Building Codes

What is a Building Code?: A building code is a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for buildings and nonbuilding structures. The building code becomes law of a particular jurisdiction when formally enacted by the appropriate authority.

The Purpose of Building Codes: The main purpose of building codes are to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures.

Who Uses Building Codes?: Building codes are generally intended to be applied by architects and engineers.  Building codes are also used for various purposes by safety inspectors, environmental scientists, real estate developers, contractors and subcontractors, manufacturers of building products and materials, insurance companies, facility managers, tenants, and others.

Creation & Adoption of Building Codes: The practice of developing, approving, and enforcing building codes varies considerably among localities. In some places building codes are developed by the government agencies or quasi-governmental standards organizations and then enforced by the government. In other locations a system of model building codes is used. Model building codes have no legal status unless adopted or adapted by an authority having jurisdiction. The developers of model codes urge public authorities to reference model codes in their laws, ordinances, regulations, and administrative orders. When referenced in any of these legal instruments, a particular model code becomes law. This practice is known as adoption by reference. When an adopting authority decides to delete, add, or revise any portions of the model code adopted, it is usually required by the model code developer to follow a formal adoption procedure in which those modifications can be documented for legal purposes.

Verification of Compliance With Building Codes:  To ensure applicable codes are adhered to, political subdivisions normally require various kinds of permits, field inspections at certain stages of construction, and test reports.  A general building permit is a universal requisite, requiring the filing of complete drawings and specifications prepared by a registered architect-engineer with a designated public office.  These documents are reviewed for design conformance with the applicable codes by the responsible building authority. Permits for plumbing, electrical work, heating equipment, signs, air conditioning, elevators and escalators, and refrigeration systems are also normally required.  Occupancy permits are often required after the completion of a building, necessitating an inspection to ensure compliance with building code standards.