Termite protection in Orlando, Florida is governed by the 8th Edition (2023) Florida Building Code-Residential (FBC-R), specifically sections R318 and R317. Drafters must communicate code-mandated termite barriers and inspection provisions explicitly on foundation, plan, and detail sheets to satisfy both permitting requirements and common City of Orlando plan review redlines. Failure to provide precise annotations, dimensions, manufacturer documentation, and code references consistently leads to costly resubmittals. Every facet of termite control-from chemical soil treatment and physical barriers at slab edges to ground clearance for future inspection and documentation of manufacturer systems-must be thoroughly detailed, clearly noted, dimensioned, and cross-referenced on construction documents uploaded to the ProjectDox digital review platform.

Detailing FBC-R R318.1 Pre-Construction Chemical Soil Treatment on Orlando Residential Foundation Plans

Drawing Notes for Applicator Licensing and Compliance

FBC-R Section R318.1 states: "Termite protection shall be provided by registered termiticides, including soil-applied pesticides, baiting systems, and wood-applied pesticides." Upon completion, a certificate of compliance from the licensed applicator must be submitted, reading: "The building has received a complete treatment for the prevention of subterranean termites. Treatment is in accordance with rules and laws established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services." (paperzz.com).

Foundational plan sheets must display general notes such as:

  • TERMITE PROTECTION SHALL BE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH FBC SECTION R318.1. A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE WILL BE SUBMITTED UPON COMPLETION OF TREATMENT.

Redlines are routinely issued for missing or incomplete treatment compliance notes on submitted plans.

Product Specifications: Termiticide Type, Concentration, and Reapplication

While the FBC does not call out trademark products, it requires use of registered chemicals per state law. Common choices include soil-applied termiticides, structural bait systems, or wood treatments. Drawings and specifications must call out:

  • Termite treatment method (soil treatment, baiting, or wood-treatment), per FBC R318.1
  • Retreat all disturbed soil areas without delay, per FBC R318.1.6.

Sample sheet note: “Termite treatment method: Soil-applied termiticide per manufacturer’s instructions, to full slab and perimeter, treated zones to be retreated if disturbed after inspection, per FBC R318.1.6.”

Dimensioning Treated Zones on Foundation Plans

FBC-R R318.1.6 mandates that chemical soil treatments extend under all exterior concrete or grade within 12 inches (305mm) of the primary structure sidewalls, with vertical barriers installed after landscaping/irrigation have been completed. (paperzz.com)

Best drafting practices for Orlando include:

  • Shading or hatching a continuous 12” wide band around the slab perimeter. Annotate: "CHEMICAL SOIL TREATMENT ZONE: 12" MIN. FROM SLAB EDGE, PER FBC R318.1.6."
  • Detailing in wall/foundation sections, the vertical barrier (with note, e.g.: "VERTICAL CHEMICAL BARRIER TO BE INSTALLED POST-CONSTRUCTION INCLUDING LANDSCAPING, PER FBC R318.1.6.")

Utility penetrations and variances in foundation geometry (porches, garages, etc.) must not interrupt the treated zone; continuous hatching must loop them in.

Common Orlando Redlines for Chemical Barrier Documentation

  • “Provide FBC R318.1 notes.” - general note missing or not cited directly on relevant sheets
  • “Insufficient documentation of termite barrier at slab edge.” - slab edges missing labeled treatment zones or dimensions
  • “Failure to acknowledge retreatment requirement.” - no note that chemical barrier must be retreated if disturbed

City reviewers require these omissions to be corrected and will block permit approval until thoroughly addressed.

