.png)
1927
Uniform Building Code Released by ICBO
The UBC was published by the International Conference of Building Officials and focused on the development of better building construction and greater public safety.
The International Code Council:
Through the Years
As we celebrate our 30 year anniversary, the International Code Council looks back at our rich history creating model codes and standards and building safety solutions used to ensure safe, affordable and sustainable communities and buildings worldwide.
SCROLL DOWN
SCROLL UP
‘20s
‘70s
1979
CABO Received Accreditation
The Council of American Building Officials received accreditation as a Standards Developing Organization from the American National Standards Institute.
‘80s
.png)
1980
First Building Safety Week
The initiative promoted the use and understanding of building codes worldwide and how the construction of safe, sound and accessible buildings is achieved.
1981
Hyatt Regency Skywalk Collapsed
Two overhead walkways suffered a structural collapse and crashed onto a dance taking place in the lobby, killing 114 and injuring 216.
1987
CABO assumed secretariat of A117.1
CABO accepted secretariat of A117.1 Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities to develop a standard that could be adopted/enforced as part of a building code.
‘90s
.png)
1992
Hurricane Andrew
The Category 5 hurricane made landfall in the Bahamas/South Florida/Louisiana, killing 65 people and creating 27.3 billion dollars in damage. Florida created the FBC, the strongest statewide building code in the U.S. based on Code Council model codes.
.png)
1994
The International Code Council Established
On Dec. 9, 1994, the International Code Council was established as a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing a comprehensive set of building codes that would have no regional limitations: the International Codes®.
1994
Destructive Earthquake in Northridge, Calif.
The 6.7-magnitude quake caused over 60 fatalities and exposed weaknesses in steel-frame buildings. New code provisions were designed to provide higher seismic resistance.
.png)
1995
IPC, IPSDC Published
The first I-Codes® are published under the Code Council organization: the International Plumbing Code® and International Private Sewage Disposal Code®.
.png)
1996
IMC Published
The International Mechanical Code® is added to the I-Codes, establishing minimum regulations for mechanical systems.
.png)
1997
IFGC Published
The International Fuel Gas Code® becomes the fourth I-Code, establishing minimum requirements for fuel gas systems and gas fired appliances.
1997
AGA and the Code Council Sign Agreement
The American Gas Association and the Code Council agreed to work together to develop the new IFGC to be available in early 1998.
1998
First Code Council Code Development Hearings
Meeting attendees in Alexandria, Virginia considered proposed code changes to the first drafts of the IBC, IFC, IFGC, IMC, IMEC, IPC, IPSDC, IPMC and IZC.
1998
CABO Incorporation
CABO was incorporated into the Code Council to serve the interest of code enforcement officials representing state/local governments, providing a single voice for the most effective and efficient use of resources.
.png)
1998
ICC/ANSI A117.1 1998 Published
Formerly CABO/ANSI A117.1, the Code Council’s first edition of the accessibility standard was approved by ANSI and published with expanded sections on elevators, signs, alarms and more.
.png)
1998
IPMC, IZC Published
The Code Council adds the International Property Maintenance Code® and the International Zoning Code® to the suite of I-Codes.
.png)
1998
IECC Published
The International Energy Conservation Code® was released, establishing minimum requirements for energy-efficient buildings.
1999
The Code Council Supports Fair Housing Act
The Code Council encouraged the reliance upon private-sector model codes and the existing state/local code enforcement mechanism to ensure the success of the act.
1999
National Multi Housing Council Urged Adoption of I-Codes
NMHC, ASHA and NAA announced their support of the Code Council and urged state and local governments to adopt the 2000 I-Codes series without modification.
‘00s
.png)
2000
IBC Published
The first International Building Code® was published, addressing the design and installation of innovative materials that meet or exceed public health and safety goals. A new edition of the code has been released every 3 years thereafter.
2000
HUD Pledged Support of Code Council Codes and Standards
HUD pledged its commitment to using the nation's model code development, adoption and enforcement systems to implement the objectives of the Fair Housing Act.
2000
The Code Council Formed Ad Hoc Committee on Hydrogen
The Code Council assembled a committee to address how building codes can safely address hydrogen applications in fuel cell vehicles and portable power generators.
.png)
2000
First Set of I-Codes Released
The first set of I-Codes were published and included the first International Residential Code® and International Fire Code®.
.png)
2001
The Code Council Appointed First CEO
William J. Tangye, P.E. was appointed as the Code Council’s first CEO for his corporate management engineering, code development and implementation services experience.
