Winder
treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 6 inches at any point. The greatest winder tread
depth at the 12-inch walk line within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more
than 3/8 inch. The greatest circular tread depth at any walking line within any circular flight of
stairs, measured at a consistent distance from a side of the stairway, shall not exceed the
smallest by more than 3/8 inch.
(Amd) R311.5.6.2 Continuity. Handrails for stairways shall be continuous for the full length of
each flight, from a point directly above the top riser of the flight to a point directly above the
lowest riser of the flight. Handrail ends shall be returned to a wall or shall terminate in newel
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posts or safety terminations. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than
1 ½ inch between the wall and the handrails.
Exceptions:
1. Handrails shall be permitted to be interrupted by a newel post at a level landing.
2. The use of a volute, turnout, starting easing or starting newell shall be permitted over the
lowest tread.
(Amd) R313.1.1 Alterations and additions. When alterations or additions requiring a permit
occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the
entire dwelling shall be provided with smoke detectors located as required for new dwellings.
The smoke detectors shall have a power source in accordance with Section R313.2.
Exceptions:
1. The smoke detectors may be battery operated and are not required to be interconnected
when other remodeling considerations do not require the removal of the appropriate wall
and ceiling coverings to facilitate concealed interconnected wiring.
2. Alterations to the exterior surfaces of dwellings including, but not limited to, re-roofing,
re-siding, window replacement and the construction of decks without roofs, are exempt
from the requirements of this section.
(Add) R313.3 Carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed
outside of each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. When more than one
carbon monoxide detector is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit the alarm
devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one carbon monoxide
detector will activate all of the carbon monoxide detectors in the individual unit. The alarm shall
be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors
closed. All carbon monoxide detectors shall be listed and shall be installed in accordance with
their listing and the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Exception: Carbon monoxide detectors shall not be required in dwelling units not
containing a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
(Add) R313.3.1 Power source. In new construction, the required carbon monoxide detectors
shall be permanently installed and shall receive their primary power from the building wiring
when such wiring is served from a commercial source. When primary power from the building
wiring is interrupted, they shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and
without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. Carbon
monoxide detectors shall be permitted to be battery operated when installed in buildings without
commercial power or in buildings that undergo alterations or additions regulated by Section
R313.3.2.
(Add) R313.3.2 Alterations and additions. When alterations or additions requiring a permit
occur, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the
entire dwelling shall be provided with carbon monoxide detectors located as required for new
dwellings. The carbon monoxide detectors shall have a power source in accordance with
Section R313.3.1.
Exceptions:
1. The carbon monoxide detectors may be battery operated or plug-in and are not
required to be interconnected when other remodeling considerations do not require
the removal of the appropriate wall and ceiling coverings to facilitate concealed
interconnected wiring.
2. Alterations to the exterior surfaces of dwellings including, but not limited to, re-roofing,
re-siding, window replacement and the construction of decks without roofs, shall be
exempt from the requirements of this section.
3. Carbon monoxide detectors shall not be required in dwelling units not containing a
fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.
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(Amd) R314.2.6 Interior trim. Foam plastic trim defined as picture molds, chair rails,
baseboards, handrails, ceiling beams, door trim and window trim may be installed, provided:
1. The minimum density is 20 pounds per cubic foot.
2. The maximum thickness of the trim is 0.5 inch and the maximum width is 8 inches.
3. The trim constitutes no more than 10 per cent of the aggregate area of the walls and
ceilings of any room or space.
4. The flame-spread rating does not exceed 75 when tested per ASTM E 84-01. The
smoke-developed rating is not limited.
(Amd) R319.3 Fasteners. Fasteners and weight-bearing connecting devices used for pressure
preservative and fire-retardant-treated wood shall be of stainless steel, silicon bronze, copper,
G185 galvanized steel or shall be hot-dipped galvanized after fabrication.
Exception: One-half-inch diameter or greater steel bolts in normally dry locations.
CHAPTER 4 – FOUNDATIONS
(Amd) R403.1.4 Minimum depth. The depth of all exterior footings shall conform to Section
R403.1.4.1.
