D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-A106
Strike Chapter 1 of the International Building Code in its entirety and insert the following in its place to read as follows:
General. Submittal documents shall consist of construction documents (as specified in this Section 106 or as may be required by the code official), a statement of special inspections, a geotechnical report and other data. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by the Construction Codes. Where special conditions exist, the code official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by a registered design professional.
Where one or more submittal documents are required based on the permit(s) applied for, submittal documents shall be submitted with the permit application and shall include four sets, or an electronic submission, of drawings and one set of all other supporting documents unless otherwise specified below. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all submittal documents, the permit application and all other supporting documents shall be submitted electronically, based on the following schedule:
The code official is authorized to modify the requirements for submittal documents when the application for permit is for alteration or repair or when otherwise warranted.
Exception: The code official is authorized to accept and process permit applications without submissions of construction documents and other supporting data not required to be prepared by a registered design professional, where the code official finds that the nature of the work applied for is such that review of construction documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with the Construction Codes.
Architectural and Engineering Details. The code official shall require adequate details of structural, accessibility, fire protection, electrical, fuel gas, mechanical, plumbing, energy conservation, and green building provisions to be filed, including computations, stress diagrams, sound transmission details and other technical data essential to assess compliance with the Construction Codes, as further specified in this Section 106.
Shop Drawings. Before construction or installation of the elements and systems listed below, the code official is authorized to require submission of shop drawings bearing the review stamp of the engineer of record, and bearing the seal and signature of the registered design professional who designed the system. When required, four sets of shop drawings shall be submitted, or an electronic submission; provided, shop drawings shall be submitted electronically where the project is subject to the mandatory electronic submission requirements in Section 106.1.
Exception for Items 16, 17, and 19: When approved by the code official, shop drawings are not required to bear the seal and signature of the registered design professional who designed the system when the following conditions are met:
Means of Egress. The construction documents shall show in sufficient detail the location, construction, size and character of all portions of the means of egress, including the path of the exit discharge to the public way, in compliance with the provisions of the Construction Codes. In occupancies other than Group R-2, R-3 and I-1 occupancies, the construction documents shall designate the number of occupants to be accommodated on every floor and in all rooms and occupiable spaces.
Exterior Envelope. The construction documents for all buildings shall describe the exterior wall envelope, roof envelope and building thermal envelope in sufficient detail to determine compliance with the Construction Codes. The construction documents shall provide details of the exterior wall and roof envelope as required, including materials, flashing, intersections with dissimilar materials, corners, end details, control joints, intersections at roof, eaves or parapets, means of drainage, water-resistive membrane, details around openings, fire-resistive construction and fire-resistive protection of wall openings, wall cavities and intersections with floor assemblies, as applicable.
Structural Documents. Before a permit is issued and before work can begin, structural documents shall be submitted in accordance with Section 1603 of the Building Code, showing the complete design, with sizes, sections, and relative locations of various structural members, floor elevations, column, or bearing wall centers, and beam or joint sizes and spacings. Documents shall be drawn to scale large enough to convey the information adequately. The code official shall have the right to require that the structural computations for the structure be submitted for review.
Certification of Structural Design. When the structural plans have been prepared by a professional engineer registered in the District of Columbia, practicing in the field of structural engineering, the applicant shall have the option to submit with such plans a certificate, duly executed by such structural engineer on a form provided by the code official, that the structural portion of the plans complies with the structural requirements of the Construction Codes. The code official is authorized to accept the structural portions of the plans thus certified, at the code official's discretion. Each sheet of each set of plans certified under this section shall bear the seal and signature of the certifying engineer, under the following statement: "Structural plans certified as provided in Section 106.1.4.1 of the D.C. Construction Codes."
Non-Structural Review. The provisions of Section 106.1.4.1 shall not relieve the code official from determining that the design, erection or alteration of such building or other structure complies with other applicable requirements of the Construction Codes and other regulations.
