nc building code wall framing nc building code wall framing

Dropped ceilings below wood joists or attached directly to wood floor trusses shall be draftstopped with "drywall or 3/8" plywood at 500 s.f. If there is no ceiling and the roof structure is exposed in the garage, then the wall separating the garage from the dwelling must extend up to the underside of the roof sheathing (IRC Table R302.6). If there are habitable rooms above the garage, then the garage ceiling covering must be minium 5/8 Type X drywall or equivalent (IRC Table R302.6). Door between garage and house must be solid wood. This rule complements the work triangle idea above. The 2009 NC Rehab Code includes the 2009 NC Building Code with the 2003 ANSI A117.1. Your kitchen is arguably the most important room in your home. Code compliance will be determined at the time of the inspection. Wall sheathing shall be fastened directly to framing members and, where placed on the exterior side . Provide at least 21 inches of standing space between the edge of the dishwasher and countertop frontage, appliances and/or cabinets placed at a right angle to the dishwasher. Article XXI cont. An official website of the State of North Carolina, North Carolina Department of Administration, Governors Advisory Council on Historically Underutilized Businesses, Find Programs/Services for NC American Indians, Schedule an appointment with State Parking (Agencies), Host a Demonstration/Meeting on Public Grounds. The 2006 NC Rehabilitation Code was effective from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2009. Openings shall not be less than 100 sq.in. Appliances and equipment, such as furnaces and hot water heaters, must remain accessible for inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent construction. The code is made up by modifications to the International Codes. Concrete foundation walls in finished rooms/areas shall be furred out and insulated with a minimum of R-8 insulation extending down to the basement floor slab on basement walls less than 50% above grade and a minimum of R-13 insulation on basement walls that are more than 50% above grade. The IRC doesn't require anything specific here, but common sense dictates not putting flammable materials over the stove. Concealed cleanouts shall be provided with access of sufficient size to permit removal of the cleanout plug and rodding of the system. ), In addition to general lighting required by code, every work surface should be well illuminated by appropriate. Existing stairways may need to be modified with new solid risers or toe board, with possibly new replacement treads having nosings (when solid risers are provided), with new graspable handrails, and/or with new intermediate balusters for open stair guards to meet current code requirements. If you have to choose between extra deep counters and work aisle space, I recommend you go with the latter. All wall areas 2' wide or greater required receptacles. (IRC M 1901.1), If a microwave hood combination is used above the cooking surface, then the manufacturers specifications should be followed. Bay and oriel windows shall conform to the type of construction required for the building to which they are attached. For further details on required fire separation between garage and living area of home, see our article What are the code requirements for fire separation between an attached garage and the house? Show all new and existing window locations and indicate the overall glass size and ventilation area for each. Your designer will present you with several kitchen layouts to choose from, each conforming to these design standards and optimized for your unique needs. This is a great rule in theory, but occasionally it can backfire if your kitchen has a very wide U-shape floorplan, which would require you to walk several paces from your sink to reach your appliances. We are not affiliated with, and do not receive any compensation from, any of the companies or products mentioned in this blog. So if you're picking and choosing, hit the safety concerns first, starting with GFCI protection. Indicate which light and/or switches control receptacles. All bathtub control valves shall be anti-scald with a hot water limit of 120F. Cleanout plugs shall not be concealed with any permanent finishing material. If it is enclosed on three sides, even if there is no garage door on the fourth side, it must comply with code requirements for a garage. GFCI (Ground-fault circuit interrupter) protection is required on all receptacles servicing countertop surfaces. While not part of the building code, the kitchen work triangle concept still has validity, and cooking and cleanup flows smoother when the important functional areas are close at hand. What Happens if You Get Caught Remodeling without a Permit? Other codes and local jurisdiction amendments may be different. For the sake of universal design, I recommend 36" doors wherever possible. Proper lighting is essential in a kitchen. Sign up for design trends and remodeling tips. You will find information concerning