Model building code
A model building code is a building code that is written by a body independent of the jurisdiction responsible for enacting the building code. The model building code is adopted or customized for that jurisdiction and applied.
In many countries regulation of building construction is a municipal or subnational entities responsibility. However, building codes are very complex sets of laws far beyond the capabilities of most municipalities to draft. Furthermore, having different sets of building codes in every municipality would cause large problems for companies and individuals that operate in multiple jurisdictions. To address these issues, the model building codes were developed.
Model building codes are developed by either by higher level government or private agency. Writing of the building codes is generally done by committees that have representatives from the various affected bodies. Most of the model building codes have a 3-5 year code writing cycle. That is a new edition of the building code comes out every 3 to 5 years. However, due to the length of time that it takes for a municipality to review, amend and adopt a new code, the currently enforced version of the document is often not the most recent edition.
These models codes may either be adopted outright as the building code for a jurisdiction, or it may be adopted with amendments or additional rules. In some cases the amendments or additional requirements are in a separate document and in other cases the jurisdiction may purchase the reprint rights and print a their own building code that is based on a model building code and includes the local amendments.
The model code writing bodies are generally funded by the sales of the model codes and by selling the reprint rights.
Some common model building codes are:
- International Building Code An American model building code created by the amalgamation of a number of previously competing model codes.
- NFPA 5000 A model building code developed by the National Fire Protection Agency.
- National Building Code of Canada A Canadian model building code.