1. An Introduction to Building Codes for Property Owners
Welcome everyone. The following is an introduction to building codes for property owners. Developed by the FEMA Federal Insurance & Mitigation Administration (FIMA), Risk Reduction Division, Building Science Branch, this presentation provides basic guidance and easy-to-use tools to help property owners understand building codes. This presentation is not intended to be all-inclusive. FEMA advises property owners to consult with their local building official or seek professional assistance to ensure comprehensive consideration of local risks, requirements, processes, and standards.

2. Goals and Outcomes To inform and equip property owners about:
Value of building codes in increasing your safety and disaster resilience.*
Building codes stakeholders, adoption process and implementation.
Available tools to support proper construction and rebuilding.
*The Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-8: National Preparedness defines the term “resilience” as the ability to adapt to changing conditions and withstand and rapidly recover from disruption due to emergencies.
The purpose of this presentation is to inform and equip property owners about:
The value of building codes and how they increase occupant safety and disaster resilience.
Who the building codes stakeholders are, how they are adopted and the process for doing so.
And finally, explain what tools are currently and readily available to support proper construction and rebuilding.
*The Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-8: National Preparedness defines the term “resilience” as the ability to adapt to changing conditions and withstand and rapidly recover from disruption due to emergencies.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

3. Topics The History of Building Codes What are Building Codes?
Why are Building Codes Important?
Who’s Involved?
What are the Available Tools?
Specifically, I will address the following topics throughout today’s presentation:
The History of Building Codes
What are Building Codes?
Why are Building Codes Important?
Who’s Involved?
What are the Available Tools?
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

4. History of Building Codes
Cultures throughout recorded history have valued safe and strong building codes.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

5. Building Codes- BC Codes of Hammurabi – 2000 BC Socrates – 341 BC
“In the case of collapse of a defective building, the builder is to be put to death if the owner is killed by accident; and the builder’s son if the son of the owner loses his life…”
Socrates – 341 BC
“He shall set the joists against each other, fitting, and before inserting the dowels he shall show the architect all the stones to be fitting, and shall set them true and sound and dowel them with iron dowels, two dowels to each stone…”
In 2000 B.C. the Code of Hammurabi required building integrity and provided punishment by death to builders who constructed faulty buildings. Similarly, in 341 BC, Socrates is quoted as having said, “He shall set the joists against each other, fitting, and before inserting the dowels he shall show the architect all the stones to be fitting, and shall set them true and sound and dowel them with iron dowels, two dowels to each stone…” That is how important they held building safety; they knew back then that it could be a matter of life and death.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

6. Origins of Modern Codes
Insurance industry
Establish standards to minimize accidents/claims.
Social organizations
Eliminate squalor and impact on health.
Local governments
Develop regulations to deliver health and safety to taxpayers.
Disasters
Mitigate loss of life and property based on public demand.
Quite a bit of time has elapsed since the days of Socrates and although our need for building codes remains the same, our motivation for the adoption and implementation of them has changed. The origin of modern codes as we know them today are fostered by four entities:
1. The Insurance industry who promotes the establishment of standards to minimize accidents/claims;
2. Social organizations who look to eliminate squalor and impact on health;
3. Local governments who develop regulations to deliver health and safety to taxpayers; and
4. Disasters. It is through the adoption and implementation of building codes that we can mitigate loss of life and property.
Today building codes are available worldwide; however many still do not know what the building codes are so lets take a deeper look.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

7. What are Building Codes?

8. What are Building Codes?
Building codes specify the minimum legal design and construction requirements for a given jurisdiction:
Structural integrity
Construction materials
Fire protection
Consistent standard
Source: Roy Tyson/FEMA
Today, building codes are sets of regulations that address structural integrity, fire resistance, safe exits, lighting, ventilation, and construction materials. They specify the minimum requirements to safeguard the health, safety, and general welfare of building occupants.
The development and widespread adoption of building codes is beneficial in that it has created a uniform regulatory environment in which design professionals and contractors are held to a set of standards adopted by and applicable to the jurisdiction in which they work. More importantly, building codes provide you, your family, and your community protection in the event of a natural disaster.
Jimmy and Debbie Bishop’s house survived Hurricane Ike nearly unscathed.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

