Building Codes

Using the Adobe Flex language, you can create interactive animations on your website. The Flex DataGrid control pulls data from a database or XML file and displays it in a grid component on your…

Concrete block walls are a necessity in basement foundations because of their hardiness and durability. They also are useful above ground because they are naturally fire-resistant and weatherproof,…

Construction professionals can create stairways and railings using different and imaginative designs. However, unless these structures follow well-tested and proven standards, they may prove flimsy…

Footers are an essential component of many masonry chimney installations and provide support for the chimney's extreme weight. A chimney footer that is poured inadequately or lacks strength can lead…

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials organization is responsible for the development of the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code. These, working together…

The Newport NP8667 shed, a prefabricated shed manufactured by Arrow Storage Products, comes with a detailed owner’s manual that provides instructions both for assembly and maintenance. By…

Though stairways are complex structures requiring precision construction, they represent a mature technology that the building industry has mastered. To ensure safety and durability, contractors must…

Stairways are complex constructions that allow easy access between the floors of a structure. They consist of several components that must fit together correctly, including handrails, stair steps and…

In times past, individuals in wheelchairs or with mobility issues who wanted to take a simple shower could only do so with help from someone else. Modern building codes prevent this dependence by…

Egress windows are a requirement on all new buildings constructed in the United States, with each state providing its own individual requirements on the size of the window. For the state of New…

Grand staircases fronting multistory entry halls can boast head heights limited only by the finances of the homeowner and the imagination of the designer. Interior stairways in 1,000-square-foot homes…

Concerns over the safety of engineered roof trusses in the event of a building fire have led the Indiana Department of Homeland Security's Fire and Building Code Enforcement Branch to adopt guidelines…

A shower or hot bath is something many people take for granted, but this pleasure is often too difficult or dangerous for someone with motion or other disabilities, especially if performed…

Water and foundations don’t mix. During the construction of your home’s foundation is the best time to install a drainage system that will remove water from saturated soil before it can…

Whether you are building a new home or reroofing an existing one, the state of Colorado has certain mandates and codes that contractors and homeowners must follow. Ignoring these roofing guidelines…

Stairs and windows have strict building code requirements for their construction. When the two are placed near each other, special considerations come into play. The stairs create a hazardous location…

Interior balcony rails require a permit, similar to most structures built within a home or commercial building. Codes vary among cities as well as among residential and commercial applications for a…

Some building codes require basement egress windows, particularly in certain rooms. The building codes specify the dimensions of the window, where it must sit and how the window must operate. Egress…

Steps account for the majority of falls in a residential setting, Cornell University reports. These falls happen for a variety of reasons, and it’s important for builders and architects to know…

Windows bring light and ventilation into a home, provide emergency exits when doors are blocked and grant energy savings if properly insulated. They must meet building codes for safest use and maximum…

Bathroom ceilings have a minimum height dictated by both national and local standards, primarily for safety and comfort purposes. However, other factors affect the ideal minimum height for practical…

Installing a kitchen ventilation system protects a home or business from grease and smoke build-up, and minimizes the risk of fire. Individual city building code departments set the standard for…

Building codes are always very specific about safety, and fireplaces can be one of the largest safety concerns in a household. International building codes, local building codes and fire safety codes…

Staircases are an efficient way to go from one floor to the next in homes. They remain safe because of railings that give people something to hold onto while traveling the steps. They require…

Connecticut has detailed building codes that specify minimum requirements for nearly every part of a house, including porch railings. Whether you're building a new porch or remodeling an old one,…

Installing a built-in cooktop and oven involves more than simply sliding the unit into a kitchen and plugging it in. Cooktops burn natural gas and give off fumes that must be vented safely otherwise…

The requirements for an over-the-range microwave can vary among municipality building codes but are also subject to the specifications of your stove and microwave. Over-the-range microwave units have…

Stairs or steps enable people to move from one level to another easily and comfortably. Stairs may be made of wood or some form of masonry, concrete, brick or stone. They may go up in a straight line…

The International Residential Code ensures national consistency in building and safety standards. The Code covers townhome units consisting of at least three townhomes, single-family homes and…

Finishing a basement can give you added room for recreation, hobbies, office work or sleeping arrangements. In Virginia, all finished basements must conform to the Unified Statewide Building Code,…

