Worldwide Code Council
The Worldwide Code Council (ICC) is the first group chargeable for creating the varied home code requirements used to make sure protected and sustainable buildings worldwide.
The ICC developed the Worldwide Constructing Code (IBC), a set of constructing codes that protects well being and security whereas avoiding preferential therapy of particular supplies or building strategies and pointless constructing prices.
Most jurisdictions within the U.S. use IBC as a base customary for creating home codes.
State constructing division
Along with native constructing codes, your state might have its personal statewide constructing codes. For instance, a number of of California’s state codes regulate the design, building, use, and upkeep of buildings.
These state codes embrace the Authorities Code, Public Assets Code, and Well being and Security Code, encompassing codes for power conservation and inexperienced design.
Nationwide Electrical Code
The Nationwide Electrical Code (NEC) is a regionally adoptable customary for the protected set up {of electrical} wiring and gear within the U.S. It’s a part of the Nationwide Hearth Code collection printed by the Nationwide Hearth Safety Affiliation.
Using the time period “national” might lead you to assume in any other case, however these codes aren’t federal legislation. Usually, the NEC is adopted on the state or native degree to standardize their protected electrical practices. In some instances, native governments might amend, alter, and even reject NEC codes in favor of regional rules.
Worldwide Plumbing Code
The Worldwide Plumbing Code (IPC) is presently adopted on the state or native degree in 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. These codes pair seamlessly with ICC’s household of home codes. The IPC units minimal requirements for plumbing techniques overlaying matters, comparable to backflow prevention, water heaters, and nonpotable water techniques (e.g., rainwater and greywater).
Nationwide Hearth Safety Affiliation Requirements
Along with the Nationwide Electrical Code requirements mentioned above, the Nationwide Hearth Safety Affiliation (NFPA) has different requirements in its Nationwide Hearth Code collection. The NFPA is a non-public commerce affiliation, not a regulatory physique, however the NFPA’s 300-plus codes and requirements are broadly adopted and accessible without spending a dime on-line entry.
Don’t fear — not all of those codes will apply to your private home building mission!