Interior codes and standards reference of choice for designers and architects, updated with the latest ICC building codes
This Ninth Edition of The Codes Guidebook for Interiors features explanations of the standards, codes, and regulations that are relevant to designers and architects for interior projects. The content is revised and updated in accordance with the latest ICC and NFPA codes including the 2024 International Building Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. The book addresses a range of regulations including building codes, finish standards, performance codes, energy codes, and accessibility standards. Diagrams, figures and floor plans clearly show how codes apply to real-world projects. Definitions explain terms used in the codes and their application in simple, jargon-free, and easy-to-understand language.
The Codes Guidebook for Interiors includes:
- Discussion of the range of applicable regulations that designers and architects should know and how they relate to one another
- Explanation of code applications for a wide variety of commercial building and project types with supplementary information that relates to single family homes and historical and existing buildings
- Guidance for coordinating between the newest ICC/ANSI accessibility requirements and the ADA standards
- A companion site that offers study questions, sample forms, interactive checklists, flashcards, PowerPoint lecture slides, and an Instructor’s Manual
With an easy-to-navigate format, The Codes Guidebook for Interiors is an essential single-source guide that helps professionals save hours of research time and can dramatically reduce the potential for costly planning oversights. The book is also valuable for students studying interior design, architecture, and facility management.
Table of Contents:
Inset Index xii
Preface xiv
Acknowledgments xviii
How to Use This Book xx
Abbreviations xxix
About the Companion Website xxxi
Chapter 1: About the Codes 1
A Brief History 2
Code Publications 3
Federal Regulations 21
Standards Organizations 24
Special Use Codes 33
Research: Using the Codes 34
Chapter 2: Accessibility 35
A Brief History 36
Codes and Standards 38
Federal Regulations 41
Level of Accessibility 48
Accessible Basics 53
Enforcement and Responsibility 59
Research: Using the Codes 61
Documentation 63
Chapter 3: Occupancy Classifications And Loads 65
Understanding Occupancy Classifications 66
Description of Occupancies 68
Other Occupancy Considerations 88
More Than One Occupancy Type 91
Accessibility Requirements 99
Determining Occupant Loads 103
Using the Occupant Load 116
Research: Using the Codes 117
Documentation 118
Chapter 4: Construction Types And Building Sizes 121
Understanding Construction Types 122
Identifying Construction Types 127
Sustainability Considerations 132
Understanding Building Height and Area 135
Research: Using the Codes 143
Documentation 146
Chapter 5: Means of Egress 147
Means of Egress System 148
Exit Accesses 153
Exits 173
Areas of Refuge 183
Exit Discharges 185
Means of Egress Capacity 187
Arrangement of Exits 202
Signage 211
Emergency Lighting and Communication 216
Research: Using the Codes 218
Documentation 222
Chapter 6: Fire and Smoke Resistant Assemblies 223
Passive Systems 224
Active Systems 224
Exiting Systems 224
Compartmentation in a Building 226
Fire Walls 227
Fire Barriers, Horizontal Assemblies, and Fire Partitions 228
Smoke Barriers and Smoke Partitions 245
Opening Protectives 248
Through- Penetration Protectives 262
Test Ratings 268
Using Rated Materials and Assemblies 270
Sustainability Considerations 273
Research: Using the Codes 274
Documentation 276
Chapter 7: Fire Protection Systems 279
Detection Systems 280
Alarm Systems 287
Extinguishing Systems 293
Sustainability Considerations 308
Research: Using the Codes 309
Documentation 311
Chapter 8: Plumbing and Mechanical Requirements 313
Number of Plumbing Fixtures 314
Plumbing Fixture Requirements 324
Toilet and Bathing Facilities 335
Plumbing Sustainability Considerations 351
Mechanical Requirements 352
Mechanical Sustainability Considerations 360
Research: Using the Plumbing and Mechanical Codes 362
Documentation 368
Chapter 9: Electrical and Communication Requirements 369
Electrical Components and Devices 370
Grounding and Circuit Interrupters 384
Light Fixtures 388
Required Electrical Systems 392
Electrical Sustainability Considerations 395
Communication Components and Devices 401
Types of Communication Systems 408
Communication Sustainability Considerations 415
Research: Using the Electrical Codes 416
Research: Using the Communication Codes 418
Documentation 419
Chapter 10: Finish and Furniture 421
Types of Finishes and Furnishings 422
Standards and Testing 425
Determining Finish Requirements 448
Obtaining Test Results 456
Accessibility Requirements 462
Acoustical Partitions and Materials 469
Decorative Materials 472
Signage 474
Other Code Restrictions 476
Sustainability Considerations 479
Research: Using the Codes 485
Documentation 488
Chapter 11: Code Officials and The Code Process 491
Authority Having Jurisdiction 492
Code Review and Enforcement 496
The Code Process 498
Documentation 512
Technology and Process 520
Minimum Requirements and Best Practices 522
Appendix A: Sustainability 525
Green Rating Systems 527
Sustainable Standards and Certification Programs 532
Life Cycle Assessments 536
Environmental Product Declarations 538
Tools and Resources 538
Appendix B: Existing and Historic Buildings 541
Existing Buildings 543
Historic Buildings 547
Sustainability Considerations 549
Appendix C: Family Residences 551
Construction Types and Building Size 552
Means of Egress 553
Fire and Smoke Resistance 554
Fire Detection and Protection 555
Plumbing 557
Mechanical 557
Electrical and Communication 559
Finishes and Furniture 561
Accessibility Considerations 562
Sustainability Considerations 562
Glossary 565
Index 587
About the Author :
Katherine E. Kennon, AIA is a professional architect and principal at The Architect WORKSHOP in Nashville, TN. She has experience in commercial, healthcare, and residential architectural projects. She is also a Professor of Practice at the O’More College of Architecture and Design at Belmont University. She has presented seminars on design, building codes, and accessibility issues in academic, professional and conference settings.
