The ground immediately adjacent to the foundation shall be sloped away from the building at a slope of not less than 5 percent for a minimum of _____ feet.

• A. 10 feet
• B. 5 feet
• C. 15 feet
• D. 20 feet

Answer: (A)

The requirement for the ground adjacent to a building’s foundation to be sloped away from the structure at a minimum of 5 percent for a distance of 10 feet is based on best practices for proper drainage and moisture control around the foundation. This slope ensures that water is directed away from the foundation, reducing the risk of water infiltration, which can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and other moisture-related issues.

Maintaining this slope over a distance of 10 feet helps to efficiently channel water away from the building, providing a safe barrier that protects the integrity of the foundation. A 5 percent slope means that for every 100 units of horizontal distance, there is a 5-unit rise, which facilitates effective water runoff. This practice is crucial in construction to ensure long-term durability and stability of the building structure.