What is the role of the International Code Council (ICC)?

The International Code Council (ICC) plays a crucial and proactive role in the building industry by developing codes and standards that aim to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability in construction practices. This development process involves collaboration among industry representatives, code officials, and other stakeholders to create comprehensive guidelines that address various aspects of building design and construction, such as structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

The codes created by the ICC are adopted by local and state jurisdictions to form the basis of building regulations, providing a framework that helps to promote a safe built environment. This work is essential as it supports not only the health and safety of the public but also the efficiency of the construction process and resource use.

While the ICC does set the stage for building codes through development, enforcement typically falls to local building departments, not to the ICC itself. Legal advice for contractors is outside the purview of the ICC, as is the evaluation of historical structures for preservation. Such specific responsibilities are managed by other organizations or professionals specializing in those areas.