Construction Code Adoption Highlights

Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection 103.1 "Creation of enforcement agency” is hereby amended by inserting 
Development Services Department as Name of Department.
Specifies the enforcement 
agency.
Subsection 105.2 "Work exempt from permit" "Building" is hereby amended by deleting item 1 
in its entirety and replacing it with a new item 1 as follows: 1. One-story detached accessory 
structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m 2 ) and the 
height measured at the highest point does not exceed 7 feet (2134 mm) with option up to a 
maximum of 9 feet (2743 mm) with setbacks at a ratio of 2 additional feet of setback for each 
additional 1 foot of building height.
Aligns with City Zoning 
Ordinances.
Subsection 105.3.1 "Action on application" is hereby amended by adding the following 
provisions to the end thereof: 
A permit may be issued solely after applicant has satisfied all applicable City of Chandler 
ordinances and requirements.
Make sure the construction 
permits are not issued until all 
divisions examine the 
construction documents and 
ensure they meet applicable City 
ordinances.
Subsection 111.1 "Change of Occupancy", Subsection 111.2 "Certificate Issued" and Subsection 
111.3 "Temporary Occupancy" are hereby amended by replacing "building official" with "City of 
Chandler Development Services Department director or director’s designee".
Ensures occupancy certificates 
are not issued until all City codes 
addressed.
Subsection 310.5 "Residential Group R-4” is hereby amended by replacing 16 persons with 10 
persons.
Coordinates and aligns with the 
State of Arizona licensing 
requirements.
Model Code Changes:
Subsection 602.4 Adds three new Type IV construction types to recognize mass timber 
construction.
Provides more options for 
construction types
Subsection 903.3.1.2 Reduces the allowable height for a Group R occupancy using 13R fire 
sprinkler system from 60 feet above grade plane to 30 feet above or below the lowest level of 
fire department vehicle access.
Requires NFPA 13 fire sprinkler 
system for stories over 30 feet.
Subsection 907.5.2.1.3 Requires 520-Hz fire alarm complying with NFPA 72 in all sleeping rooms 
of R-1 and R-2 occupancies.
Requires more efficient fire 
alarm in hotels and apartment 
complexes.
Subsection 1008.2.1 Increases the minimum illumination level for both exit and exit access 
stairways from 1-footcandle to 10-footcandle when in use.
Increases illumination for safe 
exit travel in emergencies.
2021 Construction Codes Adoption Highlights
International 
Building Code
Page 1 of 7

Subsection 1010.2.9 Requires panic hardware on electrical room doors in electrical rooms with 
equipment over 800 amps unless the door is more than 25 feet away from the equipment.
Currently 1200 amps.
Subsection 1102.1 and ICC A117.1 Subsection 304.3.1.1 Requires the turning space to be a 
circular space with 67 inches minimum diameter in new buildings and facilities.
Currently 60 inches minimum.
Subsection 1105.1.1 Provides automatic doors for A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancies with an 
occupant load of greater than 300 and B, M or R-1 occupancies greater than 500. 
Automatic doors are required for 
buildings with large occupant 
loads.
Subsection 1705.18 Requires special inspection in Group R fire areas exceeding an occupant 
load of 250.
Special inspection is required for 
residential buildings with large 
occupant loads to ensure safety 
features are installed correctly.
Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection 210.8 (A) (2) “Dwelling Units” is hereby amended by adding an exception as follows: 
Exception: Receptacles that are not readily accessible. 
Does not require a GFCI plug 
receptacle in the ceiling for a 
garage door opener. 
Subsection 210.8 (F) "Outdoor Outlets" is amended by deleting its entirety.
The variable speed motors 
would likely trip the GFCI 
breakers and cause HVAC 
equipment shut-downs. 
Subsection 230.67 “Surge Protection" is amended by deleting its entirety.
There was no identified risk to 
people for this code change, it 
only protects equipment.
Subsection 406.12 “Tamper-Resistant Receptacles” is amended by deleting its use in dwelling 
units and assisted living facilities.
Extra force is usually needed to 
insert a plug into the Tamper-
Resistant Receptacles. It is not 
practicable for elders or disabled 
people to use.
National Electrical 
Code
Page 2 of 7