9. Who is involved in developing the codes?
The International Code Council (ICC) develops codes in collaboration with:
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Other Federal, states, local and private authorities
Building codes are developed and maintained through a collaborative process. The International Code Council is a non-profit organization which convenes and maintains the building codes. They work with partners such as FEMA to gain technical insight and recommendations for future versions of the codes. FEMA also participates in various codes and standards committees to share lessons learned from previous disasters and lend insight to code-related studies in addition to working with communities to support local adoption efforts (i.e. training, technical assistance, etc.).
Organizations like the American Society of Engineers (ASCE), American Institute of Architects (AIA) and others also help develop technical standards that are referenced by the building codes.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

10. What are the different I-Codes?
The International Code Council (ICC) family of codes covers all aspects of construction and includes (but is not limited to):
International Building Code (IBC): Applies to new and existing buildings, except those residential buildings covered under the International Residential code.
International Residential Code (IRC): Applies to new
and existing one- and two-family dwellings and
townhouses of not more than three stories in height.
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC):
Applies to all existing buildings and addresses
maintenance issues for continued safe use of buildings.
International Existing Building Code (IEBC): Applies to the alteration, repair, addition, or change in occupancy of existing structures.
The International Code Council (ICC) family of codes covers all aspects of construction and includes (but is not limited to):
International Building Code (IBC): Applies to new and existing buildings, except those residential buildings covered under the International Residential code.
International Residential Code (IRC): Applies to new and existing one- and two- family dwellings and townhouses of not more than three stories in height.
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC): Applies to all existing buildings and addresses maintenance issues for continued safe use of buildings.
International Existing Building Code (IEBC): Applies to the alteration, repair, addition, or change in occupancy of existing structures.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

11. Additional I-Codes
International Fire Code (IFC): Applies to fire and explosion hazards.
International Green Construction Code (IgCC): Applies to sustainability measures to make buildings green.
International Zoning Codes (IZC): Promotes uniformity and consistency in zoning for city planners, code officials and developers.
ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities (ICCPC): Presents regulations based on outcome rather than prescription.
International Fire Code (IFC): Applies to fire and explosion hazards and covers general precautions, emergency planning and preparedness.
International Green Construction Code (IgCC): The first model code to include sustainability measures to make buildings more efficient, reduce waste, and have a positive impact on health, safety and community welfare.
International Zoning Codes (IZC): Promotes uniformity and consistency in zoning for city planners, code officials and developers.
ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities (ICCPC): Presents regulations based on outcome rather than prescription. It encourages new design methods by allowing a broader parameter for meeting the intent of the I-Codes.
Additional existing codes not included here are: International Energy Conservation Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Private Sewage Disposal Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Wildland-Urban Interface Code, and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

12. I-Code Development Cycle
The goal of the I-Code development process is to utilize a process open to all parties with safeguards to avoid domination by any proprietary interests. The ICC Governmental Consensus Process achieves this by leaving the final determination of code provisions in the hands of public safety officials who, with no vested financial interests, can legitimately represent the public interest.
The I-Code Development Process consists of:
1. Call for Committee Applications: An open call for anyone to apply to serve on a code development committee.
2. Open Public Forum: An open call for anyone to submit a code-change proposal. The code changes are then formally posted and distributed by ICC.
3. Code Development Hearing: Formal public hearing where all code changes are heard individually by the respective code development committee and allows for public testimony, rebuttal and floor action. The results from this hearing are either Approved as Submitted, Approved as Modified, or Disapproved and then posted and distributed for comment.
4. Call for Public Comments: Open call for anyone to submit comments on the results of the Code Development Hearing. The results of the Public Hearing are then posted and distributed.
5. Final Action Hearing: Formal public hearing where all submitted comments are heard individually by the assembly in attendance. Each comment is then voted on by governmental members in attendance. The results from the Final Action Hearing are also either Approved as Submitted, Approved as Modified, or Disapproved and then new additions of any approved code changes are published.

