The Codes Guidebook for Interiors

If you are involved with the design or management of buildings and spaces, it is important to remain up-to-date on the ever-evolving codes and standards that keep communities safe. With over 80,000 copies sold, The Codes Guidebook for Interiors continues to provide comprehensive explanations of the major codes and standards applicable to commercial and residential interior projects. The ­easily navigable format gives clear perspective to how these often confusing concepts and requirements are integrated into real world practice, helping designers incorporate the relevant standards into their ­projects. Updated with the most recent changes and insights to the codes and standards of the ICC, NFPA, ANSI, ADA, and other standards, the Eighth Edition provides unparalleled and integrated guidance on building safety, accessibility, sustainability, energy efficiency, and more.

Updates to the Eighth Edition include:

• Explanations of code requirements, highlighting the latest changes in the 2018 and 2021 ICC codes, including the International Building Code and the NFPA’s Life Safety Code
• Clarifications to how and when the ADA, ABA and the ICC/ANSI accessibility requirements will apply to a project
• Introduction to the codes and standards that address sustainability in typical projects
• In-depth examinations of fire and smoke resistant assemblies, fire protection systems, and plumbing and mechanical requirements
• A companion website with printable study flashcards, instructor’s manual, and PowerPoint slides for use in academic settings
• Digital and printable code checklists that can guide code research for professional projects and use in a design studio

Current, practical, and relevant to nearly any interior or architectural project, The Codes Guidebook for Interiors provides invaluable insight and reference for both student and professional interior designers and architects.

Katherine E. Kennon is a professional architect and principal at the Architect WORKSHOP. She has extensive experience in commercial, healthcare, and residential projects. She continues to teach as an adjunct instructor in interior design and architectural programs on the subjects of codes, accessibility, and design. She has conducted various seminars on design, building codes, and accessibility throughout the US.

Sharon K. Harmon has more than twenty-five years’ experience in interior design and project management. She is owner and founder of Life Design for Health, which combines her experience with interior design with her strong interest in natural health.

INSET INDEX xiii

PREFACE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

ABBREVIATIONS

CHAPTER 1: ABOUT THE CODES x

A Brief History

Codes and Standards

Federal Regulations

Standards Organizations

Special Use Codes

Research and Documentation  

CHAPTER 2: ACCESSIBILITY xx

A Brief History  xx

Codes and Standards  xx

Federal Regulations  xx

Level of Accessibility xx

Enforcement and Responsibility xx

Research: Using the Codes xx

Documentation  xx

CHAPTER 3: OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATIONS AND LOADS 55

Understanding Occupancy Classifications xx

Description of Occupancies xx

Other Occupancy Considerations

More Than One Occupancy Type xx

Accessibility Requirements xx

Determining Occupant Loads xx

Using the Occupant Load xx

Research: Using the Codes xx

Documentation xx

CHAPTER 4: CONSTRUCTION TYPES AND BUILDING SIZES 108

Understanding Construction Types xx

Identifying Construction Types  xx

Sustainability Considerations xx

Understanding Building Height and Area xxx

Research: Using the Codes xxx

Documentation xxx

CHAPTER 5: MEANS OF EGRESS xxx

Means of Egress System xxx

Exit Accesses xxx

Exits xxx

Areas of Refuge  xxx

Exit Discharges xx

Means of Egress Capacity xxx

Arrangement of Exits xxx

Signage xxx

Emergency Lighting and Communication xxx

Research: Using the Codes xxx

Documentation xxx

CHAPTER 6: FIRE AND SMOKE RESISTANT ASSEMBLIES xxx

Compartmentation in a Building xxx

Fire Walls xxx

Fire Barriers, Horizontal Assemblies, and Fire Partitions xxx

Smoke Barriers and Smoke Partitions xxx

Opening Protectives xxx

Through-Penetration Protectives xxx

Test Ratings xxx

Using Rated Materials and Assemblies  xxx

Sustainability Considerations xxx

Research: Using the Codes xxx

Documentation xxx

CHAPTER 7: FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS xxx

Detection Systems xxx

Alarm Systems xxx

Extinguishing Systems xxx

Sustainability Considerations xxx

Research: Using the Codes xxx

Documentation xxx

CHAPTER 8: PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS xxx

Number of Plumbing Fixtures xxx

Plumbing Fixture Requirements xxx

Toilet and Bathing Facilities xxx

Plumbing Sustainability Considerations xxx

Mechanical Requirements xxx

Mechanical Sustainability Considerations xxx

Research: Using the Plumbing and Mechanical Codes xxx

Documentation xxx

CHAPTER 9: ELECTRICAL AND COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS xxx

Electrical Components and Devices xxx

Grounding and Circuit Interrupters xxx

Light Fixtures xxx

Required Electrical Systems xxx

Electrical Sustainability Considerations xxx

Communication Components and Devices xxx

Types of Communication Systems xxx

Communication Sustainability Considerations xxx

Research: Using the Electrical Codes xxx

Research: Using the Communication Codes xxx

Documentation xxx

CHAPTER 10: FINISH AND FURNITURE xxx

Types of Finishes and Furnishings xxx

Standards and Testing xxx

Determining Finish Classifications xxx

Obtaining Test Results xxx

Decorative Materials

Signage

Accessibility Requirements xxx

Other Code Restrictions xxx

Sustainability Considerations xxx

Research: Using the Codes   xxx

Documentation xxx

CHAPTER 11: CODE OFFICIALS AND THE CODE PROCESS xxx

Authority Having Jurisdiction xxx

Code Review and Enforcement  xxx

The Code Process xxx

Documentation xxx

Technology and Process xxx

Minimum Requirements and Best Practices xxx

APPENDIX A: SUSTAINABILITY xxx

Green Rating Systems xxx

Sustainable Standards and Certification Programs xxx

Life Cycle Assessment xxx

Environmental Product Declarations xxx

Tools and Resources xxx

APPENDIX B: EXISTING AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS xxx

Existing Buildings xxx

Historic Buildings xxx

Sustainability Considerations xxx

APPENDIX C: FAMILY RESIDENCES 503

Construction Types and Building Size 504

Means of Egress 504

Fire and Smoke Resistance 506

Fire Protection 506

Plumbing 508

Mechanical 508

Electrical and Communication 509

Finishes and Furniture 511

Accessibility Considerations 512

Sustainability Considerations 512

GLOSSARY xxx

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The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.