Fire Protection Documents The applicant shall provide plans and schedules of sufficient detail showing the applicable features and characteristics of all fire protection systems components for any system required by the Construction Codes or otherwise proposed to be installed. The construction documents shall show the location and type of all fire alarm devices, fire alarm control equipment and panels, fire alarm primary and backup power sources. Construction plans containing fire protection systems data shall be drawn to a scale of not less than 1/8 inch to the foot (10 mm/m). The construction documents shall include sufficient information and detail to adequately describe the elements of any smoke control systems including equipment location and engineering needs as required by the Construction Codes. The construction documents shall show the standpipes and automatic sprinkler system infrastructure, including the location, size and type of risers, valves, flow and pressure sensors, Siamese connections, fire pump, jockey pump, pump controllers, pump test pipes and other appurtenances of the system, as applicable. The type of sprinkler system and areas and openings requiring special coverage shall be so noted on the construction documents. The construction documents shall show details of other fire suppression systems, including gaseous and kitchen hood systems. The construction documents shall show capacities and loads of the means of egress, maximum travel distances at every floor, remoteness between exits, fire resistance rating of structural members, floors and walls enclosing means of egress, rating of fire doors and fire dampers, fire stop penetration details at rated wall and floor assemblies, location and type of exit signs and emergency lighting. Construction documents for work in part of an existing building shall include a scoping document listing all floors of the building and the extent to which each floor is protected with an automatic fire suppression system.
Elevator and Other Conveying Systems Documents. The applicant shall provide plans and schedules of sufficient detail showing the applicable features and characteristics of all conveying systems components for any system required by the Construction Codes or otherwise proposed to be installed. These plans and schedules shall be drawn to a scale of not less than 1/8 inch to the foot (10 mm/m). The construction documents shall clearly show:
Electrical Documents. The applicant shall provide plans and schedules of sufficient detail and clarity showing the location and capacity of all lighting facilities, electrically operated equipment and electrical circuits required for all service equipment of the building or other structure. These plans and schedules shall be drawn to a scale of not less than 1/8 inch to the foot (10mm/m). All electrically controlled devices, including signal, communicating and lighting systems and associated wiring, wherever required under the provisions of the Construction Codes, shall be shown on the electrical plans for the following purposes:
Exemptions. Electrical plans shall not be required for the following:
Fuel Gas Documents. The applicant shall provide construction documents, engineering calculations, diagrams and other data, which shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the fuel gas work proposed and show in detail that the work conforms to the provisions of the Construction Codes. These documents shall be drawn to a scale of not less than 1/8 inch to the foot (10 mm/m). Construction documents shall indicate where penetrations will be made for installations and shall indicate fire stop penetration details at rated wall and floor assemblies.
Mechanical Documents. The applicant shall provide diagrammatic mechanical equipment or system and mechanical plans, which shall show the location and arrangement of the mechanical equipment, fuel systems, ductwork and appurtenances, including safety and pressure-controlling devices. The plans shall be drawn to a scale of not less than 1/8 inch to the foot (10 mm/m). The plans shall show in sufficient detail the relevant features and clearances of the appliances and systems, including: fire stop penetration details at rated wall and floor assemblies, and size and type of apparatus; construction of flue, stack or chimney; stack connections; type of fuel; method of operation; and the method of compliance with all the applicable regulations for the class and type of equipment installed.
Exemptions. Mechanical plans shall not be required for the following:
Plumbing Documents. The applicant shall provide plans of each floor and of a typical floor showing the complete plumbing system layout, all plumbing fixtures, total Drainage Fixture Unit (DFU) values, the water supply piping layout, together with building sections showing vertical and diagrammatic elevations of the soil, waste, vent and water supply lines with traps and valves, and the location and size of the public sewer or other disposal system. These plans shall be drawn to a scale of not less than 1/8 inch to the foot (10 mm/m). The plumbing plans shall show in sufficient detail: the layout and spacing of fixtures; the size, material and location of the building and storm sewers and drains; and the soil, waste, vent and water supply piping and the method or equipment proposed to prevent cross contamination, backflow and fire stop penetration details at rated wall and floor assemblies.
Public Sewer. Plans for new plumbing or alterations to existing plumbing systems shall be accompanied by a diagram showing the relative elevation of the lowest fixture and the top of the public sewer referred to in the established datum of DC Water. The plans shall show the size, number and location of all new sewer connections. A water and sewer Certificate of Approval issued by DC Water shall be provided with the plumbing plans for every project where DC Water is requested to furnish new water or sewer service connections.
Public Water Main. Where the installation of a water distribution system or the replacement or alteration of an existing water supply system is contemplated, the plumbing plans shall show the location and size of all water lines and branches involved all fixtures or other devices to be supplied, and the minimum water pressure in the main in front of the building or other structure. A water and sewer Certificate of Approval, issued by DC Water, shall be provided with the plumbing plans for every project where DC Water is requested to furnish new water or sewer service connections.