13. NFPA Codes and Standards
National Fire Protection Association Codes
More than 300 codes and standards:
Fire Code (NFPA 1)
Hydrogen Technologies Code (NFPA 2)
Recommended Practice on Commissioning and Integrated Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems
(NFPA 3)
Standard for Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety System Testing (NFPA 4)
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards intended to minimize the possibility and effects of fire and other risks. Virtually every building, process, service, design, and installation in society today is affected by NFPA documents.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

14. FEMA and the Codes
FEMA’s Strategic Goal: It is the agency’s strategic goal to support disaster resilience and the ability of our local communities to withstand and recover rapidly from disaster events. Building Code adoption supports this goal.
FEMA’s Building Codes and Standards: FEMA Building Science Brand and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) serve as the agency’s technical resource for building codes information, standards, and guidance for proper rebuilding and construction.
FEMA’s Partnerships: FEMA partners with ICC, the Regions, design professionals, and local jurisdictions to disseminate information on disaster resilient building codes, train local officials, and support building codes adoption and enforcement.
FEMA’s Strategic Goal:  It is the agency’s strategic goal to support disaster resilience and ability of our local communities to withstand and recover rapidly from disaster events.  Building Code adoption supports this goal.
FEMA’s Building Codes and Standards:  FEMA Building Science Branch and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) serve as the agency’s technical resource for building codes information, standards, and guidance for proper rebuilding and construction. 
FEMA’s Partnerships:  FEMA partners with ICC, the Regions, design professionals, and local jurisdictions to disseminate information on disaster resilient building codes, train local officials, and support building codes adoption and enforcement.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

15. Why are Building Codes Important?

16. Building Codes Save Lives
Source: Springfield news-Leader
In May 2008, Tom Cook and his teenage daughter Ryanne survived a catastrophic tornado in Racine, MO, that leveled their home. But Tom's wife of 19 years and Ryanne's mother did not survive. Following this tragic event, Tom vowed to be prepared for disasters in the future. Tom and Ryanne moved to nearby Joplin, Missouri, to rebuild--this time with a safe room in their garage. This decision proved fortuitous when an EF-5 tornado touched down just three years later on May 22, The storm leveled their home; however, Tom and Ryanne were safe and unharmed. "It was blown away completely - again," Tom said. "The only thing standing was that storm room."
A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria and provide "near-absolute protection" in extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes. Near-absolute protection means that, based on our current knowledge of tornadoes and hurricanes, the occupants of a safe room built in accordance with FEMA guidance will have a very high probability of being protected from injury or death; like in the case of the Cook Family.
A Tornado Safe Room was not required by local building code but Tom Cook of Joplin, MO, built one anyway. It probably saved his and his daughter’s life. Click here to see a Safe Room Testimonial Video.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

17. Building Codes Protect Your Investment
Reduce property and financial losses
Recover fast
Protect community tax base
Source: FEMA 549
Source: FEMA 549
Standards referenced in the building codes are based on sound science, best practices, and lessons learned from previous disasters.
The proper adoption and enforcement of the codes ensures durable buildings; protecting occupant safety and property investments.
When disasters occur, communities must be prepared for the recovery process. Even a small disaster can disrupt businesses and taxes which will affect the local economy. Communities can help mitigate this by adopting strategies to minimize the likelihood and severity of such disasters.
The enforcement of building codes will increase a community’s ability to protect their tax revenue and tax base.  Retrofitting and rebuilding cost communities money which leads to a depletion of available funds; resulting in an increase of taxes. However, building to code can reduce property and financial losses which helps a community recover faster and inevitably protects the communities tax base as a whole.
Top: Insufficiently embedded pilings in Daughin Island, AL, post Katrina. Bottom: This post-Katrina retrofit is built to code.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

