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Building Codes

A free reference to building codes as adopted into law across the United States, in plain language.

Direct answer and reference scope

Building Codes is presented here as a reference within the the listed code collection collection for United States. A free reference to building codes as adopted into law across the United States, in plain language. Use the International Code Council code library to confirm the code edition currently adopted for the project, and compare the model text with state amendments, local amendments, effective dates and the permit authority's interpretation. The ICC code library is the model-code publication path. This Harth page is a searchable reference transcription, not an official code publication, legal opinion or confirmation that this edition controls a particular address. Record the project jurisdiction, application date, occupancy, construction type and amendment set before relying on a section. Where this page conflicts with an official publication or the authority having jurisdiction, the official source controls.

Authored and prepared by Harth. Review scope: official verification path added; code text and current local applicability have not been independently reviewed.

Building codes vary by state, city, discipline and effective date. Start with the adoption guides, then confirm the official text and amendments with the authority having jurisdiction.

Adoption and amendment guides

The older chapter transcriptions in this library are historical references. A page naming an older edition does not establish the code currently in force for a project.

Where verbatim source text is shown, it is reproduced from the code as adopted into law by the jurisdiction, sourced from public.resource.org under the government edicts doctrine (see Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, Inc., 590 U.S. 255 (2020)). This material reflects enacted law and is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect local amendments or the most recently adopted edition. Always verify requirements with the authority having jurisdiction.