Where can I find building codes?

Question

For any type of building.

Answer 1

In almost any city in America, you can get the applicable building code from your local library.  Local governing boards adopt a building code by referencing it in the ordinance or the law they pass - the one that you are trying to abide by.  Then they usually pass a small body of specific changes to the code they adopt to make it fit the particular area by being more restrictive or perhaps less restrictive.  Those particular changes are the ones that you are likely going to find available for a small fee if you call the agency in your town issues building permits.  

They are not likely to have the building code to sell you, but they will be able to tell you what year and what specific code (there are several, some national, some international) is in effect, and whether a copy is available somewhere for the public to view - again it's probably the local library.  The latest code is not necessarily the one that is referenced by law, and it will therefore not apply.  If you choose to buy one from Amazon.com, you may want to call the city and see if they are considering revising the requirement to a more recent code.  These things are not cheap to purchase, and you don't really want one that will expire before you get your building permit in place.  That usually marks the date of the one you have to abide by.

Now that you know all that, a cheaper method is to go stand in Borders (or whatever big bookstore chain you have) and peruse all the code compliance books like CodeCheck that save your eyes from glazing over while staring at the building code.  On the other hand, if you want to be an architect, learn to read and love the code.  Have fun.    

Answer 2

you search in google.

Answer 3

Most city building bodes are IBC - International Building Code. Some communities still use BOCA. Chicago uses CBC. IBC runs about 150 bucks - you can not find online or anything. You can get copies of local Zoning ordinances from any city from the city clerk.

Answer 4

you can usually be directed in the right path with the Chamber of Commerce, but what do you need them for anyway?

Answer 5

Don't search any more .. only contact me at [e-mail] and i will (as much as i can) give you what you need of code as a PDF format.