FAQ Footings

Q.  Do I need a grounding electrode?

A.  Yes. 20 feet of #4 bare copper wire must be tied or wrapped around the footing reinforcing with enough conductor length to reach service panel without splice.  This also pertains to additions to existing structures.

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Q.  What footing size do I need?

A.  The typical residential footing is a minimum of 8” deep and 16” wide; however, the requirements for footing size can vary greatly depending on the number of stories supported, unusual loading conditions or poor soil properties.

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Q.  How deep does my footing need to be?

A.  The bottom of the footing shall be a minimum of 42” below finished grade unless a stamped engineers design is submitted.

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Q.  Can I use a thickened edge slab-on-grade foundation?

A.  Yes; however, a stamped engineered design is required, and the engineer must follow the insulation requirements set forth in the current building codes.

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Q.  How much reinforcing does my footing need?

A.  A minimum of two #4 horizontal bars are required for a typical residential footing.  This may increase depending on the need for a larger footing.

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Q.  Can I “wet set” my vertical reinforcing?

A.  No.  Vertical reinforcing must be securely tied in place prior to approval to place footing concrete.  Reinforcing must not be in contact with the forms or the soil and must have the code required 8” “hook” at the end.

See City of Fairbanks standard Foundation Details 1 – 8 (SFD)

Category: Building Department