FAQ. (Frequently Asked Questions) What is required to convert my unfinished basement to finished space?

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1 NEW CASTLE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF LAND USE FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) What is required to convert my unfinished basement to finished space? 1. To convert an unfinished basement to finished space, at least one emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door must be included in all required submissions for permits. Additional means of egress may be needed in applications including sleeping rooms, as per requirements of the 2015 International Residential Code, Section R To paint existing block or concrete walls and install carpeting, no permit is required. 3. When new walls or partitions are framed (including perimeter walls), a permit will be required. The drawings to be submitted must include a typical wall section depicting framing, any vapor barrier, insulation, and final finishes. Any ceiling finishes must also be noted. 4. The drawings must show all existing and proposed mechanical systems and clearances from the systems. A Mechanical Permit will be required for any changes to the HVAC system. The FAQ series only summarizes or highlights portions of the New Castle County Code. In all applications, the New Castle County Code must be consulted. The language in the Code prevails over the FAQ. 9/1/2017 Amended 01/05/05, 12/17/08, 12/7/ Reads Way, New Castle, DE

2 New Castle County 1673 D elaware NEW CASTLE COUNTY Finished Basement DEPARTMENT OF LAND USE REV 04/28/17 87 READS WAY, NEW CASTLE, DE PHONE: EXISTING FLOOR JOISTS FIREBLOCKING MATERIALS MEETING R & R602.8 OVER ALL PERIMETER WALLS SMOKE ALARMS With Bedroom. If the renovation includes a new bedroom(s), a hard-wired interconnected smoke detector is required in each new sleeping room and outside of each new sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. In addition, battery operated detectors are required in all locations required by the IRC. Without Bedroom. If the addition does NOT include a new bedroom, a hard-wired smoke detector is required in the new addition unless the existing home has a hard-wired smoke detector on the same level. In addition, battery operated detectors are required in all other locations required by the IRC. EGRESS Every basement bedroom or basements with habitable space shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue window or exterior door opening for emergency escape and rescue (R310). Stairways serving bulkhead enclosures, not part of the required building egress, providing access from the outside grade level to the basement shall be exempt from the requirements of Sections R311.3 and R311.7 where the height from the basement finished floor level to grade adjacent to the stairway is not more than 8 feet (2438 mm) and the grade level opening to the stairway is covered by a bulkhead enclosure with hinged doors or other approved means. (R ) EXISTING FOUNDATION SILL PLATE EXISTING FOUNDATION WALL EXISTING FLOOR JOISTS 1/2" GYPSUM BOARD - OPTIONAL WOOD TOP PLATE OR STEEL TRACK DROP CEILING - OPTIONAL 1" MIN. AIR GAP BETWEEN EXISTING FOUNDATION WALL AND NEW FRAMING R-13 BATT or R-10 CONT. INSULATION - if exterior wall is wood framed provide R-20 batt or R-13 batt + R-5 cont. insulation. * Beams, girders, ducts or other obstructions may project to within 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) of the finished floor VAPOR BARRIER (OPTIONAL) WOOD or STEEL STUDS WALL COVERING PRESSURE TREATED SOLE PLATE (R317) or GALVANIZED STEEL STUD TRACK (R ) 6'-8" MIN.* (R ) EXISTING CONCRETE FLOOR & 2015 International Fuel Gas Code [*] Denotes NCC Chapter 6 Amendments Page 1 of 2 WOOD WALL FRAMING R Interior nonbearing walls. Interior nonbearing walls shall be permitted to be constructed with 2 inch by 3 inch (51 mm by 76 mm) studs spaced 24 inches (610 mm) on center or, when not part of a braced wall line, 2 inch by 4 inch (51 mm by 102 mm) flat studs spaced at 16 inches (406 mm) on center. Interior nonbearing walls shall be capped with at least a single top plate. Interior nonbearing walls shall be fireblocked in accordance with Section R R Headers in nonbearing walls. Load-bearing headers are not required in interior or exterior nonbearing walls. A single flat 2-inch by 4-inch (51 mm by 102 mm) member may be used as a header in interior or exterior nonbearing walls for openings up to 8 feet (2438 mm) in width if the vertical distance to the parallel nailing surface above is not more than 24 inches (610 mm). For such nonbearing headers, no cripples or blocking are required above the header.

