Rep. Norm Thurston — Voting Record

Bill

Number

H.B. 175 (2025GS)

Sponsor

Rep. Ward, Raymond P.

Final action

Governor Signed 3/19/2025

Outcome

Became law — signed by Gov. Spencer J. Cox

Summary

What it does

• This bill:
• amends adopted language from Section R101.2 of the International Residential Code to include three- and four-family dwellings.

Every vote on this bill

Bill text

3
15A-3-202
Housing Construction Amendments
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Raymond P. Ward
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This bill modifies the state construction code related to housing. 
Highlighted Provisions:
This bill:
amends adopted language from Section R101.2 of the International Residential Code to 
include three- and four-family dwellings.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Utah Code Sections Affected:
AMENDS:
15A-3-202
, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2024, Chapter 505
Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
Section 1, Section 
15A-3-202
 is amended to read:
15A-3-202. Amendments to Chapters 1 through 5 of IRC.
(1)
In IRC, Section R101.2, Exception, the words "where provided with an automatic 
sprinkler system complying with Section P2904" are deleted.
(2)
In IRC, Section R101.2, the words "one- and two-family dwellings" are deleted and 
replaced with "one-, two-, three-, and four-family dwellings".
(2)
(3)
In IRC, Section R102, a new Section R102.7.2 is added as follows: "R102.7.2 
Physical change for bedroom window egress. A structure whose egress window in an 
existing bedroom is smaller than required by this code, and that complied with the 
construction code in effect at the time that the bedroom was finished, is not required to 
undergo a physical change to conform to this code if the change would compromise the 
structural integrity of the structure or could not be completed in accordance with other 
applicable requirements of this code, including setback and window well requirements."
(3)
(4)
In IRC Section R105.2, under Building, the following changes are made:
(a)
Number 3 is deleted and replaced with the following: "3. Retaining walls retaining 
less than 4 feet (1219mm) of unbalanced fill, unless supporting a surcharge or 
requiring design per Section R404.4."
(b)
Number 10 is deleted and replaced with the following: "10. Decks that are not more 
than 30 inches (762mm) above grade at any point and not requiring guardrails, that 
do not serve exit door required by Section R311.4."
(4)
(5)
In IRC, Section R105.2, a new exception is added: "11. Grade level, non-connected 
conex boxes, less than 350 square feet, used for storage only."
(5)
(6)
In IRC, Section R108.3, the following sentence is added at the end of the section: 
"The building official shall not request proprietary information."
(6)
(7)
IRC, Section 109.1.5, is deleted and replaced with the following: "R109.1.5 Other 
inspections. In addition to the inspections listed in R109.1.1 through R109.1.4, the 
building official shall have the authority to inspect the proper installation of insulation. 
R109.1.5.1 Weather-resistant exterior wall envelope inspections. An inspection shall be 
made of the weather-resistant exterior wall envelope as required by Section R703.1 and 
flashings as required by Section R703.4 to prevent water from entering the 
weather-resistive barrier.R109.1.5.2 Fire-resistance-rated construction inspection. Where 
fire-resistance-rated construction is required between dwelling units or due to location 
on property, the building official shall require an inspection of such construction after 
lathing or gypsum board or gypsum panel products are in place, but before any plaster is 
applied, or before board or panel joints and fasteners are taped and finished."
(7)
(8)
In IRC, Section R202, the following definition is added: "ACCESSORY 
DWELLING UNIT: A habitable living unit created within the existing footprint of a 
primary owner-occupied single-family dwelling."
(8)
(9)
In IRC, Section R202, the definition for "Approved" is modified by adding the 
words "or independent third-party licensed engineer or architect and submitted to the 
building official" after the word "official."
(9)
(10)
In IRC, Section R202, the definition for "Approved Agency" is modified by 
replacing the word "and" with "or."
(10)
(11)
In IRC, Section 202, the definition for "Approved Source" is modified by adding 
the words "or licensed engineer or architect" after the word "official."
(11)
(12)
In IRC, Section R202, the following definition is added: "CERTIFIED 
BACKFLOW PREVENTER ASSEMBLY TESTER: A person who has shown 
competence to test Backflow prevention assemblies to the satisfaction of the authority 
having jurisdiction under Utah Code, Subsection 
19-4-104
(4)."
(12)
(13)
In IRC, Section R202, the definition of "Cross Connection" is deleted and 
replaced with the following: "CROSS CONNECTION. Any physical connection or 
potential connection or arrangement between two otherwise separate piping systems, 
one of which contains potable water and the other either water of unknown or 
questionable safety or steam, gas, or chemical, whereby there exists the possibility for 
flow from one system to the other, with the direction of flow depending on the pressure 
