Most of the important numbers we use as architects live in the Tables of the Building Code.
Contrary to what I’ve read other people say, I don’t think you need to memorize the table numbers (e.g. Table 504.3), but rather just have a general idea of where to find the information. (e.g. Chapter 5, Chapter 6, etc.)
The chapter is the first number of the table. For example, Table 509 is in Chapter 5, Table 1017 is in Chapter 10, etc.
How big can your building be?
Tables 504.3, 504.4, and 506.2
Table 504.3: Allowable Building Height Above Grade
The allowable building height will be based on the: Occupancy, Construction Type, and if the building has sprinklers.
Table 504.4: Allowable Number of Stories Above Grade
The allowable number of stories will be based on the: Occupancy, Construction Type, and if the building has sprinklers.
Table 506.2: Allowable Building Area
The allowable building area will be based on the: Occupancy, Construction Type, and if the building has sprinklers.
Note: when determining the allowable building area you may increase the area from the table based on the frontage (i.e. when your building has access to public exterior space). These formulas for increasing the area will vary and are found in section 506.2
Fire-Rating Requirements
Table 509: Fire Separation For Incidental Uses
What kind of fire-rating do you need for a boiler or laundry room?You can find that information with this table.
Check out the table here: https://up.codes/s/incidental-uses
Table 601: Fire-Rating Requirements for Building Elements
This table contains the fire-ratings for building elements based on the construction types. Specific fire-ratings are called out for the: Structural Frame, Bearing Walls (Int. & Ext.), Non-Bearing Walls (Int. & Ext.), Floors, and Roofs
Check out the table here: IBC Ch. 6: Types of Construction
Table 602: Fire-Rating for Non-Load-Bearing Exterior Walls Between 2 Buildings
Technically this table is labeled the “Fire-Resistance Rating Req. for Exterior Walls Based on Fire Separation Distance”
Note: When using this table, this distance is not to the face of another building! This distance is to the mid-point between two buildings.
Check out the table here: IBC Ch. 6: Types of Construction
Table 706.4: Fire-Rating of Fire Walls
Does a fire wall need to have a 2, 3, or 4 hour rating? Well, it depends on the Occupancy. Check out the table here: IBC Ch. 7
Egress Requirements
Chapter 10
Table 1004.5: Occupant Loads
This is a very important table. Take a look and familiarize yourself with it here: https://up.codes/s/occupant-load
Table 1017.2: Exit Access Travel Distance
How long can the of exit access be (the unprotected route)? Once again, it depends on the Occupancy and if the building is sprinklered. Check out the table here: https://up.codes/s/exit-access-travel-distance
Plumbing Fixtures
Table 2902.1 Minimum Number of Required Plumbing Fixtures
This Table will tell you how many toilets (aka water closets), sinks (aka lavatories), drinking fountains, showers, and service sinks your building will require. You can find the table here: https://up.codes/s/minimum-number-of-required-fixtures
Note: check out the link and read the IBC section so you understand how to use this table.