Is this a Porch, Sunroom, Patio Cover, other?

[mx201er]

Homeowner here, with a basic understanding of the NEC, but very little experience with other building codes. I am confused as to what makes something a porch, sunroom, patio cover, etc. and am hoping somebody will be able to help clarify. It doesn't help that porch and patio cover are not in the definitions section of the IRC.

I've currently got what I think is considered a porch? It is a 30x9' concrete pad out my back door that is covered under the main roof of the building. Here is a picture during construction, which is the only picture I happen to have of it on my phone. The wind is terrible here, and I've only been able to enjoy using my picnic table twice in the last year, so I would like to essentially enclose it with as much glass as possible to keep the open feeling, and a sliding door or two. I am picturing something similar to a commercial glass storefront, if I can afford something like that. I am not looking for an inhabitable space, or to leave it open to the interior of the dwelling, I just want to enjoy my porch in the wind. However, the couple of "sunroom" companies I've talked to insist that in order to close this in I am required to pay for an additional $2900 electrical package to add outlets every 12', which just seems ridiculous and unnecessary with my intent being to use this as a porch.

After digging through IRC for the past couple of days I was hoping it would be classified as a sunroom; then according to R301.2.1.1.1 I could identify it as Category II based on my intended use, and would be exempt by NEC receptacle outlet requirements per AAMA/NPEA/NSA 2100. Unfortunately for me, I just ran the numbers and even if all of those openings were solid glass, I would only be at 36.4% of exterior walls *and ceiling*, so it does not meet the 40% requirement in the definition of a sunroom.

So what does that make it? is it a Patio Cover, as per Appendix H (but not included in the definitions), which can be attached to the dwelling unit and be used for recreational outdoor living purposes? Seems to fit the my intended use and I would meet the 65% of "longer wall and one additional wall" glazed requirement, however it also seems to me that patio covers are really expected to be complete structures, and not under the roof of the dwelling unit. If it *is* considered a patio cover, it doesn't seem like NEC 210.52 would require the outlets every 12ft.

Is it still simply just a porch, and wouldn't be categorized as anything else by installing glass? Again, no extra electrical work required?

Now that I am thinking about it, the only way I can see NEC 210.52(A) receptacle spacing requirements coming into play is if it is considered a habitable space and part of the normal dwelling unit, which is definitely not my intent.

Thanks in advance for any guidance or clarification.

 

[TheCommish]

Build a 2 foot tall wall aroud the bottom with outlets to code put rolling glass windows on top of that.

 

[Glenn]

I applaud you for the research you have done and for asking this reasonable question. This is a controversial subject with little help from the codes, as you have discovered. Your best first step is to talk to your local building official and explain your intent and design.

 

[Mr. Inspector]

No matter what you call it. I would require the receptacles. Who knows what the next owner will use it for. But you do not need to go with their electric package. You could just have the wiring come up from the floor with wire molding or have floor receptacles installed. A light for your deck stairway is required but you can use low voltage lights.

 

[BN4537]

If you have a basic understanding of the NEC, my guess is that adding the outlets is not outside of your capabilities. I would probably have you add the outlets, but I would be open to negotiation about where and how many.

Your best first step is to talk to your local building official and explain your intent and design.

^^^ Excellent advice. ^^^

 

[mark handler]

IMPO
What is the intent of the space?
Is it to be used as the entry to the building? I would call it a porch.
Is it used as an outdoor living space? I would call it a Patio (Cover).
Is it used as an enclosed living space? I would call it a sunroom.

R201.4 Terms Not Defined by the code​

Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.



porch
a covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a building.
see IRC R337.7.7 Exterior Porch Ceilings

sun·room
a room with large windows and sometimes a glass roof, designed to allow in a lot of sunlight.
IRC R303.9.1 Sunroom
Required glazed openings shall be permitted to open into sunroom additions or patio covers that abut a street, yard or court if in excess of 40 percent of the exterior sunroom walls are open, or are enclosed only by insect screening, and the ceiling height of the sunroom is not less than 7 feet (2134 mm

Patio Cover
A freestanding or attached outdoor structure of any size open on the sides with framing and a roof that protects from rain and the elements.
IRC AH101.2
Patio covers detached from or attached to dwelling units shall be used only for recreational, outdoor living purposes, and not as carports, garages, storage rooms or habitable rooms.
IRC AH104.1
Patio covers are limited to one-story structures not exceeding 12 feet in height.

