What does the International Residential Code (IRC) serve as a reference for?

The International Residential Code (IRC) serves as a reference specifically for the construction and safety standards of single-family homes and townhouses. It outlines the minimum regulations for residential buildings, addressing various aspects such as structural integrity, plumbing, electrical systems, and energy efficiency. The focus on single-family housing makes the IRC a crucial tool for home builders, designers, and code officials to ensure that such residences are safe and habitable.

Options referring to multi-family housing standards or commercial building regulations pertain to different codes, such as the International Building Code (IBC), which covers broader building types and more complex structures. Similarly, while environmental practices are essential in construction, they are typically governed by other specific guidelines or standards rather than the IRC itself. Thus, the emphasis of the IRC on single-family housing makes it the correct reference point in this context.