footings, foundations, framing for floors, walls, ceilings and rafters to help you create the perfect screen porch. However, if the location of the door is moved, it usually will have to follow the code. The minimum space for a work aisle is quite a bit more generous than for a walkway. The Permit ProcessNOTE: The following information is supplied as a guideline of what MAY BE ENCOUNTERED during the permit process. This timeframe of overlap may be extended, but that cannot be predicted at this time. Copyright 1999-2023 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission, Contact us and view our privacy policy, terms & conditions, and press room, Find finished basement contractors near me. Heres links to a collection of our blog posts about BUILDING CODES: What are the minimum code requirements for a residential bathroom? All detectors within the house shall be interconnected so that the activation of any alarm will sound all alarms throughout the house. How often does the National Electrical Code (NEC) change? For further details on required fire separation between garage and living area of home, see our article, These requirements are based on the International Residential Code (IRC), and similar National Electrical Code (NEC) standards. A plan tracking number will be assigned to identify the drawings. The provisions of this section shall govern the materials, construction and quality of. The 2006 NC Codes remain in effect for permits issued until June 30, 2009 (6-month overlap). Buying a home in North/Central Florida? This includes the building kit package at $15-$22/sq ft, the slab foundation at $4-$8/sq ft, and the building construction at $5-$10 per square foot. The HPL is used as elements of balconies and similar projections, architectural. A total of 158 inches of countertop frontage, 24 inches deep, with at least 15 inches of clearance above, is needed to accommodate all uses. The whole-wall R-value is improved by reduc-ing thermal bridging through the framing and maximizing the wall area that is insulated. Refer to local codes. At least a 15-inch landing area not more than 48 inches across from the oven is acceptable if the appliance does not open into a walkway. Only Class III vapor retarders shall be used on the interior side of frame. It's essential to have counter space close at hand for loading and unloading your refrigerator. 1,700 inches for a medium kitchen (151 to 350 square feet); 2,000 inches for a large kitchen (351 square feet or more). Non-ducted recirculating vent fans offer no real ventilation and shouldn't be allowed by code, at least for new construction. If you've ever tried to wash dishes in a kitchen in which the sink was located right next to a wall or refrigerator, you know what I'm talking about. The 2009 Residential Code was effective from January 1, 2009 through June 1, 2012. Rooms shown with clothes closets, etc. Bathroom sinks: Shall have waste outlets not less than 1 inch in diameter. North Carolina building codes are promulgated by the. McGarry and Madsen's home inspection blog for buyers of, site-built, mobile/manfuactured and modular homes. Using inside air:1 sq.in. Toilets: Shall be water-conserving low consumption at 1.6 gallons per flush and shall be provided with a flush tank or similar device designed and installed to supply water in sufficient quantity and flow to flush the contents of the fixture, to cleanse the fixture and refill the fixture trap. Vent hoods rated for more than 400 cubic feet per minute (cfm) require make-up air (fresh-air intake in an approved area of the home). The IRC doesn't specify anything about dishwasher placement as it relates to the sink. You don't want hot pans to slide off the edge of the cooktop or be boxed in. The written public comment period expired on July 16, 2010. What's the difference between a work aisle (defined above) and a walkway? Air Ventilation Systems Concrete Basements. Section 1404 Materials 1404.1 General Any seating area with more than one seat requires a minimum of 36 inches of clearance. Every cook knows you need room to chop veggies, measure ingredients, and mix up the chocolate chip cookie dough. If you're deep in the zone, cooking up a meal, you don't want to have to pause constantly to walk to the other side of the room to throw away some scraps or packaging. Lighting is required in the vicinity of the electrical panel. There is nothing specific in the IRC about counter space. Permits and Plans Job address is clearly shown on site. The NKBA distinguishes between the place where the cook stands while cooking or cleaning up (the work aisle) and a walkway, which is simply a passageway for others to walk through the kitchen. An attached roofed area for vehicle storage must be open on a least two sides to be defined as a carport. (IRC E 3803.2), Window/skylight area, equal to at least 8% of the total square footage of the kitchen, or a total living space which includes a kitchen, is required. Sinks: To be provided with waste outlets not less than 1 inches in diameter. For fire safety, you need plenty of space