The new 7th Edition 2020 Florida Building Code (FBC) will be adopted and become effective December 31, 2020. The following are a few changes you should be aware of that will go into effect at that time.
1. In accordance with FBC 110.3, all exterior wall coverings, siding, stucco and soffits will require permits and in-progress inspections. Soffit installations will need to be in accordance with FBC R704 or the manufacturer’s product approval. New construction permits will have the necessary inspections loaded on the inspection job cards and individual siding/stucco jobs will require a permit and inspections. New permit applications will be created and available at that time.
2. In accordance with FBC R803, roofing sheathing thickness and nailing will be based on the exposure category and wind speed stated in Tables R803.2.2 and R803.2.3.1. Consult with your design professional and see analysis at the link below.
3. In accordance with FBC-R905.1.1.1, Underlayment for asphalt shingles, metal roof shingles, mineral surfaced roll roofing, slate and slate-type shingles, and metal roof panels shall comply with the five methods outlined in the code. Consult your design professional and see analysis at the link below.
4. In accordance with FBC-R M1502.4.2, Dryer ducts shall not be joined with screws or similar fasteners. Where dryer exhaust ducts are enclosed in wall or ceiling cavities, such cavities shall allow the installation of the duct without deformation. (Example; a 4” dryer vent will not be allowed to be deformed to fit in a 2x4 wall cavity.)
5. The current pool permit application will be modified to remove an old pool design standard. Pool plans will be required to be signed and sealed by a design professional and should include the pool cage footer if it is a part of the pool permit.
For a complete list of changes and analysis visit the links below:
http://www.floridabuilding.org/fbc/Links_to_Code_Resources.html
https://floridabuilding.org/bc/bc_default.aspx
Please contact Daryl Dillow, Deputy Building Official, at Daryl.Dillow@CharlotteCountyFL.gov or 941.743.1249 if there are any questions.