Maine Code Official License and Exam

The 2021 IBC® contains many important changes such as:

• Puzzle rooms (escape rooms) are now defined and regulated as special amusement areas, requiring compliance with Section 411 and special means of egress requirements.
• For the purposes of determining the allowable number of control areas in a building, each portion separated by one or more fire walls is now considered as a separate building.
• In Group E occupancies, enhanced classroom acoustics in compliance with ICC A117.1 are to be provided in all classrooms having of volume of 20,000 cubic feet or less.
• The requirements for metal composite materials and systems (MCM) installed on the exterior walls of Types I, II, III and IV construction were simplified and sprinkler allowances were deleted.
• The use of intermodal shipping containers as buildings is now specifically addressed through provisions intended to supplement existing applicable IBC requirements.
• Automatic sprinkler protection is now required in Group S-2 open parking garages where any fire area exceeds 48,000 square feet.
• The 2017 edition of ICC A117.1 was adopted.
• Parapets of a minimum height are now required for aggregate-surfaced roofs to prevent blow-off.
• Mixed occupancy buildings with assembly spaces are placed in Risk Category III when the total public assembly occupant load is greater than 2500 people.
• The 2021 IBC snow map is updated to match ASCE 7-16 snow maps by adding a reference to ASCE 7 snow tables in states with large case study areas.
• Secondary rain loads are updated to be consistent with ASCE 7.
• Special inspection requirements were added to address the anchorage and connection of mass timber structural elements.
• Installation of firestop, fire-resistant joint systems and perimeter fire barrier systems in residential-use buildings now requires special inspection in Group R fire areas having an occupant load exceeding 250 people.
• Frost protection for egress doors was added to the foundation requirements.
• ACI standards ACI 117 and ITG 7 were added by reference to provide acceptable tolerances for concrete construction.
• Three new types of construction (Types IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C) allow mass timber buildings of taller heights, more stories above grade, and greater allowable areas compared to existing provisions for heavy timber buildings.

The 2021 IRC® contains many important changes such as:

• Braced wall lines must be placed on a physical wall or placed between multiple walls.
• The rated separation for two-family dwellings is 1 hour whether or not a lot line exists between units.
• Emergency escape and rescue openings require a clear 36-inch-wide path to a public way.
• An engineered design is required for storm shelters.
• A habitable attic is limited to one-half the area of the story below and the dwelling requires sprinklers.
• Updated Wind Speed maps match IBC and ASCE 7 maps.
• Deck design now considers snow load, tributary area for footing and post height, and guard details.
• Specific requirements for deck guardrails were added.
• Component and cladding wind pressures in Table R301.2(2) are updated for new design wind speeds and hip or gable roof profiles.
• Minimum footing size tables are revised to more accurately reflect current practice.
• Cripple wall requirements apply only to exterior cripple walls.
• New appendices for cob construction and 3D printed construction are added.
• A 30 percent reduction of airflow is permitted for balanced ventilation systems.
• Commercial gas cooking appliances are prohibited.
• The head pressure for a water test of DWV systems increased to 10 feet.
• Air vacuum testing is now permitted for plastic piping DWV systems.
• Section P2904 for dwelling sprinklers is expanded to more closely align with NFPA 13D.
• An emergency service disconnect is required in a readily accessible outdoor location.
• A surge-protective device (SPD) is now required at the service panel.
• The number of receptacle outlets required for peninsular and island countertops in kitchens is determined by the area of the countertop surface.
• GFCI protection is now required for damp and wet locations not included in the other 10 areas requiring GFCI protection.

The 2021 IECC® addresses energy efficiency on several fronts including cost, energy usage, use of natural resources and the impact of energy usage on the environment.

In October 2019, the Code Council released an independent study comparing model plumbing codes. It found that over a 12-year period, counties using the IPC saved $38 billion in construction costs, emitted 1,000,000 fewer tons of carbon dioxide, saw an additional 166,000 jobs, and saved 880 million feet of pipe. On average, a single-family home could save up to $4,000 in labor, materials and overhead compared to that same home built to other codes.

Important changes in the 2021 IPC include:

• Multiple-user toilet facilities to serve all genders are now permitted.
• Two new methods for relining/rehabilitation of existing sewers are added.
• Accommodations for mounted roof top solar panels over vent terminals is added.
• CSA B805/ICC 805 Rainwater Harvesting Systems is allowed as an alternative design method.
• Plumbing provisions from ICC A117.1-2017 Standard for Usable and Accessible Buildings and Facilities are now included.

Important changes in the 2021 IMC include:

• Clothes dryer exhaust terminals required to be at least 3 feet from any opening into a building.
• Polyurethane spray-applied foam on the exterior of ducts in attics and crawl spaces required to meet specific smoke and flame index limits.
• Fire and smoke dampers must be provided with approved access for inspection and maintenance.
• Refrigerant tables updated to include new refrigerants.
• Addition of condensate termination identification markings and discharge restrictions.
• Approved factory-built combination intake/exhaust terminations permitted, relaxing separation requirement.
• 30% reduction in minimum mechanical ventilation for whole-house balanced ventilation systems.
• Continuous operation requirement for manicure and pedicure station exhaust systems.
• Grease duct horizontal cleanout required within 3 feet of a horizontal discharge fan.

Explore the ICC/ANSI A117.1-2017, a comprehensive guide aimed at enabling individuals with physical disabilities to autonomously access and utilize various sites, facilities, buildings, and elements. This standard outlines specifications tailored to accommodate a spectrum of disabilities including mobility limitations, visual or hearing impairments, incoordination, sensory processing difficulties, and diverse physical sizes, ensuring inclusivity and usability for all.

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