January 2012 code for residential buildings that creates minimum regulations for one and two family dwellings of three stories or less.
Attic openiing size irc 2012.
The 2012 international residential code requires an attic access opening for attics with an area greater than 30 square feet and a vertical height in excess of 30 inches.
Attics that meet the size and ceiling height criteria of the habitable attic definition in chapter 2 are considered habitable.
This is applicable to finished and unfinished spaces.
The rough framed opening must be a minimum of 22 inches by 30 inches.
One such ventilating opening shall be within 3 feet 914 mm of each corner of the building.
If mechanical equipment or appliances are housed in the attic there must be an unobstructed passageway large enough for the removal of the appliance.
R408 2 openings for under floor ventilation.
The rough framed opening.
It brings together all building plumbing mechanical fuel gas energy and electrical provisions for one and two family residences.
The vertical height shall be measured from the top of the ceiling framing members to the underside of the roof framing members.
Unobstructed headroom of at least 30 inches must be available above the attic opening.
The 2009 and 2015 irc verbiage is similar and still applicable.
The international code council icc is a non profit organization dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design build and compliance process.
Habitable attics require a vertical access and emergency escape and rescue opening.
One ventilation opening shall be within 3 feet.