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Bisbee, Arizona 85603
 
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Disclaimer

 

BUILDING CODE 

 

Cochise County has adopted the Cochise County Building Safety Code currently within the western portion of the County.  The Code will be phased in over the next several years as shown on the Phase Map.  (Phase 1 - effective 4/1/05, Phase 2 - effective 4/1/06, & Phase 3 - effective 4/1/07)  For single family and other applicable residences, the Building Code is the 2003 edition of the International Residential Code

 

·        Ground Snow Load: under 5000 ft. = 0 p/sf

 over 5000 ft = 20 p/sf

·        Wind Speed: 90 mph (3-second gust)

·        Seismic Design Category: C

·        Exposure: C

·        Live Load: 20lb.

·        Rainfall: 3" per hour

·        Weathering: up to 6000 ft = Negligible

Over 6000 ft – Moderate

·        Frost Line Depth: under 5000 ft. = 0 in.

         Over 5000 ft. = 12 in.

·        Termite: Very Heavy

·        Decay: None to Slight

·        Winter Design Temperature: 18 – 20 Degrees

·        Flood Hazards: 12/4/84, 5/19/87, 4/17/89, 2/13/00, 2/15/00, and new panels as adopted by FEMA.

 

For other types of projects, the Building Safety Code consists of the 2003 editions of the International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Electrical Code, the 2002 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and the Arizona State Plumbing Code (the 1994 UPC as amended). 

 

Below is the list of amendments and appendices adopted as the Cochise County Building Safety Code  

 

A link to the adopted City of Sierra Vista Building Safety Code has been included for those publicly funded projects that are proposed for construction outside the County’s Building Safety Code area.  Such projects must be constructed in accordance with the City of Sierra Vista Building Safety Code pursuant to A.R.S. §34-461, which reads “if a publicly funded building is built in an area that has not adopted local codes, the building shall be designed or constructed according to the state fire code adopted by the state fire marshal and the building, plumbing, electrical, fire prevention and mechanical codes that apply in the largest city in the county in which the building is located.”

 

http://www.ci.sierra-vista.az.us/

  

Cochise County Building Safety Code effective 1/14/05

Including Appendices and Amendments

 

 International Building Code, 2003 edition

Appendices

·         B: Board of Appeals

·         E: Supplementary Accessibility Requirements

·         G: Flood Resistant Construction

·         I: Patio Covers

Amendments to the International Building Code

 

1.         At Section 101.1 Title, change to read: "These regulations shall be known as the Building Code of the County of Cochise, hereinafter referred to as 'this code'."

2.         At Section 101.4.5, delete the entire section.

3.         At Section 102.6, change to read: "….the International Existing Building Code or the International Fire Code,"

4.         At Section 103.1, change to read: "Enforcement Agency. There exists a Building Code Division under the Cochise County Planning Department and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official.

5.         At Section 103.2, delete entire section.

6.         At Section 103.3, delete entire section.

7.         At Section 105.2.7, change to read: "Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work."

8.         At Section 108.3 Building permit valuations (7-6-06), Change to read: The valuation of work for Complete Structures and Additions shall be determined from the County adopted ICC Bi-Yearly Construction Costs Schedule or the adopted Residential One and Two Family Homes Valuation Rates. If a project is covered under an adopted Flat Fee rate the value of the work is still required for reporting purposes.   

 

For Remodeling, Tenant Fit-Ups and Phased Project work 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.

9.         At Section 109.3.7, "delete the entire section and renumber the remaining sections 109.3.7 – 109.3.9."

10.     At Section 310.1, R-4, change to read: "Residential occupancies shall include buildings arranged for occupancy as Residential Care / Assisted Living Facilities including more than six but not more than 16 occupants, excluding staff"(Amended per Resolution 04-19, Docket R-03-06).

11.     At Section 406.1.3, change the first paragraph to read: "Carports of combustible construction and garages shall comply with the provisions of this section for separation and opening protection. Carport and garage floor surfaces shall be of approved noncombustible material."

12.     At Section 406.1.4(1), change all references of 1/2"-inch gypsum board to 5/8"- inch gypsum board. At the end of this section, insert: "Doors providing opening protection shall be maintained tight-fitting, self-closing and self-latching. Windows are not permitted in the separation wall. All walls supporting the fire-resistance rated ceiling shall be protected with 5/8"-inch gypsum board."

