International Residential Code International Code Council Series IRC 2021

This comprehensive code covers all construction, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and electrical requirements for one- and two-family homes and townhouses up to three stories. The 2021 IRC includes several important changes, such as: International Residential Code

Retaining wall lines must be placed on a physical wall or between multiple walls.
Two-family apartments must have a 1-hour fire separation, regardless of the presence of a fire-resistance-rated wall between them.
Emergency exits require a 36-inch wide clear path to the public way.
Storm shelters must have a planned design.
Habitable attics are limited to half the area of the floor below, and apartments require sprinklers.
Updated wind speed maps now conform to IBC and ASCE 7 maps.
Deck design now considers snow load, tributary area, and mast height, as well as protection details.
Special requirements for deck guards have been added IRC 2018
Component and cladding wind pressures in Table R301.2(2) have been updated for new wind speeds and shingle or gable roof profiles.