Guides: Standards and Codes: Building Codes

California Building Codes

The California Building Code is Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code (BSC). The California Building Standards Code is Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations. You can access the first edition of the Triennial Edition from the California Building Standards Commission website.

Building Codes

Many local (city and county) codes are based on these codes and the California Building Standards Code (see box above). If you are working on a project in a specific area, be sure to find out what codes apply to that jurisdiction.

International Building Code
Many local building codes are based on this standard code. Related codes include the International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code.
Uniform Building Code
The UBC but it was last published in 1997 and has been superseded by the International Building Code.
National Fire Code
A compilation of codes, standards, recommended practices, and guides from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). We have the 2009 edition in our collection.
National Electrical Code

Building Code Links

ADA Home Page
The Americans with Disabilities act has many implications for building design and construction.
Building Codes & Regulatory Resources
From UC Berkeley Environmental Design Library.
Building Energy Codes Program (US Dept of Energy)
The program's mandate is to help states adopt and implement progressive energy codes.
California Building Standards Commission
The agency responsible for administering the state's building codes.
International Code Council
Develops codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings.
Municode.com
Links to codes for many cities and towns.
United States Access Board
An independent government agency, develops design criteria for the built environment, transit vehicles, telecommunications, etc.
U.S. Green Building Council
A non-profit organization and the developer of the LEED certification system. Resources for green building.