A dwelling address is spelled out in 3-inch brass script characters against a matching brass plate. Under 2021 IRC R319.1, what is required instead?
- ACharacters at least 3 inches high, with street visibility optional
- BOnly 6-inch internally illuminated numbers are permitted
- Approved identification using Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters without spelling out numbers, at least 4 inches high with a 1/2-inch stroke, contrasting and visible from the fronting street
- DIdentification must always be moved exclusively to a mailbox
Where to look it up
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2021P1/chapter-3-building-planning
Why C is correct
R319.1 requires legible, contrasting identification visible from the street or road fronting the property. It sets a 4-inch character height and 0.5-inch minimum stroke and prohibits spelling out numbers. The stated 3-inch, matching-color, spelled-out treatment fails those specified requirements. Distance from the street alone does not establish invisibility, and no hedge or measured stroke failure is assumed. The section also addresses additional approved locations and a monument, pole or other sign where private-road access prevents viewing the address from the public way. Source: https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2021P1/chapter-3-building-planning