(Amd) R602.3.1 Stud size, height and spacing. The size, height and spacing of studs with a
maximum laterally unsupported height of 10 feet shall be in accordance with Table R602.3(5).
Studs with a laterally unsupported height exceeding 10 feet shall be justified by analysis.
Exception: Utility grade studs shall not be spaced more than 16 inches on center, shall
not support more than a roof and a ceiling, and shall not exceed 8 feet in height for
exterior walls and load-bearing walls or 10 feet for interior non-load-bearing walls.
(Amd) R602.8.1 Materials. Except as provided in Section R602.8, Item 4, fireblocking shall
consist of 2-inch nominal lumber, or two thicknesses of 1-inch nominal lumber with broken lap
joints, or one thickness of 23/32-inch wood structural panels with joints backed by 23/32-inch
wood structural panels or one thickness of ¾-inch particleboard with joints backed by ¾-inch
particleboard, or ½-inch gypsum board or ¼-inch cement-based millboard. Minimum 16-inch
vertical batts or blankets of mineral wool installed in such a manner as to be securely retained
in place shall also be permitted as an acceptable fire block. Batts or blankets of mineral wool
shall be permitted for compliance with the 10-foot horizontal fireblocking in walls constructed
using parallel rows of studs or staggered studs.
(Add) R703.11 Vinyl siding. Vinyl siding shall be installed over a weather-protective barrier.
Installation shall be in accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions.
(Amd) R806.1 Ventilation required. Enclosed attics and enclosed rafter spaces formed where
ceilings are applied directly to the underside of roof rafters shall have cross ventilation for each
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separate space by ventilating openings protected against the entrance of rain or snow.
Ventilating openings shall be provided with corrosion-resistant wire mesh, with 1/8-inch
minimum to 1/4-inch maximum openings.
Exception: Rafter spaces filled completely with sprayed-in foam insulation complying
with Section N1101.3.1.1 of this code.
(Amd) R905.2.6 Attachment. Asphalt shingles shall have the minimum number of fasteners
required by the manufacturer, or as required by Chapter 9. For normal application, asphalt
shingles shall be secured to the roof with not less than four fasteners per strip shingle or two
fasteners per individual shingle. Where the roof slope exceeds 20 units vertical in 12 units
horizontal or where the basic wind speed per Appendix M is 110 mph or greater, asphalt
shingles shall be secured to the roof in accordance with the manufacturer’s special installation
instructions or, in the absence of such instructions, with not less than six fasteners per strip
shingle or three fasteners per individual shingle.
Shingles classified using ASTM D 3161 are acceptable for use in wind zones less than
110 mph. Shingles classified using ASTM D 3161 Class F are acceptable for use where the
basic wind speed per Appendix M is 110 mph or greater and in all cases where special
fastening is required.
(Amd) M1202.3 Maintenance. Mechanical systems, both existing and new, and parts thereof
shall be maintained in proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a
safe and sanitary condition. Devices or safeguards that are required by this code shall be
maintained in compliance with the code edition under which installed. The owner or the owner’s
designated agent shall be responsible for maintenance of the mechanical systems.
(Amd) G2402.3 Terms defined in other codes. Where terms are not defined in this code and
are defined in other portions of the 2005 State Building Code, such terms shall have the
meanings ascribed to them as in those portions of the code.
(Amd) G2412.2 Liquefied petroleum gas storage. Storage facilities for liquefied petroleum
gas shall be in accordance with regulations known as the Connecticut Liquefied Petroleum Gas
and Liquefied Natural Gas Code adopted by the Commissioner of Public Safety under authority
of section 29-331 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Amd) G2423.1 General. Service stations for CNG fuel shall be in accordance with regulations
known as the Connecticut Gas Equipment and Piping Code adopted by the Commissioner of
Public Safety under authority of section 29-329 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
(Add) P2602.1.1 Individual sewage disposal systems and individual water supply
systems. Installations shall be approved in accordance with this code and the regulations
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enforced by the local health director in accordance with the Public Health Code of the State of
Connecticut adopted pursuant to section 19a-36 of the Connecticut General Statutes.
CHAPTER 31 – VENTS
(Amd) P3103.1 Roof extension. All open vent pipes that extend through a roof shall be
terminated at least 12 inches above the roof, except that where a roof is to be used for any
purpose other than weather protection, the vent extension shall be at least 7 feet above the roof.