Each furnace or heating unit in a building may have its own clearance requirements as established by the manufacturer. Furnace clearance requirements may also depend on your state or local building…

Basement walls and floors have special problems when it comes to insulation, according to the Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center, because they’re prone to flows of…

A Visual Basic "DataSet" control contains data tables from a database, a file or your own data creation. You must first create a "DataTable" object with defined fields and populate…

A stair jig provides a precise method to cut stair stringers accurately. It allows precise incremental risers and tread cutouts to be made into a stringer. Often the jig is constructed of wood or…

The eastern Pennsylvania countryside is dotted with small farms and Amish-built barns. A cheaper alternative to these traditional wood-beam outbuildings are pole barns, which have treated lumber…

If you plan to install a walking path in your backyard and you want to make it easier for people to traverse the rough terrain of a hillside, carve a set of steps into the hillside. Not only does this…

Facebook operates a development program that lets Website designers implement Facebook content on their own sites using HTML. The primary form of external Facebook integration is the Like and Share…

Keeping water away from foundations is one of the most important parts of construction. Site grading is an integral part of foundation drainage; subsurface drainage also is a requirement. Areas prone…

Every year, hundreds of children drown, and thousands more come close to drowning in residential swimming pools. Providing barriers to unsupervised access to pools is the best way to prevent tragedy.…

Homeowners build solariums to enjoy the comfort and warmth of sunlight year-round. Many solariums are for a general purpose; others may serve as a location for a spa or breakfast room. Solariums have…

Railing posts (also known as spindles or balusters) are an integral safety and design feature of stairs. Railing systems consist of vertical posts (spindles) and a guardrail that connects while…

In 1950, the Uniform Building Code, created in 1927, was the accepted building construction criteria adopted by most local governments. Multiple revisions to this code have evolved to the present day…

Communities have a vested interest in the appearance of a neighborhood, and fences are significant visual features in the landscape. Local authorities regulate the location and appearance of fences…

Rebar, or steel reinforcement bar, is normally put inside forms to add tensile strength to poured concrete. The steel is sold in long rod lengths, and is ribbed along its edges to allow the concrete a…

The state of Minnesota has passed a partition fence law to resolve disputes between neighbors over fences that divide their properties. However, individual communities enforce building codes that…

A Type B flue pipe exhausts soot, fumes, gases and toxic odors from B-Vent appliances, which draw air from the interior space to help the combustion process. Installers use Type B flue pipes to vent a…

Most people understand how the different parts of a fireplace operate. However, they don't really understand what a chimney does other than providing an exit for smoke so that it doesn't seep inside…

Owning a set of swirl stairs is great for small spaces that require a smaller, more compact set of stairs. If you need to get from one floor to another, and you don't have enough room to put in a…

The quality of water in the state of Texas is regulated by the 30th section of the Texas Administrative Code. Title 30 (as is its formal name) refers to all matters of environmental quality and…

Occupancy permits, which are documents issued through local governmental agencies, certify that newly constructed or remodeled buildings have met all applicable codes and conditions and are suitable…

State bar associations mandate codes of professional responsibility, sometimes referred to as ethics canons. Such codes set ethical standards for attorneys and their staffs. Attorneys who violate…

Citrus County, Florida -- like other jurisdictions -- maintains a Code Compliance Division to help deal with a variety of quality-of-life issues for local residents including police, fire, roads,…

According to the Children's Defense Fund's 2011 reporting, 2,775,132 school-age children reside in the state of Pennsylvania, many of whom are enrolled in public schools. Protecting children in the…

The vast majority of U.S. states have adopted the International Building Code, or IBC, as a template for their building laws. With picnic shelters, the primary issue is whether or not you will need a…

If you take care of three or more children who are not related to you during more than four hours a day and live in North Carolina, you may need to get a child care license. North Carolina child care…

Whether you're on vacation or building a new home, it's always a good idea to read up on building safety. In 2007, the the City and County of Honolulu established regulations regarding balcony,…

Like most states, Florida has code requirements for metal structures. Before deciding to put up a metal structure in Florida, there are many aspects of the code requirements to consider.

