Category: 2018 I-Codes

Overview of the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code® (ISPSC®)

The International Swimming Pool & Spa Code® (ISPSC®) establishes minimum requirements for plumbing systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new plumbing designs. This 2018 edition is fully compatible with all of the International Codes® (I-Codes®) published by the International Code Council. The I-Codes, including this International Plumbing Code, are used in a variety of ways in both the public and private sectors.

Benefits of the ISPSC:

Most industry professionals are familiar with the I-Codes as the basis of laws and regulations in communities across the U.S. and in other countries. However, the impact of the codes extends well beyond the regulatory arena, as they are used in a variety of nonregulatory settings.

• Voluntary compliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and disaster resistance.
• The insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate decisions.
• Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, construction and safety.
• Certification of building and construction-related products.
• U.S. federal agencies, to guide construction in an array of government-owned properties.
• Facilities management.
• “Best practices” benchmarks for designers and builders, including those who are engaged in projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental enforcement mechanism.
• College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula.
• Reference works related to building design and construction.

In addition to the codes themselves, the code development process brings together building professionals on a regular basis. It provides an international forum for discussion and deliberation about building design, construction methods, safety, performance requirements, technological advances and innovative products.

Code Development

Current Version: 2018 ISPSC

• Purchase the newest edition of the code and references.

Upcoming Version: 2021 ISPSC Development

This 2018 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003 through 2015 editions and with further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2017. A new edition such as this is promulgated every 3 years.

This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a plumbing code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

• Get the 2021 code development schedule.
• Learn more about ICC's web-based code development process, cdpACCESS.

Overview of the International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC®)

The International Fuel Gas Code® (IFGC®) establishes minimum requirements for plumbing systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new plumbing designs. This 2018 edition is fully compatible with all of the International Codes® (I-Codes®) published by the International Code Council. The I-Codes, including this International Plumbing Code, are used in a variety of ways in both the public and private sectors.

Benefits of the IFGC:

Most industry professionals are familiar with the I-Codes as the basis of laws and regulations in communities across the U.S. and in other countries. However, the impact of the codes extends well beyond the regulatory arena, as they are used in a variety of nonregulatory settings.

• Voluntary compliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and disaster resistance.
• The insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate decisions.
• Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, construction and safety.
• Certification of building and construction-related products.
• U.S. federal agencies, to guide construction in an array of government-owned properties.
• Facilities management.
• “Best practices” benchmarks for designers and builders, including those who are engaged in projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental enforcement mechanism.
• College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula.
• Reference works related to building design and construction.

In addition to the codes themselves, the code development process brings together building professionals on a regular basis. It provides an international forum for discussion and deliberation about building design, construction methods, safety, performance requirements, technological advances and innovative products.

Code Development

Current Version: 2018 IFGC

• Purchase the newest edition of the code and references.

Upcoming Version: 2021 IFGC Development

This 2018 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003 through 2015 editions and with further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2017. A new edition such as this is promulgated every 3 years.

This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a plumbing code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

• Get the 2021 code development schedule.
• Learn more about ICC's web-based code development process, cdpACCESS.

Overview of the International Plumbing Code® (IPC®)

The International Plumbing Code® (IPC®) establishes minimum requirements for plumbing systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new plumbing designs. This 2018 edition is fully compatible with all of the International Codes® (I-Codes®) published by the International Code Council. The I-Codes, including this International Plumbing Code, are used in a variety of ways in both the public and private sectors.

Benefits of the IPC:

Most industry professionals are familiar with the I-Codes as the basis of laws and regulations in communities across the U.S. and in other countries. However, the impact of the codes extends well beyond the regulatory arena, as they are used in a variety of nonregulatory settings.

• Voluntary compliance programs such as those promoting sustainability, energy efficiency and disaster resistance.
• The insurance industry, to estimate and manage risk, and as a tool in underwriting and rate decisions.
• Certification and credentialing of individuals involved in the fields of building design, construction and safety.
• Certification of building and construction-related products.
• U.S. federal agencies, to guide construction in an array of government-owned properties.
• Facilities management.
• “Best practices” benchmarks for designers and builders, including those who are engaged in projects in jurisdictions that do not have a formal regulatory system or a governmental enforcement mechanism.
• College, university and professional school textbooks and curricula.
• Reference works related to building design and construction.

