Updated : 04/22/2024

Overview

Lawrence, KS has adopted the 2018 International Codes, with amendments, including the 2018 IRC and IBC. Lawrence, KS Muni. Codes § 5-301 (IRC adoption), § 5-303 (IRC amendments), § 5-201 (IBC adoption) and § 5-203 (IBC amendments).

Helpful resources for Lawrence, Kansas include the following.

• PLRB, Ordinance and Law Coverage Discussion for Kansas

Residential Building Code

Kansas has yet to adopt a statewide residential code. Local laws will control.See PLRB, Kansas Building Codes for more information on state level codes.

Lawrence adopted the 2018 IRC, locally. 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 Lawrence ? No
Citation: § 5-307
Municipal Code https://assets.lawrenceks.org/city-code/chapter05.pdf#page=32
Comments:

TABLE R301.2(1) CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA

GROUND SNOW LOAD: 20 lbs.

WIND DESIGN: Speed – 115, Topographic Effects – No, Special Wind Region – No, Windborne Debris Zone – No

SEISMIC DESIGN CATEGORY: A

SUBJECT TO DAMAGE FROM: Weathering – Severe, Frost Line Depth 30", Termite – Moderate to Heavy

WINTER DESIGN TEMP: 4

ICE BARIER UNDERLAYMENT REQUIRED: No

FLOOD HAZARD: COL Code Chapter 20 Article 12

AIR FREEZING INDEX: 778

MEAN ANNUAL TEMP: 56.0

 

Government Officials

Comments

Lawrence, KS has adopted the 2018 IRC including appendices E, F, J, M, Q, R and S. Lawrence, KS Muni. Code § 5-304.

Section R313.2 of the 2018 International Residential Code is hereby amended to read as follows: R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system may be installed in one- and two-family dwellings. Exception: An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential sprinkler system.  Lawrence, KS Muni. Code § 5-309. 

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.

Lawrence, KS has adopted the 2018 IRC including appendix J. Lawrence, KS Muni. Code § 5-304.

Commercial Building Code

Lawrence adopted the 2018 IBC, locally. 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

For automatic sprinkler system information, see  Lawrence, KS Muni. Codes § 5-207, § 5-208 and § 5-209.

 

Existing Buildings

Lawrence, KS has adopted the 2018 IEBC. Lawrence, KS Muni. Codes § 5-901 (adoption) and § 5-903 (amendments).

Other Building Codes