18. Building Codes Save on Insurance
Source: FEMA Best Practice
Premium discounts:
Wind
Fire
Flood
Earthquake
Reduced flood insurance rates.
Everyone benefits when money is saved and losses are avoided.
Source: FEMA Best Practice
Building codes not only protect your investment through loss avoidance costs but can also save you money each year through insurance incentives. Individuals building to or above-code standards often receive discounts on wind, fire, flood, and earthquake insurance premiums. To receive a discount, the home usually has to have been built before a certain year or retrofitted to a certain standard; as is the case with the Fortified program by IBHS. Check with your state insurance office/department for specific requirements for your jurisdiction. In many areas the difference in premium can pay for the retrofits over a period of years.
The bottom photo depicted here is of Bruce Colby from Slidell, Louisiana whose garage was flooded with four feet of water and his home with one foot after Hurricane Katrina. Surprisingly, Bruce’s home had essentially no damage. His garage doors remained intact and his home structurally sound, while his neighbors had to replace their entire garages because of structural damage. The difference, Bruce installed three International Code Council evaluated flood vents prior to Katrina in order to reduce his flood insurance premiums. A financial decision, that resulted in the physical protection of his property during the hurricane.
In addition to premium discounts, citizens whose communities go above the minimum floodplain management standards required by the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System (NFIP CRS) all receive reduced flood insurance rates. To determine your community rating contact your state floodplain manager or city hall. A list of state floodplain managers can be found on
Top: This home had structural damage from trapped floodwaters. Bottom: Bruce Colby of Slidell, LA, installed $600 in flood vents, saving $700 each year in flood insurance.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

19. Building Codes Increase Disaster Resilience
Safeguard property and provide minimum life safety protections.
Enable the continuation of operations and essential services.
Allow individuals and families to rapidly recover with minimal costs.
Source: Leif Skoogfors/FEMA
The Presidential Policy Directive/PPD-8: National Preparedness defines the term “resilience” as the ability to adapt to changing conditions and withstand and rapidly recover from disruption due to emergencies.
Building codes increase disaster resilience by ensuring the impact of them is minimal for you and your community. As a mitigation effort, building codes safeguard your property and provide minimum life safety protections.
The more prevalent sound structures are within a community, the less damage there is as a result of disaster.
Rather than needing to cease crucial operations, communities are able to continue operations and essential services after a disaster.
Recovery is rapid and requires minimal costs for individuals, families, and communities alike. As a whole, communities are more resilient and able to be as self-sufficient as possible.
A FEMA worker hugs a Pope County, AR, resident whose home was damaged by a tornado. Building codes reduce damage and save lives.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

20. IBHS Wind Lab Test
Source: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety
The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) Research Center is a unique, state-of-the-art, multi-risk applied research and training facility on a 90-acre parcel of land in Chester County, South Carolina, approximately 45 minutes south of the Charlotte Airport. IBHS’ scientific research will influence residential and commercial structural design and construction for decades to come. Resulting savings on natural disaster-related losses – which totaled more than $26 billion across the U.S. in 2009 alone, and are expected to double every decade – will “pay for” the lab many times over.
This video shows two houses being subjected to Category 3 hurricane-force winds. One house is built to minimum Midwest code standards; that house is destroyed by the wind. The other has a variety of enhanced structural details, specified by the IBHS Fortified program. The fortified house survives with minor damage.
This is a video depicting why building codes and proper construction matters. Click here to see the IBHS Research Center video.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

