R908.8.1.5 Prescriptive Method for Hip Roofs on a Wood Frame Wall

Unless it is possible to verify through nondestructive inspection or from plans prepared by a design professional that the roof structure is anchored at least as well as outlined below, access shall be provided at a minimum to the hip rafter (commonly known as a "king jack"), to the hip girder and at each corner of the hip roof. The hip rafter (commonly known as a "king jack"), the hip girder and the rafters/trusses adjacent to the hip girder that are not anchored with a strap having at least four fasteners on each end, shall be connected to the top plate below using a strap or a right angle gusset bracket having a minimum uplift capacity of 500 pounds (740 kg). Adding fasteners to existing straps shall be allowed in lieu of adding a new strap provided the strap is manufactured to accommodate at least four fasteners at each end. Wherever access makes it possible (without damage of the wall or soffit finishes), both top plate members shall be connected to the stud below using a stud to plate connector with a minimum uplift capacity of 500 pounds (740 kg). Use of straps that connect directly from the hip rafter, hip girder or adjacent rafters/trusses to the wall stud below shall be allowed as an alternate provided the two members align with no more than 1¹/₂ inch (38 mm) offset.