The 2009 International Building Code is in full effect on November 22, 2010, and there are a whole bunch of changes. Here are a few of the major ones that affect the structure.
The way wind loads are calculated has been revised by the referenced ICC publication Residential Construction in High-wind Regions. This updates the wind section from the "fastest-mile" method, left over from the Standard Building Code, and uses all of the current wind-speed maps and conventions. In another section of the code, special-inspection requirements have been established for buildings in high-wind areas.
Cast-in-place bolts now must have continuous special inspection if strength design is used for the concrete. Post-installed anchors in hardened concrete must now have periodic inspection.
Retaining-wall sliding forces have been clarified for keys. A footing key is a portion of concrete that extends below the footing in an attempt to grab more of the passive soil pressure. The code now explicitly prohibits the liberal practice of ignoring the active pressure on the opposite side of the key.