differential between the two systems (see "Backflow, Water Distribution")."
(13)
(14)
In IRC, Section 202, the following definition is added: "DUAL SOURCE 
CONNECTION. A pipe that is installed so that either the nonpotable (i.e. secondary) 
irrigation water or the potable water is connected to a pressurized irrigation system at 
one time, but not both at the same time; or a pipe that is installed so that either the 
potable water or private well water is connected to a residence at one time, but not both 
at the same time. The potable water supply line shall be protected by a reduced pressure 
backflow preventer."
(14)
(15)
In IRC, Section 202, the following definition is added: "ENERGY STORAGE 
SYSTEM (ESS). One or more devices, assembled together, that are capable of storing 
energy for supplying electrical energy at a future time."
(15)
(16)
In IRC, Section 202, in the definition for gray water a comma is inserted after the 
word "washers"; the word "and" is deleted; and the following is added to the end: "and 
clear water wastes which have a pH of 6.0 to 9.0; are non-flammable; non-combustible; 
without objectionable odors; non-highly pigmented; and will not interfere with the 
operation of the sewer treatment facility."
(16)
(17)
In IRC, Section R202, the definition of "Potable Water" is deleted and replaced 
with the following: "POTABLE WATER. Water free from impurities present in 
amounts sufficient to cause disease or harmful physiological effects and conforming to 
the Utah Code, Title 19, Chapter 4, Safe Drinking Water Act, and Title 19, Chapter 5, 
Water Quality Act, and the regulations of the public health authority having jurisdiction."
(17)
(18)
IRC, Figure R301.2 (3), is deleted and replaced with R301.2 (3) as follows:
"TABLE R301.2 (3)
GROUND SNOW LOADS FOR SELECTED LOCATIONS IN UTAH
City/Town
County
Ground Snow Load (lb/ft2)
Elevation (ft)
Beaver
Beaver
35
5886
Brigham City
Box Elder
42
4423
Castle Dale
Emery
32
5669
Coalville
Summit
57
5581
Duchesne
Duchesne
39
5508
Farmington
Davis
35
4318
Fillmore
Millard
30
5138
Heber City
Wasatch
60
5604
Junction
Piute
27
6030
Kanab
Kane
25
4964
Loa
Wayne
37
7060
Logan
Cache
43
4531
Manila
Daggett
26
6368
Manti
Sanpete
37
5620
Moab
Grand
21
4029
Monticello
San Juan
67
7064
Morgan
Morgan
52
5062
Nephi
Juab
39
5131
Ogden
Weber
37
4334
Panguitch
Garfield
41
6630
Parowan
Iron
32
6007
Price
Carbon
31
5558
Provo
Utah
31
4541
Randolph
Rich
50
6286
Richfield
Sevier
27
5338
St. George
Washington
21
2585
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake
28
4239
Tooele
Tooele
35
5029
Vernal
Uintah
39
5384
Note: To convert lb/ft2 to kN/m2, multiply by 0.0479. To convert feet to meters, multiply by 0.3048.1. Statutory requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction are not included in this state ground snow load table.
2. For locations where there is substantial change in altitude over the city/town, the load applies at and below the cited elevation, with a tolerance of 100 ft (30 m).
3. For other locations in Utah, see Bean, B., Maguire, M., Sun, Y. (2018), "The Utah Snow Load Study," Utah State University Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications, Paper 3589, http://utahsnowload.usu.edu/, for ground snow load values."
(18)
(19)
IRC, Section R301.6, is deleted and replaced with the following: "R301.6 Utah 
Snow Loads. The snow loads specified in Table R301.2(5b) shall be used for the 
jurisdictions identified in that table. Otherwise, for other locations in Utah, see Bean, 
B., Maguire, M., Sun, Y. (2018), "The Utah Snow Load Study," Utah State University 
Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications, Paper 3589, 
http://utahsnowload.usu.edu/, for ground snow load values."
(19)
(20)
In IRC, Section R302.2, the following sentence is added at the end of the 
paragraph: "When an access/maintenance agreement or easement is in place, plumbing, 
mechanical ducting, schedule 40 steel gas pipe, and electric service conductors including 
feeders, are permitted to penetrate the common wall at grade, above grade, or below 
grade."
(20)
(21)
In IRC, Section R302.3, a new exception 3 is added as follows: "3. Accessory 
dwelling units separated by walls or floor assemblies protected by not less than 1/2-inch 
(12.7 mm) gypsum board or equivalent on each side of the wall or bottom of the floor 
assembly are exempt from the requirements of this section."
(21)
(22)
In IRC, Section R302.5.1, the last sentence is deleted.
(22)
(23)
IRC, Section R302.13, is deleted.
(23)
(24)
In IRC, Section R303.4, the following exception is added: "Exception: Dwelling 
units tested in accordance with Section N1102.4.1.2 (R402.4.1.2) which has an air 
tightness of 3.0 ACH (50) or greater do not require mechanical ventilation."
(24)
(25)
In IRC, Section R310.1, all words in the last sentence after "or to a yard or 
court", are deleted, and Exception 3 of this section is deleted.
(25)
(26)
In IRC, Section R310.7, in the exception, the words "or accessory dwelling 
units" are added after the words "sleeping rooms".
(26)
(27)
IRC, Sections R311.7.45 through R311.7.5.3, are deleted and replaced with the 
following: "R311.7.45.1 Stair treads and risers. R311.7.5.1 Riser height. The maximum riser 
height shall be 8 inches (203 mm). The riser shall be measured vertically between leading 