Model Code Changes:
Subsection 210.8(A) Requires GFCI protection for receptacles up to 250-volt in dwelling units.
Currently up to 125-volt. 
Provides extra safety.
Subsection 210.8(B) Requires GFCI protection for all 125–250-volt receptacles and all receptacles 
supplied by 3-phase 150 volts or less, 100 amps or less for other than dwelling units.
Requires more locations with 
GFCI protection. Provides extra 
safety.
Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection 103.1 "Creation of enforcement agency” is hereby amended by inserting 
Development Services Department as Name of Department.
Specifies the enforcement 
agency.
Model Code Changes:
Subsection 403.2 Allows multiple user non-separated sex toilet facilities.
Will see more and more multiple 
user non-separated sex toilet 
facilities. Results in more efficent 
use of space.
Subsection 403.3.3 Allows the location of toilet facilities in a Group S occupancy to exceed the 
location and distance limitations.
Cost savings to Group S 
occupancies that have very few 
people in them.
Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection 103.1 "Creation of enforcement agency” is hereby amended by inserting 
Development Services Department as Name of Department.
Specifies the enforcement 
agency.
Model Code Changes:
Subsection 307.2.1.1 Condensate discharge cannot connect to any drain, waste or vent pipe. 
Condensate discharge cannot discharge into a plumbing fixture other than a floor sink, floor 
drain, trench drain, mop sink, hub drain, standpipe, utility sink or laundry sink.
The code is now addressing both 
acceptable and unacceptable 
practices that were not 
previously addressed.
International 
Plumbing Code
International 
Mechanical Code
Page 3 of 7

Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection 105.2 "Work exempt from permit" "Building" is hereby amended by deleting item 1 
in its entirety and replacing it with a new item 1 as follows: 
1. One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 
square feet (11.15 m 2 ) and the height measured at the highest point does not exceed 7 feet 
(2134 mm) with option up to a maximum of 9 feet (2743 mm) with setbacks at a ratio of 2 
additional feet of setback for each additional 1 foot of building height.
Aligns with City Zoning 
Ordinances.
Subsection 105.3.1 "Action on application" is hereby amended by adding the following 
provisions to the end thereof: 
A permit may be issued solely after applicant has satisfied all applicable City of Chandler 
ordinances and requirements.
Make sure the construction 
permits are not issued until all 
divisions examine the 
construction documents and 
ensure they meet applicable City 
ordinances.
Subsection 111.1 "Change of Occupancy", Subsection 111.2 "Certificate Issued" and Subsection 
111.3 "Temporary Occupancy" are hereby amended by replacing "building official" with "City of 
Chandler Development Services Department director or director’s designee".
Ensures occupancy certificates 
are not issued until all City codes 
addressed.
Subsection N1101.13.5 (R401.2.5) "Additional energy efficiency" is hereby to delete in its 
entirety.
The additional energy efficiency 
requirements will increase 
additional costs that are far 
exceed the negligible energy 
savings.
TABLE N1102.1.3 (R402.1.3) “INSULATION MINIMUM R-VALUES AND FENESTRATION 
REQUIREMENTS BY COMPONENT” is hereby amended by replacing Ceiling R-value of “49” with 
“38” in the climate zone 2.
The increase in ceiling R-value 
does not contribute substantial 
energy savings, but it would add 
substantial costs to builders and 
homeowners.
Table N1106.5 (R406.5) “MAXIMUM ENERGY RATING INDEX” is hereby amended by replacing 
ENERGY RATING INDEX of “52” with “57” in the climate zone 2.
Restores the ERI threshold to the 
2018 IECC levels, as adopted by 
jurisdictions throughout 
Maricopa County.
International 
Residential Code
Page 4 of 7

Subsection N1105.3.2 (R405.3.2) “Compliance Report” is hereby amended by replacing “code 
official before a certificate of occupancy is issued” with “building owner”.
There are no ways to get the real 
data until people really move in 
and live there.
SECTION N1108 (R408) "ADDITIONAL EFFICIENCY PACKAGE OPTIONS" is hereby to delete in its 
entirety.
The additional energy efficiency 
requirements will increase 
additional costs that are far 
exceed the negligible energy 
savings.
Model Code Changes:
Subsection R302.5 Adds Self-Latching requirement for garage doors leading into the house.
For better protection from fire 
and gas pennetration into 
dwelling unit.
Subsection R310.1 Requires a 36” wide path for travel to a public way from emergency escape 
and rescue openings.
Provides a minimum width for 
exit travel to public way.
Subsection R320.1 Adds an exception stating that owner occupied lodging houses with 5 or 
fewer guestrooms are not required to be accessible.
Benefits home owners.
Section N1104 Requires all permanently installed lighting fixtures, excluding kitchen appliance 
lighting fixtures, shall contain only high-efficacy lighting sources.
Currently 90%.
Subsection P2905.3 Requires the developed length from the water heater to fixtures not to 
exceed 100 feet.
Reduces wasted hot water and 
waiting time for occupants for 
hot water.
Section E3902 Requires GFCI protection for receptacles up to 250-volt.
Currently up to 125-volt. 
Provides extra safety.
Subsection E3902.5 Requires GFCI protection for all receptacles in basements.
Currently required in unfinished 
basements.
Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection 103.1 "Creation of enforcement agency” is hereby amended by inserting 
Development Services Department as Name of Department.
Specifies the enforcement 
agency.
Model Code Changes:
Subsection 618.6 Clarifies that return air shall not be taken from the mechanical room 
containing the furnace.
Return air must be ducted from 
outside of the mechanical room.
International Fuel 
Gas Code
Page 5 of 7

Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection C405.11 "Automatic receptacle control" is amended by deleting in its entirety.
It is difficult to enforce in the 
field since it is hard to determine 
which portion of the receptacles 
need to have automatic controls.
Subsection R401.2.5 "Additional energy efficiency" is hereby to delete in its entirety.
The additional energy efficiency 
requirements will increase 
additional costs that are far 
exceed the negligible energy 
savings.
TABLE R402.1.3 “INSULATION MINIMUM R-VALUES AND FENESTRATION REQUIREMENTS BY 
COMPONENT” is hereby amended by replacing Ceiling R-value of “49” with “38” in the climate 
zone 2.
The increase in ceiling R-value 
does not contribute substantial 
energy savings, but it would add 
substantial costs to builders and 
homeowners.
Table R406.5 “MAXIMUM ENERGY RATING INDEX” is hereby amended by replacing ENERGY 
RATING INDEX of “52” with “57” in the climate zone 2.
Restores the ERI threshold to the 
2018 IECC levels, as adopted by 
jusristictions throughout 
Maricopa County.
Subsection R405.3.2 “Compliance Report” is hereby amended by replacing “code official before a 
certificate of occupancy is issued” in the end of the first paragraph with “building owner”.
It is not possible to get the real 
data until occupants move in and 
live in the dwelling.
Section R408 "ADDITIONAL EFFICIENCY PACKAGE OPTIONS" is hereby to delete in its entirety.
The additional energy efficiency 
requirements will increase 
additional costs that are far 
exceed the negligible energy 
savings.
International 
Energy 
Conservation Code
Page 6 of 7

Model Code Changes:
Subsection C405.1.1 Requires no less than 90% of permanently installed lighting for dwelling 
units, excluding kitchen appliance lighting to have lamps with an efficacy of not less than 65 
Im/W (lumens per watt) or luminaires with an efficacy of not less than 45 Im/W.
New language is added for 
multifamily buildings.
Subsection C405.2.8 Requires occupant sensors that reduce lighting by not less than 30% when 
there is no activity for 20 minutes in parking garage.
Saves energy.
Subsection R404.1 Requires all permanently installed lighting fixtures, excluding kitchen 
appliance lighting fixtures, shall contain only high-efficacy lighting sources.
Currently 90%.
Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection 103.1 "Creation of enforcement agency” is hereby amended by inserting 
Development Services Department as Name of Department.
Specifies the enforcement 
agency.
Model Code Changes:
Subsection 302.2.1 Requires health care occupancies to also comply with NFPA 99 (Health Care 
Facilities Code).
Meet additional requirements of 
NFPA 99.
Subsection 1009.1 Requires complying with the requirements of the IPC if the occupant load is 
increased by more than 20% when an existing occupancy is changed, and it requires more 
fixtures or an increased water supply.
Ensures existing buildings with 
increased occupant loads meet 
the minimum plumbing fixture 
requirements.
Local Amendments:
Notes:
Subsection 103.1 "Creation of enforcement agency” is hereby amended by inserting 
Development Services Department as Name of Department.
Specifies the enforcement 
agency.
Model Code Changes:
Subsection 305.2.9 Requires outside equipment to be located no less than 36” from the pool 
barrier.
Prevents using the equipment 
bypass the pool barrier.
Subsection 305.3.4 Requires any openings within 18” of the pool latch release mechanism no 
greater than ½” in any dimension.
Prevents unwanted entries into 
pool areas.
International 
Existing Building 
Code
International 
Swimming Pool and 
Spa Code
Page 7 of 7