3 FIREBLOCKING R Fireblocking. In combustible construction, fireblocking shall be provided to cut off all concealed draft openings (both vertical and horizontal) and to form an effective fire barrier between stories, and between a top story and the roof space. Fireblocking shall be provided in wood-frame construction in the following locations: 1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, including furred spaces and parallel rows of studs or staggered studs; as follows: 1.1. Vertically at the ceiling and floor levels Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3048 mm). 2. At all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings and cove ceilings. 3. In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom of the run. Enclosed spaces under stairs shall comply with Section R At openings around vents, pipes, ducts, cables and wires at ceiling and floor level, with an approved material to resist the free passage of flame and products of combustion. The material filling this annular space shall not be required to meet the ASTM E 136 requirements. 5. For the fireblocking of chimneys and fireplaces, see Section R Fireblocking of cornices of a two-family dwelling is required at the line of dwelling unit separation. R Fireblocking materials. Except as provided in Section R302.11, Item 4, fireblocking shall consist of the following materials: 1. Two-inch (51 mm) nominal lumber. 2. Two thicknesses of 1-inch (25.4 mm) nominal lumber with broken lap joints. 3. One thickness of 23/32-inch (18.3 mm) wood structural panels with joints backed by 23/32-inch (18.3 mm) wood structural panels. 4. One thickness of 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) particleboard with joints backed by 3/4-inch (19.1 mm) particleboard. 5. One-half-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board. 6. One-quarter-inch (6.4 mm) cement-based millboard. 7. Batts or blankets of mineral wool or glass fiber or other approved materials installed in such a manner as to be securely retained in place. 8. Cellulose insulation installed as tested for the specific application. LIGHT, VENTILATION AND HEATING R303.9 Required heating. When the winter design temperature in Table R301.2(1) is below 60 F (16 C), every dwelling unit shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68 F (20 C) at a point 3 feet (914 mm) above the floor and 2 feet (610 mm) from exterior walls in all habitable rooms at the design temperature. The installation of one or more portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance with this section. FUEL-BURNING APPLIANCES IN CONFINED SPACE Combining spaces on the same story. Each opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 square inch per 1,000 Btu/h (2,200 mm²/kw) of the total input rating of all appliances in the space, but not less than 100 square inches (0.06 m²). One opening shall commence within 12 inches (305 mm) of the top and one opening shall commence within 12 inches (305 mm) of the bottom of the enclosure. The minimum dimension of air openings shall be not less than 3 inches (76 mm). ( ) CEILING HEIGHT R305.1 Minimum height. Habitable space, hallways, bathrooms, toilet rooms and laundry rooms [*] shall have a ceiling height of not less than 7 feet (2134 mm). 1. For rooms with sloped ceilings, at least 50 percent of the required floor area of the room must have a ceiling height of at least 7 feet (2134 mm) and no portion of the required floor area may have a ceiling height of less than 5 feet (1524 mm). 2. Bathrooms shall have a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) at the center of the front clearance area for fixtures as shown in Figure R The ceiling height above fixtures shall be such that the fixture is capable of being used for its intended purpose. A shower or tub equipped with a showerhead shall have a minimum ceiling height of 6 feet 8 inches (2032 mm) above a minimum area 30 inches (762 mm) by 30 inches (762 mm) at the showerhead. R Basements. [*] basements that [*] contain habitable space, hallways, bathrooms, toilet rooms and laundry rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than 6 feet 8 inches (2032mm). Exception: Beams, girders, ducts or other obstructions may project to within 6 feet 4 inches (1931 mm) of the finished floor. R Batts of blankets of mineral or glass fiber. Batts or blankets of mineral or glass fiber or other approved nonrigid materials shall be permitted for compliance with the 10 foot (3048 mm) horizontal fireblocking in walls constructed using parallel rows of studs or staggered studs. R Unfaced fiberglass. Unfaced fiberglass batt insulation used as fireblocking shall fill the entire cross section of the wall cavity to a minimum height of 16 inches (406 mm) measured vertically. When piping, conduit or similar obstructions are encountered, the insulation shall be packed tightly around the obstruction. R Loose-fill insulation material. Loose-fill insulation material shall not be used as a fire block unless specifically tested in the form and manner intended for use to demonstrate its ability to remain in place and to retard the spread of fire and hot gases. & 2015 International Fuel Gas Code [*] Denotes NCC Chapter 6 Amendments Page 2 of 2

