§ Chapter 2 IRC 2021
Definitions
10 entries from Chapter 2 of IRC 2021, organized by section number. Each entry covers what the code requires, why it exists, what inspectors look for, and common mistakes.
§ 01 Sections
All 10 entries.
Sorted by section number. Click any row for the full entry — answer, requirements, edition diff, related sections.
Section
Title
Question
R202
A Basement Is Defined by Floor Level Relative to Grade, Not by Finish Quality
R202
What is a basement under the IRC, and does a walkout basement count differently?
What is a basement under the IRC, and does a walkout basement count differently?
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R202
A Dwelling Is a Building Containing One or Two Dwelling Units or Townhouses Within IRC Scope
R202
What is a dwelling under the IRC?
What is a dwelling under the IRC?
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R202
A Dwelling Unit Provides Complete Independent Living Facilities for One or More People
R202
What is a dwelling unit under the IRC, and when does a space become a separate unit?
What is a dwelling unit under the IRC, and when does a space become a separate unit?
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R202
A Habitable Attic Is Finished Occupied Space Within the Roof Assembly
R202
What is a habitable attic under the IRC?
What is a habitable attic under the IRC?
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R202
A Sleeping Room Is Judged by Intended Sleeping Use, Not Just by the Word Bedroom
R202
What makes a room a bedroom or sleeping room under the IRC?
What makes a room a bedroom or sleeping room under the IRC?
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R202
A Story Is Counted by Its Position Above Grade Plane, Not Just by What Owners Call a Floor
R202
What counts as a story under the IRC?
What counts as a story under the IRC?
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R202
A Townhouse Is a Single-Family Dwelling Unit Extending From Foundation to Roof
R202
What is a townhouse under the IRC?
What is a townhouse under the IRC?
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R202
An Accessory Structure Is Incidental to the Dwelling and Located on the Same Lot
R202
What is an accessory structure under the IRC?
What is an accessory structure under the IRC?
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R202
Changing How a Residential Space Is Used Can Trigger Code Review
R202
Is changing a garage, basement, office, or accessory building into living space a change of occupancy?
Is changing a garage, basement, office, or accessory building into living space a change of occupancy?
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R202
Habitable Space Means Areas Used for Living, Sleeping, Eating, or Cooking
R202
What counts as habitable space under the IRC?
What counts as habitable space under the IRC?
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