21. Building Codes Enhances Building Stock
Building code provisions enhance the Nation’s building stock over time by:
Adopting codes for new construction.
Regulating existing structures and trigger upgrades.
Enacting legislation to supplement codes by mandating improvements or encouraging improvements through incentive programs.
Source: Ruth Kennedy/FEMA
There are three ways that building codes enhance the Nation’s building stock.
Adopting building code provisions for new construction improves the building stock over time.
2. Adopting building code provisions to regulate existing structures. This help improve the building stock over time by triggering upgrades under certain conditions.
3. Building stock is enhanced by enacting legislation to supplement the building codes by either mandating improvements or encouraging improvements through incentive programs. These are sometimes necessary even when the most recent model codes are adopted.
A new home being built after the Hardy Family’s home was destroyed in 2011 when a string of deadly tornadoes swept through Alabama.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

22. Who’s Involved?
Who’s Involved?

23. Roles of ICC, FEMA, and Design Community
Development: Building Codes are developed by a coalition of national organizations and experts.
Outreach: FEMA, ICC, and other partner organizations work together to educate and promote the value of building codes by sharing best practices and available resources.
Training: FEMA and ICC provide training options to educate and promote the adoption, enforcement, and use of building codes with communities.
Partnership: FEMA, ICC, and other partner organizations work together to ensure building codes are developed, adopted, enforced, and promoted nationwide.
Development: Building Codes are developed by a coalition of national organizations and experts. The FEMA Building Science Branch regularly partners and coordinates very closely with developers, building professionals, scientific organizations, the International Code Council (ICC), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and standard committees to participate in, and often lead, the development and implementation of multi-hazard-resistant building codes and standards. These partnerships have led to successful incorporation of best practices and sound disaster resilient policies into the nationwide model building codes and engineering standards that form the basis of the building regulations available for adoption and implementation by local communities to reduce risks.
Outreach: ICC, FEMA, and other partner organizations such as the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) and Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS), work with design professionals and communities to educate and promote the value of building codes by sharing best practices and available resources. There are currently a number of programs in place tailored to reach audiences ranging from property owners to engineers.
Training: Both FEMA and ICC provide an array of training options to educate and promote the adoption, enforcement, and use of building codes with communities.
Partnership: FEMA, ICC, and other partner organizations are constantly working together to ensure building codes are developed, adopted, enforced, and promoted nationwide.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

24. Role of Insurance Industry
Source: Liz Roll/FEMA
The insurance industry has a vested interest to support the adoption of strong statewide building codes.
By making buildings more resistant to damages a property owner will have fewer insurance claims which results in less pressure on the insurance marketplace.
Some insurance companies offer premium discounts.
FEMA Community Relations team member speaks about available federal aid to victims affected by a deadly tornado that hit in An insurance agent waits her turn.
The insurance industry has a vested interest to support strong building codes because they see firsthand the personal and financial impact that inadequate standards and code enforcement can have on a family, community or state. To ensure that the nation is better prepared, the insurance industry supports the adoption of strong statewide building codes.
The way buildings are constructed can have a significant impact on minimizing property damage resulting from natural disasters. Making buildings more resistant to damages will result in fewer insurance claims by property owners over the long-term. Less property damage following a natural disaster speeds up the recovery process and causes less disruption for property owners. This also puts less pressure on the insurance marketplace and can minimize the impact that a natural disaster could have on premiums and the availability of insurance.
Some insurance companies even offer discounts on insurance premiums to individuals building to or above-code standards. Check with your state insurance office/department for specific requirements for your jurisdiction.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

25. Role of Emergency Managers
Source: Andrea Booher/FEMA
Building Codes and
emergency planning
Building Codes as a
requirement for
construction grants
Building relationships
with local building code
officials and the
development community
FEMA Community Relations representative, Linda Colon and Cabo Rojo Emergency Manager, Herbert Rodriguez listen to resident in flooded neighborhood.
Emergency managers anticipate future disasters and take preventive and preparatory measures to build disaster-resistant and disaster-resilient communities.
There are a number of grants available to states to assist State, local, tribal and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards and mitigate the risk of hazards both pre- and post-disaster. The use of proper building codes is required of all grant applicants and evaluated/inspected by Emergency Managers throughout the grant process.
Emergency managers ensure unity of effort among all levels of government and all elements of a community. They create and sustain broad and sincere relationships among individuals and organizations to encourage trust, advocate a team atmosphere, build consensus, and facilitate communication.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