 

[mx201er]

Thanks all, I appreciate the comments and will take it all into consideration.

Build a 2 foot tall wall aroud the bottom with outlets to code put rolling glass windows on top of that.

I've considered a short knee wall all the way around, which is likely how I will proceed if I am required to add outlets all the way around, but I was really hoping to maintain the open feel of a porch, and it seems like that will give it more of a closed in interior feel.

I applaud you for the research you have done and for asking this reasonable question. This is a controversial subject with little help from the codes, as you have discovered. Your best first step is to talk to your local building official and explain your intent and design.

Thanks! Not sure why I didn't think of that initially, but I will definitely go talk to them.

No matter what you call it. I would require the receptacles. Who knows what the next owner will use it for. But you do not need to go with their electric package. You could just have the wiring come up from the floor with wire molding or have floor receptacles installed. A light for your deck stairway is required but you can use low voltage lights.

I understand your thought, but I don't know if I agree. That is akin to saying that all garages should be designed as livable spaces, because the next owner may want to use it as one.
I should have mentioned that it does already have two outlets on the existing exterior wall, as well as two ceiling fans with lights, and is on the same grade as the house. The floor of the porch is already concrete, so that makes those methods a bit harder.

If you have a basic understanding of the NEC, my guess is that adding the outlets is not outside of your capabilities. I would probably have you add the outlets, but I would be open to negotiation about where and how many.

That is true, I've done my fair share of branch circuit and receptacle installations as a homeowner. My current state does require homeowners to pass a test before doing electrical, but that shouldn't be a big deal. I'm not sure how most contractors will feel about me completing part of the work to cut costs, though.. I did also forget to mention that there are two existing exterior receptacles on the porch.

IMPO
What is the intent of the space?
Is it to be used as the entry to the building? I would call it a porch.
Is it used as an outdoor living space? I would call it a Patio (Cover).
Is it used as an enclosed living space? I would call it a sunroom.

R201.4 Terms Not Defined by the code​

Where terms are not defined through the methods authorized by this section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.



porch
a covered shelter projecting in front of the entrance of a building.
see IRC R337.7.7 Exterior Porch Ceilings

sun·room
a room with large windows and sometimes a glass roof, designed to allow in a lot of sunlight.
IRC R303.9.1 Sunroom
Required glazed openings shall be permitted to open into sunroom additions or patio covers that abut a street, yard or court if in excess of 40 percent of the exterior sunroom walls are open, or are enclosed only by insect screening, and the ceiling height of the sunroom is not less than 7 feet (2134 mm

Patio Cover
A freestanding or attached outdoor structure of any size open on the sides with framing and a roof that protects from rain and the elements.
IRC AH101.2
Patio covers detached from or attached to dwelling units shall be used only for recreational, outdoor living purposes, and not as carports, garages, storage rooms or habitable rooms.
IRC AH104.1
Patio covers are limited to one-story structures not exceeding 12 feet in height.

Thanks, this is helpful and I must have missed R201.4. I suppose what matters is that the local building officials agree that what I choose to call it is aligned with the "ordinarily accepted meaning." My intent aligns with either porch or patio, since this is the rear entrance to the building and the intent is to use it as an outdoor living space. I'll talk to the local building office, as Glenn suggested, and see if they concur.

Thanks again, all!

 

[e hilton]

I've considered a short knee wall all the way around, which is likely how I will proceed if I am required to add outlets all the way around, but I was really hoping to maintain the open feel of a porch, and it seems like that will give it more of a closed in interior feel.

Personally, a foot high wall around the perimeter would not make me feel closed in, and it would be convenient for electrical outlets.

 

[ICE]

Now that I am thinking about it, the only way I can see NEC 210.52(A) receptacle spacing requirements coming into play is if it is considered a habitable space and part of the normal dwelling unit, which is definitely not my intent.

It will be an enclosed patio cover.

 

[TheCommish]

Having built a number of sun rooms with 2 foot and taller walls with windows above they are well below your site line standing or sitting so it is not a problem.

mock up with cardboard and try it