Standard Drawing-Sheet Call-Outs and Detail Placement

  • General Notes (A0.0/G0.1): All termite strategy notes, FBC code citations, retreatment statements, certificate requirements
  • Foundation Plan (A2.x): Hatched/shaded 12” perimeter band, labeled per FBC section, leader to call-out with method and code citation
  • Wall/Fdn Details (A6.x, A7.x): Enlarged section through slab edge, specifying the treated zone and any material transitions

Specific Dimensions and Material Specs

  • 12 inch (305mm) min horizontal zone at perimeter
  • No cellulose-based sleeves at penetrations, per R318.2
  • If sleeves are used, they must have max 0.010” wall thickness and be sealed per code

Drafting FBC-R R318.2 Physical Barrier Requirements for Slab Edges, Expansion Joints, and Utility Penetrations

Monolithic vs. Turned-Down Slab Edge Details

Physical termite barriers are required in addition to chemical treatments, especially at points vulnerable to hidden entry: slab edge, expansion joints, penetrations, and insulation interfaces. For slab-on-grade in Orlando, detailing diverges by slab type:

  • Monolithic slabs: Show continuous termite shield (stainless steel mesh, min 0.18mm aperture) installed under wall framing, extending 12” below exterior grade and across footing. Section call-out: "CONTINUOUS STAINLESS STEEL TERMITE SHIELD, 12" BELOW GRADE AND ACROSS FOOTING TOP."
  • Turned-down slabs: Shield placed flat on horizontal ledge of thickened edge and extended downward. Cross-section note: "STAINLESS STEEL TERMITE SHIELD AT TURNED-DOWN EDGE, 12” MIN. BELOW GRADE."

Both scenarios-hatch or pattern the shield/mesh in detail cut-throughs, with separate leader note referencing R318.2. Show field joints lapped and sealed with compatible tape per shield manufacturer.

Specifying Proprietary or Generic Shield Materials & Dimensions

  • Material: Stainless steel mesh, 0.18mm aperture, or equivalent corrosion-resistant shield as tested in accordance with ICC-ES AC380 (FBC-R 2023).
  • Coverage: Extend 12” min. below grade, 2” min. horizontally past outside face of wall framing.
  • Bug Stops/Sealant: Detail mastic tape seal at shield terminations, especially where interrupted by anchor bolts or rebar.

Annotations should be included on foundation sections and wall section schedules, e.g.:

  • “STAINLESS STEEL MESH TERMITE BARRIER, ICC-ES ESR-XXXX, 12” BELOW GRADE, TOP SURFACE OF FOOTING, LAPS SEALED W/ MFR. SUPPLIED TAPE.”

Sealants and Collars for Utility Penetrations

Per FBC-R R318.2, piping and conduit through the slab require:

  • Non-cellulose sleeves (e.g., PVC)-max wall thickness 0.010” if soil treatment is used
  • Sealed annular space with non-corrosive clamping device-plan/section leader: "NON-CELLULOSE SLEEVE, 0.010” WALL, SEALED W/ NON-CORROSIVE CLAMP PER FBC R318.2."

Never include cellulose sleeves; redlines will require this revised to a synthetic product. Show location of each sleeve/collar on plan and match detail call-outs to sleeve schedule.

Common Orlando Plan-Review Redlines for Physical Barriers

  • "Detail termite barrier at slab edge."
  • "Call out R318.1 or R318.2 at each barrier, not just general notes."
  • "Incomplete sleeve detail-specify material, thickness, and sealing method."

Each penetration, shield, and slab edge condition must reference the relevant code section on-sheet.

Detailing & Drawing-Sheet Placement

  • Foundation Plan: Show locations of all penetrations and slab edge conditions - cross-reference detail sheets.
  • Sections: Show slab edge and its relationship to grade, insulation, shield, and wall assembly. Label all components.
  • Utility Penetration Details: Each utility entrance/exit fully detailed; call-out sleeve spec and sealing method.

Specifying FBC-R R317.1 Ground Contact Clearances and Termite Inspection Access on Site and Elevation Drawings

Minimum Clearances for Wood to Grade and Finished Slope Notation

FBC-R Section R317.1 requires:

  • 6” min. between wood siding and finished grade
  • 8” min. between wood framing on concrete/masonry and grade

Elevation sheets must dimension 6 inch clearance between the lowest point of exterior wall cladding (or sheathing) and earth. Place dimension lines and a note leader at slab edges:

  • "6 IN. MIN. CLEARANCE WOOD TO GRADE, FBC R317.1."

