A nonprofit organization that develops model building codes and standards used throughout the United States and internationally, including the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and other codes that establish minimum requirements for construction safety, health, and welfare.

The ICC (International Code Council) is a nonprofit organization that develops model building codes and standards used throughout the United States and internationally, including the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and other codes that establish minimum requirements for construction safety, health, and welfare. Founded in 1994 through the consolidation of three regional code organizations, the ICC has become the primary source of model codes that protect public health, safety, and welfare in the built environment. These codes serve as the foundation for local building regulations and are adopted by thousands of jurisdictions worldwide.

The primary purposes include developing comprehensive model building codes for adoption by local jurisdictions, establishing minimum safety standards for construction and building design, providing technical resources and education for code officials and construction professionals, promoting uniformity in building regulations across different regions, supporting code enforcement through training and certification programs, facilitating international cooperation on building safety standards, and advancing building science and technology through research and development.

Major ICC codes include the International Building Code (IBC) for commercial and institutional buildings, International Residential Code (IRC) for one- and two-family dwellings, International Fire Code (IFC) for fire prevention and protection, International Mechanical Code (IMC) for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, International Plumbing Code (IPC) for plumbing systems and fixtures, International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for energy efficiency requirements, International Existing Building Code (IEBC) for renovation and rehabilitation, International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) for property upkeep standards, International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) for gas piping and appliances, and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) for aquatic facilities.

Fun Fact: The ICC was formed in 1994 by merging three regional code organizations that had been rivals for decades! The International Building Code is now used in all 50 US states and has been translated into multiple languages for international use. The ICC codes are updated every three years through a democratic process involving thousands of participants. Interestingly, the ICC headquarters building in Washington, DC, was designed to showcase advanced building technologies and serves as a living laboratory for code development!

• Energy Code
• NEC (National Electrical Code)
• Uniform Building Code (UBC)