The allowable size of a structure—in terms of height, number of stories, and area—is determined in accordance with Chapter 5 of the International Building Code (IBC). Allowable building sizes are a function of construction type and occupancy, as well as
The allowable size of a structure—in terms of height, number of stories, and area—is determined in accordance with Chapter 5 of the International Building Code (IBC). Allowable building sizes are a function of construction type and occupancy, as well as factors such as sprinklers and open frontage. In general, structures with higher levels of fire resistance and more fire protection measures in place (passive and active) are permitted to be larger than structures with less protection. Perceived risk of a given occupancy and its anticipated contents is also factored in.
The IBC is the base model code that most states and jurisdictions adopt in full or with amendments. A new edition is published every three years, and version