What does the phrase building codes mean?

A building code is a set of regulations written by city or county officials with the help of construction pros that governs the design, construction and modification of commercial buildings, homes and other structures in the jurisdiction.

How do I read the Ontario Building Code?

Ontario Building Code is divided into 12 Parts. The decimal numbering system has been used to identify particular requirements for individual parts and sections. The first number indicates the Part of the Code, the second, the Section in the Part, the third, the Subsection and the fourth, the Article in the Subsection.

What are 4 benefits of having building codes?

Codes are designed to protect buildings and the people and property inside them from fire, earthquakes, windstorms and other extreme events. They also ensure structural integrity; electrical, plumbing and mechanical system safety, as well as accessibility and practical and achievable levels of energy efficiency.

What Is A Part 3 building?

Larger buildings are considered “Part 3 buildings” and parts 1 through 8 apply. Part 3 is the largest and most complicated part of the building code. It is intended to be used by engineers and architects.

What are the benefits of building code?

Why is building code important?

The main purpose of building codes is to provide minimum standards to protect the public health, safety, and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. Model building codes provide protection from tragedy caused by fire, structural collapse, and general deterioration.

How are building codes written in the United States?

Building code regulations are written, rewritten and interpreted by a legion of builders, manufacturers, architects, engineers, fire marshalls and inspectors. To complicate matters there is no common language — there is no uniform building code in the United States.

What happens if you change your building code?

But the adopted change doesn’t automatically become part of your state or local code. Let’s say your state adopted the 1987 BOCA National Building Code. You will not have to follow any changes made to the BOCA code after 1987 unless your state actively adopts either a revised code or the amended changes.

Where can I buy a copy of the building code?

Check with your local inspectors. They probably won’t have a copy to sell, but they will know where you can purchase a copy of the code book. — Meet with the building inspector during the design phase of the project. Build a working partnership with the code official.

How are challenges to building code recommendations heard?

Challenges to the committee recommendations are invited at a final hearing. Challengers must persuade 3/4 of the members at the final hearing to overturn the committee’s recommendation. This two-hearing approach gives all building professionals a voice in the code-writing process. Unchallenged items are automatically approved at the final hearing.