4 NEW CASTLE COUNTY Smoke Alarm Policy DEPARTMENT OF LAND USE REV 08/02/ READS WAY, NEW CASTLE, DE PHONE: New Castle County has developed a policy for installation of smoke alarms when additions or renovations to residences are performed. The policy strives to ensure safety compliance, while not creating an onerous burden on contractors and homeowners. Policy provisions state: *Power to hard-wired alarms shall come from a dedicated circuit OR the unswitched** portion of a branch circuit. **Unswitched means that the operation of a switch or ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFIC) shall not cause the power to be shut off. NEW HOMES. All new home construction must meet the provisions of the 2015 IRC Section R314 exactly. (SEE REVERSE SIDE) RESIDENTIAL ADDITIONS. With New Bedroom. If the addition includes a new bedroom(s), a hard wired* interconnected smoke alarm is required in each new sleeping room and outside of each new sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. In addition, battery operated alarms are required in all other locations required by the IRC. Without New Bedroom. If the addition does NOT include a new bedroom, a hard-wired* smoke alarm is recommended in the new addition unless the existing home has a hardwired smoke alarm on the same level. In addition, battery operated alarms are required in all other locations required by the IRC. RENOVATIONS. Minor renovations: The installation of battery-operated smoke alarms is required in all locations required by the IRC. Major renovations: The installation of hardwired* interconnected smoke alarms is required, as specified in the IRC for a new single-family dwelling. LIVING SPACE IN BASEMENT. Basement living space requires the installation of a hard-wired* smoke alarm on that level and battery operated smoke alarms in all other locations required by the IRC. For bedrooms in basement, see Residential Additions - With New Bedroom. DECKS & EXTERIOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS. These exterior only projects do not invoke smoke alarm requirements. REQUIRED SMOKE ALARM LOCATIONS (per 2015 IRC R314) Single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations: 1. In each sleeping room. 2. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. 3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and cellars, but not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. [*] Denotes NCC Chapter 6 Amendments Page 1 of 2 Rev

5 SECTION R314 SMOKE ALARMS R314.1 General. Smoke alarms shall comply with NFPA 72 and Section R314. R Listings. Smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 217. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 217 and UL R314.2 Where required. Smoke alarms shall be provided in accordance with this section. R New construction. Smoke alarms shall be provided in dwelling units. R Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with smoke alarms located as required for new dwellings. 1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, are exempt from the requirements of this section. 2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section. 3. [*Minor interior renovations to dwellings require the installation of battery operated smoke alarms as required by the International Residential Code.*] R314.3 Location. Smoke alarms shall be installed in the following locations: 1. In each sleeping room. 2. Outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. 3. On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements and habitable attics and not including crawl spaces and uninhabitable attics. In dwellings or dwelling units with split levels and without an intervening door between the adjacent levels, a smoke alarm installed on the upper level shall suffice for the adjacent lower level provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level. 4. Smoke alarms shall be installed not less than 3 feet (914 mm) horizontally from the door or opening of a bathroom that contains a bathtub or shower unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm required by Section R R Installation near cooking appliances. Smoke alarms shall not be installed in the following locations unless this would prevent placement of a smoke alarm in a location required by Section R Ionization smoke alarms shall not be installed less than 20 feet (6096 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance. 2. Ionization smoke alarms with an alarm-silencing switch shall not be installed less than 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance. 3. Photoelectric smoke alarms shall not be installed less than 6 feet (1828 mm) horizontally from a permanently installed cooking appliance. R314.4 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual dwelling unit in accordance with Section R314.3, the alarm devices shall be interconnected in such a manner that the actuation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual dwelling unit. Physical interconnection of smoke alarms shall not be required where listed wireless alarms are installed and all alarms sound upon activation of one alarm. Exception: Interconnection of smoke alarms in existing areas shall not be required where alterations or repairs do not result in removal of interior wall or ceiling finishes exposing the structure, unless there is an attic, crawl space or basement available that could provide access for interconnection without the removal of interior finishes. R314.5 Combination alarms. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms shall be permitted to be used in lieu of smoke alarms. R314.6 Power source. Smoke alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and, where primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. 1. Smoke alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated where installed in buildings without commercial power. 2. Smoke alarms installed in accordance with Section R shall be permitted to be battery powered. R314.7 Fire alarm systems. Fire alarm systems shall be permitted to be used in lieu of smoke alarms and shall comply with Sections R through R R General. Fire alarm systems shall comply with the provisions of this code and the household fire warning equipment provisions of NFPA 72. Smoke detectors shall be listed in accordance with UL 268. R Location. Smoke detectors shall be installed in the locations specified in Section R R Permanent fixture. Where a household fire alarm system is installed, it shall become a permanent fixture of the occupancy, owned by the homeowner. R Combination detectors. Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors shall be permitted to be installed in fire alarm systems in lieu of smoke detectors, provided that they are listed in accordance with UL 268 and UL [*] Denotes NCC Chapter 6 Amendments Page 2 of 2 Rev