(Add) E3301.2.1 Alternative compliance. Compliance with the requirements of the 2005
NFPA 70 National Electrical Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code shall be deemed to
be alternative compliance with the requirements of Chapters 33 through 42 of this code. At the
time of permit application, the permit applicant shall state which code will be followed.
(Amd) E3802.11 Bedroom outlets. All branch circuits that supply 125-volt, single-phase, 15-
and 20-ampere outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by an arc-fault
circuit interrupter listed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit.
Exception: Smoke detectors shall be permitted to be supplied by branch circuits without
such protection providing such branch circuits supply no other outlets within the dwelling
unit bedroom.
Standard Referenced
reference in code
number Title section number
13—02 Installation of Sprinkler Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . R317.1
13D-02 Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two- . . . . . . . . . . .R317.1
family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes
13R—02 Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential . . . . .. . . . . . . R317.1
Occupancies Up to and Including Four Stories in
Height
31—01 Installation of Oil-burning Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . M1401.1.1,
M1801.3.1, M1805.3
58—04 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. G2412.2, G2414.6.2
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(Amd) AG105.2 Outdoor swimming pool. An outdoor swimming pool, including in-ground,
above-ground or on-ground pools, hot tubs and spas shall be provided with a barrier that shall
comply with the following:
1. The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of
the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance
between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches measured on the side of
the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure
is above grade, such as an above-ground pool, the barrier may be at ground level, such
as the pool structure, or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is
mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of
the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4 inches.
2. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
3. Solid barriers that do not have openings, such as masonry or stone walls, shall not
contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled
masonry joints.
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4. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance
between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the horizontal
members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the barrier. Spacing between
vertical members shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches in width. Where there are decorative
cutouts within vertical or horizontal members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed
1 ¾ inches in width.
5. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance
between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between
vertical members shall not allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere. Where there are
decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed
1 ¾ inches in width.
6. Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be 2 ¼ inches square unless the fence is
provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom which reduce the openings to not
more than 1 ¾ inches.
7. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the
maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall not be more than 1 ¾ inches.
8. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of Section AG105.2, Items 1 through 7,
and shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian access gates shall
open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching
device. Gates other than pedestrian access gates shall have a self-latching device.
Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches
from the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism and surrounding openings shall
comply with the following: The release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of
the gate at least 3 inches below the top of the gate and the gate and barrier shall have
no opening greater than ½ inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
9. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the pool barrier, one of the following
conditions shall be met:
9.1. The pool shall be equipped with a power safety cover in compliance with
ASTM F1346-91; or
9.2. All doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with
an alarm that produces an audible warning when the door and its screen, if
present, are opened. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30
seconds within 7 seconds after the door and its screen, if present, are opened
and be capable of being heard throughout the house during normal activities.
The alarm shall automatically reset under all conditions. The alarm shall be
equipped with a manual means, such as a touch pad or switch, to temporarily
deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last for not
more than 15 seconds. The deactivation device(s) shall be located at least 54
inches above the threshold of the door; or
9.3. All doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with a
self-closing and self-latching device with the release mechanism located a
minimum of 54 inches above the door threshold. Swinging doors shall open
away from the pool area.
10. Where an above-ground or on-ground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the
barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or
steps, then the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets the
requirements of section AG105.2, Items 1 through 9.
(Add) AG105.6 Temporary enclosure. A temporary enclosure shall be installed prior to the
commencement of the installation of any in-ground swimming pool unless the permanent barrier
specified in Section AG105.2 is in place prior to the commencement of the installation. The
temporary enclosure shall be a minimum of 4 feet in height, shall have no openings that will
allow passage of a 4-inch sphere and shall be equipped with a positive latching device on any
openings.
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(Add) AG105.7 Pool alarm. No building permit shall be issued for the construction or
substantial alteration of a swimming pool at a residence occupied by, or being built for, one or
more families unless a pool alarm is installed with the swimming pool. As used in this section,
“pool alarm” means a device that emits a sound of at least 50 decibels when a person or an
object weighing 15 pounds or more enters the water in a swimming pool.
