- The International Code Council (ICC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build and compliance process. The International Codes (I-Codes) are the widely accepted, comprehensive set of model codes used in the US and abroad to help ensure the engineering of safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.
- Most states follow a three-year code adoption cycle in order to keep up-to-date with the ICC revision process. International Building Code. International Building Code 2015 (IBC 2015) International Building Code 2012 (IBC 2012) International Building Code 2009 (IBC 2009) International Residential Code. International Residential Code 2015 (IRC 2015).
Building Codes Online Copies of model & specific building codes & Standards, downloadable PDFs, This page provides free access to model building codes, specific provincial, state, city or other building codes and various building standards.
Online building codes are becoming widely available due to their convenience and the ability to keep them updated without having to issue addenda. A list of the FREE codes that we are aware of is included below. If you know of any that should be added to this list, please let us know.
A new startup called Up.codes offers free searchable versions of the iCodes, ADA codes, and NYC codes.
International Code Council
The International Code Council provides free code references for a number of states, plus free access to the International Codes. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have modifications to the code.
The codes are updated every three years and the latest revision is the 2018 version. Keep in mind that your jurisdiction may not have adopted the most recent version of the ICC codes so an older version may apply to your project.
Don't see the International Code you need? Here is the full list of I-Codes so you can find what you are looking for.
Did you know that the iCodes are available for purchase on Amazon? We've added links below for the versions available for purchase. As an Amazon Associate Archtoolbox earns from qualifying purchases on this page.
International Building Code
- International Building Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Residential (One and Two Family) Code
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Existing Building Code
- International Existing Building Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Energy Conservation Code
- International Energy Conservation Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Fire Code
- International Fire Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Plumbing Code
- International Plumbing Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Mechanical Code
- International Mechanical Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
ICC Code Commentaries
The International Code Council provides other versions of their code books, which include code commentaries to help professionals understand the intent of the code. These are incredibly helpful for understanding complex code issues. Unfortunately, the code commentary versions are not available for free online.
You can purchase the commentaries directly through the ICC website or you can usually find them on Amazon.
National Fire Protection Association (United States)
The NFPA is the world's leading advocate for fire prevention. They provide free access to the latest edition of their codes (registration is required). Below is a list of some of the most referenced codes for architects:
United States Access Board
The US Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for the disabled. They are responsible for maintaining the accessibility guidelines for public buildings and spaces in the United States. If you are interested in a more detailed overview of the United States accessibility law, check out our article: ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have more stringent requirements than the federal codes. Below are links to specific codes and laws:
- ABA Accessibility Standards (for projects built with Federal Funds)
- Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (for projects built with Federal Funds)
State to State Adoption
Each state adopts model codes published by the International Code Council (ICC). These provide the basis for a jurisdiction’s Construction Codes.
Each jurisdiction (state, county, or city) typically modifies the model Construction Codes. Make sure to refer to the governing body to determine how the model code is modified. You are required to comply with the strictest provisions.
While some states provide integrated codes such as the California codes and the New York City building codes, these are not available in all cases. Where these are not provided, UpCodes has integrated the local amendments in jurisdiction like Pennsylvania and New York State.
Find code adoptions by state here.International Codes (I-Codes)
Every three years the ICC works to publish a new set of I-Codes that can be adopted and modified by each state.
The Construction Codes for each jurisdiction will be selected from this set of publications. Most states follow a three-year code adoption cycle in order to keep up-to-date with the ICC revision process.
International Building Code
International Residential Code
International Fire Code
International Existing Building Code
International Energy Conservation Code
International Mechanical Code
International Plumbing Code
Fire Protection Codes/ Life Safety
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) does not indicate where systems are required but rather provides guidance on the design of the system.
The I-Codes may indicate your project is required to have a sprinkler system throughout the building. The I-Codes do not indicate exactly how the sprinkler system must be designed. However, the I-Codes adopt NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems which provides you with the requirements on sprinkler head spacing, sprinkler type, location, etc. This is also typical to other systems such as fire alarms.
Accessibility Compliance
Every new building and even existing buildings must be designed to accommodate handicapped patrons. The most common requirements are defined in the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and ICC ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design is broken down into two applicable sections, Title II and Title III. Title II is applicable to State and Local Government Facilities while Title III is applicable to Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities.
Supported operating system – Windows 7, 8, 10, XP and Windows Vista with Mac OS, Android, iOS for iPhone. Avast free antivirus activation code for 1 year.
2012 Ibc Code Free Download Pdf
The ICC ANSI A117.1 document is adopted and modified by the I-Codes and is applicable to sites, facilities, buildings and elements required to be accessible. Not all jurisdictions adopt ICC ANSI A117.1 and some jurisdictions have their own accessibility code (i.e., Florida). Therefore, it is important to determine the application of each document based on the project scope and location.
Ibc Code Pdf Free Download Free
It should also be noted that if the project facility is federally funded or a federal facility the application of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) and The Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) must be researched and determined for application.