13.     At Section 406.1.4(3), change to read: "Refer to Section 712 for protection of other through or membrane penetrations."

14.     At Section 406.1.4, insert subsection 406.1.4(4): "Attic access opening. The attic access opening protection supports shall be of noncombustible material. Where a pull-down ladder in installed, it shall be a fire-rated ladder assembly.

15.     At Section 708.1(3), change to read: "Walls separating tenant spaces."

16.     At Section 717.1, change first sentence to read: "In construction designated as combustible construction by the design professional, fire blocking and draft stopping shall be installed in concealed locations in accordance with this section." (Continue the remainder of this paragraph).

17.     At Section 903.2.3(2), change to read: "Where a Group F-1 fire area is located more than two stories above grade; or…"

18.     At Section 903.2.6(2), change to read: "Where a Group M fire area is located more than two stories above grade; or…."

19.     At Section 903.2.8(2), change to read: "A Group S-1 fire area is located more than two stories above grade; or…."

20.     At Section 903.2.10.3, change to read: "Buildings more than two stories in height. An automatic sprinkler system shall be installed throughout every story of all buildings more than two stories or with a floor level having an occupant load of 30 or more." (The exceptions remain unchanged).

21.     At Section 1011.1, Revise by adding the following sentence to the end of the first paragraph: "Floor level exit signs, when exit signs are required, additional approved low-level exit signs which are internally or externally or self-illuminated shall be provided in all interior corridors serving guest rooms of hotels in Group R-1 occupancies."

22.     At Section 1011.5.3, delete the exception.

23.     At Section 1805.2, Change the first sentence to read as follows: "The minimum depth of footings below the undisturbed ground surface shall be 12 inches for 1000 p/sf allowable foundation pressure and minimum 18 inches for values of Table 1804.2."

24.     At Section 2111.3, change to read: "In Seismic Design Category C and D, masonry and concrete fireplaces shall…." and "In Seismic Design Category A and B, reinforcement and seismic anchorage is not required." (Requires reinforcement of masonry fireplaces and chimneys in moderate seismic zones).

25.     At Section 2111.4, insert "C" after Seismic Design Category. (Requires seismic anchorage of masonry fireplaces in moderate seismic zones).

26.     At Section 2902.6, insert subsection 2902.6.4 to read: "In existing buildings, one public / employee restroom is permitted where the occupant load does not exceed 50." (Reduces restroom requirements for small existing buildings).

27.     At Section 3109, delete the entire section and insert, in lieu thereof, "the International Residential Code, 2003 edition, Appendix G, as amended shall apply."

 

International Residential Code, 2003 edition:

 

Appendices:

·         A: Sizing and Capacities of Gas Piping

·         B: Sizing of Venting Systems Serving Appliances Equipped with Draft Hoods, Category I appliances and Appliances Listed for Use and Type B Vents.

·         C: Exit Terminals of Mechanical Draft and Direct-Vent Venting Systems

·         D: Recommended Procedure or Safety Inspection of an Existing Appliance Installation

·         G: Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs

·         H: Patio Covers

·         J: Existing Building and Structures

·         K: Sound Transmissions

 

Amendments to the International Residential Code

 

1.       At Section R101.1 Title, change to read: "These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One and Two-Family Dwellings of the County of Cochise, and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as 'this code'."

2.       At Section R103.1, change to read: "Enforcement agency. There exists a Building Code Division under the Cochise County Planning Department and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official.

3.       At Section R103.2, delete the entire section.

4.       At Section R103.3, delete the entire section.

5.       At Section R105.2.1, change to read: "…120 square feet."

6.       Add - New Section R105.2.3 Ordinary Repairs (7-6-06): Ordinary repairs which involve only the replacement of component parts of existing work with similar parts or materials and don't exceed $1000.00 in valuation (materials and labor at market value), and do not change any structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing or fire safety condition.  

 

A "component part" is a portion of an assembly and not a complete rework or replacement of the total assembly (e.g., an existing door or water heater replaced with a new unit and a repair or replacement of individual roof shingles but not an entire re-roof). Ordinary repairs need to abide by the limitations contained in 'Section R105.2.2 Repairs' of this code.