Hurricanes in Florida can damage and destroy homes. The goal of hurricane mitigation provisions in the building code is to lessen the damage to houses hurricanes cause. A mitigation verification…

National standards require yearly inspections of escalators and moving sidewalks by certified, qualified elevator inspectors to check they meet federal safety standards. Failure to comply can result…

Damage to important records caused by fire cannot be undone. That's why it is important to store records in such a way that they are protected from fires. The National Fire Protection Association…

Texas building codes for multi-family housing are established by the state legislature and enforced on the county level. The Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) apply to all publicly funded, state…

Before designing, installing or replacing a railing, you should review the codes associated with building regulation compliance. The International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential…

The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is a national building code developed by the International Code Council to establish standards for energy efficiency in modern buildings. Seasonal…

The state of New York imposes exterior lighting codes and laws that are enforced by local city and county governments. If exterior lights are found to not meet these codes they can be removed and the…

The State of Florida does not have any laws regarding age restrictions for sauna/steam room/spa access. Individual businesses or associations may create their own rules regarding age limits. Yet it is…

Heating, venting and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems help maintain the quality of indoor air by providing adequate ventilation. These systems conserve a lot of energy. There is more than one code that…

The International Building Code is the product of a public interest organization called the International Code Council (ICC). The organization's mission is to create building safety codes without…

Most building codes exist to protect the people who use the property. Many code violations can potentially result in your customers, staff or you getting hurt. In addition to this major consideration…

Tennessee defines zoning as the process of dividing an area into districts for the purpose of regulating building types and the use of buildings and property. When a business seeks to change existing…

The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures disabled citizens have reasonable access to public accommodations. Some disabled people rely heavily on handrails to maneuver through public places and to…

Whether they are responsible for examining new, existing or recently re-built structures, building inspectors must take into account the potential legal issues of their profession. Certification,…

According to the Municode website, Santa Rosa County follows the building codes established by the state of Florida. The R1 building codes focus directly on occupational buildings or, more…

The North Dakota Department of Commerce, Division of Community Services is responsible for the adoption of, and any revisions to, the State Building Code. North Dakota has adopted the codes created by…

The Florida Building Code (FBC), implemented in 2001, is a single, statewide building system regulating everyone involved in altering, constructing or repairing buildings. Prompted by a series of…

Georgia fire code is a combination of federal policy and the state's own amendments, which are both designed to prevent emergencies and ensure safety.

Pasadena Texas follows the 2006 International Building Code for commercial projects and multifamily residential projects. One and two-family houses are governed by the 2006 International Residential…

Most cities have code enforcement and planning departments, which conduct long-term planning for city growth. This department also enforces applicable city laws, regarding permits, zoning and other…

Fire escapes are a means of egress from a building during a fire. Most metropolitan areas in America have long rows of fire escapes attached to the buildings. Individuals may choose to place grates on…

The California Building Code governs any roofing work carried out in California. The code is list of rules that ensures safe building practice within the state, which all builders and contractors must…

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) develops safety regulations for elevators, known as the elevator code. The code covers all aspects of elevator design, operation, and safety,…

The International Code Council (ICC) attempts to provide guidance on code implementation methodologies and recommended practices. The ICC publishes a set of International Codes, or I-Codes, to help…

All buildings constructed in Morgan County, Ohio must comply with the Ohio Building Code. The individual townships and county government of Morgan County do not promulgate their own requirements for…

The state of Indiana has promulgated building codes for the entire state. These codes are mandatory for local jurisdictions, although cities and counties may adopt tougher measures with the approval…

Throughout the United States there are many private schools, and the specific building codes and regulations for them vary among the many states. However, the intent of the building codes is to ensure…

If you've ever needed to use a restroom while grocery shopping in New Jersey and couldn't find one, you may have left the market in frustration and chalked the experience up to bad customer service.…

Construction of apartment homes in Tennessee requires following a set of guidlines, rules and regulations to make sure that each building meets codes and inspections. Without them, developers would be…

Florida building codes require that all roofing materials, assemblies, and coverings are packaged and labeled prior to shipment from the manufacturer. Code compliance with required tests for product…

The issue of dress codes in the workplace is something that has come up more often with the trend toward more casual styles in offices. That has led to gray areas. A female may feel she shouldn't be…

The Florida Building Commission adopted substantial amendments to roofing regulations in 2007. Any roof replacements on family residents that were built prior to the amended law require a secondary…

Most people are unaware that there are three types of smoke detectors. Thanks to a change in smoke detector regulations, many Iowans are familiar with all three. Prior to April 1, 2010, Iowans could…