edges of the adjacent treads. The greatest riser height within any flight of stairs shall not 
exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
R311.7.5.2 Tread depth. The minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches (228 mm). The 
tread depth shall be measured horizontally between the vertical planes of the foremost 
projection of adjacent treads and at a right angle to the tread's leading edge. The greatest tread 
depth within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). 
Winder treads shall have a minimum tread depth of 10 inches (254 mm) measured as above at 
a point 12 inches (305 mm) from the side where the treads are narrower. Winder treads shall 
have a minimum tread depth of 6 inches (152 mm) at any point. Within any flight of stairs, the 
greatest winder tread depth at the 12-inch (305 mm) walk line shall not exceed the smallest by 
more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm).
R311.7.5.3 Nosing. The radius of curvature at the leading edge of the tread shall be no 
greater than 9/16 inch (14.3 mm). A nosing not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) but not more than 
1 1/4 inches (32 mm) shall be provided on stairways with solid risers. The greatest nosing 
projection shall not exceed the smallest nosing projection by more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) 
between two stories, including the nosing at the level of floors and landings. Beveling of 
nosing shall not exceed 1/2 inch (12.7 mm). Risers shall be vertical or sloped from the 
underside of the leading edge of the tread above at an angle not more than 30 degrees (0.51 
rad) from the vertical. Open risers are permitted, provided that the opening between treads 
does not permit the passage of a 4-inch diameter (102 mm) sphere.
Exceptions.
1. A nosing is not required where the tread depth is a minimum of 10 inches (254 mm).
2. The opening between adjacent treads is not limited on stairs with a total rise of 30 
inches (762 mm) or less."
(27)
(28)
IRC, Section R312.2, is deleted.
(28)
(29)
IRC, Sections R313.1 through R313.2.1, are deleted and replaced with the 
following: "R313.1 Design and installation. When installed, automatic residential fire 
sprinkler systems for townhouses or one- and two-family dwellings shall be designed 
and installed in accordance with Section P2904 or NFPA 13D."
(29)
(30)
In IRC, Section R314.2.2, the words "accessory dwelling units," are added after 
the words "Where alterations, repairs."
(30)
(31)
In IRC, Section R315.2.2, the words "accessory dwelling units," are added after 
the words "Where alterations, repairs."
(31)
(32)
In IRC, Section 315.3, the following words are added to the first sentence after 
the word "installed": "on each level of the dwelling unit and."
(32)
(33)
A new IRC, Section R328.12, is added as follows:
"R328.12 Signage. A sign located on the exterior of the dwelling shall be installed at a 
location approved by the authority having jurisdiction which identifies the battery chemistry 
included in the ESS. This sign shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment 
involved and shall not be handwritten."
(33)
(34)
In IRC, Section 403.1.3.5.3, an exception is added as follows: "Exception: 
Vertical steel in footings shall be permitted to be located while concrete is still plastic 
and before it has set. Where vertical steel resists placement or the consolidation of 
concrete around steel is impeded, the concrete shall be vibrated to ensure full contact 
between the vertical steel and concrete."
(34)
(35)
In IRC, Section R403.1.6, a new Exception 3 is added as follows: "3. When 
anchor bolt spacing does not exceed 32 inches (813 mm) apart, anchor bolts may be 
placed with a minimum of two bolts per plate section located not less than 4 inches (102 
mm) from each end of each plate section at interior bearing walls, interior braced wall 
lines, and at all exterior walls."
(35)
(36)
In IRC, Section R403.1.6.1, a new exception is added at the end of Item 2 and 
Item 3 as follows: "Exception: When anchor bolt spacing does not exceed 32 inches 
(816 mm) apart, anchor bolts may be placed with a minimum of two bolts per plate 
section located not less than 4 inches (102 mm) from each end of each plate section at 
interior bearing walls, interior braced wall lines, and at all exterior walls."
(36)
(37)
In IRC, Section R404.1, a new exception is added as follows: "Exception: As an 
alternative to complying with Sections R404.1 through R404.1.5.3, concrete and 
masonry foundation walls may be designed in accordance with IBC Sections 1807.1.5 
and 1807.1.6 as amended in Section 1807.1.6.4 and Table 1807.1.6.4 under these rules."
(37)
(38)
In IRC, Section R405.1, a second exception is added as follows: "Exception: 
When a geotechnical report has been provided for the property, a drainage system is not 
required unless the drainage system is required as a condition of the geotechnical report. 
The geotechnical report shall make a recommendation regarding a drainage system."
(38)
(39)
In IRC, Section R506.2.3, the words "10-mil (0.010 inch; 0.25 mm)" are deleted 
and replaced with "6-mil (0.006 inch; 0.152 mm)" and the words "conforming to ASTM 
E1745 Class A requirements" are deleted.
Section 2. 
Effective Date.
This bill takes effect on 
May 7, 2025
.
1-10-25 3:26 PM