Codes List
The I-codes consist of:
International Existing Building Code, governing the renovation and rehabilitation of existing structures;
International Energy Conservation Code;
International Plumbing Code;
International Fire Code;
International Green Construction Code;
International Mechanical Code;
And others.
In addition to the I-codes, various technical agencies release codes that cover specific areas of design which are incorporated by reference into the I-codes. These include:
ASCE 7: Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures by the American Society of Civil Engineers;
AISC 360: Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings by the American Institute of Steel Construction;
AISC 341: Seismic Provisions for Structural Steel Buildings by the American Institute of Steel Construction;
ACI 314: Simplified Design of Concrete Buildings by the American Concrete Institute;
TMS 402: Building Code Requirements and Specifications for Masonry Structures by The Masonry Society;
AWC NDS: National Design Standards for Wood Construction by the American Wood Council
And others.
Each of these codes, including the I-codes, are updated periodically through a consensus process, whereby design professionals and academics propose updates based on experience and research. These updates are then voted on by the members of the organization responsible for the document. For example, ASCE 7 updates every five to six years. The most current edition is the 2016 edition (ASCE 7-16), and the next edition will be the 2022 edition (ASCE 7-22). ASCE currently has posted on its website the meetings and conference calls wherein the changes to the next edition will be proposed and deliberated, and it opens those meetings to any member of the civil engineering community who wishes to attend. In addition, ASCE hosts a public comment forum on its website for the same purpose. The I-codes themselves update on a three-year cycle. The most current version is the 2018 edition (IBC 2018) and the next edition will be in 2021 (IBC 2021).
It is up to each individual jurisdiction to write a building code law. The Code is intended to be a model, which jurisdictions can choose to adopt either in whole or in part, or they can choose to write their own code.
New York State published its own code until 2008. Since then, New York has adopted the Code as the basis for its Uniform Fire Suppression and Building Code. In addition to the Code, New York releases a supplementary document that states which chapters of the IBC are applicable and contains modifications to the body of the IBC. For example, New York requires a higher base ground snow load than is stated in the IBC, and provides its own map for the ground snow loads by area.
In contrast to New York State, New York City still publishes its own building code but is heavily based on the I-codes.
It is also important to note that only one authority has jurisdiction over any given building. Buildings in New York City, or any other city with its own code and regulations, are not required to conform to the regulations of New York State. In contrast, buildings outside of an urban jurisdiction are governed by state regulations .
