The International Residential Code (IRC) is applicable to plumbing work in townhouses not more than _____ in height with a separate means of egress.

The International Residential Code (IRC) specifically governs the construction and safety standards for residential buildings, including plumbing work in townhouses, to ensure that they are safe and habitable. According to the IRC, the applicability to townhouses is limited to those that are not more than three stories in height when there is a separate means of egress.

This limitation is important because it allows for a focused set of regulations that are easier to apply and enforce in smaller, more typical residential buildings where the characteristics and safety concerns are more standardized. Buildings taller than three stories often have more complex requirements that fall under the jurisdiction of the International Building Code (IBC), which encompasses different safety measures, designs, and construction methods for larger structures.

Thus, recognizing the three-story height limit aligns with the intent of the IRC to address the standards specifically suited for smaller, residential settings, ensuring that plumbing systems and other elements are designed to be safe and functional for their intended use.