Building construction in Ohio is serious business, concerning not only dollars and cents but also safety and reliability. Ohioans depend on the state's building code to guide construction.…

Builders must follow state law when erecting permanent structures in the Buckeye State. Specifications for Ohio building code regulations include rules for plumbing systems, types of construction…

Drainage systems provide an exit for waste-water and sewage. Plumbers who are installing something new or replacing something old must know that state's laws regarding how, where and what kind of…

Often, building regulations will express the concerns of local geographic or climatic circumstances. Chapter 16 of Florida's building code provides for a case in point. It addresses one concern in…

Under British law, employers have to provide and inspect emergency lighting in workplaces. The inspection serves to ensure that the emergency lighting will work adequately in the case of an emergency,…

Deck rail protection is required by law in California when you mount a patio deck standing at least 36 inches. The design of the guardrail will only be compliant to regulations if the height, surface…

Also known as the California Building Standards Code or simply "Title 24," Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations regulates the design and construction of buildings in California. Title 24 is…

The Village of Huntley grew from by almost 20,000 people in the eight years preceding a 2008 special census. Such growth required a large amount of construction, so the village adopted and amended…

The acronym "ICBO" has several possible meanings. One of the most common is the International Conference of Building Officials.

Regulations on the means of egress, or exits from a building, appear in a number of national, state and local building codes. If you're looking to mount a ladder as means of egress, check with all…

Code enforcement officers are employed by local governments, often are a division within the police department, and focus on enforcing local laws designed to make life more pleasant for citizens.

Building occupancy fire codes are a very important way to ensure that people can exit a building safely in case of an emergency. There are a number of factors that go into determining the capacity of…

New York law mandates that all building premises are identified by numbered addresses and that building codes on property maintenance are adhered to. Building standards are detailed and should be…

The Florida Building Code is based on a set of national building codes and standards that are in place to ensure the safety and security of building construction within the Sunshine State.

In the state of Alabama, all residential homes must comply with the Alabama Building Code, which follows the 2006 International Building Code. Individual municipalities and counties may apply…

Like other cities, Greenville, N.C., has adopted zoning ordinances that govern businesses in the municipality. These rules govern numerous aspects of business within city limits and are subject to…

Codes are a set of rules, guidelines and laws that ensure citizens follow social norms. In the United States, code enforcement often refers to the enforcement of laws relating to property. Failure to…

Some residential building codes in the state of Florida conform to the International Code Council's specifications for things like door, hallway and window clearances. But many other regulations are…

We entrust our safety to the buildings that surround us and in which we live our lives. Building codes are an important way for government to set quality requirements for contractors. In some cases,…

The Florida Building Code has a total of 36 chapters that covers every imaginable aspect of every conceivable building. While the overwhelming majority of the code has information that has general…

While restrooms are needed in most food-serving establishments by law, not all retail stores are required to provide restrooms for customers. Store restroom requirements are based on square footage,…

Nottingham, Hew Hampshire is a small town 30 minutes from Concord on the east coast of the United States. Founded in 1772, Nottingham has a rich American history as one of the original colonial towns.…

Occupancy classifications allow regulators to tailor building codes to specific uses to protect the health and safety of those occupying various types of buildings. While much of the Washington…

Professional engineer licensing in Florida is regulated by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers as per Chapter 471, Florida Statutes, the Engineering Registration Law. The requirements for a…

Noggins are not normally used in the United States for house framing but are common in the United Kingdom. Noggins are horizontal cross braces placed between studs to help stabilize the wall. Studs…

In California, there are numerous laws and regulations regarding public and commercial toilets. The accessibility and cleanliness of commercial toilets are part of the state's health and safety code,…

Article 11, Chapter 25-12, Title 25 outlines the residential building code for the city of Austin, Texas. Among other technical instructions, this section of legislation regulates the design,…

Saunas are rarely referred to in the current Florida statutes. Instead, they are usually known as "spas" and follow many of the same regulations that cover pools and hot tubs. Florida statutes…

City and state codes regulate residential building within Portland, Oregon city limits. Portland's City Code, Title 29, establishes requirements for the building and maintenance of residences. In…

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development defines a manufactured home as a dwelling that measures no less than 320 square feet and features a permanent chassis. Construction of the…

Ohio building codes lay down the rules concerning the erection of buildings throughout the state. These codes are mandatory, which must be referenced when constructing all buildings except…

