The purpose of the International Residential Code is to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health, and general welfare through which of the following?

The International Residential Code (IRC) is designed to ensure that residential buildings are constructed and maintained to provide adequate safety, health, and general welfare for the public. This encompasses a variety of critical factors.

Affordability is essential in ensuring that housing remains accessible to a broad segment of the population. The IRC takes affordability into consideration, encouraging practices that reduce costs without compromising essential safety standards.

Structural strength is a fundamental aspect of construction that the IRC mandates. Buildings must be designed to withstand various loads—such as weight from occupants, furniture, weather influences, and seismic activity—therefore ensuring stability and safety.

Means of egress refers to the requirement for buildings to have safe and accessible escape routes, which are fundamental in emergencies. The IRC includes stringent criteria to ensure that occupants can safely exit a structure, thus protecting lives in the event of a fire or other emergency situations.

By integrating these aspects—affordability, structural strength, and means of egress—into a unified code, the IRC thoroughly addresses the diverse elements necessary to promote and maintain public safety, health, and welfare. This comprehensive approach underscores the reason why the correct answer encompasses all three components.