International Building Code
Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date building code addressing
the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance.
The International Building Code, in this 2012 edition, is designed to meet these needs through
model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and
small.
This comprehensive building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems using
prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make
possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2012 edition is fully compatible
with all of the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC),
including the International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code, International
Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Green Construction Code (to be
available March 2012), International Mechanical Code, ICC Performance Code, International
Plumbing Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance
Code, International Residential Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (to be available
March 2012), International Wildland-Urban Interface Code and International Zoning Code.
The International Building Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model
code development process that offers an international forum for building professionals to discuss
performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate
proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of
provisions.
the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance.
The International Building Code, in this 2012 edition, is designed to meet these needs through
model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and
small.
This comprehensive building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems using
prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make
possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2012 edition is fully compatible
with all of the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC),
including the International Energy Conservation Code, International Existing Building Code, International
Fire Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Green Construction Code (to be
available March 2012), International Mechanical Code, ICC Performance Code, International
Plumbing Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance
Code, International Residential Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (to be available
March 2012), International Wildland-Urban Interface Code and International Zoning Code.
The International Building Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model
code development process that offers an international forum for building professionals to discuss
performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate
proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of
provisions.
The first edition of the International Building Code (2000) was the culmination of an effort initiated
in 1997 by the ICC. This included five drafting subcommittees appointed by ICC and consisting of
representatives of the three statutory members of the International Code Council at that time,
including: Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference
of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). The
intent was to draft a comprehensive set of regulations for building systems consistent with and
inclusive of the scope of the existing model codes. Technical content of the latest model codes promulgated
by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI was utilized as the basis for the development, followed by public
hearings in 1997, 1998 and 1999 to consider proposed changes. This 2012 edition presents the
code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003, 2006 and 2009 editions and further
changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2010. A new edition such as this is
promulgated every 3 years.
This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a
building code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not
unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials,
products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular
types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.
in 1997 by the ICC. This included five drafting subcommittees appointed by ICC and consisting of
representatives of the three statutory members of the International Code Council at that time,
including: Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference
of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). The
intent was to draft a comprehensive set of regulations for building systems consistent with and
inclusive of the scope of the existing model codes. Technical content of the latest model codes promulgated
by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI was utilized as the basis for the development, followed by public
hearings in 1997, 1998 and 1999 to consider proposed changes. This 2012 edition presents the
code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003, 2006 and 2009 editions and further
changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2010. A new edition such as this is
promulgated every 3 years.
This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a
building code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not
unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials,
products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular
types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.
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