Georgia residential roof building codes follow the same standards as established by the International Residential Codes (IRC). IRC provides the minimum codes standards for roof structures and other…

Erosion can cause severe damage to land. Because of this, the U.S. Congress passed the Soil Conservation Act in the 1930s. Since that time, many states, including Pennsylvania, have implemented their…

The Michigan Electrical Code is based on the National Electrical Code, with certain amendments and omissions. Like the National Electric Code, which is updated and maintained by the National Fire…

In Oregon, several authorities determine where and how you must install handrails. The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, outlines the necessary dimensions and locations of handrails to ensure…

Solar energy is cleaner other energy resources because it does not pollute the air or water and is cheaper in the long term. Solar energy panels are composed of photovoltaic cells, devices that…

Building inspectors exam a building's construction, alterations and/or repairs to ensure they comply with building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations and contract specifications. Additionally,…

Windows in residential and commercial buildings in Pasco County, Florida, must comply with the county code ordinances, but the uniform building code set by the state has authority over any local…

Fire doors aid in fire prevention and containment by using fire-resistant materials to close off certain areas of a building in the event of a fire. In Portland, Oregon, fire doors must comply with…

While there are previously constructed properties for sale or lease in Oakland, California, there are also real estate parcels available for retail, residential, office or restaurant development.…

Most aspects of decks are regulated, from the location down to the size of the lag screws used. These rules are written, of course, for everyone's safety. No one wants to see someone get hurt because…

Los Angeles building safety codes can be found online at the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Codes website: ladbs.org. The codes are updated every year and cover building…

Building code standards in the state of Ohio are contained in the Ohio Administrative Code. The Ohio Board of Building Standards maintains and administers the Ohio Building Code, which includes…

In the city of Austin, Texas, all construction must comply with International Building Code. In residential construction, the city's laws and regulations take their lead from the International…

Before building a fireplace for your residence in Los Angeles County, check that you're in full compliance with relevant codes. You'll need to ensure that dimensions, materials and all specifications…

To protect property owners and the insurance industry from roofing damage caused by the hurricanes that hit Florida annually, Florida's legislature proposed House Bill 7057, which would amend the…

New Jersey adopted the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) in 1977. However, this code made little reference to agricultural buildings so, in 1986, the Department of Community Affairs and Department of…

Building codes provide guidelines for all structures, from residential homes to commercial buildings and other public facilities. Each state's laws are different, and in order for one to be sure he is…

Nashville, Tennessee uses the 2006 International Building Code, with some local amendments to Chapter 16 that deal with Property Standards, to regulate residential and commercial construction in the…

Toronto is a large and heavily populated city of 2.48 million people. Once a series of smaller towns and cities, Toronto amalgamated into a mega-city in 2000 and now covers 391 square miles (about 630…

Building contractors take on a tremendous responsibility building homes, offices and other structures for people to live and work in. The buildings must be sound, meet a myriad of building codes and…

Florida uses national building codes and consensus standards as bases for designing its own building code. This code focuses on construction-related regulations governing private and public buildings.…

Since 2006, Washington state building codes have determined stairwell construction based on the guidelines put forward by the International Building Code. The code regulates all aspects of stairwell…

New York requirements on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) home inspections follow the "FHA Guidebook for Appraisers." The Federal Housing Administration uses the appraisal and property condition…

Prefabricated classrooms, otherwise known as portable classrooms, are often used in school districts where there are too many students and not enough classroom space. The portable classrooms appear as…

The introduction of inexpensive inflatable pools in recent years has prompted cities across the country to take a second look at local ordinances regarding requiring fencing around pools. Fencing can…

All construction in Tampa must adhere to state and city-level building codes. Tampa provides online information for residential and commercial building codes, including sections treating new…

The Portland State University Master of Urban and Regional Planning Program defines a public restroom as a facility that is, "open and accessible to everyone without restrictions." The group lists…

The New York State Building Code for schools is complex and covers a number of areas, from the proper practices of acquiring land for the construction of public schools to handicap accessibility of…

Florida building codes for handrails do not vary much from those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The codes maintain accessibility standards for all people and are required for…

Building codes are put in place for safety reasons, but many do not realize that these codes govern just about everything in a building. Gas lines and electrical work must meet stringent requirements,…

