2012 International Building Code Softcover updated with new code provisions!

The scope of this code covers all buildings except detached one and two family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height. This comprehensive code features time-tested safety concepts, structural, and fire and life safety provisions covering means of egress, interior finish requirements, comprehensive roof provisions, seismic engineering provisions, innovative construction technology, occupancy classifications, and the latest industry standards in material design.

It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs.

Now in its fifth edition, the 2012 International Building Code contains many important changes:

Nonstructural:

• All definitions are included in Chapter 2.
• Classifications for a variety of health-care related facilities have been clarified.
• Covered- and open-mall provisions revised to fully address the construction of open malls.
• Occupancies not specifically scoped under the unlimited area building provisions are now permitted where in compliance as accessory occupancies.
• Clarified provisions for incidental-use rooms and spaces.
• Modified provisions addressing exterior wall projections.
• Reformatted requirements for protection of vertical openings through floors.
• Automatic sprinkler systems required where furniture and mattresses are manufactured or stored.
• Increased capacity for stairways and other egress components in buildings with sprinklers and an emergency communication system.
• Clarification of when unenclosed stairways can be used as a part of the means of egress system, including how travel distance is measured.
• In three- and four-exit buildings, some exits are now permitted to serve a portion of a story rather than an entire story.
• Means of egress provisions unique to special occupancies are now in Chapter 4.

Structural:

• Wind design requirements extensively revised.
• Wind load maps are now based on ultimate design wind speeds.
• New terminology for wind speeds.
• Updated seismic ground motion maps.
• The term "occupancy category" changed to "risk category."
• Special inspection requirements for structural steel and masonry construction are now based on referenced standards.
• Penetration firestop and fire-resistant joint systems in high-rise buildings and in Risk Category III or IV structures require special inspection.
• Modifications to the seismic provisions of ACI 318 Appendix D.

From the Preface
Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern up to date building code addressing the design and installation of building systems through requirements emphasizing performance, the International Building Code, in this 2012 edition, 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 building code establishes minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new building designs.

The International Building Code provisions provide many benefits, among which is the model code development process that offers an international forum for building 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.

The first edition of the International Building Code (2000) was the culmination of an effort initiated in 1997 by the ICC. This included five drafting subcommittees appointed by ICC and consisting of representatives of the three statutory members of the international Code Council at that time, including: Building Officials and Code Administrators International, Inc. (BOCA), International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) and Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI). The intent was to draft a comprehensive set of regulations for building systems consistent with and inclusive of the scope of the existing model codes. Technical content of the latest model codes promulgated by BOCA, ICBO and SBCCI was utilized as the basis for the development, followed by public hearings in 1997, 1998 and 1999 to consider proposed changes. This 2012 edition presents the code as originally issued, with changes reflected in the 2003, 2006 and 2009 editions and further changes approved by the ICC Code Development Process through 2010. 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 building 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.

The International Building Code is available for adoption and use by jurisdictions internationally. Its use within a governmental jurisdiction is intended to be accomplished through adoption by reference in accordance with proceedings establishing the jurisdiction’s laws. At the time of adoption, jurisdictions should insert the appropriate information in provisions requiring specific local information, such as the name of the adopting jurisdiction. These locations are shown in bracketed words in small capital letters in the code and in the sample legislation. The sample adoption ordinance on page xix addresses several key elements of a code adoption ordinance, including the information required for insertion into the code text.

About the Publisher
The International Code Council (ICC) is a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention. ICC develops the codes and standards used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. The International Codes, or I-Codes, published by ICC, provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace. The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes. Building codes benefit public safety and support the industry’s need for one set of codes without regional limitations.

The 2012 International Building Code Looseleaf is also available.

To view the complete Table of Contents for the 2012 International Building Code, click here .