International Residential Code International Code Council Series IRC 2021

This comprehensive code covers all construction, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical requirements for one- and two-family homes and townhouses up to three stories.

The 2021 IRC includes several important changes, such as:

• International Residential Code
• Retaining wall lines must be placed on a physical wall or between multiple walls.
• Two-family apartments must have a 1-hour fire separation, regardless of the presence of a fire-resistance-rated wall between them.
• Emergency exits require a 36-inch wide clear path to the public way.
• The design of storm shelters must be planned. Apartments require sprinklers, and habitable attics are restricted to half the floor below.
• Updated wind speed maps now conform to IBC and ASCE 7 maps.
• Deck design now considers snow load, tributary area, and mast height, as well as protection details.
• IRC 2018 has added deck guards-specific requirements.
• Component and cladding wind pressures in Table R301.2(2) have been updated for new wind speeds and shingle or gable roof profiles.