The Los Angeles Building and Safety Codes are city specific amendments to the codes legislated by the state of California. The codes are administered and enforced by the city of Los Angeles Department…

While any kind of building or construction can be dangerous, commercial building can be especially dangerous. Many commercial structures are built much higher than houses and require more elaborate…

Residential land uses are generally places where people live. They can come in many different forms, from massive mansions to tiny studio apartments. Some are urban, others rural. The predominant form…

In order to operate a business at home or create a commercial development in a residential area, a landowner may need to change the existing zoning. Typically, residential zoning does not allow for…

Basement apartments are a great way to turn unused space into something that can help make money and reduce your monthly mortgage payments. If you do not already have an apartment built into your…

Building codes were enacted to protect homeowners and the public from dangerous conditions. The codes set a standard of safety for buildings, including framing, plumbing, electrical, windows and roofs…

Without guard rails and hand rails, the simple act of going up and down stairways could be dangerous. Without a handhold, slips could be deadly if a person rolls down the stairs. Furthermore,…

In Ontario, a swimming pool is an artificial pool or tank built into the ground that is intended and adapted for swimming. Ontario regulates swimming pools through a variety of permitting and…

A quick swim on a hot summer day can be relaxing and enjoyable. The best way to relax around a pool when children are present is to minimize the chance of accidents by using simple precautions. The…

To prevent death and injury to occupants of California's habitable structures, the 2007 California Building Code governs the identification of permissible ceiling materials. Ceiling finishes are…

From June 1 through Nov. 30, Florida is exposed to hurricane season. The threat of hurricanes and accompanying storm surge (or flooding) has prompted extensive amendments to the Florida Building Code.…

Pennsylvania has rules governing building construction which apply throughout the state. The Uniform Construction Code, or UCC, has been enforced in all counties and municipalities from 2004, although…

Many children have died because of swimming pool accidents. California implemented the Swimming Pool Safety Act in 1998 to protect children from drowning. If a California resident would like to build…

In Pennsylvania, requirements for elevators in residential buildings are the same as those for all passenger elevators. They are included in the state building code, which has copious and specific…

Septic systems are permitted in Ontario, but there are strict regulations about installation. You will have to abide by building code regulations as well. The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) sets…

North Carolina building and fire codes set requirements for emergency lighting at emergency exits and in some hallways of business, apartment and public buildings. Detached single-family dwellings and…

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you if it goes undetected. In Ontario, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing outlines the province's requirements for the location…

The South Florida Building Code, last updated in 2007, states the minimum requirements and standards for all structures erected or altered in any way in South Florida. The Code exists to ensure the…

The California Department of Industrial Relations maintains an online directory of the Code of Regulations governing the construction and specifications for all stairways in the state. Part (a) of…

A swimming pool can be a fun place to be, or a dangerous one if nobody takes safety seriously. Nobody wants a great day at the pool ruined by an injury - or even worse - a drowning. In an effort to…

In an emergency situation such as a fire, it is essential that the fire department and other first responders have access to the land or property on which an incident is occurring. Fire lanes are an…

Sections 115920 through 115929 of the Health and Safety Codes for the Swimming Pool Safety Act govern private swimming pool regulations for the state of California. These regulations include drowning…

The Ontario Building Code Act was passed in 1992. It contains provisions for constructing and demolishing buildings and issuing conditional building permits. Inspectors, acting under the powers given…

In 2008, fires killed more Americans than all natural disasters in the United States combined, and resulted in more than $15 billion of property loss. Routine fire safety inspections reduce fires and…

Smoke detectors have been an important part of fire safety for many years. There are numerous manufacturers of these devices, making them an affordable aid in fire prevention. The installation of…

A residential building code is a set of standards adopted by cities and counties for the construction, maintenance, and occupancy of homes and apartments. Most local jurisdictions have their own…

By state law, all communities in Ohio since 2005 use the single Ohio building code for one-, two- and three-family dwellings, which in turn is based on the international building code (IBC). The code…

Building permits are the way that cities, states and the federal government regulate construction, ensuring that things are built safely, are structurally sound and do not cause damage to existing…

Building developments are regulated in the state of Ohio, as they are in most other states. Buildings must be safe and must meet specific standards as laid down in the Ohio Building Code, a series of…

Home inspectors must have a thorough knowledge of property construction, building codes and related hazards. They might work with lawyers, mortgage lenders or real estate appraisers among others. A…

