Building Codes & Regulations Flashcards
7 cards from real CRC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Building Codes & Regulations flashcards as text
What is the term for an official approval granted when a proposed project does not conform to current zoning rules but will be allowed because it existed lawfully before the zoning change?
Answer: Nonconforming use
A nonconforming use (or legal nonconformity) refers to a structure or use that was lawfully established but no longer meets current zoning requirements due to a code change.
Under the IRC, what is the minimum tread depth (run) required for residential stairs?
Answer: 10 inches
The IRC requires a minimum tread depth of 10 inches measured horizontally from nosing to nosing for residential stairs.
A contractor plans to build in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). Which federal program establishes the flood plain management requirements that local codes must incorporate?
Answer: National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA, sets floodplain management standards that participating communities must enforce through local ordinances.
Which IRC section governs the prescriptive requirements for wood wall framing, including stud size and spacing?
Answer: Chapter 6 – Wall Construction
Chapter 6 of the IRC covers wall construction, including prescriptive stud sizes, spacing, and bracing requirements for wood-framed walls.
Under the IRC, what is the maximum allowable slope for a handrail on a stairway to be considered graspable?
Answer: The handrail slope is determined by the stair pitch and has no independent maximum
The IRC does not impose an independent slope limit on handrails; their slope follows the stair pitch, but the graspability profile requirements must still be met.
When inspecting a foundation, the building inspector finds that anchor bolts are missing. This deficiency primarily violates which code concern?
Answer: Structural connection between foundation and framing
Anchor bolts secure the sill plate (mudsill) to the foundation, providing the critical structural connection that resists lateral loads such as wind and seismic forces.
Which of the following best describes the role of a plan review (permit application review) in the building permit process?
Answer: It is a pre-construction review to verify plans comply with applicable codes before issuing a permit
A plan review is performed by the AHJ before a permit is issued to verify that the proposed construction documents comply with applicable building codes and standards.