CLC Code Compliance & Permitting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the IRC, what is the minimum required headroom clearance for a stairway?
- 6 feet 4 inches
- 6 feet 6 inches
- 6 feet 8 inches (Correct answer)
- 7 feet 0 inches
Correct answer: 6 feet 8 inches
IRC R311.7.2 requires a minimum headroom clearance of 6 feet 8 inches measured vertically from the stair nosing.
Question 2: Which document serves as the primary building code adopted by most US jurisdictions for residential construction?
- NFPA 70
- International Residential Code (IRC) (Correct answer)
- OSHA 1926
- ANSI A117.1
Correct answer: International Residential Code (IRC)
The International Residential Code (IRC) is the model code adopted by most US states and localities for one- and two-family dwellings.
Question 3: A permit application is typically submitted to which local authority?
- State labor board
- Building department (AHJ) (Correct answer)
- Fire marshal only
- Homeowners association
Correct answer: Building department (AHJ)
Permits are issued by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), which is usually the local building department.
Question 4: What is the typical consequence of performing work without a required building permit?
- A written warning with no further action
- Fines, stop-work orders, and required removal of unpermitted work (Correct answer)
- Automatic permit issuance after the fact
- Only a delay in future permits
Correct answer: Fines, stop-work orders, and required removal of unpermitted work
Unpermitted work can result in fines, stop-work orders, mandatory demolition, and complications during property sales.
Question 5: Under most codes, a bathroom exhaust fan must be vented to:
- The attic space
- The nearest interior wall cavity
- The exterior of the building (Correct answer)
- The crawlspace
Correct answer: The exterior of the building
Bathroom exhaust fans must terminate to the exterior to prevent moisture buildup in enclosed spaces.
Question 6: Which inspection is typically performed FIRST on a new addition project?
- Framing inspection
- Final inspection
- Footing or foundation inspection (Correct answer)
- Insulation inspection
Correct answer: Footing or foundation inspection
A footing or foundation inspection occurs before concrete is poured to verify size, depth, and reinforcement placement.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?
- It authorizes a contractor to begin work
- It certifies the completed structure meets code for legal occupancy (Correct answer)
- It replaces the need for a final inspection
- It is issued only for commercial buildings
Correct answer: It certifies the completed structure meets code for legal occupancy
A Certificate of Occupancy confirms that a building or addition complies with applicable codes and is safe for occupancy.
CLC Code Compliance & Permitting 2
Under the IRC, what is the minimum required headroom clearance for a stairway?