between the top of your stove and the surface above it. Faucets shall be water-conserving with a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi. Kitchen seating should be a minimum of 24-inch wide for each person and: For 30-inch high tables/counters, a minimum 18-inch deep clear knee space for each seated diner. You will want a good combination of natural light, general all-around light, and task lighting. Kitchen seating should be a minimum of 24-inch wide for each person and: The IRC doesn't regulate the placement of kitchen sinks. All editions of the NEC can be accessed through theNFPA website at NEC Access, (Note: NFPA requires an user account be created prior to viewing the Codes), Go to the State Electrical Division Webpage. Concrete foundation walls in finished rooms/areas shall be furred out and insulated with a minimum of R-8 insulation extending down to the basement floor slab on basement walls less than 50% above grade and a minimum of R-13 insulation on basement walls that are more than 50% above grade. And, if you're like most people, your cleanup and prep areas center around the same sink, so this rule essentially supersedes Rule #11 above. For proposed bedrooms indicate the sill height, clear opening width, and clear opening height for the required emergency escape window. The 2009 Residential and Energy codes remain in effect until March 1, 2012. Lighting installed at interior stairways shall have an illuminated wall switch at each floor level separated by 6 or more steps. The 1995 Existing Building Code was effective from June 14, 1994 through February 28, 2015. You take the larger of the two overlapping landing zones, add a foot, and you're done. However, a plan reviewer may determine that unusual circumstances dictate the need for additional information on any particular project. Exterior walls of wood-frame construction shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and Figures R602.3(1) and R602.3(2), or in accordance with AWC NDS. (IRC G 2407.1, IRC G 2447.1), The minimum required exhaust rate for a ducted hood is 100 cfm and must be ducted to the outside. An exhaust fan over your cooktop (or incorporated into it) is essential in the kitchen, and it needs to have sufficient flow to be effective. You can also contact the NCDA&CS - Structural Pest Control & Pesticides Division (919-733-6100) to obtain a copy of this information. Receptacles to serve counter top surfaces within 6' of a wet bar. Fixtures having concealed tubular traps shall be provided with an access panel or unobstructed utility space 12 inches in the least dimension. No entry door should interfere with the safe operation of appliances. The following requirements are meant as a guideline, which may apply to most simple residential basement finishing projects. By this point, you may be wondering how all of the NKBA recommendations can possibly work together. All cleanouts, valves, shut-offs and mechanical joints shall be accessible. Show the location of new washer hose connection bibs and laundry standpipe in new laundry rooms/space. Structural elements not found in North Carolina Residential Code must be sealed by a . 11, deleted from 1/1/2002 through 12/31/2009 while NC had a certified accessibility code, became enforceable on 1/1/2010. Most microwaves are placed too low for ease of use. In a hurry? Not only does it have to be aesthetically pleasing, but it has to be functional. Faucets shall be water-conserving with a maximum flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi. No specific requirements from the IRC on this point. For 32" of clear width, the door width (from jamb to jamb) should be 34". The estimated occupant load to be used for a large common room/space such as a recreation room or a rathskeller shall be based on 2 for the first bedroom and 1 for each additional bedroom within the house. 1201 Mail Service Center for 5/8 in. The IRC doesn't have any requirements relating to doors bumping into each other in the kitchen. Note: Standard cut washers are permitted in wall lines without braced wall panels. That's because a cook needs to be able to turn around, bend over to reach items out of lower cabinets, and pull hot pans of chocolate chip cookies out of the oven. The IRC doesn't comment on kitchen work aisles. Do not apply more than the recommended amount of storage in the miscellaneous category to meet the total. The 1996 Residential Code was also valid during a transition period from January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. Code requirements cited may have been changed in a newer code edition, or may not yet be adopted in your area. At least one lighting outlet is required in each unfinished basement space or utility room that is used for storage or contains heating, air-conditioning or other equipment requiring servicing. What are the minimum code requirements for residential stairs? At CRD, we've been known to distinguish between "one-butt kitchens" and "two-butt kitchens." For all but the most minor cosmetic building projects, city inspectors will check to make sure that building codes were followed. 