Residential Building Inspector Practice Exam

Which type of building does not fall under the purview of the International Residential Code?

1. Single-family home

2. Two-family dwelling

3. Townhouse

4. Apartment building

The correct answer is: Apartment building

The International Residential Code (IRC) primarily governs the construction and safety of residential buildings, specifically targeting single-family homes, two-family dwellings, and townhouses. These types of structures are addressed by the IRC because they typically involve a lower level of complexity and risk compared to larger residential buildings. Apartment buildings, however, do not fall under the scope of the IRC. Instead, they are usually subject to the International Building Code (IBC), which encompasses more complex residential structures that can accommodate multiple families. The IBC covers multi-family dwelling units in a more comprehensive manner, embracing a wider range of safety, zoning, and occupancy requirements due to the higher density and potential for risks associated with larger group living arrangements. In summary, the distinction is based on the scale and complexity of the buildings, with the IRC focusing on simpler residential types and the IBC addressing more complex apartment buildings and multi-family structures.