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Keeping Up With the Codes

The codes industry has changed quite a bit over the last several years. First of all, the three model code organizations merged into the International Code Council (ICC). Now there is one set of codes, known as the International Codes (or I-Codes), that are the most recognized throughout the United States - with the most popular being the International Building Code. However, more recently the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) became more involved in the code making process. In addition to the classic Life Safety Code and the National Electric Code, as of 2003 the NFPA offers full set of codes, known as the C3-Codes.

But how do these changes affect you as an interior designer? While the reorganization of the code industry was occurring, changes were also taking place in the code publications themselves. For example, the International Building Code now includes a chapter on accessibility that closely mirrors many of the requirements in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. Other changes include updates to existing code concepts, the addition of new concepts, and the introduction of new terms. This article gives you an overview of some of these changes and discusses additional code-related items that the industry is currently researching.

CODE CONCEPTS One of the larger code concepts is the introduction of performance-based codes. In the past, most codes were prescriptive-based, meaning that the code publication gives you the code requirement and clearly states how you are to meet this requirement. For example, to obtain a regulation stairway, the code specifies the depth of the tread and the height of the riser. With the introduction of performance-based requirements, you are given some flexibility. The code will tell you the objective but not the specifics of how to achieve it. This is especially helpful if you are using some of the newer, more innovative products, or you have an unusual design you are trying to create. For instance, you may want to use a fire-rated glazing system not yet addressed by the current codes in place of a standard fire-rated wall. Keep in mind, however, that these performance codes will require more research on your end. You need to be able to prove to a code official that you are meeting the intent of the code. This includes being able to discuss the various risk factors that are part of your project and how these will be addressed. Examples include hazards that may be present, the number and mobility of the occupants, the occupant familiarity of the space, etc.

Compartmentation is another term that is important when it comes to performance codes, especially as it relates to fire-rated walls and other assemblies. It refers to how a building is divided by rated assemblies so that a fire can be contained should one occur, such as keeping one tenant space separate from another. Traditional prescriptive-type building codes allow for compartmentation by including various requirements based on the type or use of the space. The codes now make a clear delineation by stressing the difference between fire barriers and fire partitions. Fire barriers are typically considered more restrictive than fire partitions. For example, a rated fire barrier wall must extend from the floor slab to the ceiling slab above. A rated fire partition wall is be allowed to end at a suspended ceiling (if this ceiling is also fire rated).

When you have more than one type of occupancy in the same building or on the same floor, you also need to know the difference between accessory occupancies, such as those much smaller than the main occupancy type, and mixed and multiple occupancies. How the occupancies related to each other determines which egress and rated wall requirements you need to follow. To make it more complicated, mixed and multiple occupancies are defined a little differently between the ICC codes and the NFPA codes, so that if you are required to use the International Building Code in conjunction with the Life Safety Code, you need to be sure to use the most restrictive requirements.

Another small change in the codes relates to fire protection systems. What used to be called fire suppressions systems are now called extinguishing systems. This includes items such as automatic sprinklers and fire extinguishers. Although an engineer often designs these systems, you should know that the types of occupancies that require automatic sprinkler systems are constantly changing. The newest additions include nightclubs, nursing homes (including retrofitting existing ones), and even residential homes in some jurisdictions. And, the location of these system components can affect the design of your interiors.

Knowing the various types of rooms as defined by the codes is also becoming more important as more of the codes are using these terms to specify certain requirements. For example, an occupiable space is any room or space designed for human use (as opposed to attics, mechanical rooms, etc.). An occupiable room will need to meet accessibility requirements while non-occupiable rooms do not. Another example includes knowing the difference between a dwelling unit and a sleeping room. A dwelling unit is any single unit that provides complete living facilities that include sleeping, living, cooking and bathing. Examples include a house, an apartment, and a hotel room with a kitchenette and seating area. A sleeping room, such as a bedroom, dorm room or typical hotel room, is used primarily for sleeping. The codes will use these terms to define certain fire rating requirements, accessibility requirements, and electrical requirements.

Some of the electrical code requirements pertain to types and locations of specialty outlets such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs). If locating outlets, you should know when and where these types of outlets should be specified. For example, most sleeping rooms now require AFCI outlets (and circuits) throughout. Some of this electrical information is found in the building codes. However, other electrical requirements are found only in the National Electrical Code (NEC). For instance, when locating light fixtures in a bathroom, you must go to the NEC to find the required light fixture heights and clearances in relation to the water sources. Additional requirements for communication cables (or low voltage cabling) are also being added.

Knowing when energy efficiency requirements must be met is also becoming more critical. In the past these requirements were often optional. Now, they are being required by the codes. The ICC now has the International Energy Conservation Code, which may be required by a jurisdiction. In addition, both the federal government and many state governments have minimum standards that must be met. At a minimum these requirements will affect the types of light fixtures, lamps, and switching controls that you specify.

Energy efficiency also includes water conservation. This will affect your selection of plumbing fixtures and faucets. Examples include solar powered faucets and waterless urinals. Even in residential occupancies, hot water regulators and limited capacity toilet tanks are the norm. Other changing requirements in toilet and bathing facilities pertain to accessibility issues. For instance, the centerline distance of a toilet to the adjacent wall is becoming more flexible. And, depending on the accessibility publication you are required to use, the clear floor space required around plumbing fixtures is being simplified and the clear floor space at restroom (and other) signage is being added.