7.       At Section R105.2.6, change to read: "Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work."

8.       At Section R-108.3 Building Permit valuation (7-6-06), Change to read: The valuation of work for Complete Structures and Additions shall be determined from the County adopted ICC Bi-Yearly Construction Costs Schedule or the adopted Residential One and Two Family Homes Valuation Rates. If a project is covered under an adopted Flat Fee rate the value of the work is still required for reporting purposes.  

 

For Remodeling, Tenant Fit-Ups and Phased Project work 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.

 

9.       At Table R301.2(1), insert the following data:

 

                            Ground snow load                      Under  5500 ft.      0 p/sf.

                                                                                Above 5500 ft.     20 p/sf.

 

                            Wind Speed                               90 mph    (3 - second gust)

 

                            Seismic Design Category         C

 

                            Exposure                                   C

 

                            Live Load                                  20 lb.

 

                            Rainfall                                     3" per hour

 

                            Weathering                               Negligible

                                        Above 6000 ft.             Moderate

                          

                            Frost Line Depth                      Under   5500 ft.    0 in.

                                                                             Above  5500 ft.  12 in.

 

                            Termite                                     Very Heavy

 

                            Decay                                        None to Slight

 

                            Winter Design Temperature     18 – 20 Degrees

 

                            Flood Hazards                          12/4/84, 5/19/87, 4/17/89,

                                                                              2/13/00, 2/14/00, 2/15/00,

                                                                     and new panels as adopted by FEMA

 

8. At Section R309, insert the words "or carport of combustible construction", after all references to garage. (Requires fire separation from carport).          

9. At Section R309.1, insert at the end of section: "Doors providing opening protection shall be maintained self-closing and self-latching." (Amendments 4 and 5 require a one-hour fire protective separation between a house and attached garage: IRC does not require self-closing and self-latching doors, and requires ˝ inch gypsum board only).

10. At Section R309.2, change the two references of "1 / 2-inch gypsum board" to "5 / 8-inch Type X gypsum board".

11. At Section R309.2, insert subsection "R309.2.1 Attic access opening. The attic access opening protection supports shall be of noncombustible material."  Where a pull-down ladder is installed, it shall be a fire-rated ladder assembly.

12. At Section R311.2.2, change the reference of "1/2 – inch gypsum board" to "5/8 – inch Type X gypsum board."

13. At Section R313.2, insert the following after the second sentence: "Smoke alarms shall not be installed on a dedicated circuit and shall originate from a general-purpose branch circuit."

14. At Section R321, change to read: "…to be plainly visible and legible, in contrasting colors, from the street…."

15. At Section R403.1.3, insert "C" after Seismic Design Categories. (4 locations)        

16. At Section R403.1.3.2, delete the exception.

17. At Section R404.1.4, Insert "C" after Seismic Design Categories.  (4 locations

18. At Section R602.10.1, second paragraph, change to read: "….if the bracing begins more than 12.5 feet from each end." (Changes from 12 feet).

19. At Section R606.10, change to read: "Masonry walls shall be reinforced and anchored.

20. At Figure R606.10 (2), change the following: change #4 bars at 10 ft. o.c. to 4 ft. o.c.; add one 1/2" bar @ top of foundation; add two 1/2" bars @ bottom of foundation; add one 1/2" bar @ top of wall; add one 1/2" bar @ roof connection.

21. At Section R606.11.2.2.3, end of the first paragraph, change to read: "….and at a maximum spacing of 4 feet." (Changes rebar requirement from 10 foot spacing).

22. At Section R1003.3, insert "C" after Seismic Design Categories.

23. At Section R1003.4, insert "C" after Seismic Design Categories.

24. At Section P2603.6.1, revise the paragraph to read: "Sewer depth regardless of freezing conditions, all building sewers that connect to private or public systems shall be a minimum of 12 inches below grade."

25. At Section P3201.2 exception, change to read: "Exception: Traps for floor drains shall be fitted with a trap primer."

26. At Section E3501, amend by adding: Section E3501.8. Recessed Service Entry. A recessed service entry is not permitted.

27. At Section E3501.6.2, amend by adding the following at the end of the first paragraph: "Service disconnecting means and risers shall be surface mounted."

28. At Section E3501.6.2, amend by changing the first sentence to read: "The service disconnecting means shall be permanently installed on the outside of the structure."

