Historically, the United States building regulations has been based on model building codes developed by three regional model code groups.[1] The three codes were developed by the Building Officials Code Administrators International (BOCA), the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) and the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) groups. However, during the early 1990’s a need was evident for a single national building code. The three model code groups joined to become the International Code Council (ICC) with a view to develop codes that could be used without any regional restrictions.

After three years developing the new code, the International Building Code (IBC) was first published in 1997 by the International Code Council. The codes establishes minimum regulations for building approvals using prescriptive and performance-related provisions.

The International Building Code provisions provide many benefits, including offering 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 Preface of the IBC 2012 states that:

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.[2]

[1] Wikipedia, International Building Code, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Building_Code, viewed 24 August 2015

[2] International Code Council, International Building Code, Preface, http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/ibc/2012/icod_ibc_2012_intro.htm, viewed 24 August 2015