Building Code Books

Michaeljp86

What international building code is being used now? is it 2003 or 2006?

I see the 2006 book but everyone I see is still using the 2003. I need to buy one but dont know which one to get.

mdshunk

It really depends on where you live. The codes change on a 3 year cycle, but they need to be legally adopted by your state (or county or town) to be legally enforcable. As a result, most people are an edition or two (sometimes more) behind. Very few areas adopt a new code edition as soon as it comes out. It's often a year or more (sometimes much more) before the next edition is voted into law. Some areas will be on a given code edition for years, then they'll totally skip a few editions and vote in the latest code. I remember an electrician saying today that his area is still on the 1999 NEC. You really just need to make a quick phonecall to the building department and ask them what year IBC you're on, and if it's an older one, ask them if they know when the '06 will be effective. When the newer codes are voted in, it's usually quite a few months until it legally takes effect.

Michaeljp86

I think we are on the 2003 NEC for electrical. Everyone here Ive seen is using 2003, so will they go to the 2006 eventualy? I dont want to buy the 2003 and as soon as I buy it they go to the 2006.

mdshunk

Yeah, I know what you're saying. I'm sure a quick phonecall will help you make that decision. By the way, buying the codes on CD is much cheaper, and gives you the ability to search them.

What state are you in, by the way? There might be something on your state's website, or another user from your state who might know.

Michaeljp86

I live in michigan, Ill go look on the website and see what I can find. Michigan government shut down last week because they are bankrubt. They raised taxes and that is supposed to get them throught the next 30 days, well more like 25 days now. A phone call may not help me to much.

mdshunk

Okay, just click on your state on this map, and it will tell you. Looks like you're on the '03. That's no help though, when you're wondering how soon the '06 will come into effect. It's a shame that it's the IBC that you're puzzling over, because that's the most expensive one. I guess you do mostly commercial work?

http://www.iccsafe.org/government/adoption.html

Michaeljp86

Does the state have its own building code book?

mdshunk

States don't usually, but they often have some amendments. It runs in my mind that MI is one of the states who work mostly right out of the book will little or few amendments. Some states, like MA for instance, so highly modify the codes with amendments, that they have the code people print a special edition to reflect all the states amendments. New York City is that way, also.

JohnJ0906

Here are a few state building codes.

http://www.constructionbook.com/building-codes/

__________________
John from Baltimore
"One Day at a Time"
All replies based on the 2008 NEC

JPhelps

Where I"m at in Kentucky we just changed this year to the 2006 IBC, with a few amendments to it which they post online for free. I just went to the ICC website and ordered it online, and downloaded it in pdf on my laptop. Much easier for me to do that as I am notoriously hard on books and cds, most likely would end up in my floorboard with coffee spilled all over it. I think the download costed me 75 or so.

mighty anvil

The state code in Michigan is like in Massachusetts; it is based on the 2003 International Codes with changes incorporated into the text of the published code book so, yes, it is a different code book than the 2003 IRC or IBC. I believe it is enforced statewide and if that is true there would be no reason to buy the ICC codes for work anywhere in Michigan (You should make sure this is true in all jurisdictions).

You could buy the Michigan version from the ICC bookstore or possibly from a state bookstore which might be cheaper. The CD version is considerably more expensive than the two building code books alone ($160 vs $436) because it includes all Michigan codes and a search engine. It's time to bite the bullet and get the codes since they've been in effect for 3 1/2 years.

http://www.iccsafe.org/e/prodshow.html?prodid=804CDS03MI&stateInfo=aajjpijl ihoKdkNh6859|6

Michaeljp86

I just bought the michigan rehabilitation code for existing buildings and it says incorparating the 2003 edition of the international exhisting building codes. This one was $42 and the order form has michigan building code 2003 for $65 and michigan residential code for $45. I guess I should buy both of those too.