[otislilly]

Building codes are relevant everywhere, just not so much enforced in some areas. If someone falls on your stairs because the top step is 1/4 inch taller and the bottom step is 1/4 shorter, even if there are 14 steps (which can not exceed 7 inch risers) You are out of code almost everywhere in the US, and liable for negligence lawsuits. The total difference between shortest and tallest riser cannot exceed .375 or 3/8" max) Just 1 example of the codes that you DO have to be dealing with locally. True probably not enforced in Hoxie, and to be honest probably about the same as in Colby, Hill city and Oakley. But There is still codes there, and I am so glad you are beginning to think about it. Kansas follows the International Building Code (IBC) 2012 guidelines for structural soundness as far as I am aware. Although some counties, or cities can supersede and ask for more. IBC 2012 should be found any place that sells books, or can be bought online I am sure. The cost for a hard copy book will be in the area of 250 dollars, a download could be as cheap as 75. But be aware, some cities/counties/states are stricter than the international code.

 

[otislilly]

I would check with your AHJ. We are using the 2012 IRC, here in Cali. Actually we have our own set of code books called the CRC.

Well of course Cali. would have their own, They have to include in every paragraph .............known to cause cancer in Cali. LOL
Texas has their own as well, basically because they just cant go along with everyone else, for the opposite reason as Cali.


I am only joking people, calm down.

 

[otislilly]

Well, it's not too far off the IRC, actually it's probably 95% the same. We have a unique seismic situation here, that's not prevalent in other parts of the country. Not saying other states don't have earthquakes, but here in Cali, we get them pretty much daily.

Yes like I said many areas are more strict. about many things. Hurricane strapping, snow loads, seismic activity. There are geographic variations all over the US. But most states use IBC 2012 as a min. and get specific from there.

 

[otislilly]

What they^^^ said, plus:

This page: http://www.reedconstructiondata.com/building-codes/kansas/

says that Kansas doesn't have a statewide code, so definitely check it with each AHJ.

No wonder the rest of the world has to see a week of photos of houses blown up after every thunderstorm out there. LOL.

 

[otislilly]

Otislilly you from kansas?

What agency does one check with to see what version is adopted?
What does AHJ stand for?

Yes I knew that codes were supposed to be statewide but as stated they are just not enforced in my area.

No, I have never been to Kansas.

Where do you check, well CarpenterSFO gave the best link
http://www.reedconstructiondata.com/building-codes/kansas/

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Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Structural Division of Facilities Management
Building Services
Phone: (785) 296-8899
Fax: (785) 296-8898