ARC 131         Building Codes

Prerequisites:    ARC 112

Corequisites:     None

This course covers the methods of researching building codes for specific projects.  Topics include residential and commercial building codes.  Upon completion, students should be able to determine the code constraints governing residential and commercial projects.

The Building Codes came about as a protection against fires and natural disasters (i.e. Chicago fire, Jamestown flood, San Francisco earthquake, etc.).

All codes are aimed at protecting people, property, and health.

N.C. statutes set up regulations for building officials, plan approvals, building councils, and uniform standards for mobile homes and manufactured housing.

The model code is based on several other codes, like the Standard Building Code Congress International (SBCCI), for example.  North Carolina adopted the International Code Council with North Carolina amendments in 1991.

Course Outline

1.       A history of the Building Codes, their objectives and origins;

2.       A review of the North Carolina General Statutes which apply to the

          subjects;

3.       A review of general administrative procedures;

4.       A discussion of the objectives of the AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION                   

          charged with enforcing the Building Codes through the issuance of Building   

          Permits; and

5.       The requirements for and processes of licensing Architects, Engineers, and

          Contractors.

          Then we will focus our major efforts on the Codes, in the following order:

            1.       North Carolina State Building Code / Residential Construction;

            2.       North Carolina State Building Code / General Construction; and

            3.       North Carolina State Building Code / Accessibility.