International Residential Code (IRC)
Building codes are regulations that set out the standards to which buildings and other structures must conform. The International Residential Code (IRC) is one of the codes established in the US by the International Code Council (ICC) and is applied by most of the country’s jurisdictions, as well as in some other countries internationally (where it may be amended to reflect local conditions or local legislation).
It stipulates that anyone who intends to build, alter, repair, renovate or demolish a building or structure to which the code applies, must apply for and obtain the required building permit.
The IRC applies to new one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses which are no taller than three storeys. It is intended to ensure efficient and flexible building designs that protect health and safety and encourage the use of technological advances.
It covers all aspects of construction in a single code, including; building, plumbing, mechanical services, energy conservation, fuel gas and electrical provisions. It offers both a prescriptive approach and a performance approach to determining compliance.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building codes.
- Building regulations.
- Design review.
- CE marking.
- International building code (IBC).
- International Code Council ICC.
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC).
- International Zoning Code (IZC).
- Licensed contractors in the USA.
- Performance specification.
- Planning permission.
- 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
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.