The 2024 IEBC is a comprehensive set of regulations developed by the International Code Council (ICC) to govern the repair, alteration, addition, and change of occupancy in existing buildings. It provides a framework for ensuring that modifications to existing structures meet modern safety standards while recognizing the unique challenges posed by older buildings.

The primary purpose of the 2024 IEBC is to establish minimum requirements for existing buildings undergoing repairs, alterations, additions, or changes in occupancy. It aims to ensure public health, safety, and welfare by providing flexible approaches that balance safety improvements with the preservation of existing building stock.

The International Code Council (ICC), a member-focused association dedicated to developing model codes and standards for the building safety industry, develops and maintains the IEBC.

The IEBC is typically updated every three years to incorporate new technologies, address emerging issues, and reflect the latest industry best practices.

The 2024 IEBC covers various aspects of existing building modifications, including:

• Repairs
• Alterations
• Additions
• Changes of occupancy
• Relocated buildings
• Historic buildings
• Accessibility upgrades
• Energy efficiency improvements
• Structural upgrades
• Fire safety enhancements

The 2024 IEBC is essential for:

• Architects and designers
• Engineers
• Contractors and builders
• Building officials and inspectors
• Property owners and developers
• Historic preservationists

While the IBC primarily focuses on new construction, the IEBC specifically addresses the unique challenges of working with existing buildings. It provides more flexible approaches and alternative methods for achieving compliance in older structures.

The 2024 IEBC offers three main compliance methods:

1. Prescriptive Compliance Method
2. Work Area Compliance Method
3. Performance Compliance Method

The Prescriptive Compliance Method provides specific requirements based on the type of work being done (repair, alteration, addition, or change of occupancy) without consideration of the overall scope of work.

The Work Area Compliance Method categorizes work into levels (1, 2, and 3) based on the extent and type of the alterations. Requirements become more stringent as the level of alteration increases.

The Performance Compliance Method allows for a holistic evaluation of the building's safety using a scoring system. It provides flexibility for alternative solutions that may not strictly comply with prescriptive requirements but achieve an equivalent level of safety.

The IEBC includes a specific chapter on historic buildings, providing alternative approaches to preserve historic features while improving safety. It allows for some flexibility in applying modern code requirements to maintain the building's historic character.

The 2024 IEBC includes provisions for improving accessibility in existing buildings, referencing the ICC A117.1 standard. It provides guidance on when and how to incorporate accessibility upgrades during renovations or changes of occupancy.

The IEBC includes requirements for energy efficiency upgrades in existing buildings, often referencing the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). It provides guidance on when energy improvements are required and to what extent.

The IEBC includes provisions for structural upgrades, particularly for seismic retrofitting. Requirements vary based on the compliance method chosen and the extent of the work being done.

The IEBC provides requirements for fire safety improvements, including provisions for fire-resistant materials, egress systems, and fire protection systems. The extent of required upgrades depends on the work being done and the chosen compliance method.

The IEBC itself is not legally binding until it is adopted by a jurisdiction. Many states and local governments adopt the IEBC as their existing building code, either in whole or with modifications.

By providing a framework for the renovation and reuse of existing buildings, the IEBC inherently promotes sustainability. It allows for the adaptive reuse of structures, reducing the need for new construction and preserving embodied energy in existing buildings.

Resources for understanding and implementing the 2024 IEBC include:

ICC training programs and seminars
Code commentaries and handbooks
Online forums and discussion groups for code professionals
Local building departments and professional organizations

The 2024 IEBC introduces several significant changes, including:

• Expanded accessibility requirements for additions and alterations.
• New exceptions for structural upgrades triggered by photovoltaic systems or lightweight mechanical units.
• Enhanced provisions for historic buildings to balance preservation with safety.
• Updated compliance methods to streamline renovation projects.

Section 306.6 now specifies that only the number of dwelling or sleeping units added to an existing building must meet accessibility requirements. This aligns the IEBC with Fair Housing Act (FHA) guidelines, reducing unnecessary costs while maintaining compliance.

Key structural updates include:

• Photovoltaic Systems: New exceptions (Sections 503.4 and 805.3) exempt photovoltaic panel systems weighing 5 pounds per square foot or less from triggering lateral load considerations.
• Lightweight Mechanical Units: Mechanical systems weighing less than 400 pounds are also exempt from requiring structural upgrades for lateral loads.

The IEBC continues to provide flexible options for seismic retrofitting, particularly through its Performance Compliance Method (Chapter 13). These updates allow designers to balance safety improvements with cost considerations.

The IEBC offers three distinct compliance paths:

1. Prescriptive Compliance Method (Chapter 5): Provides clear, straightforward requirements similar to those in new construction codes.
2. Work Area Compliance Method (Chapters 6–12): Categorizes work by scope and level of alteration, with specific requirements for each level.
3. Performance Compliance Method (Chapter 13): Uses a scoring system to evaluate safety across multiple categories, allowing flexibility in meeting code requirements.

The Performance Compliance Method now includes updated scoring criteria for fire protection, structural integrity, and egress systems, ensuring a more holistic evaluation of building safety.

Key fire safety updates include:

• Clarified requirements for non-required automatic sprinkler systems (Section 1011.2).
• New exceptions for fire protection systems in non-occupiable appendages like elevator shafts and stairways (Section 1102.3).

Section 306.7 introduces new provisions requiring adult changing stations in certain public facilities, improving inclusivity and accessibility.

Shared laundry rooms in multifamily buildings must now include accessible washers and dryers, exceeding federal ADA requirements.

Historic buildings benefit from tailored provisions under Chapter 12 of the Work Area Compliance Method:

• Flexibility in meeting modern code requirements without compromising historic character.
• Allowances for preserving original features like transoms, door swings, and stairs when approved by code officials.

Yes, historic buildings may use alternative methods for seismic retrofitting that minimize alterations to character-defining features while ensuring structural safety.

Energy efficiency improvements are required when major alterations or additions are made to an existing building. These upgrades often reference standards from the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

When a building undergoes a change of occupancy:

• Section 1011 now includes specific fire protection and egress system upgrades based on risk category changes.
• New exceptions allow flexibility for minor occupancy changes without triggering full compliance with new construction standards.

Section 401.4 requires that buildings deemed "effectively demolished" comply with new construction standards when replaced. This ensures that substantial repairs meet modern safety codes.

Yes, valet trash collection services must now comply with updated fire safety guidelines to prevent hazards associated with waste storage in multifamily residential buildings.

The 2024 IEBC features improved usability through:

• Single-column text layouts for better readability.
• QR codes embedded throughout the code to provide quick access to specific changes or clarifications online.

Adoption timelines vary by jurisdiction, but many regions begin implementing new codes within one to two years after publication. This FAQ provides a comprehensive overview of key updates in the 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), addressing structural provisions, fire safety enhancements, accessibility improvements, compliance methods, and historic building allowances while ensuring flexibility for professionals working with existing structures.