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Free online building codes are becoming widely available due to their convenience and the ability to keep them updated without having to issue addenda. A list of the FREE codes that we are aware of is included below. If you know of any that should be added to this list, please let us know.
- International Building Code
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code
- International Existing Building Code
- International Energy Conservation Code
- International Fire Code
- International Plumbing Code
- International Mechanical Code
- ICC Code Commentaries
- National Fire Protection Association Codes
- United States Access Board Regulations
International Code Council
The International Code Council provides free code references for a number of states, plus free access to the International Codes. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have modifications to the code.
The codes are updated every three years and the latest revision is the 2018 version. Keep in mind that your jurisdiction may not have adopted the most recent version of the ICC codes so an older version may apply to your project.
Don't see the International Code you need? Here is the full list of I-Codes so you can find what you are looking for.
Did you know that the iCodes are available for purchase on Amazon? We've added links below for the versions available for purchase. As an Amazon Associate Archtoolbox earns from qualifying purchases on this page.
International Building Code
- International Building Code 2021 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2009
International Residential (One and Two Family) Code
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2021 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2009
International Existing Building Code
- International Existing Building Code 2021 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2009
International Energy Conservation Code
- International Energy Conservation Code 2021 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2009
International Fire Code
- International Fire Code 2021 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2009
International Plumbing Code
- International Plumbing Code 2021 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2009
International Mechanical Code
- International Mechanical Code 2021 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2009
ICC Code Commentaries
The International Code Council provides other versions of their code books, which include code commentaries to help professionals understand the intent of the code. These are incredibly helpful for understanding complex code issues. Unfortunately, the code commentary versions are not available for free online.
You can purchase the commentaries directly through the ICC website or you can usually find them on Amazon.
National Fire Protection Association (United States)
The NFPA is the world's leading advocate for fire prevention. They provide free access to the latest edition of their codes (registration is required). Below is a list of some of the most referenced codes for architects:
- NFPA 1: Fire Code
- NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
- NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 70: National Electrical Code
- NFPA 70A: National Electrical Code Requirements for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
- NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
- NFPA 80: Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives
- NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
United States Access Board
The US Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for the disabled. They are responsible for maintaining the accessibility guidelines for public buildings and spaces in the United States. If you are interested in a more detailed overview of the United States accessibility law, check out our article: ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have more stringent requirements than the federal codes. Below are links to specific codes and laws:
- ADA Accessibility Standards
- ABA Accessibility Standards (for projects built with Federal Funds)
- ADA Accessibility Guidelines