29. At Section E3502.1, amend the second sentence to read: "For one-family dwellings, the rating of the ungrounded conductor shall be not less than 200 amperes, 3-wire. Exception: Existing structures."

30. At Section E3507.3.2, delete this section.

31. At Section E3508.1, insert a second paragraph: "All accessory structures with a poured foundation require the installation of a concrete-encased electrode as required by Section E3508.1.2."

32. At Section E3801.2.2 subparagraph 1, delete the word "fireplaces."

33. At Section E3801.4.5, third sentence, change to read: "Receptacle outlets rendered not readily accessible by appliances or appliance garages fastened in place, or appliances or appliance garages occupying dedicated space, shall not be considered as these required outlets."

34. At Section E3801.10, insert after the first sentence: "Hallways and foyers 5 feet or greater in width shall have receptacle spacing as required by Section E3801.2."

35. At Section E3802, amend by adding new section: E3802.9 Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter Protection. E3802.9.1 Definition. An arc-fault circuit interrupter is a device intended to provide protection from the effects of arc faults by recognizing characteristics unique to arcing and by functioning to de-energize the circuit when an arc fault is detected. E3802.9.2 Dwelling Unit Sleeping Rooms. All branch circuits that supply 125-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere outlets installed in dwelling unit sleeping rooms shall be protected by an arc-fault circuit interrupter listed to provide protection of the entire branch circuit.

36. At Section E3802.5, amend the first paragraph to read: "All 125-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in ground level rooms and unfinished basements shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection

      for personnel. For purposes of this section, ground level rooms and unfinished basements are defined as areas not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas and the like. (The exceptions shall remain unchanged.)"

37. At Section E3903.11, amend the title to read: "Luminaries (Fixtures) in Clothes Closets, Pantries, and Storage Rooms. (All reference in this section to closet or clothes closet shall apply to clothes closets, pantries, and storage rooms.)"

38. At Section E3903, amend by adding a new section: Section E3903.11.1 Transformers. Doorbell transformers shall not be permitted in a closet, pantry or storage room. If a receptacle is installed for an alarm system Transformer, it shall be located above the door.

39. At Section AG105.2.1, change to read: "The top of the barrier shall be at least 60 inches above grade…."

 

International Mechanical Code, 2003 edition:

 

Appendices:

·         A: Combustion Air Openings and Chimney Connector Pass-Through

 

Amendments to the International Mechanical Code

1. At Section 101.1 Title, change to read: "These regulations shall be known as the Mechanical Code of the County of Cochise, hereinafter referred to as "this code."

2. At Section 103.1, change to read: "Enforcement Agency. There exists a Building Code Division under the Cochise County Planning Department and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official.

3. At Section 103.2, delete entire section.

4. At Section 103.3, delete entire section.

5. At Section 106.5.2, delete the entire section and insert in lieu thereof the International Building Code, 2003 edition, Section 108.2, as amended.

6. At Section 106.5.3, delete the entire section and insert in lieu thereof the International Building Code, 2003 edition, Section 108.2, as amended.

 

 

International Energy Conservation Code, 2003 edition:

 

Appendices:

·         Sections and Construction Details

 

Amendments to the International Energy Conservation Code

1. At Section 101.1 Title, change to read: "These regulations shall be known as the Energy Conservation Code of the County of Cochise, and shall be cited as such. It is referred to herein as 'this code'."

2. At Section 105, delete the entire section.

 

International Existing Building Code, 2003 edition:

 

Appendices:

·         A: Seismic Strengthening Provisions for Un-reinforced Masonry Bearing

           Wall Buildings.

·         B: Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and

           Facilities.

 

Amendments to the International Existing Building Code

1. At Section 101.1 Title, change to read: "These regulations shall be known as the Existing Building Code of the County of Cochise, hereinafter referred to as 'this code'."

2. At Section 101.4, delete reference to International Property Maintenance code.

3. At Section 101.5, delete reference to International Property Maintenance code.

4. At Section 103.1, change to read: "Enforcement Agency. There exists a Building Code Division under the Cochise County Planning Department and the official in charge hereof shall be known as the Building Official."