In addition to the codes themselves, the code development process brings together building professionals on a regular basis. It provides an international forum for discussion and deliberation about building design, construction methods, safety, performance requirements, technological advances and innovative products.

Code Development

Current Version: 2018 IPC

• Purchase the newest edition of the code and references.

Upcoming Version: 2021 IPC Development

This 2018 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003 through 2015 editions and with further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2017. A new edition such as this is promulgated every 3 years.

This code is founded on principles intended to establish provisions consistent with the scope of a plumbing code that adequately protects public health, safety and welfare; provisions that do not unnecessarily increase construction costs; provisions that do not restrict the use of new materials, products or methods of construction; and provisions that do not give preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or methods of construction.

• Get the 2021 code development schedule.
• Learn more about ICC's web-based code development process, cdpACCESS.

Overview of the International Green Construction Code

The 2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) provides the design and construction industry with the single, most effective way to deliver sustainable, resilient, high-performance buildings. The ‘IgCC-powered-by-189.1’ joint initiative frames the essential sustainable construction building blocks on which future resilient initiatives can develop and expand.

By collaborating on developing the 2018 IgCC, the strategic developing organizations supporting it envision a new era of building design and construction that includes environmental health and safety as code minimums. The goal of the 2018 IgCC will provide fundamental criteria for energy efficiency, resource conservation, water safety, land use, site development, indoor environmental quality and building performance that can be adopted broadly.

Benefits of the IgCC:

• The International Green Construction Code provides a whole systems approach to the design, construction and operation of buildings.
• The International Green Construction Code includes measures that result in better indoor environments, lower impact on natural resources, better neighborhood connections, and improved walkability.
• The International Green Construction Code is coordinated with other model codes such as IECC®, 90.1, and many other referenced standards.
• The International Green Construction Code is a public/private collaboration that provides a green model code to government jurisdictions. As a result, government does not have to take on the high cost of developing its own code and benefits from the code uniformity among adopting jurisdictions.
• USGBC is developing synergies between specific IgCC measures and LEED® credits, enabling a streamlined approach to leadership that is built on a consistent green code.

Why IgCC?

• Green building strategies reinforce societal health/life/safety benefits that building codes offer, providing resilience to natural disasters, climate change, resource consumption/management, and service interruptions due to unforeseen events.
• Industry-leading codes, standards, and the LEED® rating system have enabled the construction sector to introduce fundamental strategies to protect occupant comfort and health, save money, and preserve resources during the design, construction, and operation of buildings.
• The implementation of green building design, construction, and operational techniques has increased. Many homeowners, businesses, and building professionals have voluntarily sought to incorporate green building strategies into their projects, and a number of local and national systems have been developed to guide green building practices, including LEED®.
• Buildings account for over 12% of water use, 40% of CO2 emissions, 65% of all waste outputs, and more than 70% of electricity consumption. Our organizations believe green buildings offer solutions to many of these problems by conserving resources, regenerating sites, and providing economic and societal benefits.
• The benefits of green building design, construction, and operation should be enjoyed by residents, workers, and visitors of all cities.

On IgCC’s Strategic Development Relationships with Key Industry Leaders – ICC, ASHRAE, USGBC, AIA and IES:

• Our organizations are dedicated to continuously improving the built environment by providing safe, sustainable and equitable buildings for all.
• Green codes help fulfill the mission of our organizations: To provide for the health, life and safety of the built environment; to increase economic and resource efficiency of buildings; to reduce effects of climate change through more resilient buildings, communities, and cities; and to provide for the best buildings of today without compromising the needs of future generations.
• Our goal is to transform the market by leveraging the strengths of ICC and ASHRAE to develop the highest standard of green building codes that provide direct connections to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system.
• The partnership between AIA, ASHRAE, ICC, IES and USGBC on the 2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC®) represents the perfect formula for green building codes: The most trusted code development body; the most technically sophisticated HVAC&R standards development organization; the most influential green building rating system; and the design community’s top-tier professional organizations.
• Our partnership represents model code developers, regulatory adoption agencies, building officials, architects, engineers, the design community, construction practitioners, sustainability professionals, and industry associations.

Code Development

Available Now: 2018 IgCC

• Purchase the 2018 IgCC, released in October 2018.

