1.2 General Administration: Definitions, Conventions, and Code Editions
Key Takeaways
The ICC 21 exam is offered on 2021 and 2024 code editions; both use ICC A117.1-2017 and the matching IBC and IEBC.
ICC writes exam questions from the first printing of each reference book, and only the approved references can be used to appeal a question.
A117.1-2017 applies larger 'new buildings and facilities' dimensions and keeps older dimensions for existing buildings, defined as those erected or permitted before the standard was adopted.
A117.1 Section 105.2 permits rounding down values less than one-half when ratios or percentages are calculated; 105.3 applies industry tolerances except where a requirement is a stated range.
A117.1 Section 104 allows alternative designs that provide equivalent or greater accessibility when approved by the administrative authority.
1.2 General Administration: Definitions, Conventions, and Code Editions
The General Administration subtopic (1% of the ICC 21 outline) asks you to determine compliance "while using proper terms and definitions within code provisions." Many wrong answers on this exam come from misreading a defined term rather than from forgetting a number.
Which Books, Which Editions
ICC's exam catalog lists exam 21 in two editions, and both use the same standard:
| Exam edition | Building code | Existing building code | Technical standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 IBC | 2021 IEBC | ICC A117.1-2017 |
| 2024 | 2024 IBC | 2024 IEBC | ICC A117.1-2017 |
The exam has 80 four-option multiple-choice questions, a 2.5-hour limit, and is open book. ICC states that exam questions are developed from the first printing of each code book and that only the approved reference list may be used as the basis for appealing a question. Bring the edition that matches your registration. Section numbers in this guide follow the 2021 and 2024 IBC, which share the same Chapter 11 section numbers (1101 to 1112); where subsection numbers differ, both are given.
How the Documents Fit Together
- IBC Chapter 11 scopes accessibility. Section 1102.1 requires compliance with "this code and ICC A117.1."
- IBC Chapter 10 contains the accessible means of egress provisions (Section 1009) and other "mainstreamed" items such as ramps (1012) and handrails (1014).
- IBC Chapter 9 contains visible alarm scoping (907.5.2.3).
- IEBC Section 306 scopes accessibility for repairs, alterations, additions and changes of occupancy.
- ICC A117.1 contains technical criteria. Section 102.2 says sites, facilities, buildings and elements required to be accessible "by the scoping provisions adopted by the administrative authority" comply with Chapters 3 to 10, and dwelling and sleeping units comply with Chapter 11. A117.1 does not decide how many elements are required; the IBC does.
A117.1 Chapter 1 Conventions
| Section | Rule | Exam use |
|---|---|---|
| 103 | Criteria are based on adult body sizes and, where noted, children | Children's provisions are optional alternatives where specifically stated |
| 104 | Alternative designs, products or technologies are allowed where they give equivalent or greater accessibility and the administrative authority approves | A designer may not self-certify equivalence |
| 105.1 | Specific criteria govern over general criteria | Toilet room door rules govern over general door rules |
| 105.2 | Where ratios or percentages are calculated, values less than one-half may be rounded down | 2.4 required spaces may round to 2; 2.5 must round up to 3 |
| 105.3 | Dimensions are subject to conventional industry tolerances, except where the requirement is a range with stated minimum and maximum end points | A grab bar height of 33 to 36 inches has no tolerance |
| 105.4 | Figures are informational only unless stated otherwise | The text governs when a figure seems to conflict |
| 105.5 | "Floor" means the finish floor or ground surface | Measure heights from finish surfaces |
| 105.6 | A reference to a section includes all its subsections | "Comply with 404" pulls in all of 404 |
| 106 | Referenced documents (ASME A17.1, ASME A18.1, NFPA 72, BHMA A156.10/A156.19, MUTCD and others) become part of the standard to the prescribed extent | Elevator and lift safety criteria live in ASME standards |
New Versus Existing in A117.1-2017
The 2017 edition introduced larger dimensions labelled "new buildings and facilities" and kept the earlier dimensions for "existing buildings and facilities." Section 107.5 defines an existing building as one erected before the date the standard was adopted, or one for which a legal building permit has been issued. Typical pairs:
| Element | New buildings | Existing buildings |
|---|---|---|
| Clear floor space | 30 x 52 in. | 30 x 48 in. |
| Circular turning space | 67 in. diameter | 60 in. diameter |
| Front approach, push side of a swinging door | 52 in. deep | 48 in. deep |
| Passenger loading zone access aisle | 67 in. wide | 60 in. wide |
| Point reductions in route width, separation | 52 in. segments | 48 in. segments |
When a question does not state otherwise, a "new" building uses the new-construction column. Additions are new construction.
Definitions That Change Answers
| Term | Key meaning |
|---|---|
| Accessible | Complies with A117.1 (A117.1 107.5); in the IBC, a site, building, facility or portion that complies with Chapter 11 |
| Accessible route | A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with Chapter 11 |
| Common use | Shared by two or more people but not for public use |
| Public use | Made available to the general public |
| Employee work area | Used only by employees and only for work; corridors, toilet rooms, kitchenettes and break rooms are not employee work areas |
| Circulation path | Exterior or interior way of passage, including walks, hallways, courtyards, elevators, platform lifts, ramps, stairways and landings |
| Ramp | A walking surface with a running slope steeper than 1:20 |
| Blended transition | A raised crossing, depressed corner or similar connection with a grade of 1:20 or less |
| Dwelling unit | Complete, independent living facilities including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation |
| Sleeping unit | A room in which people sleep that may include provisions for living, eating and either sanitation or kitchen facilities, but not both |
| Technically infeasible | An alteration with little likelihood of being accomplished because of structural conditions (a load-bearing member that is an essential part of the structural frame) or other existing physical or site constraints |
| Primary function | A major activity for which the facility is intended; mechanical rooms, boiler rooms, supply storage, employee lounges and locker rooms, janitorial closets, entrances, corridors and restrooms are not primary function areas |
| Wheelchair space / wheelchair space location | A space for one wheelchair and its occupant / a location containing one or more wheelchair spaces plus companion seating |
Administrative Authority
The building official enforces the adopted IBC and approves alternative methods and modifications under the administrative provisions of IBC Chapter 1. ADA and Fair Housing Act obligations exist separately under federal law; the IBC user note says the I-Codes are intended to meet or exceed those requirements, but a building permit does not certify federal compliance.
Exam Traps
- Reading a figure as if it were mandatory when the text says something different (105.4).
- Applying a tolerance to a stated range such as 17 to 19 in. seat height (105.3).
- Treating a staff break room as an employee work area.
- Using the 60-inch turning circle for a new building.
A scoping calculation produces 3.5 required accessible elements. Under ICC A117.1 Section 105.2, how many must be provided?
3, because all fractional values may be rounded down
4, because only values less than one-half may be rounded down
3.5, provided as three standard and one partial element
5, because percentages always round up to the next even number
A specification requires grab bars with the top of the gripping surface 33 inches minimum and 36 inches maximum above the floor. An installed bar measures 36 1/4 inches. How does A117.1 Section 105.3 treat this?
It complies because conventional industry tolerances apply to every dimension
It complies because a 1/4-inch construction tolerance is written into Section 609
It does not comply, because no tolerance applies to a stated minimum-maximum range
It does not comply because A117.1 prohibits all construction tolerances
Under ICC A117.1-2017, which building is treated as an existing building for purposes of the 'existing buildings and facilities' dimensions?
Any building more than 10 years old
One erected before the standard's adoption date, or with a legal permit issued by then
Any building undergoing an addition, including the new addition built under the current permit
Only buildings listed on a historic register
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.