5. At Section 103.2, delete entire section.

6. At Section 103.3, delete entire section.

7. At Section 105.2.2, change to read: "Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work.

8. At Section 1101.2, delete reference to International Property Maintenance code.

9. At Section 1201.3.2, delete reference to International Property Maintenance code.

 

International Fire Code, 2003 edition:

 

Appendices:

·         B: Fire-Flow requirements for Buildings

·         D: Fire Apparatus Access Roads

·         E: Hazard Categories

·         F: Hazard Ranking

·         G: Cryogenic Fluids – Weight and Volume Equivalents

 

Amendments to the International Fire Code

1. At Section 101.1 Title, change to read: "These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the County of Cochise, hereinafter referred to as 'this code'."

2. At Section 103.1, change to read: "Enforcement Agency. There exists a Building Code Division under the Cochise County Planning Department and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official. Any code reference to Fire Code Official shall be replaced by Building Official.

3. At Section 103.2, delete entire section.

4. At Section 103.3, delete entire section.

5. At Section 503.1.1, change to read: "Approved fire apparatus access roads (lanes) shall be provided for every facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed or moved into or within the jurisdiction. The fire apparatus access road shall comply with the requirements of this section and shall extend to within 150 feet (45.75 m) of all portions of the facility.  Buildings exceeding 30 feet (9.14 m) in height and set back more than 50 feet (15.25 m) from a common access way shall also require an approved fire access road. The marking of fire access roads on private property, devoted to public use, shall be approved by the code official and police department. Exception: Where buildings are protected throughout with an approved Automatic sprinkler system, the provisions of this section shall be permitted to be modified by the code official."

6. At Section 503.3, change to read: "Fire lanes shall be marked with free standing signs or marked curbs, sidewalks, or other traffic surfaces that have the words 'Fire Lane – No Parking' painted in contrasting colors at a size and spacing approved by the authority having jurisdiction."

 

 

International Fuel Gas Code, 2003 edition:

 

Appendices:

·         A: Sizing and Capacities of Gas Piping

·         B: Sizing of Venting Systems Serving Appliances Equipped with Draft

           Hoods, Category I Appliances, and Appliances Listed for Use with

                    Type B Vents.

·         C: Exit Terminals of Mechanical Draft and Direct-Vent Venting Systems

·         D: Recommended Procedure for Safety Inspection of an Existing Appliance

           Installation.

 

Amendments to the International Fuel Gas Code

1. At Section 101.1 Title, change to read: "These regulations shall be known as the Fuel Gas Code of the County of Cochise, hereinafter referred to as 'this code'."

2. At Section 103.1, change to read: "Enforcement agency. There exists a Building Code Division under the Cochise County Planning Department and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official."

3. At Section 103.2, delete entire section.

4. At Section 103.3, delete entire section.

5. At Section 106.5.2, delete the entire section and insert in lieu thereof the International Building Code, 2003 edition, Section 108.2, as amended.

6. At Section 106.5.3, delete the entire section and insert in lieu thereof the International Building Code, 2003 edition, Section 108.2, as amended.

7. At Section 303.7, insert Subsection 303.7.1 to read: "Liquefied petroleum gas piping shall not serve any gas appliance located in a pit or basement where heavier-than-air gas might collect to form a flammable mixture."

 

International Electrical Code – Administrative Provisions, 2003 edition:

 

Appendices:

·         None

 

Amendments to the International Electrical Code – Administrative Provisions

1. At Section 101.1 Title, change to read: "These regulations shall be known as The Electrical Code-Administrative Provisions of the County of Cochise and Shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as 'this code'."

2. At Section 201.3, delete reference to the International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code and the International Zoning Code.

3. At Section 301.1, change to read: Enforcement agency. There exists a Building Code Division under the Cochise County Planning Department and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official.

4. At Section 301.2, delete entire section.

5. At Section 301.3, delete entire section.

6. At Section 404.2, delete the entire section and insert, in lieu thereof, the International Building Code, 2003 edition, Section 108.2, as amended.

 

NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code, 2002 edition:

 

Appendices:

·         None

 

Amendments to the National Electrical Code

1. At Article 210-8(B)(2) – amend to read: "Rooftops. The receptacle(s) shall have the reset located on the roof." [NEC does not specify location of reset]

2. At Article 210.8(A)(5), Amend the first paragraph to read: "All 125-volt, single phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in ground level rooms and unfinished basements shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel. For purposes of this section, ground level rooms and unfinished Basements are defi