Useful Links

• IgCC USGBC
• Transforming our Built Environment
• IgCC Policy Brief USGBC
• List of aligned IgCC measures with high achievement rates in LEED
• IgCC ASHRAE
• Database of Federal, State and Local Incentives for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
• Tax Credits, Rebates & Savings
• ICC G4-2018 Guideline for Commissioning

Overview of the International Building Code® (IBC®)

The International Building Code (IBC) is the foundation of the complete Family of International Codes®. It is an essential tool to preserve public health and safety that provides safeguards from hazards associated with the built environment. It addresses design and installation of innovative materials that meet or exceed public health and safety goals.

Benefits of the IBC:

• The principles of this model code are based on protection of public health, safety and welfare.
• This code results in efficient designs that provide flexibility for the code official, designer, engineer and architect.
• Provisions of the code encourage the use of new and smarter technological advances.
• This code emphasizes both prescriptive and engineered solutions and allows the use of time-tested methods.
• This code references nationally developed consensus standards.

Today's IBC is known for:

• Safety – It has a proven track record providing safe and sanitary plumbing installations.
• Ease of Use – This code uses the same easy-to-use format provided in all I-Codes
• Embrace of New Technology - This code and its predecessors have a tradition of innovation while protecting the health and safety of the public.
• Correlation – This code is specifically correlated to work with ICC's family of codes.
• Open and Honest Code Development Process - This code is revised on a three year cycle through ICC's highly-respected consensus code development process that draws upon the expertise of hundreds of plumbing, building and safety experts from across North America.

Code Development

Current Version: 2018 IBC

• Purchase the newest edition of the code and references.

Upcoming Version: 2021 IBC Development

The International Building Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for residential construction professionals to discuss prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions.

• Get the 2021 code development schedule.
• Learn more about ICC's web-based code development process, cdpACCESS.

Overview of the International Energy Conservation Code® (IECC®)

Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date energy conservation code addressing the design of energy-efficient building envelopes and installation of energy-efficient mechanical, lighting and power systems through requirements emphasizing performance. The International Energy Conservation Code is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that will result in the optimal utilization of fossil fuel and nondepletable resources in all communities, large and small.

This code contains separate provisions for commercial buildings and for low-rise residential buildings (three stories or less in height above grade). Each set of provisions, IECC—Commercial Provisions and IECC—Residential Provisions, is separately applied to buildings within their respective scopes. Each set of provisions is to be treated separately. Each contains a Scope and Administration chapter, a Definitions chapter, a General Requirements chapter, a chapter containing energy efficiency requirements and existing building provisions applicable to buildings within its scope.

This comprehensive energy conservation code establishes minimum regulations for energy-efficient buildings using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new energy-efficient designs. This IECC is fully compatible with the Family of International Codes.

Benefits of the IECC:

• The 2018 IECC contains a reorganized Commercial Mechanical Section C403 where all provisions a type of equipment or system are in one place; for example all Economizer requirements are found in Section 403.5.
• The 2018 IECC requires controls on hotel guest room HVAC systems to automatically adjust when the room is unoccupied.
• The 2018 IECC contains improved provisions for lighting controls including occupant sensor controls; daylight response controls and time based switch controls.
• The 2018 IECC includes an appendix chapter which, when included in a jurisdiction’s adoption, requires commercial buildings to set aside roof space for future installations of solar collectors; and the connections and wiring to allow them to be integrated in the buildings systems.
• The IECC is fully coordinated with the family of I-Codes to ensure that efficiency measures are selected and installed in a manner that does not compromise safety.
• Provisions of the IECC encourage the use of new and smarter technological advances.
• The IECC references nationally developed consensus standards.

Today's IECC is known for:

• Conservation – It has a proven track record addressing the design of energy-efficient building envelopes and installation of energy-efficient systems.
• Ease of Use – The IECC uses the same easy-to-use format provided in all I-Codes.
• Embrace of New Technology – The IECC and its predecessors have a tradition of innovation while protecting the health and safety of the public.
• Correlation – The IECC is specifically correlated to work with ICC's family of codes.
• Open and Honest Code Development Process – The IECC is revised on a three year cycle through ICC's highly-respected consensus code development process that draws upon the expertise of hundreds of plumbing, building and safety experts from across North America.

2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the International Energy Conservation Code

Code Development

Current Version: 2018 IECC

• Purchase the newest edition of the code and references.

