101125
, 101125
IRC
®
INTERNATIONAL
RESIDENTIAL CODE®
for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
A Member of the International Code Family®
INCLUDES
Residential requirements from
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code® 2020
The electrical code designated for
use with the I-Codes®
Copyright © 2020 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Brenton (), (-) Order Number #101125552 on Jul 28, 2021 11:37 AM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with IC
No further reproduction, no further reproductions by any third party, or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR
DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
, 101125
2021 International Residential Code
Date of First Publication: January 29, 2021
First Printing: January 2021
ISBN: 978-1-60983-957-4 (soft-cover edition)
ISBN: 978-1-60983-958-1 (loose-leaf edition)
COPYRIGHT 2020
by
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This 2021 International Residential Code® is a copyrighted work owned by the International Code
Council, Inc. (“ICC”). Without advance written permission from the ICC, no part of this book may be reproduced, distributed or
transmitted in any form or by any means, including, without limitation, electronic, optical or mechanical means (by way of
example, and not limitation, photocopying or recording by or in an information storage retrieval system). For information on use
rights and permissions, please contact: ICC Publications, 4051 Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478. Phone 1-888-
ICC-SAFE (422-7233).
Trademarks: “International Code Council,” the “International Code Council” logo, “ICC,” the “ICC” logo, “International Resi-
dential Code,” “IRC” and other names and trademarks appearing in this book are registered trademarks of the International Code
Council, Inc., and/or its licensors (as applicable), and may not be used without permission.
T025919 PRINTED IN THE USA
Copyright © 2020 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Brenton (), (-) Order Number #101125552 on Jul 28, 2021 11:37 AM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with IC
No further reproduction, no further reproductions by any third party, or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR
DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
, 101125
PREFACE
Introduction
The International Residential Code® (IRC®) establishes minimum requirements for one- and two family
dwellings and townhouses using prescriptive provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that
make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2021 edition is fully compatible
with all of the International Codes® (I-Codes®) published by the International Code Council (ICC),
including the International Building Code® (IBC®), International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC®),
International Existing Building Code® (IEBC®), International Fire Code® (IFC®), International Fuel Gas
Code® (IFGC®), International Green Construction Code® (IgCC®), International Mechanical Code®
(IMC®), International Plumbing Code® (IPC®), International Private Sewage Disposal Code® (IPSDC®),
International Property Maintenance Code® (IPMC®), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code®
(ISPSC®), International Wildland-Urban Interface Code® (IWUIC®), International Zoning Code® (IZC®)
and International Code Council Performance Code® (ICCPC®).
The I-Codes, including the IRC, are used in a variety of ways in both the public and private sectors.
Most industry professionals are familiar with the I-Codes as the basis of laws and regulations in com-
munities across the US and in other countries. However, the impact of the codes extends well beyond
the regulatory arena, as they are used in a variety of nonregulatory settings, including:
• Voluntary compliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and
disaster resistance.
• The insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate
decisions.
• Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, construc-
tion and safety.
• Certification of building and construction-related products.
• US federal agencies, to guide construction in an array of government-owned properties.
• Facilities management.
• “Best practices” benchmarks for designers and builders, including those who are engaged in
projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental
enforcement mechanism.
• College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula.
• Reference works related to building design and construction.
In addition to the codes themselves, the code development process brings together building pro-
fessionals on a regular basis. It provides an international forum for discussion and deliberation about
building design, construction methods, safety, performance requirements, technological advances
and innovative products.
Development
This 2021 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003 through
2018 editions and further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2019. Res-
idential electrical provisions are based on the 2020 National Electrical Code® (NFPA 70). A new edition
such as this is promulgated every 3 years.
Fuel gas provisions have been included through an agreement with the American Gas Association
(AGA). Electrical provisions have been included through an agreement with the NFPA.