26. Roles of States and Local Jurisdictions
Adoption and enforcement
Building/Code official
Officer charged with the administration/enforcement of the codes or a duly authorized representative.
Building inspector
Individual tasked with verifying whether construction is done according to plan.
Source: Amanda Bicknell/FEMA
It is the responsibility of State and local jurisdictions to adopt and enforce building codes. Today, most U.S. communities formally adopt a building code and have a system in place for building regulation. However, some rural areas in America still
have not adopted a building code – and in these areas – it is legal to design and construct structures using any standards deemed appropriate by the designers and builders. Many communities, depending on their geographic location, are at significant risk of experiencing severe damage from earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, tornados, wildland fires and other natural events. Adoption and effective enforcement of up to date building codes is the best line of defense against such severe events. Owners and local communities can also take effective steps in protecting themselves by strengthening, building tornado safe rooms and storm shelters, and taking other effective steps to protect lives, property and community.
To determine the level of building code enforcement in your community, contact your local building official and request a customized report of building code enforcement from the Insurances Service Office (ISO).
The Building/Code official is the officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the code, or a duly authorized representative, such as a building, zoning, planning, or floodplain management official.
The building inspector verifies whether construction is proceeding according to the approved plans and the conditions of the permit.
A county official inspects the wiring in a FEMA supplied mobile home in California.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

27. Roles of Contractors, Architects, Engineers
Source: Ruth Kennedy/FEMA
General contractor
An organization or individual
that is hired for the
construction of a structure.
Architect
An individual who initiates
the building design.
Engineer
Individual tasked with calculating, fitting, and determining the structural systems to be used for the project.
Auburn University Professor Paul Holley discusses the design of FEMA’s DAWG HAUS with FEMA HPA Engineer James Crawford III. 
A general contractor is one who undertakes the responsibility for the performance of construction work, including the provision of labor and materials, in accordance with plans and specifications and under a contract specifying cost and schedule for the completion of work; the person or organization responsible for performing the work, and identified as such in the owner – contractor agreement. When planning a remodel or rebuild, it is strongly recommended that you seek the assistance of a licensed professional contractor rather than attempting to complete the project on your own.
An architect initiates the building design and determines a number of issues relating to a building’s size and three-dimensional shape, the form and location of the structural elements, and the nature and location of nonstructural components that may affect a structure’s performance.
An engineer is a person trained and experienced in the profession of engineering; a person licensed to practice the profession by the authority in the area. Among other duties, engineers are often tasked with calculating the loads of a proposed structure (e.g. wind and earthquake forces), fitting the structure to the architecture, and determining the structural systems that will be used.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

28. What Tools are Available?

29. To Learn More About Building Codes and Local Requirements:
Consult your Local & State Building Departments
International Code Council:
International Code Council Call Center:
Phone: (888) and press 0 or
FEMA Building Science Branch:
FEMA Building Science Helpline:
Phone: (866) or
FEMA Building Codes Toolkit:
To lean more about building codes and local requirements please contact:
Your Local & State Building Departments
The International Code Council
The FEMA Building Science Branch
The FEMA Building Codes Toolkit which contains basic guidance and easy-to-use tools to help property owners understand building codes and the basic processes and standards associated with proper design, permitting, construction, and mitigation.
FEMA Building Science Branch - Introduction to Building Codes

30. FEMA Publications & Technical Guidance
FEMA also has a number of publications and technical guidance available free of charge. Take advantage of these valuable tools that will ensure you, your family, and your community are safe and disaster resilient.

31. Thank You
Designing and building to the code not only help save lives and property; in many cases it can save time, money and potential legal action. Thank You 31