FBC-R R401.3 requires finished grade to slope minimum 6” in the first 10’ away from foundation. Site plans must show contours with spot elevations and leader note:

  • “FINISHED GRADE TO SLOPE 6” OVER 10’ AWAY FROM FOUNDATION, PER FBC R401.3.”

Termite Inspection Zones at Slab Perimeter

FBC-R R318.1.3: a 6” clear inspection gap must be maintained between the top of any exterior foundation insulation and the bottom of the exterior wall covering (paperzz.com).

  • Draw a bold dashed line 6” below wall finish, labeled: “6” TERMITE INSPECTION GAP TO FINAL GRADE, FBC R318.1.3.”
  • Ensure slab edge insulation and any decorative covers do not obscure the gap and reference detail sheets accordingly.

Inspection gap must be uninterrupted for field inspection visibility; break lines or dense plantings must be excluded from within this zone.

Orlando Plan Review Comments to Address

  • "Provide detail of 6” inspection gap per FBC R318.1.3" - section call-out or enlarged detail required
  • "Show positive drainage away from foundation per R401.3" - missing or ambiguous grade arrows, add contours/slope call-outs
  • "Dimension minimum clearance between cladding and finished grade" - dimension or note missing; will delay approval

Best Practices for Drawing Ground Clearance and Inspection Access

  • Dimension all vertical clearances (slab to cladding, cladding to grade, insulation to grade) on both plan and elevation sheets
  • Label and cross-reference all details involving grade transitions, shield terminations, and slab edges between foundation, exterior envelope, and finish surfaces
  • Site plans: contour lines to show consistent 6-in over 10-ft slope; add spot elevations at corners along slab

Integrating Manufacturer-Specific Termite Control Systems into Orlando Permit Drawings

Referencing ICC-ES Evaluation Reports (ESRs) on Drawings

Proprietary termite barriers and soil/foam board systems must be backed by current ICC-ES ESRs or FL Product Approvals. Notation on plan sheets is mandatory:

  • "TERMITE BARRIER SYSTEM: [Brand Name, Model] PER ICC-ES ESR-XXXX AND FBC R318."

Summary ESR data, including conditions of use and installation limitations, should be appended to the permit set or included on dedicated reference sheets. Never mix products without documentation for each.

Dedicated Detail Sheets for Proprietary/Alternative Systems

  • Provide exploded axonometric or full-scale cross-sections showing:
    • Location and sequencing of layers (e.g., waterproofing, foam, mesh, slab, topsoil)
    • Joint treatments, end/corner terminations, manufacturer-recommended adhesives and fasteners
    • Bait system station layout, including spacing (e.g. “PLACE BAIT STATIONS AT 10’ O.C. WITHIN 2’ OF FOUNDATION, PER MFR.”)
  • Each detail cross-referenced from main plans; circling note links the main call-out to the details ("SEE DETAIL 5/A7.1 FOR TERMITE BARRIER AT SLAB EDGE")

Specifying Installation Notes and Manufacturer Requirements

  • “INSTALL [PRODUCT] PER MANUFACTURER’S PUBLISHED INSTRUCTIONS AND ICC-ES ESR-XXXX.”
  • Where systems stipulate specific substrates, compatible adhesives, or minimum lap lengths, add explicit call-outs-products that fail to match manufacturer requirements will trigger plan review comments or field corrections.

For bait systems, spacing (e.g., 10’ o.c), minimum distance from foundation (e.g., 2’), inspection requirements, and refill schedule all must be noted based on the product's ICC-ES report or state-approved literature. Pipe wrap or foam wrap products must show coverage, thickness, and overlap per ESR/approval.

Navigating Orlando’s Requirements for Alternative Methods or Specialized Product Approvals

  • No unlisted or undocumented products may be installed. Submit ESRs and supplemental data with initial ProjectDox submittal.
  • If a product is not yet ICC-ES or FL Product Approved, obtain local product approval from the City of Orlando Building Official in advance-attach approval letter to permit drawings and note: "ALTERNATIVE SYSTEM APPROVED, ORLANDO BUILDING OFFICIAL DECISION #XXXX, DATED XX/XX/XX."
  • Common redlines: "Missing ICC-ES or FL Product Approval for proprietary system-provide documentation."