.png)
2001
First Government Relations Director Appointed
Sara C. Yerkes joined the Code Council team to promote public health safety issues on behalf of the nation’s model code development and enforcement entities.
2001
Jerusalem Hall Collapse
The floor of the Versailles wedding hall in Jerusalem collapsed during a wedding, dropping 23 attendees to their deaths and injuring hundreds more.
.png)
2001
September 11 Terrorist Attacks
Two planes hijacked by Al-Queda terrorists crashed into the World Trade Center towers, killing almost 3,000 people when the buildings collapsed. Based on the report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Code Council would update the 2009 I-Codes based on these recommendations.
.jpg)
2001
ICC Performance Code® Published
The ICCPC addressed the scope of all the I-Codes and included processes to assist in the review, construction and maintenance of equivalencies and performance-based designs.
.png)
2002
The Code Council Released First Standard
ICC Standard 300: Bleachers, Folding and Telescopic Seating and Grandstands, was published to establish appropriate, reasonable and enforceable model health and safety provisions for the installation of all types of bleachers.
2002
Creation of Code Council Bylaws
The bylaws were approved by the Board to provide an effective set of guidelines for operating the Code Council as a nonprofit organization.
2002
President George W. Bush Signed Code Council Initiative
The Foreign Relations Authorization Act signed into law by President Bush included legislation initiated by the Code Council aimed at improving building safety in Latin America.
.jpg)
2002
IAS Becomes a Subsidiary of the Code Council
The International Accreditation Service, a public-benefit corporation that helps organizations demonstrate compliance and competence, became a subsidiary of the Code Council.
.png)
2003
Code Council Consolidation
The Board signed documents to create a unified Code Council made up of BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI, with more than 190 years of combined building and fire safety code development.
.png)
2003
International Existing Building Code® Published
The IEBC was released and covered repair, alteration, addition and change of occupancy for existing buildings while requiring reasonable upgrades and improvements.
.png)
2003
International Urban-Wildland Interface Code® Published
The IUWIC was released (later changed to IWUIC) and contained provisions addressing fire spread, defensible space and more for buildings constructed near wildland areas.
.jpg)
2003
Japan Earthquake
Seismic provisions of building safety codes limited damage from the 8.0 magnitude quake. The Code Council has worked closely with Japanese agencies on building safety advancement.
2003
Station Nightclub Fire
A fire in Rhode Island killed 100 people and injured 230 when pyrotechnics ignited flammable acoustic foam. The 2006 IFC changed the threshold for mandatory sprinklers to 100 occupants.
2003
Tornados Hit Midwestern and Southern U.S.
After a series of tornadoes/violent weather outbreaks resulted in tragic deaths and injuries, the Code Council worked with the NSSA and FEMA to develop the storm shelter standard.
.png)
2003
James Lee Witt Named New CEO
With more than 25 years of experience in disaster management, including eight years as the Director of FEMA, James Lee Witt was appointed as the Code Council’s second CEO.
.png)
2003
ICC-ES Formed
The ICC Evaluation Service came into being when America’s four “legacy” building-product evaluation services officially combined. ICC-ES has a history that goes back more than ninety years.
2004
Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami
The 9.3-magnitude quake killed an estimated 227,898 people in 14 countries. U.S. Congress provided NOAA with over $200 million to expand tsunami detection/warning capabilities.
.png)
2005
Hurricane Katrina
The most devastating U.S. hurricane, Katrina, claimed over 1,800 lives throughout the southern U.S. Many regions without statewide building codes moved to adopt.
2005
NIST Released WTC reports
The 43 reports on the World Trade Center towers included NIST’s recommendations to codes/standards/best practices based on the investigation that involved more than 200 experts.
.jpg)
2005
The Code Council Participated in Tsunami Recovery
Code Council Board President and CEO visited Thailand/Sri Lanka/Indonesia to evaluate the damage from the earthquake and tsunami and assess long-term recovery and reconstruction.
2005
Kashmir Earthquake
The 7.6-magnitude quake killed 86,000 people and displaced millions. Experts emphasized how building design should be contextual to a location’s potential hazards.
.png)
2006
Code Council Board Named Weiland CEO
With experience working as a Regional Director of FEMA and as a State Director for AARP, Rick Weiland was appointed as the Code Council’s third CEO.
.png)
2007
National Green Building Standard 700 Co-Published
NAHB and the Code Council co-published the first residential green building standard to undergo the full consensus process and receive approval from the ANSI.