1403.5 Vertical and Lateral Flame Propagation, [BS] 1403.7 Flood Resistance for Coastal High-Hazard Areas and Coastal A Zones, 1404.11 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, Section 1405 Installation of Wall Coverings, For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 ounce = 28.35 g, 1 square foot = 0.093 m, 1405.3.4 Minimum Clear Airspaces and Vented Openings for Vented Cladding, [BS] 1405.10.1 Exterior Adhered Masonry Veneer, [BS] 1405.10.1.1 Water-Resistive Barriers, [BS] 1405.10.1.2.1 Flashing at Foundation, [BS] 1405.10.1.4 Adhered Masonry Veneer Installed With Lath and Mortar, [BS] 1405.10.1.5 Adhered Masonry Veneer Applied Directly to Masonry and Concrete, [BS] 1405.10.1.6 Cold Weather Construction, [BS] 1405.10.1.7 Hot Weather Construction, [BS] 1405.10.2 Exterior Adhered Masonry VeneersPorcelain Tile, [BS] 1405.10.3 Interior Adhered Masonry Veneers, [BS] 1405.12.4 Installation at Sidewalk Level, [BS] 1405.12.4.1 Installation Above Sidewalk Level, Section 1406 Combustible Materials on the Exterior Side of Exterior Walls, 1406.2 Combustible Exterior Wall Coverings, 1406.2.1 Type I, II, III and IV Construction, 1406.2.1.1.1 Fire Separation 5 Feet or Less, 1406.2.1.1.2 Fire Separation Greater Than 5 Feet, Section 1407 Metal Composite Materials (MCM), 1407.3 Architectural Trim and Embellishments, 1407.10 Type I, II, III and IV Construction, 1407.10.1 Surface-Burning Characteristics, 1407.11.1 Installations Up to 40 Feet in Height, 1407.11.1.1 Fire Separation Distance of 5 Feet or Less, 1407.11.1.2 Fire Separation Distance Greater Than 5 Feet, 1407.11.2 Installations Up to 50 Feet in Height, 1407.11.3 Installations Up to 75 Feet in Height (Option 1), 1407.11.3.2 Nonfire-Resistance-Rated Exterior Walls, 1407.11.3.4 Area Limitation and Separation, 1407.11.3.5 Automatic Sprinkler System Increases, 1407.11.4 Installations Up to 75 Feet in Height (Option 2), 1407.11.4.1 Minimum Fire Separation Distance, Section 1408 Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS), Section 1409 High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates (HPL), 1409.3 Architectural Trim and Embellishments, 1409.10 Type I, II, III and IV Construction, 1409.10.1 Surface-Burning Characteristics, 1409.11.1 Installations Up to 40 Feet in Height, 1409.11.1.1 Fire Separation Distance of 5 Feet or Less, 1409.11.1.2 Fire Separation Distance Greater Than 5 Feet, 1409.11.2 Installations Up to 50 Feet in Height, EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS), EXTERIOR INSULATION AND FINISH SYSTEMS (EIFS) WITH DRAINAGE, HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADE COMPACT LAMINATE (HPL), HIGH-PRESSURE DECORATIVE EXTERIOR-GRADE COMPACT LAMINATE (HPL) SYSTEM, Exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) with drainage, exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS), High-Pressure Decorative Exterior-Grade Compact Laminates, a. Spray foam with a minimum density of 2 lbs/ft, Compliance with the requirements for a means of drainage, and the requirements of Sections, Wood siding of thicknesses less than 0.5 inch shall be placed over sheathing that conforms to. Laundry tubs: Each compartment of a laundry tub shall be provided with a waste outlet not less than 1 inches in diameter and a strainer or crossbar to restrict the clear opening of the waste outlet. Wherever you place your microwave, it should have a handy countertop spot nearby to set a hot plate on when you pull it out of the appliance. MEMBRANE PENETRATION. The 2002 Residential Code was also valid during a transition period from June 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007. Window treatments above the cooking surface should not use flammable materials. All editions of the NEC can be accessed through the NFPA website at NEC Access (Note: NFPA requires an user account be created prior to viewing the Codes) Go to the State Electrical Division Webpage A lock icon or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. (IRC M 1504.1). Such testing shall be performed on the HPL system with the HPL in the minimum and maximum thicknesses intended for, HPL and HPL systems shall not be required to comply with Sections, HPL shall not be installed more than 40 feet (12 190 mm) in height above, HPL shall not be installed more than 50 feet (15 240 mm) in height above. To meet ADA universal design standards, plan on 34" of clear opening, or a 36" door. If your kitchen sink drains efficiently, there's no rush to replace its drain system. In an ideal world, people wouldn't have to walk right through where the cook is cooking. Available to FREE VIEW or BUY at the ICC website. Residential bathrooms without windows for natural ventilation shall exhaust 50 CFM minimum to the exterior. walls of Type III, IV or V construction shall be of any approved material. Contact Customer Service 980-314-CODE (2633) Send an Email No major traffic patterns should cross through the work triangle. Habitable rooms, bathrooms, hallways, and laundry rooms shall have a minimum ceiling height of 