Upcoming Version: 2021 IECC Development

The International Energy Conservation Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for energy professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of provisions.

• Get the 2021 code development schedule.
• Learn more about ICC's web-based code development process, cdpACCESS.

Overview of the International Fire Code® (IFC®)

Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date fire code addressing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, explosion, handling or use of hazardous materials and the use and occupancy of buildings and premises. The International Fire Code is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.

This comprehensive fire code establishes minimum regulations for fire prevention and fire protection systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new system designs. This 2018 edition is fully compatible with the Family of International Codes.

Benefits of the IFC:

• The provisions of this code provide protection for public health, safety and welfare from the hazards of fire, explosion or dangerous conditions in buildings, structures and premises.
• This model code is flexible in that it allows for the use of alternative and innovative materials and performance-based methods in achieving code compliance.
• This code does not give undue preferential treatment to particular types or classes of materials, products or construction methods.
• This code references nationally developed consensus standards.
• This code addresses extraordinary fire risks in existing buildings with retrospective requirements, but only in this limited area is there a need for alterations, as long as the building and its occupancies comply with reasonable fire prevention provisions.
• This code includes reasonable yet comprehensive regulations for hazardous materials.
• This code includes requirements or expanded requirements for: vacant premises, indoor displays, fire protection water supply, fire apparatus access roads, key boxes, high-piled storage, tire rebuilding and tire storage, mechanical refrigeration systems, explosion control, smoke and heat vents, lead acid battery systems.

Today's IFC is known for:

• Safety – It has a proven track record in fire prevention precautions, handling flammable liquids and other hazardous materials.
• Ease of Use – The International Fire Code uses the same easy-to-use format provided in all I-Codes.
• Embrace of New Technology - This code and its predecessors have a tradition of innovation while protecting the health and safety of the public.
• Correlation – This code is specifically correlated to work with ICC's family of codes.
• Open and Honest Code Development Process - This code is revised on a three year cycle through ICC's highly-respected consensus code development process that draws upon the expertise of hundreds of plumbing, building and safety experts from across North America.

Code Development

Current Version: 2018 IFC

• Purchase the newest edition of the code and references.

Upcoming Version: 2021 IFC Development

The International Fire Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for fire safety professionals to discuss performance and prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of provisions.

• Get the 2021 code development schedule.
• Learn more about ICC's web-based code development process, cdpACCESS.

Overview of the International Residential Code® (IRC®)

Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date residential code addressing the design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade. The International Residential Code is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.

This comprehensive, stand-alone residential code establishes minimum regulations for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses using prescriptive provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs. This 2018 edition is fully compatible with the Family of International Codes.

Benefits of the IRC:

• The IRC contains a complete set of code provisions, covering all aspects of construction in a single source, including:
  • Building
  • Energy conservation
  • Plumbing
  • Mechanical
  • Fuel gas provisions included through an agreement with the American Gas Association
  • Electrical provisions from the 2017 National Electrical Code® (NFPA 70)
• The principles of the IRC are based on protection of public health, safety and welfare.
• The IRC results in efficient designs that provide flexibility for the code official, designer, engineer and architect.
• Provisions of the code encourage the use of new and smarter technological advances.
• The IRC emphasizes both prescriptive and engineered solutions and allows the use of time-tested methods.
• The IRC references nationally developed consensus standards.

Today's IRC is known for:

• Safety – It provides prescriptive requirements for framing and foundations as well as a proven track record providing safe and sanitary plumbing installations.
• Ease of Use – The IRC uses the same easy-to-use format provided in all I-Codes.
• Embrace of New Technology - The IRC and its predecessors have a tradition of innovation while protecting the health and safety of the public.
• Correlation – The IRC is specifically correlated to work with ICC's family of codes.
• Open and Honest Code Development Process - The IRC is revised on a three year cycle through ICC's highly-respected consensus code development process that draws upon the expertise of hundreds of plumbing, building and safety experts from across North America.

Code Development

Current Version: 2018 IRC

• Purchase the newest edition of the code and references.

Upcoming Version: 2021 IRC Development

The International Residential Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for residential construction professionals to discuss prescriptive code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions.

• Get the 2021 code development schedule.
• Learn more about ICC's web-based code development process, cdpACCESS.