.png)
2007
Standard 400 for Log Structures Published
This standard provides the minimum design requirements for new log structures including structural, thermal envelope and fire resistance provisions.
.png)
2007
I-Codes Adopted in All 50 states and Washington, D.C.
With adoption in Hawaii, the I-Codes now safeguard Americans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle signed legislation adopting the 2006 IBC statewide and establishing a state building code council.
2008
I-Codes in Spanish
The Code Council partnered with ANSI to distribute the recently released Spanish versions of the 2006 I-Codes in electronic format.
2008
Sichuan Earthquake
The 7.9-magnitude quake resulted in almost 90,000 people dead/missing and 375,000 people injured. The USGS released a statement on quake resilience and how seismic hazard maps pair with modern building codes.
.png)
2008
Standard 500 Co-published
The Code Council and the NSSA co-published Standard 500 that applies to the design, construction, installation and inspection of both residential and community storm shelters.
.jpg)
2008
Standard 600 Published
Standard 600 specifies prescriptive methods to provide wind resistant designs and construction details for residential buildings in high-wind regions.
.png)
2009
2009 I-Codes influenced by 9/11
New IBC requirements address fire service access elevators, structural/fire resistance standards for high-rises, ambulatory health care centers, and more. New IFC requirements were added for emergency responder radio coverage.
.jpg)
2009
HSTTP Takes Flight
The High School Technical Training Program, a flexible building, plumbing, HVAC and electrical educational program, began as a pilot project in Bel Air, Maryland.
2009
Lame Horse Nightclub Fire
The interior finish contributed to the ease of ignition/speed of the fatal fire, illustrating the importance of codes regulating building occupancy, interior finishes and exits.
‘10s
2010
Haiti Earthquake
The 7.0-magnitude earthquake killed over 100,000 people and affected over 300,000. The Code Council supported efforts to ensure Haiti was rebuilt with disaster resilience.
.jpg)
2010
International Green Construction Code® Published
The IGCC regulates construction of new and existing commercial buildings and aims to significantly reduce energy usage and greenhouse gases and emphasizes building performance.
2010
National Wildland Urban Interface Council Formed
NWUIC formed to address challenges associated with wildfires in urban neighborhoods that border wildland areas. The alliance was developed by the Code Council and NARCDC.
%20(1).png){kind=logo}
2011
The Code Council Becomes FEMA Earthquake Partner
The Code Council joined more than 300 organizations and individuals involved in earthquake mitigation at the federal and state levels and in the non-governmental sector.
.png)
2012
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® Published
The ISPSC establishes minimum safety requirements for public and residential pools, spas and hot tubs, and was developed with input from industry experts, including APSP.
2012
I-Codes Adopted in UAE, Abu Dhabi
Eight I-Codes were adopted in the Emirate: the IBC, IFC, IECC, IPC, IPSDC, IMC, IFGC and the IPMC.
2012
I-Codes Adopted in Haiti
Haiti government officials and the Code Council worked together to allow Haiti’s AHJ to use the 2009 IBC and IRC as base codes for the Haitian National Building Code.
2012
Hurricane Sandy Hit U.S. East Coast
Catastrophic storm surges and flooding hit New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. A post-Sandy federal report calls on states to use the most current building codes.
.png)
2013
Dominic Sims Named Chief Executive Officer
Dominic Sims, CBO, was appointed as the fourth Code Council CEO for his strong business acumen, commitment to accountability and Code Council knowledge/experience.
.png)
2013
cdpACCESS Launched
The first version of cdpACCESS — the cloud-based tool built for the code development process — was launched, allowing users to create code change proposals and submit them online.
2013
Rana Plaza Collapse
More than 1,100 people died when the Rana Plaza collapsed in Bangladesh. In response, the Code Council and S.K. Ghosh helped develop the Bangladesh National Building Code.
2013
Kiss Nightclub Fire
The fire killed 233 people after performers set off fireworks inside. Within a year, life safety code changes were implemented requiring exit signs, additional side doors, etc.
.jpg)
2014
Solar Rating and Certification Corporation Acquired
The Code Council acquired the SRCC, with its business activities absorbed into the group that includes ICC-ES and IAS.
.png)
2014
Standard 802 Co-published
The Code Council and ASABE co-published Standard 802 Landscape Irrigation Sprinkler and Emitter to address the design, features, performance and testing of sprinklers and emitters.
.png)
2014
Standard 301 Co-published
The Code Council and RESNET co-published Standard 301 for the Calculation and Labeling of the Energy Performance of Low-Rise Residential Buildings using an Energy Rating Index.
