A Moment in Code Council History: First International Building Code Released

In honor of the International Code Council’s 30th anniversary celebrations, the Building Safety Journal is reflecting on some significant milestones in the organization’s history.

This month, we are spotlighting the publication of the first edition of the International Building Code® (IBC) and its importance in building safety.

2000: First Edition of the International Building Code Released

The IBC serves as the cornerstone of the International Codes® (I-Codes) family, designed to safeguard public health and safety by addressing the design and installation of building systems. Originating from a global need for a modern building code, the IBC emphasizes performance-based requirements to ensure safety in all types of communities, regardless of size. It is also designed to be compatible with the entire family of I-Codes, providing a cohesive approach to building safety.

The first edition of the IBC was published in 2000, marking a significant advancement in building code standards. It was created to meet or exceed public health and safety goals while allowing for the use of innovative materials.

The development of the IBC began in 1997 when the Code Council appointed five drafting subcommittees composed of representatives from BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI. These committees accepted feedback from code users and industries, and public hearings were held in 1998 and 1999 to gather additional input.  

The committees faced significant challenges, particularly in addressing regional differences like seismic activity. They analyzed existing building codes, identifying and integrating their best features into the IBC. They also incorporated notable distinctions from previous codes, resulting in a comprehensive and modern building code that meets the needs of diverse communities.

The 2024 IBC continues this tradition ensuring that it remains an essential tool for preserving public health and safety.

The International Codes

The I-Codes, developed by the Code Council, are a family of fifteen coordinated, modern building safety codes that help ensure the engineering of safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. The I-Codes are developed through a transparent and democratic process that allows anyone to get involved and helps ensure communities have the best possible model safety codes to support the built environment.

With the publication of the IBC in 2000, the first series of the I-Codes was complete. Other published titles included:

• International Plumbing Code® (IPC) 
• International Private Sewage Disposal Code® (IPSDC) 
• International Mechanical Code® (IMC)
• International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC) 
• International Property Maintenance Code® (IPMC) 
• International Zoning Code® (IZC) 
• International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC) 
• International Residential Code® (IRC) 
• International Fire Code® (IFC)

The first set of the I-Codes made history in being the first uniform codes that encapsulated the safety of communities, economic growth and sustainability of the built environment. The I-Codes have since expanded to include additional titles:

• International Existing Building Code® (IEBC) 
• ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities® (ICCPC) 
• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code® (ISPSC) 
• International Wildland-Urban Interface Code® (IWUIC) 
• International Green Construction Code® (IgCC)

Today, the I-Codes are adopted in all 50 states, and over 50 countries around the world. Learn more about the I-Codes and the code development process, here.

To take a look back at other significant milestones in the Code Council’s history, check out the 30th anniversary timeline here.