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Building Code Information

The building codes are published to meet the needs of local jurisdictions charged with enforcement of building standards of construction and use, and are updated on a three year cycle to reflect the latest standards of life-safety and construction technology. The amendments to the building codes are adopted by City Council to modify the codes to conform to the particular physical and political conditions of our City. The code adoption process is an open discussion with the community, and input is always solicited from all citizens and interested parties.

Code Change Notice 
(pdf/40kb)

Guide to Code Changes for Residential
(pdf/14kb)

IRC Amendments 
(pdf /85kb)

Truss Design Submittal Process 
(pdf/17kb)


Building Code Hotline: 480-312-2633

To request a building code variance form contact Plan Review at 480-312-7080.

Did you know?

The AZ Dept of Commerce sponsors video training on a variety of code issues and offers guidance on the design and construction of efficient, durable and sustainable buildings in Arizona. www.codecollegenetwork.com/az/ Leaving City site

2006 family of codes went into effect September 1, 2007 including the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), the International Mechanical Code (IMC) and the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC). The 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) was adopted by reference via the International Building Code (IBC) adoption.  The 2006 International Plumbing Code will become effective June 30, 2008.



The city amendments are:

2005 NEC Amendments - Ord 3736
(PDF/44KB/6pp)
 
2006 IBC Amendments  - Ord 3735
(PDF/225KB/36pp)

2006 IRC Amendments  - Ord 3744
(PDF/86KB /11pp)

2006 IMC Amendments - Ord 3737
(PDF/39KB/4pp)
 
2006 IFC Amendments - Ord 3738 
(PDF/99KB/33pp)

2006 IPC Amendments - Ord 3771 
(PDF/56KB/12pp) 

  

Related Resources

2006 IRC Building Code Plan Review Checklist (pdf/118kb/8pp/ 01-09-08)


Fire Code

Construction Interpretations - The interpretations of the building codes are written to clarify requirements of the codes, or to establish standards of acceptance for construction and submittals to the city.

Code History (pdf/26kb/2pp)

Design Standards & Policies Manual

Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria

Wind Speed = 90 MPH

Wind Exposure = C


Seismic Design:

  • Category 'C' for sfr,

  • For other occupancies, ENGINEER TO CALCULATE

Snow Load = NONE

Winter Design Temp = 34F

 

Allowable soil bearing pressure

In general, for commercial construction projects, the City of Scottsdale requires a soils report. (see Sec. 1802.6 of the 2003 International Building Code.) However, there may be instances where the extent of a project is small and the requirement for a soils report is not pressed. In these instances, we would allow no less than the code minimum of Table 1804.2, Class 4 soil material. For this type of soil, we revise the Allowable Foundation Pressure from the stated 2,000 to a value of 1,500 psf max. Based on the extent of the project, we would reserve the right to request a report as stated in the Code section noted above.