Building codes regulating new home construction have been standardized across the US based on International Code Council standards. Most homes fall under the International Residential Code (IRC) for one and two family homes or townhouses that are no more than three stories high. The IRC combines in a single document, the code requirements for building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy, and electrical features of new home construction.
Housing with more than 2 units or exceeding three floors uses the International Building Code. For many years, building codes focused on fire safety. Today new home construction codes are being developed to address energy conservation and green construction. Learn more about the codes that insure our homes are safe.
The following building codes are developed and published by the International Code Council. They have been adopted by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Numerous states like California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York and a few others, have established their own building codes based upon some version of the ICC, making changes to accommodate local laws and weather patterns unique to their area of the country.
International Building Code
The International Building Code (IBC) covers all buildings except detached one and two family dwellings and townhouses not more than 3 stories in height. Included are structural, fire and life safety provisions covering means of egress, interior finish requirements, comprehensive roof provisions, seismic engineering provisions, innovative construction technology, occupancy classifications and the latest industry standards in material design.
International Residential Code
The International Residential Code (IRC) provides in one document, a comprehensive code for home building combining building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, energy, and electrical provisions for one and two family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories tall. There are also guidelines to facilitate the use of new materials and building designs.
International Fire Code
The International Fire Code (IFC) includes regulations to safeguard lives and property from all types of fires and explosions hazards. The code addresses precautions against fire, emergency planning and preparedness, fire department access, fire hydrants, automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, hazardous materials storage and use, and fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings and premises.
International Plumbing Code
International Plumbing Code (IPC) covers regulations for plumbing facilities in terms of both performance and prescriptive objectives, and provides for the acceptance of new and innovative products, materials and systems. There is a corresponding 2009 International Private Sewage Disposal Code that describes the requirements for design, installation, and inspection of private sewage disposal systems.
International Mechanical Code
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) documents minimum regulations for mechanical systems including ventilation, exhaust systems, duct systems, chimneys and vents, appliances, fireplaces and solid burning equipment, boilers, water heaters, refrigeration, fuel oil piping and storage, solar systems and more.
International Fuel Gas Code
The International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) covers the design and installation of fuel gas systems and gas-fired appliances with an emphasis on efficient performance to help conserve energy.
International Energy Conservation Code
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) documents energy conservation code requirements focusing on efficiency in envelope design, mechanical systems, lighting systems along with new materials and techniques.
Energy related building codes vary widely by geography. Most states have one climate zone but larger ones like Texas have multiple climate zones requiring different energy requirements. You can find your state's energy building code at this IECC Energy Code website. For more information on building codes and who to contact in your state, visit this Building Code Reference Library.
ICC Performance Code
ICC Performance Code (IPC) provides a performance code to protect public health, safety and welfare in ways that don't unnecessarily increase construction costs, don't restrict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction and don't give preferential treatment to certain materials, products or methods of construction.
International Wildland Urban Interface Code
The International Wildland Urban Interface Code (IWUC) sets minimum regulations for land use and buildings near designated wildland areas focusing on fire spread, accessibility, defensible space, water supply and more.
International Existing Building Code
The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) defines requirements for improving and upgrading existing buildings to conserve resources and building history while achieving appropriate levels of safety.
International Property Maintenance Code
The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) addresses the need for property maintenance standards governing the maintenance of existing buildings, including maintenance and property improvement provisions.
International Zoning Code
The International Zoning Code (IZC) promotes consistency in zoning for city planners, code officials and developers to safeguard the health, property and public welfare by controlling the location, development and use of all buildings.
International Green Construction Code
The International Green Construction Code (IGCC) regulates construction of new and existing commercial buildings as of March 15, 2010. The goal is to aid in the construction of sustainable business and residential buildings.