IMC vs IRC Scope (Garage Related)

[filliat]

I would like to get some further opinions on the interpretation and application of the IRC vs IMC code for a residential detached garage.
I have discussed this briefly with the AHJ and am seeking further advice/guidance.
The project in question is a large (6 bays) detached garage at a single family residence. The garage shop is distinctly labeled "not for commercial use" and is under a residential permit.

My belief is that this garage would fall outside of the scope of the IMC according to IMC 2021 101.2 (exception). This would defer to the IRC codes which do not require any specific ventilation for garages. The back and forth is around the ventilation requirements of said garage.

Do you agree that this would fall under IRC and not require any specific ventilation requirements.

Thanks for your input!

 

[HVAC-Novice]

I have discussed this briefly with the AHJ and am seeking further advice/guidance.

Only what AHJ says matters. What we believe is meaningless.

The project in question is a large (6 bays) detached garage at a single family residence. The garage shop is distinctly labeled "not for commercial use" and is under a residential permit.

You should clarify what "shop" exactly means. What will the owner do in there besides storing cars? And will that just for themselves, or for others? What it is labelled as is meaningless if they end up doing other things. If they have a lift and other specialty shop equipment and start fixing someone else's cars, it is a commercial shop.

 

[filliat]

Only what AHJ says matters. What we believe is meaningless.


You should clarify what "shop" exactly means. What will the owner do in there besides storing cars? And will that just for themselves, or for others? What it is labelled as is meaningless if they end up doing other things. If they have a lift and other specialty shop equipment and start fixing someone else's cars, it is a commercial shop.

I disagree with your AHJ comment. At the end of the day they get the final say, however, that doesn't mean you can't have discussions/conversations about a particular topic with the officials. This is why I was asking if others agreed with my interpretation.

I used shop/garage interchangeably while talking, but in this instance this would be a traditional detached garage for vehicle storage. Nothing different than you would see at any other given house except this one has a few extra bays.

 

[HVAC-Novice]

I disagree with your AHJ comment. At the end of the day they get the final say, however, that doesn't mean you can't have discussions/conversations about a particular topic with the officials. This is why I was asking if others agreed with my interpretation.

I used shop/garage interchangeably while talking, but in this instance this would be a traditional detached garage for vehicle storage. Nothing different than you would see at any other given house except this one has a few extra bays.

I would use the terms the code uses and not interchange words. A garage and shop are different things and are treated differently in codes. I hope you communicated that clearly to AHJ. Their response likely was based only on the information you gave them. When I classify a space, I use exactly the term the tables in the applicable codes use.

We don't know what you told or showed them or what jurisdiction you are in and what codes and rules apply.

If you provide better information we can weigh in. But ultimately AHJ has the last word.