R403.1.2 Continuous footing in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2
Exterior walls of buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 shall be supported by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings. Other footing materials or systems shall be designed in accordance with accepted engineering practice. Required interior braced wall panels in buildings located in Seismic Design Categories D0, D1 and D2 with plan dimensions greater than 50 feet (15 240 mm) shall be supported by continuous solid or fully grouted masonry or concrete footings in accordance with Section R403.1.3.4, except for two-story buildings in Seismic Design Category D2, in which all braced wall panels, interior and exterior, shall be supported on continuous foundations.
Exception: Two-story buildings shall be permitted to have interior braced wall panels supported on continuous foundations at intervals not exceeding 50 feet (15 240 mm) provided that:
- The height of cripple walls does not exceed 4 feet (1219 mm).
- First-floor braced wall panels are supported on doubled floor joists, continuous blocking or floor beams.
- The distance between bracing lines does not exceed twice the building width measured parallel to the braced wall line.