Exemptions. Plumbing plans shall not be required for the following:
Energy Conservation Documents. The applicant shall provide plans and schedules of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in sufficient detail pertinent data and features of the building and the equipment and systems as herein governed, including, but not limited to:
These plans and schedules shall be drawn to a scale of not less than 1/8 inch to the foot (10 mm/m) upon suitable material. The submittal documents and designs submitted under the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Energy Conservation Code shall be prepared by a registered design professional.
Exception: For residential buildings having a conditioned floor area of 5000 square feet (465 m2) or less, designs submitted under the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Energy Conservation Code shall be prepared by anyone having qualifications acceptable to the code official.
Deemed to Comply. Use of the appropriate REScheck and COMcheck tools, which are available online from the U.S. Department of Energy, are an acceptable method to comply with the residential and/or commercial requirements of the Energy Conservation Code.
Zoning Compliance Review Data. The applicant shall provide to the Zoning Division of the Department plans showing orientation of the property as to North, drawn to a scale indicated numerically as well as depicted graphically, and the following:
Zoning Data on Building Plat. For the purpose of zoning compliance review, the following data shall be provided on the building plat required by Section 106.1.12, as applicable, in addition to the information required by Section 106.1.12.1:
Official Building Plat. The applicant shall provide an official building plat issued by the D.C. Office of the Surveyor, in duplicate or by electronic submission, with applications for permit involving any of the following:
Plat Information. The applicant shall show upon the building plat, completely dimensioned and drawn in ink to the same scale as the plat, the outline of all buildings, additions, or other structures existing and to be constructed. The accuracy of the representation of the location of the structures on the plat shall be self-certified by the owner or authorized agent for the owner of the lot of record or parcel of land, who shall sign a certificate in a form prescribed by the code official, printed on the building plat.
Location of Water and Sewer Mains. When relevant to the scope of work, the permit applicant shall secure from DC Water the location and other necessary details regarding water and sewer mains to serve the premises to be permitted and shall submit this information with the permit application to the code official.
Green Building Documents. The applicant shall provide plans and supporting documents in sufficient detail and clarity to show compliance with the relevant green building construction practices as required by the Green Construction Code or an alternative compliance path selected pursuant to Section 101.4.9.4, and with any green building submittal requirements specified by the code official as set forth in the Department's Administrative Bulletins.
Site Plan. The applicant shall provide a site plan, whenever the application for permit involves any of the following:
The code official shall be authorized to establish minimum requirements for submittal of site plans and maximum overall size of plans acceptable for review. These limits shall also apply to zoning compliance review plans submitted pursuant to Section 106.1.12.
Site Plan Information. The applicant shall show upon the site plan, completely dimensioned and drawn to a scale indicated numerically and graphically, the site, its orientation to North and, as applicable: location of all existing and new construction on the site; distances from property lines; established street grades, proposed finished grades, features required to comply with 21 DCMR Chapter 5; location of utility service lines and connections thereto (with dimensions and all appurtenant features of such connections); and flood hazard areas, floodways and design flood elevations. For raze or demolition, the site plan shall identify the structures or portions thereof to be demolished and the location and size of all existing structures and construction that are to remain on the site.
Design Flood Elevations. Where design flood elevations are not specified, they shall be established in accordance with Section 1612.3.1 of the Building Code.
Examination of Documents. The code official shall examine or cause to be examined the submittal documents accompanying building permit applications, pursuant to Section 105.3.1.
Review by Other Agencies. Permit applicants shall be responsible for obtaining approvals from other reviewing agencies, including, but not limited to, the Historic Preservation Office and the District Department of the Environment. If deficiencies in the plans or other supporting documents are discovered during these reviews, the other reviewing agencies may give the applicant an opportunity to correct the deficiencies. Any restrictions or conditions imposed by other reviewing agencies may be annotated on the plans and shall be incorporated into and deemed a condition of the permit.
Special Inspections. Where special inspections are required by Chapter 17 of the Building Code, the owner shall name the individual or firms who are to perform such special inspections. The stages of construction at which special inspections are to occur shall be established by the Special Inspections Program Procedural Manual ("Special Inspections Program Procedural Manual") published by the Department (July 2012 edition, as may be amended from time to time by the Department). Special inspections shall be made in accordance with Section 109.3.13 and Chapter 17 of the Building Code.
Building Permit Requirement. The special inspection requirement of Section 106.3.1 shall be determined prior to the issuance of the building permit and shall be a requisite for the permit issuance as described in Section 1704.1. A statement of special inspections, completed by the registered design professional in charge, shall accompany each application where special inspections are required.