If approval is required, include all installation, maintenance, and compliance documents in a supplementary permit packet to avoid resubmittal delays.

Standard Drawing-Sheet Call-Outs and Detail Conventions

  • Reference product names and document numbers prominently at detail heads and leaders
  • hatch, shading, or layer coloring to denote proprietary barriers separate from standard soil/chemical treatments
  • Include a legend for symbols, abbreviations, and a dedicated termite systems note section in project general notes

Specific Dimensions, Ratings, and Spec Requirements

  • Exact product dimensions, e.g., mesh height, foam thickness, bait size and placement, called out in both plan and detail views
  • Material ratings per ESR/Florida Product Approval and FBC chapter 3 requirements
  • Maintenance interval for non-chemical physical systems (e.g., bait schedule)-noted for owner and field inspector reference

Navigating Orlando’s City-Specific Plan Review Comments and Plan Revision Workflow (ProjectDox)

Redline Verbiage and Required Drawing Changes

Sample comments from Orlando’s digital plan reviewers regarding termite protection measures include:

  • “Provide FBC R318.1 notes.” - Plans must quote or reference code section directly on affected sheets/schedules
  • “Detail termite barrier at slab edge.” - Explicit detail illustration (see Subtopic 2) and cross-section with code reference required
  • “Insufficient documentation of termite barrier at slab edge.” - Remedy via labeled hatching and dimensioned call-outs on foundation/section sheets
  • “No callout for vertical chemical barrier post-landscaping.” - Add finish grading note/leader in landscaping sections and wall sections
  • “Use of cellulose or unsealed pipe penetrations.” - Revise to specify correct sleeve material and sealing

Addressing Local Amendments and Administrative Directives

Orlando currently enforces FBC as written (8th Ed. 2023), but administrative orders may clarify submittal or documentation. Habitual redlines emerge when drafters fail to:

  • Place code reference at each relevant drawing (not just in general notes)
  • Omit dimensioning on treated zones and inspection gaps
  • Mislabel or leave ambiguous proprietary system documentation

Periodic administrative memos from Permitting Services clarify how termite certificates, alternative approval, and digital submissions are to be managed. Drafters must watch for process changes, but technical amendments for termite control are rare as of the current code cycle.

Drawing Revisions and Re-Submittals in ProjectDox

  • Overlay responses directly on resubmitted sheets-use colored cloud or linked “Delta” tags, mark “Rev #-Responding to R318.1 reviewer comment”
  • Update all sheets that duplicate detail to keep sets coordinated
  • Add redline response summary sheet to digital plan set - list each comment and reference sheet/revision where fixed
  • Re-upload with unchanged file names for automated comparison in ProjectDox
  • Include all supplementary documents (certificates, ESRs, manufacturer’s cut sheets, local approval letters) in the “supporting documents” section of the ProjectDox checklist

Failing to hyperlink or cloud changes leads to frustration for city reviewers and rejection of resubmittals.

Conclusion: FBC-Compliant Termite Protection Documentation for Orlando Foundations

Every Orlando permit plan involving slab-on-grade foundations must graphically and textually demonstrate a code-compliant termite defense, with explicit, dimensioned detail and code citation at each slab edge, penetration, and accessible inspection gap. General notes alone are not sufficient for approval. Each detail-whether a standard chemical treatment, a physical shield, or a proprietary manufacturer system-requires individualized annotation, clear dimensioning, and cross-referenced ESRs or local approvals. Plan redlines recur where hatching, labeling, or section clarifications are absent or details are incomplete. Strict adherence to these practices within ProjectDox and prompt coordinated revisions streamline approvals and help prevent phase delays and costly field corrections.

Kingsway Drafting & Design specializes in high-performance, code-anchored construction documentation tailored to meet and exceed permit review precision, for Orlando and throughout the United States.