7'-0". Effective January 1, 2003, the NC Building Code Council replaced Chapters 5 and 6 of the Existing Building Code with Sections 3405 and 3409 of the 2002 Building Code. Does a home inspector look for code violations? Table 501 of Chapter 5 may continue to be used for relative hazard categories and classification. Approved water-resistant gypsum backer board is required in bathtub and shower areas. When planning a project, the IRC is a good starting point, but always check your local codes. Interior foundation walls resisting uplift shall be reinforced in accordance with Section R4503.1.2. At least one wall switched lighting outlet shall be installed in every habitable room, bathroom, hallway, stairway and at exterior doors. Garage floor surface must be . How did my home pass inspection by the building department? Exception:Basements having concrete foundation walls with less than 20% exposure above finished grade (based on height of wall times basement perimeter excluding unheated basement garages) may be uninsulated walls. Simply put, these are the stove, the sink/prep area, and the refrigerator. Ducts must be metal and have a smooth interior, with the exception of ducts for downdraft vents that run under concrete slabs: these may be PVC. The 2002 Codes were also valid during a transition period from July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006. There are few things that ruin the ergonomics of a kitchen faster than insufficient counter space on each side of the sink. The 2008 Electrical Code was effective from June 1, 2008 through July 3, 2011. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, these 31 rules of thumb are a great place to start. Collectively, these are referred to as the International Residential Code (IRC). R4503.2 Pier and Curtain Wall Footings Pier and curtain walls in the 140 and 150 mph (63 m/s and 67 m/s) wind zones shall be constructed in accordance with Sections R4503.2.1 and R4503.2.2 and Figures R4503.2 (a) through R4503.2 (d). 2018 NC CODE FOR: New Construction Addition Renovation 1st Time Interior Completion Shell/Core . The emergency escape window shall be operable from the inside without the use of special knowledge, tool, or extra force, beyond that required for normal window operation. After the building permit is issued, separate electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits can be issued. Studs may be bored or drilled, provided that the diameter of the resulting hole is no greater than 40 percent of the stud width, the edge of the hole is no closer than 5/8 inch to the edge of the stud, and the hole is not located in the same section as a cut or notch. The IRC doesn't dictate traffic clearance for seating. In my mind, this should be rule #1! When the kitchen includes additional work centers, each additional distance should measure no less than 4 feet nor more than 9 feet. Exterior wall opening area with respect to distance to assumed property lines (705.8) . If there isn't room next to the oven, that's okay, as long as there is some free countertop space directly across from it. Every bedroom shall have at least one operable window or exterior door approved for emergency egress or rescue. Remember, the newly adopted 2018 NC Building Code, once it clears Rules Review, is like any other code amendment and can be used as an alternate method prior to the effective date if requested by the user. Switch must be placed at the entrance. . Framed or glued-laminated arches for roof construction that spring from the top of walls or wall abutments, framed timber trusses and other roof framing, which do not support floor loads, shall have members not less than 4 inches (102 mm) nominal in width and not less than 6 inches (152 mm) nominal in depth. Panelboards shall not be located in closets or bathrooms. If you and your partner, for instance, like to cook together, it's important to follow the NKBA's recommendation and design ample space for the two of you to walk past each other without bumping into one another or the countertop. Glass area in habitable rooms shall not be less than 8% of floor area served. For buildings in coastal high-hazard areas and coastal A zones as established in Section 1612.3, electrical, mechanical and plumbing system components shall not be mounted on or penetrate through exterior walls that are designed to break away under flood loads. Components of exterior walls shall be fastened in accordance with Tables R602.3(1) through R602.3(4). Specify clipped or round corners rather than sharp edges. A non-combustible surface usually means a range hood. Here are the minimum code requirements for a residential garage: An attached roofed area for vehicle storage must be open on a least two sides to be defined as a carport. These are not legal requirements, like building codes, but they are extremely helpful in ensuring that a kitchen is not only safe but enjoyable to use. To be comfortable while you're seated, you need plenty of knee and elbow room. The North Carolina Electrical Code consists of an adopted version of the National Electrical