The International Building Code (IBC) is one of the international codes (I-Codes) that deals with the construction, design and installation of buildings using requirements that emphasize performance. The IBC was designed to address these needs through model code regulations that are intended to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.
International Code Council
The International Code Council (ICC) is a nonprofit membership organization association that was created in 1994 for the purpose of creating a single set of comprehensive and coordinated uniform model construction codes to be used throughout the United States. The founders of the ICC were the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA), the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI).
When BOCA, ICBO, and SBCCI joined to form the ICC, the three separate regional building codes of the three founding organizations were used to create the international codes.
I-Codes
The I-codes are the copyrighted uniform model codes that are published by the ICC. They are intended to provide minimum safeguards for the general public when they are at home, at school and in the workplace. The I-codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated codes in one set without regional limitations. They include the International Building Code, the International Energy Conservation Code, the International Existing Building Code, the International Fire Code, the International Fuel Gas Code, the International Mechanical Code, the ICC Performance Code, the International Plumbing Code, the International Private Sewage Disposal Code, the International Property Maintenance Code, the International Residential Code, the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code and the International Zoning Code.
IBC
The IBC is a comprehensive building code that's designed to establish minimum regulations for construction projects that use prescriptive and performance-related provisions. The principles upon which it was founded made possible the usage of new materials and building designs. The IBC is the model code that develops a process that offers construction contractors and others an international forum based on international consistency.
IBC Chapter Layout
The chapters of the IBC include:
Chapter 1 - Administration
Chapter 2 - Definitions
Chapter 3 - Use and Occupancy Classification
Chapter 5 - General Building Heights and Areas
Chapter 6 - Types of Construction
Chapter 7 - Fire-Resistance-Rated Construction
Chapter 8 - Interior Finishes
Chapter 9 - Fire Protection Systems
Chapter 10 - Means of Egress
Chapter 11 - Accessibility
Chapter 12 - Interior Environment
Chapter 13 - Energy Efficiency
Chapter 14 - Exterior Walls
Chapter 15 - Roof Assemblies and Rooftop Structures
Chapter 16 - Structural Design
Chapter 17 - Structural Tests and Special Inspections
Chapter 18 - Soils and Foundations
Chapter 19 - Concrete
Chapter 20 - Aluminum
Chapter 21 - Masonry
Chapter 22 - Steel
Chapter 23 - Wood
Chapter 24 - Glass and Glazing
Chapter 25 - Gypsum Board and Plaster
Chapter 26 - Plastic
Chapter 27 - Electrical
Chapter 28 - Mechanical Systems
Chapter 29 - Plumbing Systems
Chapter 30 - Elevators and Conveying Systems
Chapter 31 - Special Construction
Chapter 32 - Encroachments into the Public Right-of-Way
Chapter 33 - Safeguards during Construction
Chapter 34 - Existing Structures
Chapter 35 - Referenced Standards
Appendix A - Employee Qualifications
Appendix B - Board of Appeals
Appendix C - Group U - Agricultural Buildings
Appendix D - Fire Districts
Appendix E - Supplementary Accessibility Requirements
Appendix F - Rodent Proofing
Appendix G - Flood Resistant Construction
Appendix H - Signs
Appendix I - Patio Covers
Appendix J - Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Qualified Historic Buildings and Facilities
IBC Jurisdictions
The IBC has been adopted by the legislatures of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It's also used and enforced by several federal agencies and is used by the Department of Defense to build all of its military facilities throughout the world.