Some of these newer accessibility requirements may conflict with older ones depending on which publication is required. You will need to make sure you are always using the most restrictive requirements. For example, the International Building Code includes a chapter on accessibility that references the ICC/ANSI A117.1 accessibility standards. However, these standards are continuously being updated and a jurisdiction may adopt a version more current than that listed in the code. Then, there are the federally required ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Although originally based on the ICC/ANSI standards, they are now quite different from the newest ICC/ANSI editions. There is a newer version of these federal guidelines waiting for federal approval that will be closer in format, but by the time these guidelines are approved there will be differences again.

CODE PUBLICATIONS So far, most code jurisdictions have adopted the International Codes or a slightly modified version of the codes. For example, some states, such as New York and Florida, have building codes that are based on the International Building Code. Many jurisdictions also continue to adopt one of the classic NFPA codes such as the Life Safety Code, the National Electric Code and/or the NFPA Uniform Fire Code. To date, there have been only a few cities that have adopted one or more the newer NFPA codes.

As an interior designer, you are probably most familiar with using the building code required in your area (most likely one of the editions of the International Building Code) and possibly the Life Safety Code. If you are working on residential projects you may also be using the International Residential Code. However, as you can see from the concepts explained above, you should be familiar with other code publications as well. This includes the required plumbing code for specific requirements for restrooms and bathrooms, the National Electric Code for specific outlet and lighting requirements, and the approved energy conservation code.

Performance-type codes may or may not be allowed by a code jurisdiction. The ICC has a separate publication titled the ICC Performance Code, which may not yet be approved for use by a jurisdiction. The NFPA codes, including the Life Safety Code, each include a chapter specifically addressing performance code requirements, but this chapter may be excluded by a jurisdiction. If performance codes are allowed, you will typically use them on only certain portions of a project.

And, finally, if you are doing work in an existing building, there is another code that has recently become available and may be allowed by the code jurisdiction. It is the International Existing Building Code. The Life Safety Code has always allowed for differences in existing and new buildings by dividing its chapters accordingly. The International Existing Building Code is a separate publication that specifically addresses repairs, additions, alterations and changes in occupancy. In each of these categories, the code explains what is required and clarifies how this affects the rest of the existing building, often allowing less restrictive options compared to the building codes.

GOING FORWARD As an interior designer, it is your responsibility to keep up-to-date with the codes and standards as well as the changes occurring in the industry, such as the introduction of new and innovative products and increased attention to sustainable design. Current research can lead to future changes in the codes. For example, there are already several sustainable-type standards available and more are being developed. Some of these standards may eventually be required by the codes. Additional testing standards for various finishes and furniture may also be introduced as toxicity levels in buildings are being studied more closely.

Another current topic being heavily researched is a building’s means of egress, especially as a result of the many recent events that have affected the United States. In the future, exits may be redefined as emergency escapes with additional requirements being added. The importance of elevators as a safe means of egress will also become more prevalent.

So, how do these changes affect you as an interior designer? In the past, interior-related codes and standards have been relatively consistent over the years. But, this is no longer the case. It is more critical than ever to be proactive and keep abreast of the most current codes and standards. Liability is one reason, but more importantly, you are affecting the health, safety and welfare of your clients and the spaces they occupy.

You can obtain additional information by going to the websites of the International Code Council or the National Fire Protection Association. Other books and educational resources are available as well. (See author’s bio for sources.)

Sharon Koomen Harmon, IIDA is an author and an interior designer. She wrote The Codes Guidebook for Interiors, which won the 1995 ASID/Joel Polsky Award, and the Study Manual for the Codes Guidebook for Interiors. Both books were updated in 2005 and include the most current code changes. These books are used by design professionals as reference books and in over 150 interior design college curriculums throughout the United States. The Guidebook is also listed on the NCIDQ Reference List. Sharon is a Registered Interior Designer in Tennessee and currently has her own firm in Nashville. Founded in 1994, her firm, Sharon Koomen Harmon (SKH), provides a variety of services to include interior design, construction project management, and furniture and product design. SKH has completed projects throughout the eastern United States and Mexico. In addition, Sharon founded HS&W Company in 1998 to provide continuing education to the design industry. It currently offers the Interior Codes and Standards home study course, which is based on her two books. Offered in three levels, it provides 20, 26 or 30 HSW credits in one course. (Obtain additional information on this IDCEC approved course at www.sharonharmon.com/CEU or obtain a copy of the books, which expands on many of the concepts outlined in the article, at www.wiley.com.) Sharon holds a BA in Interior Design and a BS in Business Administration. As a member of IIDA, she has held several positions on the Tennessee chapter board, including Chapter President in 1996-1997. Sharon also recently wrote a CE Monograph for NCIDQ on the ADA Guidelines. In addition, she is a member of the International Code Council (www.iccsafe.org) and the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org). Sharon can be reached at sharon@sharonharmon.com.