City of Austin – Wall Board Interpretation

City of Austin
Planning Development Review Department

To: Plumbing, Electrical Customers and Associates

From: Leon Barba, PR, Building Official

Date: August 12, 2010

File: Code Interpretation Manual

INTERPRETATION NUMBER: C12010-0003

TITLE: Wall board Inspection
CODE EDITION: Ordinance No. 20071018-089 (Residential Code)

SECTIONS: R109.1.5.3 Wallboard Inspection

PURPOSE: Is a permit required for patching wallboard with less than 32 sq. ft. of patching area?

No, however, a building or other related trade permit will be required when wallboard removed and/or repaired is:

1. In excess of 32 sq. ft., or
2. A fire wall assembly, tub and shower surround, or braced wall panel is penetrated.

Note: If an additional building permit is required and has not been obtained at the time of the discipline inspection, this will result in a failed inspection of the original discipline permit.

(I) BRACED WALL PANEL – A section of a braced wall line constructed in accordance with Section R602.10 for wood framing or Section R603.7 or R301.1.1 for cold-formed steel framing, which extends the full height of the wall.

(2) FIRE WALL – A fire-resistance-rated wail having protected openings, which restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural stability under fife conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side without collapse of the wall.

Leon Barba P.E, Building Official
City of Austin Planning Development Review Department