IMC · 2021 International Mechanical Code

§301.1 · Scope

Effective in IMC 2021 · IMC 2024 SE Wisconsin · IMC 2024 NW Indiana.

Plain-English explainer

Section 301.1 sets the scope of the International Mechanical Code: it covers heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, and process cooling work in a building, and tells the inspector what the IMC does NOT cover — work that belongs to the building or fuel-gas code. Trade-specific permit packets cited as 'per IMC' are citing this section to establish that the rest of the document is in scope.

Why inspectors flag this

Inspectors look for this rule on the second line of every draft to confirm the project actually belongs in the IMC (and not in the fuel-gas or building code, where the wording and clearances are different).

As quoted in the code: The IMC applies to mechanical work in buildings, including heating, ventilation, cooling, refrigeration, and process cooling. Work outside its scope is governed by the building code or the fuel-gas code.

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