2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE® iii
Copyright © 2020 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Brenton (), (-) Order Number #101125552 on Jul 28, 2021 11:37 AM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with IC
No further reproduction, no further reproductions by any third party, or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR
DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
, 101125
IRC
®
INTERNATIONAL
RESIDENTIAL CODE®
for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
A Member of the International Code Family®
INCLUDES
Residential requirements from
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code® 2020
The electrical code designated for
use with the I-Codes®
Copyright © 2020 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Brenton (), (-) Order Number #101125552 on Jul 28, 2021 11:37 AM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with IC
No further reproduction, no further reproductions by any third party, or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR
DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
, 101125
2021 International Residential Code
Date of First Publication: January 29, 2021
First Printing: January 2021
ISBN: 978-1-60983-957-4 (soft-cover edition)
ISBN: 978-1-60983-958-1 (loose-leaf edition)
COPYRIGHT 2020
by
INTERNATIONAL CODE COUNCIL, INC.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This 2021 International Residential Code® is a copyrighted work owned by the International Code
Council, Inc. (“ICC”). Without advance written permission from the ICC, no part of this book may be reproduced, distributed or
transmitted in any form or by any means, including, without limitation, electronic, optical or mechanical means (by way of
example, and not limitation, photocopying or recording by or in an information storage retrieval system). For information on use
rights and permissions, please contact: ICC Publications, 4051 Flossmoor Road, Country Club Hills, IL 60478. Phone 1-888-
ICC-SAFE (422-7233).
Trademarks: “International Code Council,” the “International Code Council” logo, “ICC,” the “ICC” logo, “International Resi-
dential Code,” “IRC” and other names and trademarks appearing in this book are registered trademarks of the International Code
Council, Inc., and/or its licensors (as applicable), and may not be used without permission.
T025919 PRINTED IN THE USA
Copyright © 2020 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Brenton (), (-) Order Number #101125552 on Jul 28, 2021 11:37 AM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with IC
No further reproduction, no further reproductions by any third party, or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR
DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
, 101125
PREFACE
Introduction
The International Residential Code® (IRC®) establishes minimum requirements for one- and two family
dwellings and townhouses using prescriptive provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that
make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2021 edition is fully compatible
with all of the International Codes® (I-Codes®) published by the International Code Council (ICC),
including the International Building Code® (IBC®), International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC®),
International Existing Building Code® (IEBC®), International Fire Code® (IFC®), International Fuel Gas
Code® (IFGC®), International Green Construction Code® (IgCC®), International Mechanical Code®
(IMC®), International Plumbing Code® (IPC®), International Private Sewage Disposal Code® (IPSDC®),
International Property Maintenance Code® (IPMC®), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code®
(ISPSC®), International Wildland-Urban Interface Code® (IWUIC®), International Zoning Code® (IZC®)
and International Code Council Performance Code® (ICCPC®).
The I-Codes, including the IRC, are used in a variety of ways in both the public and private sectors.
Most industry professionals are familiar with the I-Codes as the basis of laws and regulations in com-
munities across the US and in other countries. However, the impact of the codes extends well beyond
the regulatory arena, as they are used in a variety of nonregulatory settings, including:
• Voluntary compliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and
disaster resistance.
• The insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate
decisions.
• Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, construc-
tion and safety.
• Certification of building and construction-related products.
• US federal agencies, to guide construction in an array of government-owned properties.
• Facilities management.
• “Best practices” benchmarks for designers and builders, including those who are engaged in
projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental
enforcement mechanism.
• College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula.
• Reference works related to building design and construction.
In addition to the codes themselves, the code development process brings together building pro-
fessionals on a regular basis. It provides an international forum for discussion and deliberation about
building design, construction methods, safety, performance requirements, technological advances
and innovative products.
Development
This 2021 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003 through
2018 editions and further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2019. Res-
idential electrical provisions are based on the 2020 National Electrical Code® (NFPA 70). A new edition
such as this is promulgated every 3 years.
Fuel gas provisions have been included through an agreement with the American Gas Association
(AGA). Electrical provisions have been included through an agreement with the NFPA.
2021 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE® iii
Copyright © 2020 ICC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Accessed by Kevin Brenton (), (-) Order Number #101125552 on Jul 28, 2021 11:37 AM (PDT) pursuant to License Agreement with IC
No further reproduction, no further reproductions by any third party, or distribution authorized. Single user only, copying and networking prohibited. ANY UNAUTHORIZED REPRODUCTION OR
DISTRIBUTION IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL COPYRIGHT ACT AND THE LICENSE AGREEMENT, AND SUBJECT TO CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES THEREUNDER.
