This comprehensive, stand-alone residential code establishes minimum regulations for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. It brings together all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and electrical provisions for one- and two-family residences.

Sprinklers, energy efficiency key changes to 2009 International Residential Code.

The 2009 edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) includes new requirements for sprinklers and energy efficiency. It also includes new standards for building homes in high-wind regions, and constructing community and residential storm shelters.

Jurisdictions that adopt the 2009 International Residential Code will apply the most modern, scientific and comprehensive building safety provisions available to save lives and protect property. The International Residential Code, developed and published by the International Code Council, is adopted at the state or local level in 48 states and Washington, D.C.

The International Residential Code combines all building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy and electrical provisions for one- and two-family residences and townhouses into one comprehensive code that is compatible with all codes in the 2009 International Codes Series.

New safety features in the 2009 International Residential Code include:

• Fire sprinklers required in all new one- and two-family residences beginning January 1, 2011.
• Fire sprinklers in all new townhomes when the code is adopted.
• Plumbing provisions now offer a new, more affordable alternative multi-purpose plumbing system for fire sprinklers in residential buildings.
• Carbon monoxide alarms required in new construction dwelling units with fuel-fired appliances, and in existing homes where interior alterations include fuel-fired appliance replacements or attached garages.
• New guidelines for the design and construction of homes in high wind regions, based on the International Code Council's Standard for Residential Construction in High Wind Regions, ICC 600, which replaces standard SSTD 10.
• New guidelines for the design and construction of storm shelters, based on the new International Code Council/National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters, ICC 500-2008.

Energy-efficient upgrades in the 2009 International Residential Code include:

• Programmable thermostats in new homes and buildings with forced air furnaces.
• High-efficiency light bulbs in at least 50% of permanent lighting fixtures in new homes.
• Maximum fenestration U-factors are lowered in warmer climates to reduce the amount of heat loss or gain through windows and doors to lower energy costs during cooling periods.
• An increase in insulation R-values for walls, floors and basements in cold climates to achieve heating and cooling savings.

Bonus CD included! This CD contains helpful resources such as excerpts from code references, historical background on code changes, informative articles from ICC's Building Safety Journal, Internet links to many useful tools, and much more.

For Earthquake Spectral Response Acceleration Maps that will assist you with the Building and Residential Codes click here. Prepared in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey, Building Seismic Safety Council, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and E.V. Leyendecker, A.D. Frankel, and K.S. Rukstales of the U.S. Geological Survey.

This code is also available in looseleaf, spiralbound, or as part of the Complete Collection. It is also available on CD-ROM in either PDF or Folio versions.

Commentaries and handbooks, study guides, extended indexes and tabs are also available for the 2009 International Codes.

To view the complete Table of Contents for the 2009 International Residential Code, click here .