Construction Standards in Oklahoma
When building a residence or a commercial property in Oklahoma, you must follow rules in completing your project. The Oklahoma Uniform Building Code Commission establishes the legal standards for building projects in the state to serve the public good. Oklahoma Building Codes ensure that all properties meet a common standard for safety and overall proper design as it relates to several factors. This ensures the safety of the broader public and public servants such as firefighters during any emergency.
International Building Code 2018 (IBC 2018)
The IBC is the standard for commercial construction projects. The code covers several aspects of commercial projects and considers scope and intent when setting project standards. The laws, as described in the IBC, are enforceable by public agents, and commercial properties are subject to state review to establish they have met all needed standards. Here are some, but not all, of the topics covered in the IBC.
The proper permits are required not only for the construction of new projects but also for alterations, repairs, or changes in the occupancy of a building or structure. Permits also cover changes to electrical, gas, or plumbing systems. Documents are required to cover the scope of a project and overall plans. Fees and various procures are also outlined. The IBC itself covers in detail all aspects of a construction project including (but not limited to) the foundation, floors, walls, roofing, interior ceilings, fireplaces, energy standards, mechanical requirements, heating, cooling, boiler usage, standards for fuel use, plumbing requirements, sanitation, and specific equipment such as pools.
International Residential Code 2018 (IRC 2018)
The IRC is comparable to the IBC; however, instead of focusing on commercial property, the IRC is focused on standards for residential property. It sets the standards for homes and lays out the framework for such projects, the standards they must meet, the right to inspection, and the ability to challenge in a court of law.
The IRC also overviews proper building permits, fees, and paperwork to ensure a project is properly planned and organized. As with the IBC, the IRC covers all aspects of a construction project, such as its foundations, floors, roofing, ceilings, material usage, and more. Plumbing and electrical systems have to meet proper safety and functional standards, as do all other utilities. A key area to note is that the IRC covers specific only found in residential properties that you should be aware of, and these should be carefully reviewed.
Oklahoma makes all documentation for residential and commercial property construction readily available, so you can plan your project accordingly and with a minimum of delays.
Categorised in: Laws and Regulations