State governments enact and administer a wide variety of laws, but the states allow local jurisdictions such as cities and counties to pass their own laws covering certain activities. The local laws…

The Department of Zoning and Land Use Planning (DZP) in the City of Chicago administers the zoning code for the use of residents, workers and visitors. The implementation of sustainable development…

There must be a way to exit any building safely in case of a fire or other emergency situation. Ohio regulatory codes require a means of egress to be included in the structural design of both new and…

The application of building code standards is an individual state decision as to which set of codes are most appropriate and useful. Texas follows three sets of empirical building codes: the Standard…

Emergency lighting laws for hotels throughout the U.S. generally comply with the standards established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in its publication "Life Safety Code" (also…

Building your dream home begins with finding the ideal piece of property. Even if you haven't decided on a floor plan, investigate how local residential building codes limit the use of the property.…

The University of Arkansas explains that "up to 60 percent of all lives could be saved if homes were equipped with working smoke detectors and escape plans." Arkansas building code requires buildings…

A home's square footage can be expanded by finishing and making use of the basement which creates additional living space. For safety, all habitable spaces, especially sleeping areas should be…

Every state has its own requirements regarding proper building code. Buildings in California need to be reinforced to withstand possible earthquakes while builders in New Orleans need to be more…

Certification, as it applies to the building code in California, generally refers to the certifying of individuals who inspect structures of various types. Any building that is existing or under…

Every state has requirements for certification and inspection of elevators, Texas included. It is reassuring to know that when you board an elevator, it is compliant with Texas state elevator safety…

The International Building Code (IBC) is the basis for all aspects of structural design requirements and code guidelines that are used in national, state and local building codes. Part of this…

If you are thinking about becoming a building inspector in North Carolina, learning about the necessary requirements will help you on your way. Building inspectors are responsible for making sure that…

Schools, businesses and other institutions often employ dress codes to create a productive, orderly work environment. These basic guidelines or rules help employees, students and other members of the…

Zoning ordinances and codes protect a community's appearance and viability. Such laws allow towns and cities to stop people from maintaining a junk yard in a residential neighborhood or growing their…

The International Building Code (IBC) is a set of model ordinances that is available for adoption and use by any municipal governmental jurisdictions worldwide. It provides for minimum health, safety…

International building codes are designed and published by the International Code Council (ICC), which has its world headquarters located in Washington, D.C. Known simply as International Codes, or…

Solar heating systems produce a completely clean and renewable source of energy, and can meet almost all of a home's power needs. However, these systems usually change the structure and look of a…

According to authorities in DeSoto County, Florida, code enforcement is defined as "that branch of a local governing body responsible for the enforcement of that body's civil codes and ordinances."

The International Building Code (IBC) is a set of uniform regulations that cover the construction and design of buildings. The IBC was designed to address these needs through model code regulations…

Code enforcement, from condemning buildings to investigating poor plumbing, is adopted by communities to preserve the safety, cleanliness and property values of a municipality or other community. But…

New Jersey law requires that construction, maintenance and use of all buildings be regulated according to the "State Uniform Construction Code Act." The purpose of the act is to insure uniform, modern…

All new buildings in the United States, whether residential, commercial or industrial, must comply with the most recent edition of the International Building Code (IBC) or with standards of local laws…

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there is at least one smoke detector in 96 percent of all U.S homes. The ubiquity of smoke detectors extends to Davenport, Iowa, where several…

Uniform Construction Code Act governs all construction-related work and construction work sites in the state of Pennsylvania. The Act also ensures uniform, modern construction standards and…

Those who have been fortunate enough to have been able to build a new home or place of business know that these edifices must be built according to standards for everything from building footings to…

The International Code Council develops a set of international codes that are used when building residential and commercial buildings. These codes promote building safety and fire prevention. It is…

California is widely recognized as America's leader in terms of energy efficiency standards and environmental protection. This is reflected in Title 24 of its building codes, which in addition to…

Whenever a building fails to meet state or county municipality standards, local authorities may condemn it. A condemned structure must be repaired or demolished. A building inspector for a local…

The process of adding a deck in your backyard seems difficult enough before you consider zoning laws. New additions on private property need to be cleared with your city's zoning board before…

Your dream of a growing business and a large home can be brought back to reality in front of a zoning board. Zoning boards use zoning laws to limit commercial, residential and industrial development…