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IRC Section R404 — Foundation and Soils Investigations

Updated Apr 3, 2026

Requires examination of site conditions to determine appropriate foundation type.

Section R404 requires inspection and evaluation of site conditions. Building official or owner may require a soils report by a registered engineer if conditions are questionable. Expansive soils containing clay minerals can swell when wet, causing structural damage. Subsidence areas have collapsing soil layers. Sloping sites require assessment for landslide risk. High groundwater requires drainage systems or elevated foundations.

TAGS

irc foundations site-conditions

DETAILS

section

R404

category

Foundations

code body

IRC

code year

2021

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