Building Codes, Standards, and Regulations: Frequently Asked Questions (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Revised Nov. 22, 2023 |
| Report Number |
R47665 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Linda R. Rowan, Coordinator; Joseph V. Jaroscak; Corrie E. Clark; Katie Jones; Jill C. Gallagher; Maggie McCarty; Diane P. Horn; Andrew Tilghman |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
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Summary:
Americans on average spend about 90% of their time indoors and it is important that the buildings
they occupy provide safe shelter, offer a healthy indoor environment, and function for the
purposes that the building was constructed (e.g., residential versus commercial functions).1
Standards developing organizations (SDOs) have developed model building codes, standards, and
regulations in the United States to try to ensure consistent building performance, protect
occupants’ health and safety, and ensure building function.2 Federal, state, local, tribal, and
territorial entities may adopt and enforce all or a portion of these model building codes and
standards and may apply them to buildings in their jurisdiction. Thus, there is no single national
building code to which all entities must adhere (except for manufactured housing, for which there
is a national code); instead, entities are able to choose which elements of a model building code to
adopt and enforce. As a result, building codes vary greatly by jurisdiction. Generally, the federal
government has few code requirements and states may impose some requirements, but the most
detailed code requirements are adopted and enforced at the local government level.
Often, after disasters involving buildings (e.g., building collapse, fire, or failure), officials
examine the building code for their jurisdiction to determine if the code is adequate to protect
people and property. This examination often leads to questions about which building codes are in
place; who is responsible for enforcing the code; who has authority to change, adopt, and enforce
building codes; and what actions the federal government can take to change, adopt, enforce, or
mandate certain model building codes. In some cases, Congress passes federal laws imposing
requirements that may influence model building codes and standards and adopted building codes
and standards. Under authorities provided by Congress, some federal agencies work to enhance
model building codes to improve building performance (e.g., resiliency, efficiency, environmental
impact reduction). For example, federal agencies may incentivize building owners and
communities to adopt enhanced model building codes through financial and technical assistance
for building construction, operation and maintenance, or repair.
This report covers frequently asked questions on codes, standards, and regulations for buildings.
It does not address questions about codes, standards, and regulations of infrastructure, such as
energy facilities, communication networks, or dams.3 This report also addresses questions about
how some laws enacted by Congress and some implementation of legislation by federal agencies
impact building codes throughout the United States.
