Building Science

Building Codes

The International Code Council (ICC) creates model construction and public safety codes. These codes, known as I-Codes, are then adopted by state and municipal governments.

Below are links to the most recent basic ICC Codes. Each Code link opens to Chapter 1 of the individual code. Use the left column to locate and find the Chapter and Section you need.

Caution:

Your state or municipality may work from an earlier version of an I-Code. Also, your state or municipality (see websites below) may have made modifications to the I-Code. 

• 2021 International Building Code (IBC)

• 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)

• 2021 International Fire Code (IFC)

• 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)

• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

• 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)

• International Code Council (ICC) All I-Codes

  This is the home page for all ICC I-Codes. Search by year, then by subject.

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards

  Follow the directions on this page for read-only access to the codes and standards.

State, Tribal, and Municipal Codes

Each state has a building code - these codes can vary from state to state. Below is a link to a list of links to building codes by state.

The most efficient method of locating the municipal code of a city is to search the city's official website for a link to its code. Some cities contract with a code publishing company. You also can search the websites below to locate a municipal code.

• Building Codes by State

  This page, from BuildingsGuide.com, provides links to state building codes. The site also notes "[r]remember that each city has its own specific building codes, so check with your city's municipal office to ensure your building plans are up-to-date."

• American Legal Publishing Corp.

  Links to city and county codes in all 50 states.

• General Code's E-codes

  Choose the state, then select a municipality.

• Municipal Code Corp.

  On this "Library" page, choose a State or "Tribes and Tribal Nations." Next, choose the tribe or city. Search by keyword or browse by title.

• Understanding Building Codes

  This United States government website answers the questions of what is a building code, how are building standards created and updated, how are model building codes updated, and how a model code becomes law.