Building Code Review

Check an architectural design against the applicable building codes: structural, fire/life safety, accessibility, egress, and occupancy. This is a knowledge skill: it structures the review and tells you what to verify — it does not replace a licensed code consultant.

When to use

• "Is this design up to code?"
• Reviewing drawings before submission to the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
• Answering a specific code question ("What's the max travel distance?")
• Filling in a code-compliance checklist

Critical first step

Confirm the applicable code edition and jurisdiction. The International Building Code (IBC) is the base model code in most US states, updated every 3 years (2018, 2021, 2024…). States/cities amend it, and NYC, Chicago, California, Florida, etc. have significant local differences. Always ask which jurisdiction + edition the project falls under before ruling anything compliant or non-compliant.

Review workflow

1. Establish project data — occupancy classification(s), number of occupants, building type, area, height, construction type, sprinkler status. Most code outcomes flow from these four inputs.
2. Occupancy classification (IBC Ch. 3). Classify each use: A (assembly), B (business), E (educational), F, H, I, M, R, S, U. Mixed occupancies → separate or incidental-use analysis.
3. Means of egress (IBC Ch. 10, NFPA 101):
   • Occupant load from area ÷ occupant load factor
   • Number of exits, exit width, travel distance limits
   • Common path of egress travel, exit discharge
4. Construction type & allowable area (IBC Ch. 5, 6, 7): based on construction type (I–V) and fire-resistance ratings; check height/area limits and sprinkler trade-offs.
5. Accessibility (IBC Ch. 11, ADA/ABA Standards): accessible routes, door clearances (min 32" opening), ramp slopes (max 1:12), restrooms, signage, parking.
6. Fire-resistive & compartmentation (IBC Ch. 7): rated assemblies, fire blocking, smoke barriers, corridor ratings, penetration protection.
7. Energy (IECC/ASHRAE 90.1 & local): envelope, glazing ratio, insulation, HVAC efficiency — often its own review track.
8. Produce findings as a checklist with: reference (code section), requirement, project condition, verdict (Pass / Fail / Needs confirmation), and severity.

Output finding format

F-01  IBC §1029.7.3     Corridor width min 72" clear
      Condition: corridor shown at 66" between wall faces
      Verdict: FAIL — widen corridor or justify as 2-way w/ discharge
      Severity: High

Edge cases & cautions

• Don't invent code numbers. If you don't know the exact section/edition, give the requirement and note "verify exact section" rather than fabricating one. Cite edition explicitly.
• Existing buildings → IBC Ch. 34 (existing structures) or IEBC, not new-construction IBC.
• Historic buildings → preservation easements + AHJ special provisions often override parts of IBC.
• Assembly spaces → occupant load and exit capacity dominate; use the tightening factor for fixed seating and tables/booths.
• Clarifying, not legal advice: always end with a note that final interpretation rests with the AHJ and a licensed professional. See references/ for what to check per chapter.

Files

• references/code-checklists.md — per-chapter review checklists with common requirements.
• references/key-codes.md — the code & standard landscape (IBC, NFPA 101/13/70, ADA, IEBC, IECC, ASHRAE 90.1), with editions.