ICC GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (IBC CHAPTER
1) Actual PRACTICE EXAM – Comprehensive
Review & Verified Guide
Part 1: Scope, Administration & Permits (Questions 1-30)
Q1. A homeowner wishes to construct a detached storage shed in their backyard. The
shed will be 120 square feet in area. According to the IBC, is a building permit required?
A. Yes, a permit is always required for any new structure.
B. No, a permit is not required per IBC 105.2 for one-story detached accessory
structures used as tool and storage sheds, provided the floor area does not exceed 200
square feet.
C. Yes, because it is a permanent structure.
D. No, but an electrical permit is required if lighting is installed.
Correct Answer: B
Code Reference: IBC 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit, Item 1
Code Application: The code explicitly exempts certain small, detached accessory
structures from permitting requirements provided they are one-story, detached, and
used as tool/storage sheds under 200 sq ft.
,Reasoning: The 120 sq ft shed meets all four criteria for exemption: one-story, detached,
accessory use, and size under the threshold. While electrical work may theoretically
need separate review depending on extent, the primary structure itself is exempt.
Professional Practice Note: Building officials must know common exemptions but verify
local amendments, as jurisdictions frequently reduce the 200 sq ft threshold or add
zoning overlay requirements.
Q2. A contractor submits a permit application for a commercial tenant finish-out. The
building official reviews the construction documents and finds the proposed wall
assembly for a 1-hour fire-rated corridor meets the required fire-resistance rating but
uses a gypsum board product not listed in the referenced standard (ASTM C36). The
building official should:
A. Deny the permit because the product is not listed.
B. Approve the permit under the provision for alternate materials per IBC 104.11,
provided the contractor submits sufficient technical data to demonstrate the product's
equivalence.
C. Issue a conditional permit requiring the contractor to change the product.
D. Refer the decision to the Board of Appeals.
Correct Answer: B
Code Reference: IBC 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction
and equipment
,Code Application: The building official possesses discretionary authority to approve
alternatives when provided with adequate technical documentation (e.g., test reports
from an approved agency) demonstrating equivalence to prescribed code requirements.
Reasoning: The code’s intent is the specified fire-resistance rating, not the specific
manufacturer. Denial (A) ignores the BO’s authority; conditional permits (C) are not
appropriate when technical data can be submitted proactively.
Professional Practice Note: The burden of proof lies entirely with the applicant.
Acceptable documentation typically includes ICC-ES reports, UL listings, or engineering
analysis stamped by an RDP.
Q3. After a permit is issued, the approved construction documents are stolen from the
job site. The contractor may:
A. Continue work based on memory.
B. Submit a written request to the building official for duplicate approved plans, per IBC
106.1.
C. Re-submit new plans for a new permit.
D. Use the original electronic files without notifying the department.
Correct Answer: B
Code Reference: IBC 106.1.2 Approved construction documents
Code Application: The code requires approved construction documents to be on site
and available to the inspector. If lost, the contractor must request certified duplicates
from the building department.
, Reasoning: Working without approved plans on site (A, D) violates the retention
requirement. Obtaining duplicates (B) aligns with the administrative protocol for
maintaining an authenticated record of the approved design.
Professional Practice Note: Most jurisdictions charge a fee for certified duplicates. The
permit holder should also implement better document control to prevent future losses.
Q4. A permit for the construction of a new single-family house expires because no
inspections were requested within 180 days of issuance. The contractor wishes to
reactivate the project. According to the IBC, the building official may:
A. Grant an extension automatically upon request.
B. Consider granting an extension if the permit holder submits justifiable cause in
writing, per IBC 105.5.
C. Require the applicant to apply for a completely new permit and pay new fees.
D. Revoke the permit permanently.
Correct Answer: B
Code Reference: IBC 105.5 Expiration
Code Application: "The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more
extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each... if justifiable cause is
demonstrated."
Reasoning: The provision establishes discretionary authority, not automatic entitlement.
Extensions require documented justification (e.g., weather delays, supply chain issues)
and are not perpetual.
