Ohio Building Code 2017

Adoption Info of Ohio Building Code 2017

Official title 2017 Ohio Building Code (OBC)

Effective dates November 1, 2017 – Present

Published by Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Industrial Compliance
Read More: Ohio High-Strength Low-Alloy Structural Steel with Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance Code 2015

Overview of Ohio Building code 2017

The 2017 Ohio Building Code (OBC) provides comprehensive requirements for the construction, alteration, repair, and maintenance of buildings and structures within the state of Ohio. This state code is based on the already adopted 2015 International Building Code (IBC) and includes Ohio-specific content and amendments to address the state’s unique environmental, safety, and regulatory needs.

The 2017 OBC covers various aspects of building construction, including structural design, fire safety, means of access and egress, accessibility, energy efficiency, and plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems. It ensures that buildings are constructed and maintained to provide safety and welfare for occupants and the public.

The code includes specific requirements for different types of occupancies, such as residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as guidelines for new construction, renovations, and additions. The Ohio-specific amendments address local conditions, such as snow loads, wind loads, and seismic design, ensuring that buildings are suitable for Ohio’s climate and geography.

 

  • Chapter 1: Scope and Administration
    • General provisions
    • Applicability
    • Code enforcement
    • Permits and inspections
    • Violations and penalties
  • Chapter 2: Definitions
    • General definitions
    • Terms used in the code
  • Chapter 3: Use and Occupancy Classification
    • Classification of buildings based on occupancy and use
    • Occupancy groups (e.g., assembly, business, educational, industrial, residential)
  • Chapter 4: Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy
    • Specific requirements for particular occupancies, such as high-rise buildings, hazardous occupancies, and special uses like aircraft hangars or health care facilities
  • Chapter 5: General Building Heights and Areas
    • Building height and area limitations
    • Calculations for building height and area
    • Allowable increases based on frontage and sprinkler systems
  • Chapter 6: Types of Construction
    • Types of construction (e.g., Type I, II, III, IV, V)
    • Materials and fire-resistance ratings associated with each type
  • Chapter 7: Fire and Smoke Protection Features
    • Fire-resistance-rated construction
    • Fire walls, fire barriers, fire partitions, smoke barriers, and smoke partitions
    • Penetrations and joints
  • Chapter 8: Interior Finishes
    • Interior finish materials
    • Flame spread index and smoke-developed index
    • Specific requirements for different types of occupancies
  • Chapter 9: Fire Protection Systems
    • Automatic sprinkler systems
    • Fire alarm systems
    • Standpipe systems
    • Fire extinguishers
  • Chapter 10: Means of Egress
    • Requirements for exits, exit access, and exit discharge
    • Egress capacity and arrangement
    • Emergency lighting and signage
  • Chapter 11: Accessibility
    • Accessibility requirements for individuals with disabilities
    • Accessible routes, entrances, parking, and restrooms
    • Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Chapter 12: Interior Environment
    • Ventilation and indoor air quality
    • Temperature control
    • Lighting, sound transmission, and moisture control
  • Chapter 13: Energy Efficiency
    • Requirements for the design and construction of energy-efficient buildings
    • Thermal envelope, HVAC systems, lighting, and service water heating
  • Chapter 14: Exterior Walls
    • Requirements for exterior wall coverings and materials
    • Water-resistive barriers, flashing, and fire-resistance
  • Chapter 15: Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
    • Roof coverings, assemblies, and drainage
    • Rooftop structures and equipment
    • Weather protection
  • Chapter 16: Structural Design
    • General design requirements
    • Load considerations (dead, live, wind, snow, seismic)
    • Structural integrity and performance
  • Chapter 17: Special Inspections and Tests
    • Requirements for special inspections during construction
    • Testing of materials and assemblies
    • Responsibilities of registered design professionals
  • Chapter 18: Soils and Foundations
    • Soil investigations and classifications
    • Foundation design and construction
    • Retaining walls and foundation walls
  • Chapter 19: Concrete
    • Design and construction of concrete structures
    • Materials, mixing, placement, and curing
    • Reinforcement requirements
  • Chapter 20: Aluminum
    • Use of aluminum in building construction
    • Design and installation of aluminum structural elements
  • Chapter 21: Masonry
    • Masonry construction and design
    • Materials, reinforcement, and anchorage
    • Fire-resistance and load-bearing requirements
  • Chapter 22: Steel
    • Design and construction of steel structures
    • Materials, connections, and welding
    • Fire-resistance ratings for steel structures
  • Chapter 23: Wood
    • Wood construction and design
    • Materials, fastening, and fire-resistance
    • Requirements for heavy timber and light-frame construction
  • Chapter 24: Glass and Glazing
    • Requirements for glass and glazing materials
    • Safety glazing, impact resistance, and fire protection
    • Installation and labeling
  • Chapter 25: Gypsum Board and Plaster
    • Installation and use of gypsum board and plaster
    • Fire-resistance ratings and sound transmission control
    • Materials and finishes
  • Chapter 26: Plastic
    • Use of plastic materials in construction
    • Flame spread and smoke development limits
    • Specific applications and installation requirements
  • Chapter 27: Electrical
    • Basic electrical requirements for buildings
    • Coordination with the National Electrical Code (NEC)
    • Requirements for electrical equipment, wiring, and systems
  • Chapter 28: Mechanical Systems
    • Design and installation of mechanical systems
    • HVAC systems, ductwork, and appliances
    • Ventilation, combustion air, and refrigeration
  • Chapter 29: Plumbing Systems
    • Design and installation of plumbing systems
    • Water supply, drainage, venting, and fixtures
    • Backflow prevention and cross-connection control
  • Chapter 30: Elevators and Conveying Systems
    • Design, installation, and inspection of elevators and other conveying systems
    • Safety features and operational requirements
  • Chapter 31: Special Construction
    • Special construction types such as membrane structures, towers, and greenhouses
    • Additional requirements for temporary structures and pedestrian walkways
  • Chapter 32: Encroachments into the Public Right-of-Way
    • Requirements for structures that encroach on public rights-of-way
    • Protection and clearance of pedestrian walkways and streets
  • Chapter 33: Safeguards During Construction
    • Safety measures to protect workers and the public during construction
    • Requirements for site safety, demolition, and maintenance
  • Chapter 34: Existing Structures
    • Requirements for the renovation, alteration, and maintenance of existing buildings
    • Compliance with accessibility, safety, and energy efficiency standards
  • Chapter 35: Referenced Standards
    • A comprehensive list of all standards referenced throughout the code
    • Includes organizations such as ASTM, ANSI, NFPA, and ASCE
  • Appendices (Optional)
    • Optional provisions for specific topics such as grading, flood-resistant construction, and patio covers