What is the maximum number of stories allowed for buildings covered under the IRC?

The International Residential Code (IRC) permits residential buildings to have a maximum of three stories. This limit is established to ensure safety and livability, as the code integrates various requirements related to structural integrity, fire safety, and accessibility.

Having three stories allows for a balanced approach to residential design, accommodating different living arrangements while still addressing practicality in construction methods and materials. Buildings over this number of stories typically fall under different codes, such as those governing commercial structures, which have more stringent requirements due to heightened safety concerns.

The limit in the IRC serves to streamline regulations and ensure compliance across the broad spectrum of residential buildings, promoting a consistent standard for safety and resilience within the community.