Significant changes to the 2018 International Building Code

The 2018 Significant Changes guides are available for the International Building, Residential, Fire, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes. This valuable series can help any code user save time by zeroing in on the most critical changes in the 2018 International Codes. The Code Council’s technical experts provide summaries, analysis and graphics for these changes making them clear and easy to understand.

2018 International Building Code

A clarification to Section 406.6.2 (Ventilation of enclosed Parking garages) of the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) states that: Chapters 4 and 5 of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) are now specifically referenced to ensure that all IMC ventilation and exhaust requirements for enclosed parking garages are applied.

This change is significant because Chapter 4 of the IMC mandates minimum ventilation rates for enclosed parking garages. The ventilation system can be designed to operate either continuously or intermittently, providing the necessary fresh air into the structure. Exhaust, as regulated in IMC Chapter 5, must also be provided to remove air to the outdoor atmosphere. Both chapters of the IMC are now referenced to ensure that all IMC requirements for enclosed parking garages are applied. In addition, an exception has been introduced exempting enclosed parking garages accessory to one- and two-family dwellings from any ventilation and exhaust requirements. This exception will expand the scope of the exemption beyond Group U private garages. With the limited scope of one- and two-family dwellings, there is little chance multiple vehicles will be operating at the same time, regardless of the size of the garage.

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