CRC Building Codes & Standards 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC) that is referenced by most state building codes for residential wiring?
- International Code Council (ICC)
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) (Correct answer)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Correct answer: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publishes NFPA 70, commonly known as the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Question 2: Under the IRC, what is the required minimum distance between a gas range and combustible overhead cabinetry?
- 24 inches
- 30 inches (Correct answer)
- 36 inches
- No minimum — determined by manufacturer
Correct answer: 30 inches
The IRC and most appliance manufacturers require a minimum of 30 inches between the cooking surface and combustible overhead cabinets.
Question 3: When is a building permit NOT typically required for residential work under model code provisions?
- Installing a new water heater
- Replacing like-for-like windows in existing frames (Correct answer)
- Adding a new electrical circuit
- Constructing a 300 sq ft detached shed
Correct answer: Replacing like-for-like windows in existing frames
Most jurisdictions exempt like-for-like window replacements in existing frames from permit requirements as ordinary repair and maintenance.
Question 4: Under the IRC, what is the maximum height of a handrail above the stair nosing?
- 34 inches
- 36 inches
- 38 inches (Correct answer)
- 42 inches
Correct answer: 38 inches
IRC Section R311.7.8.1 requires handrails to be between 34 and 38 inches above stair nosings, so the maximum is 38 inches.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the purpose of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO)?
- It certifies that all subcontractors have been paid
- It confirms the building complies with applicable codes and is safe for occupancy (Correct answer)
- It transfers property ownership to the new buyer
- It authorizes the contractor to begin construction
Correct answer: It confirms the building complies with applicable codes and is safe for occupancy
A Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the local building department confirming that a structure meets code requirements and is safe to occupy.
Question 6: Under the IRC, GFCI protection is required in which of the following locations?
- All interior receptacles
- Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas (Correct answer)
- Only in areas within 3 feet of water sources
- Only in bathrooms and kitchens
Correct answer: Bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and outdoor areas
The IRC requires GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens (within 6 feet of a sink), garages, outdoor areas, crawl spaces, and unfinished basements.
Question 7: What document does a contractor use to formally request a variance or deviation from a specific code requirement?
- Change order
- Application for variance or appeal to the Board of Appeals (Correct answer)
- Stop-work notice
- Certificate of substantial completion
Correct answer: Application for variance or appeal to the Board of Appeals
A contractor must submit a formal variance application or appeal to the local Board of Appeals to deviate from a specific code requirement.
CRC Building Codes & Standards 3
Which organization publishes the National Electrical Code (NEC) that is referenced by most state building codes for residential wiring?