Vent near gable

[Dave Hill]

Hi Folks,

Just inspected a new home. Not allowed on the roof, so I couldn't take measurements. I did see a vent pipe about 1 1/2 feet under the gable vent. Per the P3103.5 (2006 IRC) you shouldn't have vents close to "air intakes" to the house. I just want a sanity check here (on the question only) Is the gable vent to the attic considered an air intake to the home, (I believe it is) but it's not like a window or door that goes into the living area. What's the call here? violation or not?
(No I don't do code inspections, but do like to keep the new builders in line)

Thanks!
Waiting to finish report, thanks for your speedy replies.
-Dave

[Rick Hurst]

Was it a "sewer vent" or what?

What was the vent to?

Got any pics?

rick

[Dave Hill]

yes, it was a sewer vent. The one directly under the gable vent.
Thanks for your help!

[wayne soper]

Yes, Bad planning and should not have been allowed. Did you send the broker into the attic to sniff around?

[Jerry Peck]

As the others have said - no, not allowed, must be 10 feet from or 2 feet higher than those soffit vents.

[Dave Hill]

As always, thanks for the help!
Have a groovy weekend!

BTW, I already submitted the report saying it was not allowed, thanks for backing me up. 4th year as an inspector and it still helps to bounce ideas off of other professionals. The code books are great, but a little help in interpretation is priceless.

[Eric Barker]

I reported the same a year or so ago. Mold in that area of the attic. I took a beating on that one. Neither the "plumber" nor the "mold remediator" agreed with me. Oh well! No referrals as a result of that job.