Amended Submittal Documents. All work shall conform to the approved application and plans for which the permit has been issued and any approved amendments to them. Any changes made during construction which deviate substantively from the approved plans shall be resubmitted for approval, in accordance with Section 105.3.3.
Department Records. The code official shall keep official records of applications received, permits and certificates issued, fees collected, reports of inspections, and notices and orders issued. Such records, including one set of approved submittal documents, shall be retained in the official records so long as the building or other structure to which they relate remains in existence, unless otherwise provided for by statute, rule or regulation.
Form of Covenants and Agreements. All covenants and agreements required by the Construction Codes or drafted in connection therewith shall require approval as to form and legal sufficiency by the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia (OAG). A copy of such covenant or agreement as approved by OAG shall be filed and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds by and at the expense of the owner before issuance of any related permits or certificates of occupancy, and one copy of the covenant or agreement, duly noted, shall be filed with the code official. The owner will cause any lien or interest, recorded prior to the covenant, to be subordinated to the covenant.
Vault Agreement. Before issuance of a permit for the use or construction of a vault in public space, the owner of the abutting private property shall execute an agreement, in the form prescribed by the District, acknowledging for the owner and owner's heirs and assigns that:
Covenants for Openings on Property Lines. A covenant running with the land, in a form prescribed by the District of Columbia, shall be required before issuance of a final certificate of occupancy for the building where openings in exterior walls closer than 5 feet (1524 mm) from interior lot lines are allowed pursuant to Sections 705.8.7 through 705.8.7.7.
The covenant shall ensure that compliance with the minimum requirements of those sections will be maintained for as long as the building shall exist, and shall ensure that responsibility for the maintenance of those conditions will be conveyed to any future owner of the building.
Covenants for Private Fire Hydrants. No permit or related plan that authorized installation of a private fire hydrant shall be approved without an agreement in the form prescribed by the District of Columbia and recorded in the land records of the District of Columbia, establishing the entity or person, and successors thereof, responsible for maintenance, repair and replacement of the private fire hydrant in perpetuity.
Covenants for Modifications of Projection Requirements. No permit or related plan shall be approved for a modification of projection requirements pursuant to Section 3202.4 without an agreement in the form prescribed by the District of Columbia and recorded in the land records of the District of Columbia establishing, by covenant running with the land for such period as the projection shall exist, such limitations and conditions as shall be imposed by the code official, which shall include but not be limited to agreement to save harmless the District of Columbia, its officers and agents, from liability by virtue of the grant of authority to construct said projection, and agreement to landscape or otherwise treat, to the satisfaction of the code official, and thereafter to maintain the area upon which the covenanter has forborne to build.
Covenants for Green Building Act Binding Pledge. Where the applicant has elected to submit a binding pledge as provided in Section 302.6.2.4 of the Green Construction Code as security for compliance with the provisions of Section 302.3.2 or Section 302.3.3 of the Green Construction Code, the applicant shall present to the code official a certified copy of the binding pledge, in a form approved by the Office of the Attorney General, evidencing due recordation of the binding pledge among the land records of the Office of the Recorder of Deeds of the District of Columbia at no cost to the District of Columbia. The certified copy of the binding pledge shall be presented prior to the issuance of the first certificate of occupancy in a story above grade plane in the project. The owner will cause any lien or interest, recorded prior to the recording of the binding pledge, to be subordinated to the binding pledge.
Covenants for Water or Sewer Utility Service. A covenant shall be required before a permit shall be issued to install water or sewer utility services to a lot from an adjacent lot, or to extend such services to a lot or premises from a building, as approved pursuant to Section 301.3.1 of the Plumbing Code.
Master Service or Master Meter Covenants for Master Service or Master Metering. No covenant in connection with Articles 230.2 and 230.3 of the Electrical Code shall be approved in order to provide master service to more than one building on a single lot, or to buildings on different lots in the same square, unless in accordance with Section 106.6. Such covenant shall be required prior to issuance of a permit.
Covenants for Stormwater Management. A covenant running with the land and each applicable easement shall be required before a permit is issued for a major land-disturbing activity or a major substantial improvement activity (as defined by 21 DCMR Chapter 5) regulated by 21 DCMR Chapter 5.
SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 61 DCR 2782 (March 28, 2014 - Part 2).
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 12, r. 12-A106