Code (NEC) supplemented by North Carolina Amendments. Actual building codes may vary greatly depending upon region, state and city. Anyone tackling a construction project (including a homeowner doing DIY work) is legally required to follow these rules. What is the purpose of the Existing Building Edition of the Florida Building Code? For finished rooms without adequate windows, outdoor air (artificial ventilation) shall be supplied at a rate of 0.35 air changes per hour or 15 cubic feet per minute per person, whichever is greater. Kitchen sink drain: The minimum pipe size for the drain parts under the sink and including the P-trap is 1 1/2 inch. State Government websites value user privacy. Minimum clearance in front of cleanouts shall be 18 inches on 3 inches and larger pipes, and 12 inches on smaller pipes. You can actually add protection without replacing all of the receptacles or the circuit wiring, by using a single GFCI receptacle installed upstream of the other receptacles on the circuit or, better still, by replacing the receptacles' breaker with a GFCI breaker in your home's service panel. NKBA's solution is the combined landing zone. If you are wondering if you have space for a breakfast nook, keep in mind that these knee-space guidelines apply to kitchen nook dimensions as well. Kitchen Layout 101: The Work Triangle and Zones, The One Thing You Need to Know about Great Kitchen Design, 10 Advantages of Quartz Countertops Over Granite, What To Do with the #%$@ Corner Cabinet? Landing areas are just as important for cooktops as they are for refrigerators. What are the minimum code requirements for a residential hallway? This one is a no-brainer! The process may vary greatly depending on region, state and city. In all cases, the workspace shall allow at least a 90-degree opening of panel doors or hinged parts. (This may not provide adequate landing area. The 2004 NC Amendments are available below to complete your Code. The 2018 NC Codes (Effective 1/1/2019) include the 2018 NC Ad-Hoc Committee amendments as adopted by the Building Code Council and approved by the Rules Review Commission along with the 2015 International Codes. One opening shall be provided within 12" of the ceiling and within 12" above finished floor, no common ducts. Hex nut Standard cut washer Slotted plate washer Anchor bolt Maximum 11/16 in. Show basement area room layout and identify use of each room/space by name and indicate both new and existing walls/partitions, as well as furred and insulated concrete foundation walls. Raleigh NC 27603-5926, Mailing Address: The underlying structural framing and substrate shall be designed and constructed to resist, EIFS with drainage shall have an average minimum drainage efficiency of 90 percent when tested in accordance the requirements of ASTM E2273 and is required on framed. Interior finish materials shall not have a flame spread rating exceeding 200. The Correct answer is: ridge boards. For safety reasons, in an island or peninsula situation, the countertop should also extend a minimum of 9 inches, At least 30 inches of clearance is required between the cooking surface and an unprotected/combustible surface above it. Kitchen remodeling is too often thought of in terms of updating tired-looking surfaces, but proper design is way more than skin deep. The 2018 Codes were also available during a transition period from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. Artificial lights and/or mechanical ventilation (see ventilation section) may be used as an alternative if the existing windows are of inadequate size. Surface mounted florescent fixtures and recessed fixtures - 6" minimum. The 2018 Electrical Code will become effective April 1, 2018. An unobstructed working space not less than 30 inches wide and not less than 30 inches high shall be provided along the control side of the equipment when the door of the furnace room is open. There aren't many specific code requirements for plumbing in the kitchen, and rules tend to vary depending on which model codebook the local code follows. Ideally, the bottom of a microwave will be a few inches below the top of the user's shoulders. Locate one near the sink(s) and a second for recycling in the kitchen or nearby. 2006 NORTH CAROLINA BUILDING CODE 83. Where emergency egress windows exit to a window well, the minimum area dimensions of that window well shall be equal to 3 feet by 5 feet. Indicate location and sizes of any new sub-ducts, register and diffuser locations for the finished area. Show location of existing furnace and main supply and return ducts. Allow 24 inches of clearance between the cooking surface and a protected noncombustible surface [e.g., a range hood] above it. As measured at the bottom of decorative grooves. Firestopping consisting of 2" lumber, minimum 23/32" structural panel, or approved non-combustible materials shall be provided at the ceiling line in concealed spaces of stud walls/partitions, including furred or studded-off spaces of concrete foundation walls and at soffits, dropped ceilings and similar spaces.