Building and Codes

The City of Winchester is currently enforcing the following model codes.

Building Code: International Building Code (IBC) – 2018 Edition

Plumbing Code: International Plumbing Code (IBC) – 2018 Edition

Electrical Code: National Electrical Code (NEC) – 2017 Edition (or most recent electrical code adopted by the State of Tennessee) Note: Electric Code enforcement is administered by the State of Tennessee Fire Marshal Office, via Winchester Utility System

Fuel Gas Code: International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) – 2018 Edition

Housing Code: International Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities(IPCBF) – 2018 Edition

Existing Buildings: International Existing Building Code – 2018 Edition

Swimming Pool Code: 

Public & Community Pools – International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) – 2018 Edition

Residential Pools – International Residential Code (IRC), Section R326, N1103.10, Chapter 42

Residential Building Code: International Residential Code (IRC) – 2018 Edition with the following local amendments.

Specific Amendment to Chapter 13 (IRC):

1. Section R313, Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems as pertaining to one and two family dwellings, and townhouses of three stories or less shall be excluded in entirety.
2. In lieu of Section R313, local provision shall mandate that a minimum two (2) hour rated firewall be placed between dwelling units within townhouses of three stories or less.

Specific Amendment to Chapter 4:

1. Section R403, Footing requirements shall be so that; single story dwelling footings be a minimum of thirteen (13) inch depth, eighteen (18) inch width, and a minimum of eight (8) inch concrete depth.  Two story dwelling footings be a minimum of thirteen (13) inch depth, twenty-four (24) inches wide with a minimum of two runs of No. 4 (1/2”) rebar and eight (8) inch concrete depth. Three story dwelling footings be a minimum of thirteen (13) inch depth, twenty-four (24) inches wide with a minimum of two runs of No. 5 (5/8”) rebar and minimum of (10) inch concrete depth.

Energy Conservation Code: International Energy Conservation Code – 2018 Edition(except that the provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code, 2006 edition, shall apply to the following occupancy classifications as defined by the International Building Code (IBC), 2012 edition)

1. Moderate-hazard factory industrial, Group F-1
2. Low-hazard factory industrial, Group F-2
3. Moderate-hazard storage, Group S-1
4. Low-hazard storage, Group S-2

Accessibility Code – Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design – 2010 Edition

Fuel Gas Code: See Elk River Public Utility District for local policy and specific requirements.

The Building and Codes Department is located at 123 1st Avenue N. W., Winchester, Tennessee. The Building and Codes Official is Pat Sanders. Sanders also acts as the Community Development Coordinator for the City of Winchester, working directly under the supervision of City Administrator, Beth Rhoton. As the Building and Codes Official, Sanders is responsible for the administration and supervision of the permitting process, field inspections, and codes enforcement programs adopted by the City of Winchester. The City of Winchester first implemented building codes in May 1964 by opting to adopt the Southern Building Code standard. The city continued to operate under various editions of the Southern Building Code until the formation of the International Code Council. The City has since adopted various editions of the International Code Council (ICC), with those listed above being the most recent adaptation.

Additionally, the Building and Codes Department is responsible for adopting and enforcing a property maintenance policies, health and sanitation standards, administering a slum clearance program, and enforcement of zoning regulations.

Administrative Assistant to Code Enforcement:
The administrative assistant to the Codes Department is Sara Short.

Assistant to Code Enforcement:
The assistant to the Codes Department is Scott Little.