International Zoning Code (IZC)
Building codes are regulations that set out the standards to which buildings and other structures must conform. The International Zoning Code (IZC) was established in the US by the International Code Council (ICC) and is applied by most of the country’s jurisdictions as well as internationally, although it can be amended to reflect local conditions and legislation.
The International Zoning Code (IZC) is a model code that regulates minimum zoning requirements for new buildings. It is intended to provide for the arrangement of compatible buildings and land uses and establish provisions for the location of all types of uses, in the interest of the local area. It aims to promote uniformity and consistency in zoning for planners, code officials and developers.
Zoning is the process of dividing a particular area of land into different districts or zones and specifying certain uses (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial) which can be permitted or prohibited for each. Zoning is carried out by the relevant municipality or county, and segregates uses that are considered to be incompatible, as well as guiding urban growth and development.
For more information, see Zoning in the United States.
Like other codes published by ICC, the IZC is arranged to follow sequential steps that tend to occur during a plan review or inspection. The different parts are as follows:
- Scope and administration.
- Definitions.
- Use districts.
- Agricultural zones.
- Residential zones.
- Commercial and commercial/residential zones.
- Factory/industrial zones.
- General provisions.
- Special regulations.
- Sign regulations.
- Non-conforming structures and uses.
- Conditional uses.
- Planned unit development.
- Referenced standards.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building codes.
- Building regulations.
- International Building Code (IBC)
- International Code Council ICC.
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC).
- International Residential Code (IRC).
- Planning permission.
- Setback.
- Use class designation for land and buildings.
- What approvals are needed before construction begins.
- Zoning in the United States.
Featured articles and news
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction (HKIC) and The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description fron the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”
Guidance notes to prepare for April ERA changes
From the Electrical Contractors' Association Employee Relations team.
Significant changes to be seen from the new ERA in 2026 and 2027, starting on 6 April 2026.
First aid in the modern workplace with St John Ambulance.
Solar panels, pitched roofs and risk of fire spread
60% increase in solar panel fires prompts tests and installation warnings.
Modernising heat networks with Heat interface unit
Why HIUs hold the key to efficiency upgrades.




















