Joists

[larrys]

Do roof joists usually sit on the top plate or do they hang inside the walls thanks

[homebild]

Building codes require them to terminate on top of bearing walls.

[Don_P]

Larrys, are you talking about rafters or ceiling joists?
I do agree with Homebild since the question is "usually".

Homebild,
Usually true...but since you are an inspector I'm going to nitpick a little :).
R802.6, R802.3 is all I see, do you have something else I've missed?
We have dropped heavy timber rafters into pockets framed down into the wall. I don't see a required location, just a bearing requirement.
DRP ;)

[homebild]

Don P:

You're correct.

In typical construction, rafters and joists will bear on top of wall plates.

But there is nothing in the Code to prevent alternate methods of bearing, including ribbon boards, columns, approved metal hangers, or pockets such as you describe.