Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

The state of Idaho promulgates and enforces a uniform statewide building code governed by the provisions of The Idaho Building Code Act. Idaho Code Ann. § 39-4103 (the Idaho Building Code Act). If local governments adopt or enforce a building code or residential code, it must be the state code. Idaho Code Ann. § 39-4116 (West).

Helpful resources for Idaho Falls, Idaho include the following.

• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Idaho

Residential Building Code

Idaho adopted a model state residential code but it is not in force unless adopted locally.See PLRB, Idaho Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Idaho Falls adopted the 2015 IRC, statewide. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the model code here.

You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Drip Edge

Drip Edge: yes

Ice Barrier

Are ice barriers required for Idaho Falls ? Yes
Comments:

No county amendments to Table R301.2(1) were found in the residential code amendments.

Contacted the Building Division which informed us that ice barriers are required.

Building Division
680 Park Avenue
P.O. Box 50220
Idaho Falls, ID 83405

 

City of Idaho Falls Building Department Geographic Design Criteria

Snow Loads:

Based on the ASCE 7 and the University of Idaho Ground and Roof Snow Load Manual, the ground and roof snow load for Idaho Falls is:

Idaho Falls: Elevation 4710 feet

Ground Snow Load: Pg = 0.10 (4710) = 47.1 PSF

Flat Roof Snow Load: Where: Ce = .8 (Windy area with roof exposed on all sides with no shelter afforded by terrain, higher structures or trees).

Ct = 1.10 (Roof are above freezing)

I = 1.0 (Importance Factor)

Pg = 47.1 PSF (Ground Snow Load)

Pf = .7(Ce)(Ct)(I)(Pg) = .7(.8)(1.10)(1.00)(47.1) = 29PSF*

*This is based on a thermal coefficient as a function of roof R value. Roofs that are not ‘cold roofs’ and are just above freezing and those buildings in occupancy category III & IV will achieve a higher snow load. Historically, the city has mandated a minimum 30 PSF roof snow load. If there are factors such as drifting, exposure factors due to site conditions or roof slope that determine a higher load by the structural engineer, that is the load the jurisdiction will go by.

Frost Depth: Measured from top of finished grade to the bottom of the footing = 30-inches

Wind Speed:

Ultimate wind speed(Vult)= 115 MPH

Nominal wind speed (Vasd) = 90 MPH

Exposure C

Seismic Design Category:

SDC = D*

*Where soil properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine site class, Site Class-D shall be used unless geotechnical data determines otherwise

Government Officials

Comments

Idaho Falls, ID adopts the 2015 IRC. Idaho Falls, ID Muni. Code § 7-6-1.

Existing Buildings

Existing buildings, meaning buildings that were built in accordance to code at the time of construction, typically merit extra consideration in a current updated code.

Idaho Falls, ID adopts the 2015 IEBC. Idaho Falls, ID Muni. Code § 7-13-1.

Commercial Building Code

Idaho Falls adopted the 2015 IBC, statewide. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.

You can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.

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Comments

Idaho Falls, ID adopts the 2015 IBC. Idaho Falls, ID Muni. Code § 7-1-1.

Existing Buildings

Idaho Falls, ID adopts the 2015 IEBC. Idaho Falls, ID Muni. Code § 7-13-1.

Other Building Codes