International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
Building codes are regulations that set out the standards to which buildings and other structures must conform. The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is a code established in the US by the International Code Council (ICC) and applied by most of the country’s jurisdictions as well as in some other countries internationally, (sometimes amended to reflect local conditions and legislation).
The sets out requirements for repairs, alterations and additions to existing buildings and structures. It applies to work on buildings and structures that were constructed before the introduction of the building code requirements in 2000.
In many cases, the cost of works that would be required to bring a building up to current compliance levels can be prohibitively high. The code provides three options that allow a controlled departure from full compliance with the codes dealing with new construction while at the same time maintaining basic standards for structural performance, fire prevention and other health and safety issues.
The main options provided by the code:
Option 1: Work shall be done in accordance with a Prescriptive Compliance Method. This follows provisions included in the IBC such as the following requirements:
- Existing materials shall be permitted to remain in use unless determined to be unsafe.
- New and replacement materials must conform to the applicable code for new construction.
- The building official has the authority to demand changes or works to be done to eliminate conditions that are deemed dangerous.
- Any additions must comply with the International Building Code (IBC) for new construction.
- Any alterations to the existing building must be such that the building as a whole is no less compliant with the IBC provisions that it was without the alterations.
- The building use or occupancy shall not be changed unless it is made to comply with the IBC.
- Historic buildings that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places do not need to be brought into compliance.
- Structures that are moved must comply with the IBC provisions for new structures.
Option 2: Work shall be done in accordance with a Work Area Compliance Method. This is the most flexible of the three options since specific code provisions are triggered only if the scale and level of work warrant them.
Option 3: Performance method. This is the least used of the three options. It provides the design team with a method of scoring the existing safety conditions of a building. Improvements must then be undertaken to improve the score to an acceptable level.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Alterations to existing buildings.
- Building codes.
- Building regulations.
- Change of use class.
- International building code (IBC).
- International Code Council ICC.
- International residential code (IRC).
- International Zoning Code (IZC).
- Permitted development.
- Renovation.
- Structural engineering codes.
- The role of codes, standards and approvals in delivering fire safety.
- What approvals are needed before construction begins.
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.