by Jerry Peck - Codeman on Fri Feb 23, 2018 9:19 pm
It is vaguely addressed, but let's start with this:
From the 2018 IRC:
- Chapter 2
- - Definitions
- - - [RB] DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. For definition applicable in Chapter 11, see Section N1101.6.
- Chapter 11 (RE)
- - Energy Efficiency
- - - N1101.6 (R202) Defined terms.
- - - - The following words and terms shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings shown herein.
- - - - - DWELLING UNIT. A single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. For definition applicable in Chapter 11, see Section N1101.6.
Not very specific other than a dwelling unit requires "permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation".
However, there is also this in the IRC:
- CHAPTER 3
- - BUILDING PLANNING
- - - SECTION R306
- - - - SANITATION
- - - - - R306.1 Toilet facilities.
- - - - - - Every dwelling unit shall be provided with a water closet, lavatory, and a bathtub or shower.
- - - - - R306.2 Kitchen.
- - - - - - Each dwelling unit shall be provided with a kitchen area and every kitchen area shall be provided with a sink.
- - - - - R306.3 Sewage disposal.
- - - - - - Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to a sanitary sewer or to an approved private sewage disposal system.
- - - - - R306.4 Water supply to fixtures.
- - - - - - Plumbing fixtures shall be connected to an approved water supply. Kitchen sinks, lavatories, bathtubs, showers, bidets, laundry tubs and washing machine outlets shall be provided with hot and cold water.
Now we go to the Electrical chapters of the IRC:
- Chapter 34
- - General Requirements
- - - SECTION E3401
- - - - GENERAL
- - - - - E3401.1 Applicability.
- - - - - - The provisions of Chapters 34 through 43 shall establish the general scope of the electrical system and equipment requirements of this code. Chapters 34 through 43 cover those wiring methods and materials most commonly encountered in the construction of one- and two-family dwellings and structures regulated by this code. Other wiring methods, materials and subject matter covered in NFPA 70 are also allowed by this code.
- - - - - - E3401.2 Scope.
- - - - - - - Chapters 34 through 43 shall cover the installation of electrical systems, equipment and components indoors and outdoors that are within the scope of this code, including services, power distribution systems, fixtures, appliances, devices and appurtenances. Services within the scope of this code shall be limited to 120/240-volt, 0- to 400- ampere, single-phase systems. These chapters specifically cover the equipment, fixtures, appliances, wiring methods and materials that are most commonly used in the construction or alteration of one- and two-family dwellings and accessory structures regulated by this code. The omission from these chapters of any material or method of construction provided for in the referenced standard NFPA 70 shall not be construed as prohibiting the use of such material or method of construction. Electrical systems, equipment or components not specifically covered in these chapters shall comply with the applicable provisions of NFPA 70.
The above directs us to the NEC (NFPA 70) for what we are looking for:
- Article 100
- - Defintions
- - - Kitchen. An area with a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking.
The above does not require a food waster grinder (garbage disposer) or a dishwasher, however, it does require a sink, refrigeration (food preparation), countertop spaces (food preparation), and some permanent means for cooking (which could be gas or electric).
- Chapter 37
- - Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements
- - - E3703.2 Kitchen and dining area receptacles.
- - - - (receptacles are required and have maximum spacing, etc)
- - - E3704.2 Feeder loads.
- - - - Table E3704.2(1)
- - - - - (load calculations, kitchens included)
- Chapter 39
- - Power and Lighting Distribution
- - - (contains more on kitchen receptacles and lighting)
- - - E3902.10 Kitchen dishwasher branch circuit.
- - - - Ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection shall be provided for outlets that supply dishwashers in dwelling unit locations. [210.8(D)]
- - (Note: 210.8(D) is the NEC section it is from)
(There are additional requirements for kitchens in the chapter which are not related to the question)
A "kitchen" would be related to the above requirements: "permanent provisions for ... eating, cooking and sanitation" and "a sink and permanent provisions for food preparation and cooking".
Then there are lighting and receptacle requirements, heating, ventilation, etc.
Jerry Peck - CodeMan
AskCodeMan.com
Construction Litigation Consultant - Retired
Construction and Code Consultant - Semi Retired