4

I'm remodeling a basement and trying to determine if a particular layout would violate code. I am in a 2015 IBC/IRC jurestiction.

This blog indicates that the bedroom must be

At least 7’ in any horizontal direction

And similar statements are made on other sites. But what does that mean?

  • Does this mean that a 7x7 foot square must be able to fit in the room?

  • A 7 foot diameter circle must fit?

  • Some other interpretation?

Sketch of room if it helps. Apolgies for the quality and lack of scale. The diagonal dashed line measures 8.6 ish feet, so from point A you could swing a 7 ft rod 90 deg without hitting the wall.

enter image description here

PS this is a permitted project and the bedroom is planned to be compliant in all other ways already. I would ask my county, but called too late to catch the plan reviwer before they all left for Christmas.

OrangePeel52
  • 239
  • 6
  • 13

2 Answers2

1

Whether you can make your space work or not, remember code requirements for a second exit besides the door- like an egress window, to get out in case of fire, etc. The Minimum escape area is 5'7" sq. ft.; with the min. opening height is 24" high, and the width is 20". Also the sill has to be a maximum of 44" off the floor. As far as the weird shape of the room, maybe you can go for a variance.

mike g
  • 11
  • 1
0

Actually, the 2017 ICC Section 304.1 says, “Habitable rooms shall have a minimum of 70 square feet.” AND Section 304.2 says, “Habitable rooms shall be not less than 7 feet in any horizontal direction.”

Therefore, your drawing does not comply. While it meets the 70 square feet requirement, it does not meet the minimum of 7’ in any direction.

Also, a 7’ circle does not satisfy this requirement. It is only 7’ in any direction unless you only stand in the exact center of the circle, much less satisfy the 70 square feet requirement.

Lee Sam
  • 23,527
  • 3
  • 21
  • 45