2014
Preferred Provider Program Introduced
The PPP recognizes and promotes approved educational offerings as they relate to codes, standards and guidelines, as well as building construction materials, products and methods.
.jpg)
2015
Small Wind Certification Council Acquired
The SWCC joined the group that includes the SRCC and signals the expansion into new areas of renewable energy technology.
.png)
2015
Standards 900 and 901 Co-published
The Code Council co-published Standards 900 and 901 with SRCC for solar water heating systems and solar thermal collectors.
.png){kind=logo}
2015
Code Council Partnered with CPSC’s Pool Safely Campaign
The national education initiative, which aligns with the ISPSC, raises awareness about drowning prevention and entrapment incidents to save children’s lives in pools and spas.
.jpg)
2016
Code Council Launched New Resilience Alliance
The Alliance for National & Community Resilience includes a partnership with CARRI and USRC to create the nation’s first Whole Community Resilience Benchmark.
.png)
2016
Standard 380 Co-published
The Code Council and RESNET co-published Standard 380 for consistent measurement of several airflow-related residential building metrics.
.jpg)
2016
Emerging Leaders Membership Council Launched
As part of the Safety 2.0 initiative, the Emerging Leaders Membership Council gave the Code Council’s future leaders an opportunity to shape its future goals and operations.
2016
Executive Order Called for Use of I-Codes
Executive Order from President Obama was announced, requiring new, leased and regulated federal buildings to meet seismic safety provisions outlined in the IBC and the IRC.
2016
Ghost Ship Fire
A fire burned through an artist collective killing 36 people during a concert. The Code Council released a message urging jurisdictions to review and verify their safety codes.
2016
Code Council and GSO Sign Historic Agreement
The Code Council and GSO agreed to develop a unified Gulf Building Code for the region based on the Saudi Building Code which incorporated the provisions from the 2015 IBC.
.jpg)
2017
S. K. Ghosh Associates, Inc. Acquired
The Code Council acquired S. K. Ghosh Associates, Inc., a seismic and building code consulting firm located in Palatine, Ill.
.jpg){kind=logo}
2017
General Code Enterprises, LLC Acquired
The Code Council acquired General Code Enterprises, LLC, a market leader in codification and content management solutions.
2017
Grenfell Tower Fire
The building’s aluminum composite exterior cladding helped the fire spread rapidly from the kitchen of a fourth-floor apartment upwards, claiming 72 lives and injuring 70 more.
.png)
2017
PRONTO Launched
The Code Council's Assessment Center introduced the new Proctored Remote Online Testing Option, allowing candidates to take certification exams online.
.png)
2017
Standard 902 Co-published
The Code Council, SRCC and APSP co-published Standard 902, establishing minimum criteria for the design/installation of solar water heating systems for pool and spa applications.
2018
FIU Pedestrian Bridge Collapse
The Florida International University pedestrian bridge under construction in Sweetwater, Florida collapsed onto a highway, crushing cars, killing six people and injuring 10 others.
2018
Alaskan Earthquake
The 7.0 magnitude quake hit Anchorage and did not result in any collapsed buildings, widespread damage or loss of life, partially because of the adoption of the I-Codes.
.png)
2018
Standard 805 Co-Published
The Code Council and CSA co-published Standard 805, setting guidelines for the safe implementation of rainwater harvesting components and systems in the U.S. and Canada.
.jpg)
2019
NTA, Inc. and Coded Systems, LLC Acquired
The Code Council acquired NTA, Inc. (now ICC NTA, LLC and NTA Testing, LLC, subsidiaries of the Code Council) and Coded Systems, LLC (merged into General Code, LLC).
.jpg)
2019
Code Council Dubai Office Opened
After more than 25 years of work in the region, this move into Dubai expands the reach of the Code Council into strategic markets and helps to strengthen building safety worldwide.
.png)
2019
Standard 1100 Published
The Code Council published ICC 1100-2019, establishing minimum physical property and performance requirements for spray-applied polyurethane foam plastic thermal insulation.
‘20s
2020
Pandemic Task Force Launched
Established by the Code Council and NEHA, the task force will develop resources to help prepare buildings and communities for disease-related threats.
2020
Inaugural Code Council Learn Live Launched
In a week-long digital educational event, the Code Council hosted panel conversations, keynotes and breakout sessions around key topics in building safety.
2020
Digital Codes Premium Launched
Digital Codes Premium Complete®, a comprehensive online codes and standards database with new features and access to all resources and tools, was launched.
