2012 I-Codes: Summary of Changes to Flood Provisions 

The following summarize the changes to the 2009 I-Codes that will appear 
in the 2012 editions. 

International Building Code 
1. 104.10.1. Add limitation that the building official shall not grant 
modifications to any provision required in flood hazard areas as 
established by Section 1612.2 unless a specific determination has been 
made (equivalent to variance provisions).   

2. 110.3.10.1. Add requirement that documentation of the elevation of the 
lowest floor required in Section 1612.5 be submitted prior to the final 
inspection. 

3. 801.5. Require interior finishes below the lowest floor elevation 
specified in Section 1612 (rather than below the DFE) to be flood damage-
resistant materials. 

4. 1403.5 Require exterior walls below the lowest floor elevation 
specified in Section 1612 (rather than below the DFE) to be flood damage-
resistant materials. 

5. 1612.5(2.3). Modified the phrasing to use correct terminology so that 
breakaway wall resistance of more than 20 psf is determined using 
allowable stress design. 

6. 3403.2 [existing buildings, additions]. In second paragraph, delete 
“or substantial 
damage”. 


7. 3404.2 [existing buildings, alterations]. In second paragraph, delete 
“or substantial damage”. 

8. 3405.5 [existing buildings, repairs]. In second paragraph, change to 
“repair of substantial damage”. 

International Residential Code 
9. General: Everywhere, replace “areas prone to flooding” with “flood 
hazard areas.” 

10. R109.1.6.1. Add requirement that documentation of the elevation of 
the lowest floor required in Section R322.1.10 be submitted prior to 
final inspection. 

11. R301.2.4 and R322.1. Move the sentence in the exception into the body 
of the provisions. 


12. R301.2.4.1 and R322.1.1. Modified to allow use of ASCE 24 within 
Coastal A Zones, if delineated. 

13. R322.3.2. Delete reference to mat and raft foundations and, in 
R322.3.3, specify limitations on spread footing, mat, raft or other 
foundations that support columns, which if permitted, must be designed in 
accordance with ASCE 24. 

14. R322.3.3. Add requirement that the space below elevated homes must be 
free of obstructions. 


15. R404.1.9.5. New subsection on isolated masonry piers, specifies that 
in flood hazard areas such piers shall be designed in accordance with 
Section R322. 

1 International Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fuel Gas Codes 

16. IMC 301.13. Require mechanical systems, equipment and appliances to 
be located above the lowest floor elevation specified in Section 1612 
(rather than above the DFE), to be consistent with the freeboard 
requirements in ASCE 24, or meet the performance requirement if located 
below that elevation. 

17. IMC 401.4. Require air intake openings to be above the lowest floor 
elevation specified in Section 1612 (rather than above the DFE), to be 
consistent with the freeboard requirements in ASCE 24. 

18. IMC 501.2.1. Require exhaust outlets to be above the lowest floor 
elevation specified in Section 1612 (rather than above the DFE), to be 
consistent with the freeboard requirements in ASCE 24. 

19. IMC 602.4. Same as IMC 301.13 for plenum spaces. 

20. IMC 603.13. Same as IMC 301.13 for ducts. 

21. IMC 1305.2.1. Same as IMC 301.13 for fuel pipe, equipment and 
appliances. 

22. IPC 309.2. Require plumbing systems and equipment to be located above 
the lowest floor elevation specified in Section 1612 (rather than above 
the DFE), to be consistent with the freeboard requirements in ASCE 24, or 
meet the performance requirement if located below that elevation. 

23. IFGC 301.11. Require fuel gas appliances, equipment and system 
installations to be located above the lowest floor elevation specified in 
Section 1612 (rather than above the DFE), to be consistent with the 
freeboard requirements in ASCE 24, or meet the performance requirement if 
located below that elevation. 


2012 I-Code Amendments (November 2010)