Encapsulation permits

[jtom]

Are localities requiring permits when crawl space foundations are being encapsulated?They are basically making it a conditioned crawl space.What code section requires a permit?

[mjeutsey]

You need to know what the contractor is really doing when they ask about a “crawl space encapsulation”. Sometimes they just go in and add a vapor barrier and leave the foundation vents alone other times the want to seal off the vents. If they are permanently closing the foundation vents they create an Unvented crawl space and R408.3 apply. If they remove the floor insulation N1102.2.11 would also apply. In my opinion if they make a change from vented to unvented a permit would be required.

[Jamie Wilks]

I agree with the post above, if a crawlspace is being altered from a vented to an unvented space, a permit is required. Per section 108.1 item 1, a permit is required for the construction or demolition of a building.

Construction is defined as: The construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or conversion of buildings and structures.

In addition, if the building is located in a flood zone, the flood provisions in the USBC and the local floodplain management ordinance would apply. If the flood provisions were not considered, building safety would be compromised; and the cost of flood insurance would be drastically effected (and not in a positive way).

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