1) Actual PRACTICE EXAM – Comprehensive
Review & Verified Guide
Part 1: Scope, Administration & Permits (Questions 1-30)
Q1. A homeowner wishes to construct a detached storage shed in their backyard. The
shed will be 120 square feet in area. According to the IBC, is a building permit required?
A. Yes, a permit is always required for any new structure.
B. No, a permit is not required per IBC 105.2 for one-story detached accessory
structures used as tool and storage sheds, provided the floor area does not exceed 200
square feet.
C. Yes, because it is a permanent structure.
D. No, but an electrical permit is required if lighting is installed.
Correct Answer: B
Code Reference: IBC 105.2 Work Exempt from Permit, Item 1
Code Application: The code explicitly exempts certain small, detached accessory
structures from permitting requirements provided they are one-story, detached, and
used as tool/storage sheds under 200 sq ft.
,Reasoning: The 120 sq ft shed meets all four criteria for exemption: one-story, detached,
accessory use, and size under the threshold. While electrical work may theoretically
need separate review depending on extent, the primary structure itself is exempt.
Professional Practice Note: Building officials must know common exemptions but verify
local amendments, as jurisdictions frequently reduce the 200 sq ft threshold or add
zoning overlay requirements.
Q2. A contractor submits a permit application for a commercial tenant finish-out. The
building official reviews the construction documents and finds the proposed wall
assembly for a 1-hour fire-rated corridor meets the required fire-resistance rating but
uses a gypsum board product not listed in the referenced standard (ASTM C36). The
building official should:
A. Deny the permit because the product is not listed.
B. Approve the permit under the provision for alternate materials per IBC 104.11,
provided the contractor submits sufficient technical data to demonstrate the product's
equivalence.
C. Issue a conditional permit requiring the contractor to change the product.
D. Refer the decision to the Board of Appeals.
Correct Answer: B
Code Reference: IBC 104.11 Alternative materials, design and methods of construction
and equipment
,Code Application: The building official possesses discretionary authority to approve
alternatives when provided with adequate technical documentation (e.g., test reports
from an approved agency) demonstrating equivalence to prescribed code requirements.
Reasoning: The code’s intent is the specified fire-resistance rating, not the specific
manufacturer. Denial (A) ignores the BO’s authority; conditional permits (C) are not
appropriate when technical data can be submitted proactively.
Professional Practice Note: The burden of proof lies entirely with the applicant.
Acceptable documentation typically includes ICC-ES reports, UL listings, or engineering
analysis stamped by an RDP.
Q3. After a permit is issued, the approved construction documents are stolen from the
job site. The contractor may:
A. Continue work based on memory.
B. Submit a written request to the building official for duplicate approved plans, per IBC
106.1.
C. Re-submit new plans for a new permit.
D. Use the original electronic files without notifying the department.
Correct Answer: B
Code Reference: IBC 106.1.2 Approved construction documents
Code Application: The code requires approved construction documents to be on site
and available to the inspector. If lost, the contractor must request certified duplicates
from the building department.
, Reasoning: Working without approved plans on site (A, D) violates the retention
requirement. Obtaining duplicates (B) aligns with the administrative protocol for
maintaining an authenticated record of the approved design.
Professional Practice Note: Most jurisdictions charge a fee for certified duplicates. The
permit holder should also implement better document control to prevent future losses.
Q4. A permit for the construction of a new single-family house expires because no
inspections were requested within 180 days of issuance. The contractor wishes to
reactivate the project. According to the IBC, the building official may:
A. Grant an extension automatically upon request.
B. Consider granting an extension if the permit holder submits justifiable cause in
writing, per IBC 105.5.
C. Require the applicant to apply for a completely new permit and pay new fees.
D. Revoke the permit permanently.
Correct Answer: B
Code Reference: IBC 105.5 Expiration
Code Application: "The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more
extensions of time, for periods not more than 180 days each... if justifiable cause is
demonstrated."
Reasoning: The provision establishes discretionary authority, not automatic entitlement.
Extensions require documented justification (e.g., weather delays, supply chain issues)
and are not perpetual.