Exception: Hot tubs and portable spas shall be exempt from this requirement.
ANSI/NSPI
ASTM
ASTM F 1346-91 (2003) Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling
Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs……... AG105.2, AG105.5
ASME
Municipality Basic
Wind
Speed
(3 sec.
gust)
Sprague 100
Stafford 90
Stamford 100
Sterling 100
Stonington 110/1205
Stratford 110
Suffield 90
Thomaston 90
Thompson 100
Tolland 100
Torrington 90
Trumbull 100/1102
Union 90
Vernon 100
Voluntown 110
Wallingford 100
Warren 90
Washington 90
Waterbury 90
Waterford 110/1201
Watertown 90
Westbrook 110
West Hartford 90
West Haven 110
Weston 100
Westport 100/1102
Wethersfield 100
Willington 100
Wilton 100
Winchester 90
Windham 100
Windsor 90
Windsor Locks 90
Wolcott 90
Woodbridge 100
Woodbury 90
Woodstock 100
Footnotes:
1. Areas south of I-95 = 120 mph; areas north of I-95 = 110 mph
2. Areas south of Rt. 15 = 110 mph; areas north of Rt. 15 = 100 mph
3. Areas south of I-95 = 110 mph; areas north of I-95 = 100 mph
4. Areas east of Rt. 8 = 110 mph; areas west of Rt. 8 = 100 mph
5. Areas south of Rt. 184 = 120 mph; areas north of Rt. 184 = 110 mph
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(A) Covered. This Code covers the installation of electrical conductors, equipment and
raceways; signaling and communications conductors, equipment and raceways; and optical
fiber cables and raceways for the following:
(B) Not covered. This code does not cover the following:
(1) Installations in ships, watercraft other than floating buildings, railway rolling stock, aircraft or
automotive vehicles other than mobile homes and recreational vehicles
(2) Installations underground in mines and self-propelled mobile surface mining machinery and
its attendant electrical trailing cable
(3) Installations of railways for generation, transformation, transmission or distribution of power
used exclusively for operation of rolling stock or installations used exclusively for signaling and
communications purposes
(4) Installations of communications equipment under the exclusive control of communications
utilities located outdoors or in building spaces used exclusively for such installations
(5) Installations under the exclusive control of an electric utility where such installations
a. Consist of service drops or service laterals, and associated metering; or
b. Are located in legally established easements, rights-of-way or by other agreements
either designated by or recognized by public service commissions, utility commissions
or other regulatory agencies having jurisdiction for such installations; or
c. Are on property owned or leased by the electric utility for the purpose of
communications, metering, generation, control, transformation, transmission or
distribution of electric energy.
(6) Installations in 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 that are in accordance with the provisions of the 2003 International
Residential Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
(C) Special permission. The State Building Inspector shall be permitted to grant an exception
for the installation of conductors and equipment that are not under the exclusive control of the
electric utilities and are used to connect the electric utility supply system to the service-entrance
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conductors of the premises served, provided such installations are outside a building or
terminate immediately inside a building wall.
(Amd) 90.4 Enforcement. Administration of this code shall be in accordance with the
provisions of Chapter 1 of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State
Building Code. For the purposes of this code, the authority having jurisdiction for interpreting
the rules and for granting the special permission contemplated in a number of rules is the State
Building Inspector. Interpretations shall be requested verbally or in writing from the Office of the
State Building Inspector. Special permission shall be requested in writing using the Request for
Modification of the State Building Code form available from local building departments or from
the Office of the State Building Inspector, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457.
This code may require new products, methods of construction or materials that may not
yet be available at the time the code is adopted. In such event, the local building official shall be
permitted to approve the use of products, methods of construction or materials that comply with
the requirements of the 2002 NFPA 70 National Electrical Code.
CHAPTER 1 – GENERAL
(Amd) SPECIAL PERMISSION. For the purposes of this code, the authority having
jurisdiction for granting the special permission contemplated in a number of rules is the State
Building Inspector. Special permission shall be requested in writing using the Request for
Modification of the State Building Code form available from local building departments or from
the Office of the State Building Inspector, 1111 Country Club Road, Middletown, CT 06457.
