Skip to main content

Use of Building Codes in Federal Agency Construction (1989) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

The Principal Model Codes
Pages 15-18

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 15...
... promulgates guidelines and standards for building egress and smoke control in its Life Safety Code the National Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors of America publishes its National Plumbing Code, and the American Concrete Institute its Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete.13 How the Model Codes Are Developed The principal model codes are developed through a quasi-consensusbuilding process with participation of many state and local building code administration officials and representatives of industry and professional associations. Each of the three model code organizations has subcommittees to address standards and procedures applicable to particular areas of technical expertise such as fire hazard, materials characteristics, or mechanical systems.
Read the entire page →
From page 16...
... On the whole however, state and local governments have found the model codes organizations a helpful way to share the substantial costs and effort associated with standards writing. Governments must still go through their own administrative and legislative procedures to review, modify, and adopt all or some portion of a model code as the official building code for a jurisdiction.
Read the entire page →
From page 17...
... If the members of BCMC agree to a change to be made in one or more of the model codes, the change is proposed to the membership of the appropriate model code organization for adoption and inclusion in future editions of the model codes. The committee notes that there has been a convergence of state and local jurisdictions toward the uniform adoption of model codes.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • building code
  • model code
  • code organizations
  • building codes
  • principal model

  • codes organizations
  • standard building
  • uniform building
  • local building
  • safety code

  • various regions
  • indeed exist
  • proceeding slowly
  • administration officials
  • geographic regions

  • life safety
  • code requirements
  • fire protection
  • strong winds
  • strong connections

  • local jurisdictions
  • national building
  • plumbing code
  • particular types
  • significant technical

  • american concrete
  • codes reflect
  • smoke control
  • national fire
  • fire hazard


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.