Major Changes to Section 104 of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) : EXPLAINED

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General Changes​

• 104.1 General: The 2024 IMC has shortened the text by removing the detailed authority to render interpretations and adopt policies and procedures, making it more concise.

Determination of Compliance​

• 104.2 Determination of Compliance: Added a new section that specifies the code official's authority to determine compliance, render interpretations, and adopt policies and procedures. This section was split from the original 104.1 General in the 2021 code.
  • 104.2.1 Listed Compliance: Specifies requirements for listed equipment, materials, products, or services, including standards for listings and installation instructions.
  • 104.2.2 Technical Assistance: Details the code official's authority to require technical opinions and reports to determine compliance.
    • 104.2.2.1 Costs: Specifies that technical opinions and reports must be provided without charge to the jurisdiction.
    • 104.2.2.2 Preparer Qualifications: Outlines the qualifications for preparing technical opinions and reports.
    • 104.2.2.3 Content: Details the content requirements for technical opinions and reports.
    • 104.2.2.4 Tests: Specifies the authority to require tests and details test methods and procedures.
  • 104.2.3 Alternative Materials, Design, and Methods of Construction and Equipment: This section has been expanded and detailed.
    • 104.2.3.1 Approval Authority: Clarifies the approval process for alternative materials and methods.
    • 104.2.3.2 Application and Disposition: Specifies the process for submitting and approving requests for alternative materials or methods.
    • 104.2.3.3 Compliance with Code Intent: Emphasizes compliance with the intent of the code.
    • 104.2.3.4 Equivalency Criteria: Lists specific criteria for evaluating alternative materials or methods.
    • 104.2.3.5 Tests: Details the testing requirements for demonstrating equivalency.
    • 104.2.3.5.1 Fire Tests: Specifies requirements for fire safety tests.
    • 104.2.3.6 Reports: Outlines requirements for supporting data and evaluation reports.
    • 104.2.3.7 Peer Review: Introduces a requirement for peer review reports in certain cases.
  • 104.2.4 Modifications: Clarifies the conditions under which modifications can be granted.
    • 104.2.4.1 Flood Hazard Areas: Adds detailed criteria for granting modifications in flood hazard areas.

Applications and Permits​

• 104.3 Applications and Permits: Simplifies the text but includes a new subsection.
  • 104.3.1 Determination of Substantially Improved or Substantially Damaged Existing Buildings and Structures in Flood Hazard Areas: Adds criteria for determining substantial improvement or damage in flood hazard areas.

Right of Entry​

• 104.4 Right of Entry: Minor rewording for clarity and a new subsection added.
  • 104.4.1 Warrant: Specifies the process for obtaining a warrant for entry.

Official Records​

• 104.7 Official Records: Expanded and detailed into new subsections for better clarity.
  • 104.7.1 Approvals: Record maintenance and public inspection.
  • 104.7.2 Inspections: Authority and record-keeping for inspections.
  • 104.7.3 Code Alternatives and Modifications: Record-keeping for alternatives and modifications.
  • 104.7.4 Tests: Record-keeping for tests.
  • 104.7.5 Fees: Record-keeping for fees collected and refunded.

Liability and Legal Defense​

• 104.8 Liability: Minor rewording for clarity.
• 104.8.1 Legal Defense: Minor rewording for clarity.

Approved Materials and Equipment​

• 104.9 Approved Materials and Equipment: New section specifying the requirements for approved materials and equipment.
  • 104.9.1 Material and Equipment Reuse: Specifies the conditions for reusing materials and equipment.

Notices and Orders​

• 104.6 Notices and Orders: Clarified with an additional note that notices of violations shall be in accordance with Section 114.