(Amd) (B) Other than dwelling units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere
receptacles installed in the six locations specified below shall have ground-fault circuit-
interrupter protection for personnel:
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Commercial and institutional kitchens – for the purposes of this section, a kitchen is an
area with a sink and permanent facilities for food preparation and cooking
(3) Rooftops
(4) Outdoors in public spaces – for the purpose of this section a public space is defined as
any space that is for use by, or is accessible to, the public
(5) Outdoors, where installed to comply with 210.63
(6) All locations within 6 feet of the outside edge of a sink or lavatory
Exception to (3) and (4): Receptacles that are not readily accessible and are supplied
from a dedicated branch circuit for electric snow-melting or deicing equipment shall be
permitted to be installed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Article 426.
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(Amd) (B) Dwelling unit bedrooms. All 120-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere branch
circuits supplying outlets installed in dwelling unit bedrooms shall be protected by an arc-fault
circuit interrupter, listed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit.
Exception 1: The location of the arc-fault circuit interrupter shall be permitted to be at
other than the origination of the branch circuit in compliance with (a) and (b):
(a) The arc-fault circuit interrupter installed within 6 feet of the branch circuit overcurrent
device as measured along the branch circuit conductors.
(b) The circuit conductors between the branch circuit overcurrent device and the arc-
fault circuit interrupter shall be installed in a metal raceway or a cable with a
metallic sheath.
Exception 2: Smoke detectors shall be permitted to be supplied by branch circuits
without such protection providing such branch circuits supply no other outlets within the
dwelling unit bedroom.
(Amd) 250.50 Grounding electrode system. If available on the premises at each building or
structure served, each item in 250.52 (A)(1) through (A)(6) shall be bonded together to form the
grounding electrode system. Where none of these grounding electrodes are available, one or
more of the grounding electrodes specified in 250.52 (A)(4) through (A)(7) shall be installed and
used.
(1) Solid sawn lumber. Notches in solid lumber joists, rafters and beams shall not exceed one-
sixth of the depth of the member, shall not be longer than one-third of the depth of the member
and shall not be located in the middle one-third of the span. Notches at the ends of the member
shall not exceed one-fourth the depth of the member. The tension side of members 4 inches or
greater in nominal thickness shall not be notched except at the ends of the members. The
diameter of holes bored or cut into members shall not exceed one-third the depth of the
member. Holes shall not be closer than 2 inches to the top or bottom of the member, or to any
other hole located in the member. Where the member is also notched, the hole shall not be
closer than 2 inches to the notch.
Exception: Notches on cantilevered portions of rafters are permitted provided the
dimension of the remaining portion of the rafter is not less than 4-inch nominal and the
length of the cantilever does not exceed 24 inches.
(2) Engineered wood products. Cuts, notches and holes bored in trusses, laminated veneer
lumber, glue-laminated members or I-joists are not permitted unless the effects of such
penetrations are specifically considered in the design of the member and permitted by the
manufacturer.
(B) Studs. Any stud in an exterior wall or interior bearing partition may be cut or notched to a
depth not exceeding 25 per cent of its width. Studs in nonbearing interior partitions may be
notched to a depth not to exceed 40 per cent of a single stud width. Any stud may be bored or
drilled, provided that the diameter of the resulting hole is no greater than 40 per cent of the stud
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width, the edge of the hole is no closer than 5/8 inch to the edge of the stud and the hole is not
located in the same section as a cut or notch.
Exceptions:
1. A stud may be bored or drilled to a diameter not exceeding 60 per cent of its width,
provided that such studs located in exterior walls or interior bearing partitions are
doubled and not more than two successive studs are bored.
2. Approved stud shoes may be used when installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations.
(C) Top plates. When wiring or conduit is placed in or partly in an exterior wall or interior
bearing partition necessitating cutting, drilling or notching of the top plate by more than 50 per
cent of its width, a galvanized metal tie of not less than 0.054 inches thick (16 ga) and 1 ½
inches wide shall be fastened to each plate across and to each side of the opening with not less
than eight 16d nails at each side or equivalent.
Exception: When the entire side of the wall with the notch is covered by wood structural
panel sheathing.
(Effective 12/31/05)