2020
Australian Brushfire Season
Over 24.3 million hectares were burned, over 3,000 buildings were destroyed and 34 people were killed.
.png)
2020
Standard 310 Published
ICC and RESNET published Standard 310 for Grading the Installation of HVAC Systems.
.png)
2020
Standard 850 Published
ICC and RESNET published Standard 850 for the Calculation and Labeling of the Water Use Performance of One- and Two-Family Dwellings Using the Water Rating Index.
.jpg)
2021
Progressive Engineering & PEI Evaluation Service Acquired
The Code Council acquired Progressive Engineering, Inc. and PEI Evaluation Service, LLC (now collectively ICC PEI, LLC, a subsidiary of the Code Council).
%20(1).png)
2021
“Code on a Mission” Challenge Launched
The Code Council launched the “Code on a Mission” challenge with a goal to have over a third of the U.S. population covered by the 2021 IECC by the end of 2023.
2021
Franklin Legal Publishing & Code Publishing Acquired
The Code Council acquired Franklin Legal Publishing, Inc. (merged into General Code, LLC) and Code Publishing, LLC (now a subsidiary of General Code, LLC).
2021
The Code Council Joined GlobalABC
The GlobalABC membership amplifies the Code Council’s commitment to provide energy efficiency and resiliency tools for governments and the building and construction sector.
.png)
2021
Building Collapse in Surfside, Florida
The Champlain Towers South building collapsed, killing 98 people. Florida legislature passed a bill requiring stricter condominium inspections based on the FBC and the IBC.
.png)
2021
Standards 1200 and 1205 Co-Published
The Code Council and MBI co-published standards for planning, design, fabrication, and assembly, and inspection and regulatory compliance, in off-site construction.
.jpg)
2021
General Code CMS Became ICC CDS
General Code, CMS changed its name to ICC Community Development Solutions. ICC CDS offers software solutions to streamline/track information for building safety professionals.
.png)
2022
International Tiny House Provisions Released
The Code Council, with THIA, MBI and MHBA, released a one-stop source for information on applicable codes and standards pertaining to tiny houses and when they apply.
2022
Ad Hoc Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Appointed
The Code Council Board announced the committee members of the Ad Hoc Committee on DEI. The goal is to increase DEI in the membership and help members diversify their organizations.
2022
MENA Building Science Advisory Council Launched
The group will promote collaboration in key areas related to training, code and standard development and enforcement, and services in testing, inspection and certification.
2022
The Code Council and IAEI Collaborate on Training
IAEI and the Code Council expanded IAEI member participation on Code Council electrical exam development committees and developed publications for the electrical industry.
.png){kind=logo}
2022
Quality Code Publishing Acquired
The Code Council acquired Quality Code Publishing, LLC to provide expanded product offerings and digital solutions to city clerks, code and zoning officials and municipal planners.
.png)
2022
Municity and Winn’s Career Education Acquired
The acquisition of Municity® Software and Winn’s Career Education, Inc. expands digital solutions to code officials and provides professional development to plumbing professionals.
.jpg)
2023
American Legal Publishing Corporation Acquired
The Code Council acquired American Legal Publishing Corporation for ordinance codification and re-codification, code supplementation, legal reviews and online publishing solutions.
2023
New Code Council Headquarters
The relocation to the Capitol Crossing Building, an ultra-high-performing building, reinforced the Code Council’s commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative building practices.
2023
The Code Council Opened Oceania Regional Office
The establishment of the regional office in Canberra improves access to the Code Council family of solutions for stakeholders in Australia, New Zealand and the Indo-Pacific region.
.png)
2023
Turkey/Syria Earthquake
The 7.8-magnitude quake resulted in over 50,000 deaths and even more injured. It is essential to strictly adhere to seismic design codes/standards that prescribe appropriate tie spacing and reinforcement detailing for columns.
2023
The Code Council Joined the TIC Council
The Code Council joined the TIC Council to develop and promote best practices in safety, quality, health, ethics and sustainability.
2023
The Code Council Earns Accreditation From SCC
Standards Council of Canada accreditation and contributing to the development of Canadian standards underscores the Code Council’s mission to advance global building safety.
.png)
2023
Standard 2 Published
ICC and PHTA published Standard 2 for Public Pool and Spa Operations and Maintenance, focusing on critical areas of operations and maintenance and other best practices.
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we want to thank everyone who has dedicated a part of their lives to contributing to the International Code Council. Your commitment to building safety and sustainability has profoundly impacted our world. Your legacy will continue to shape the future of construction and leave an enduring mark on generations to come.