Building Code Information
Building codes are adopted to provide a reasonable level of safety, and protection of public health, general welfare and property.
They are published 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.
2015 City Amendments
- 2015 International Fire Code - Ord. 4283 (PDF)
- 2015 International Building Code - Ord. 4284 (PDF)
- 2015 International Residential Code (PDF)
- 2015 International Mechanical Code (PDF)
- 2015 International Plumbing Code (PDF)
- 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (PDF)
- 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (PDF)
- 2015 International Existing Building Code (PDF)
- 2015 International Green Construction Code (PDF)
- 2014 National Electric Code (PDF)
Related Resources
- 2015 IRC Building Code Plan Review Checklist (DOC)
- Residential Mechanical Ventilation Options (PDF)
- Residential Hot Water Distribution Options (PDF)
- Residential Solar Ready Requirements (PDF)
- EnergyCompliance Certificate - Residential (PDF)
- EnergyCompliance Certificate - Commercial (PDF)
- Energy System Commissioning Certificate - Commercial (PDF)
- Code Adoption History (PDF)
Allowable Soil Bearing Pressure
In general, for commercial construction projects, the City of Scottsdale requires a soils report. (See Sec. 1803 of the 2015 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 1806.2, 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.
Climatic & Geographic Design Criteria
Design Wind Speed
2015 IBC & IRC
- Occupancy Category I = 105 MPH
- Occupancy Category II = 115 MPH
- Occupancy Category III & IV = 120 MPH
Occupancy Category determined by 2015 IBC Risk Category of Buildings and Other Structures Table 1604.5
IRC
Wind Exposure:
B or C as defined in COS Interpretations & Applications of Building Codes & Regulations No.15-1
Seismic Design:
Category 'B' for SFR, For other occupancies, ENGINEER TO CALCULATE
Snow Load = NONE
Winter Design Temp = 34F