6 NEW CASTLE COUNTY Carbon Monoxide Alarm Policy DEPARTMENT OF LAND USE REV 08/02/ READS WAY, NEW CASTLE, DE PHONE: New Castle County has developed a policy for installation of carbon monoxide alarms when additions or renovations to residences are performed. The policy strives to ensure safety compliance, while not creating an onerous burden on contractors and homeowners. Policy provisions state: Carbon monoxide alarms are only required in a project if either of the following conditions apply: - The dwelling unit contains a fuel-fired appliance (wood, propane, natural gas, etc.) - The dwelling unit has an attached garage with a communicating opening into the dwelling unit Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are permitted in lieu of carbon monoxide alarms NEW HOMES. All new home construction must meet the provisions of the 2015 IRC Section R315 exactly. (SEE REVERSE SIDE) RENOVATIONS. Minor renovations: The installation of battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms is required in all locations required by the IRC. Major renovations: The installation of hardwired* carbon monoxide alarms is required as specified in the IRC for a new singlefamily dwelling. LIVING SPACE IN BASEMENT. Basement living space requires the installation of battery operated alarms in all locations required by the IRC. For bedrooms in basement, see Residential Additions - With New Bedroom. *Power to hard-wired alarms shall come from a dedicated circuit OR the unswitched** portion of a branch circuit. **Unswitched means that the operation of a switch or ground-fault-circuit-interrupter (GFIC) shall not cause the power to be shut off. RESIDENTIAL ADDITIONS. With New Bedroom. If the addition includes a new bedroom(s), a hard wired* carbon monoxide alarm is required outside of each separate new sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Where a fuelburning appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm is required within the bedroom. In addition, battery operated alarms are required in all other locations required by the IRC. Without New Bedroom. If the addition does NOT include a new bedroom, battery operated alarms are required in all locations required by the IRC. DECKS & EXTERIOR SURFACE MODIFICATIONS. These exterior only projects do not invoke carbon monoxide alarm requirements. REQUIRED CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM LOCATIONS (per 2015 IRC R315) Single- and multiple-station carbon monoxide alarms shall be installed in the following locations: 1. Outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. 2. In each sleeping room with a fuel-burning appliance located within the bedroom or its attached bathroom. [*] Denotes NCC Chapter 6 Amendments Page 1 of 2 Rev

7 SECTION R315 CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS R315.1 General. Carbon monoxide alarms shall comply with Section R315. R Listings. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL Combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms shall be listed in accordance with UL 2034 and UL 217. R315.2 Where required. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in accordance with Sections R and R R New construction. For new construction, carbon monoxide alarms shall be provided in dwelling units where either or both of the following conditions exist. 1. The dwelling unit contains a fuel-fired appliance. 2. The dwelling unit has an attached garage with an opening that communicates with the dwelling unit. R Alterations, repairs and additions. Where alterations, repairs or additions requiring a permit occur, or where one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the individual dwelling unit shall be equipped with carbon monoxide alarms located as required for new dwellings. 1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings, such as the replacement of roofing or siding, or the addition or replacement of windows or doors, or the addition of a porch or deck, is exempt from the requirements of this section. 2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems are exempt from the requirements of this section. 3. [*Minor interior renovations to dwellings require the installation of battery operated carbon monoxide alarms as required by the International Residential Code.*] R315.3 Location. Carbon monoxide alarms in dwelling units shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Where a fuel-burning appliance is located within a bedroom or its attached bathroom, a carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed within the bedroom. R315.4 Combination alarms. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarms shall be permitted to be used in lieu of carbon monoxide alarms. R315.5 Power source. Carbon monoxide alarms shall receive their primary power from the building wiring where such wiring is served from a commercial source and, where primary power is interrupted, shall receive power from a battery. Wiring shall be permanent and without a disconnecting switch other than those required for overcurrent protection. 1. Carbon monoxide alarms shall be permitted to be battery operated where installed in buildings without commercial power. 2. Carbon monoxide alarms installed in accordance with Section R shall be permitted to be battery powered. R315.6 Carbon monoxide detection systems. Carbon monoxide detection systems shall be permitted to be used in lieu of carbon monoxide alarms and shall comply with Sections R through R R General. Household carbon monoxide detection systems shall comply with NFPA 720. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be listed in accordance with UL R Location. Carbon monoxide detectors shall be installed in the locations specified in Section R These locations supersede the locations specified in NFPA 720. R Permanent fixture. Where a household carbon monoxide detection system is installed, it shall become a permanent fixture of the occupancy and owned by the homeowner. R Combination detectors. Combination carbon monoxide and smoke detectors shall be permitted to be installed in carbon monoxide detection systems in lieu of carbon monoxide detectors, provided that they are listed in accordance with UL 2075 and UL 268. [*] Denotes NCC Chapter 6 Amendments Page 2 of 2 Rev