The WDMA Code Resource Center is designed to provide a single source of current information on code development, code adoptions and the latest published codes for the major U.S. model building code development organizations. This page provides links to building code development, the latest state-level code adoption and (limited) free access to building codes published by the International Code Council, the National Fire Protection Association, ASHRAE, and includes links to resources developed by the Department of Energy.
This resource page is available as a service to WDMA members and to the public. For questions, please contact Craig Drumheller, Vice President of Technical Activities at [email protected].
International Code Council
The International Code Council (ICC) is an organization that develops and publishes the most widely adopted consensus based building codes and standards referred to as the I-Codes. Of the 15 model codes that ICC publishes, states can use or adopt the I-Codes, often with amendments, that best address their building safety needs. WDMA members are active participants in the development of the I-Codes helping to ensure the life safety of the public and building occupants.
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ICC Code Development Process
The ICC utilizes a governmental consensus code development process that involves public participation and input from building professionals nationwide to review and consider proposed changes to future building code editions. Ultimately, governmental members, typically code officials, determine the final requirements of the building codes. Each standard is updated and published every three years with the most current edition being the 2024 edition. For more information on the details of the standards development process and the current code development schedule, please see ICC’s website.
Quick Links to ICC Code Development resources:
I-Code Adoption by State
All states or jurisdictions use or adopt various I-Code editions with the option to amend to suit their building safety needs. For example, the International Building Code (IBC) is adopted in all 50 states, while the International Residential Code (IRC) is adopted in 49 states.
ICC periodically updates the adoption information by state and provides an interactive map listing which states adopt at the state level or the local level. Please see ICC’s code adoption map for more information on code adoption by state and jurisdiction.
ICC also provides a list of code adoption by state that includes links to state adoption agencies and key contacts. Please see ICC’s Code Adoption Chart by State to click on each state’s contact information.
Access to ICC Codes and Standards
The ICC provides a free web-based, read-only access version of their I-Codes and standards available for viewing to the public including previous ICC editions dating back to 2000. Of the 15 codes that ICC develops and publishes, below are the codes that primarily impact the door, window, and skylight industry.
Significant Changes to the 2024 I-Codes for Windows, Doors, & Skylights
A summary highlighting the significant building code changes in the 2024 I-Codes: the International Building Code (IBC), and the International Existing Building Code (IEBC), impacting WDMA members and the window, door, and skylight industry, manufacturers alike can be found here.
International Building Code (IBC)
The IBC applies to all buildings except detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. It affects various building occupancies and uses that utilize doors, windows, and skylights for life safety, health, and energy purposes.
International Residential Code (IRC)
This IRC affects the requirements for one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories. Chapter 3 addresses emergency escape and rescue openings in addition to the means of egress, while chapter 11 addresses the building thermal envelope, including fenestration.
International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
The IEBC affects the repair, alteration, addition and change of occupancy for existing buildings and historic buildings. It impacts the exterior envelope of a building when major portions are replaced or added such as windows, doors, and skylights.
International Fire Code (IFC)
The IFC affects planning against the threat of fire to life and property outlining the potential hazards and safeguards. Chapter 7 describes the provisions affecting door and window openings to safeguard against the spread of fire and smoke, while chapter 10 addresses the means of egress from structures, accessibility, and doors.
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
The IECC affects energy efficiency with both commercial and residential provisions for both new and existing buildings. It addresses the impact of energy efficiency of the building envelope. Unlike the standards development process for I-Codes utilizing a Governmental Consensus process (i.e. IBC, IRC, IEBC, etc.), the IECC utilizes an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved standards development process based on decisions made by appointed consensus committees (WDMA has a seat on the IECC Residential Committee) – one for residential and one for commercial. The residential portion of the IECC is referenced in the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA).
National Fire Protection Association
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is an organization that develops and publishes over 300 consensus based building codes and standards. Although all 300 published codes and standards do not impact the door, window, and skylight industry, those that do involve WDMA members as active participants helping to ensure the life safety of the public.
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NFPA Standards Development Process
The NFPA utilizes a standards development process that involves public participation and input from building professionals to review and consider proposed changes to future building code editions. Each standard is updated every three to five years. For more information on the details of the standards development process, please see NFPA’s website.
Code Adoption by State and Jurisdiction
Every state and/or jurisdiction has the option to adopt and amend NFPA codes and standards, or portions of, that they feel directly impact local public safety issues. For example, NFPA 101: Life Safety Code is used in every state, and adopted by 43 states with various amendments to suit their building construction and safety needs amongst numerous factors.
Access to NFPA Codes and Standards
The NFPA provides a free web-based, read-only access version of their codes and standards available for viewing to the public. Of the 300+ codes that NFPA develops and publishes, below are the NFPA codes that primarily impact the door, window, and skylight industry.
NFPA 1 – Fire Code
NFPA 1 addresses fire code regulation and addresses the means of egress in Chapter 14 for new and existing buildings. (i.e. exit access corridors, door openings, door leaf operation, locks and latches, panic hardware).
NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Opening Protectives
NFPA 80 addresses opening protection in walls, ceilings, and floors, against the spread of fire and smoke. These code requirements impact swinging doors, and sliding doors (vertical and horizontal).
NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code
NFPA 101 addresses the protection of building occupants through life safety measures based on building construction and occupancy features. It covers the means of egress in chapter 7 for new and existing buildings, and the inspection and testing of door assemblies in chapter 8.
NFPA 101B: Code for Means of Egress for Buildings and Structures
NFPA 101B for the means of egress code covers egress and escape from buildings and structures.
NFPA 105: Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives
NFPA 105 addresses the restriction of smoke movement through door assemblies, and covers the inspection, testing, and maintenance covering swinging doors.
ASHRAE
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) is an organization that develops and publishes consensus based standards. Many ASHRAE standards involve equipment testing methods and indoor air quality, however, they also have a few code intended standards written in mandatory, enforceable language that impact the door, window, and skylight industry. There are three such standards with ASHRAE 90.1 - Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings being the most widely adopted. It is adopted in most jurisdictions by reference as an alternate compliance path to the commercial portion of the IECC.
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ASHRAE Standards Development Process
ASHRAE utilizes a consensus based standards development process that involves public participation and input from building professionals to review and consider proposed changes to future standard editions. For more information on the details of the standards development process, please see ASHRAE’s website.
Adoption by State and Jurisdiction
Only a few ASHRAE standards are directly adopted or used in model codes and regulations. Every state and/or jurisdiction has the option to adopt the model codes with the referenced ASHRAE standards, or portions of, that they feel directly impact local energy efficiency issues.
Access to ASHRAE Standards
ASHRAE provides a free web-based, read-only access version of their standards available for viewing to the public. Of the over 87 standards that ASHRAE develops and publishes, below are standards that are adopted by state or local jurisdictions or are referenced in energy efficiency programs which impact the door, window, and skylight industry.
Standard 90.1, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Standard 90.1 addresses minimum requirements related to the operation, design, and energy efficiency for buildings other than low-rise residential buildings. It is the benchmark for commercial building energy codes in the United States referenced in the Energy Conservation and Production Act (ECPA). Section 5 of the standard address the building envelope covering compliance paths, trade-off options, and inspection and verification. WDMA has an organizational member seat on the 90.1 committee.
Standard 90.2, Energy Efficient Designs of Low-Rise Residential Buildings
Standard 90.2 addresses minimum requirements related to the operation, design, and energy efficiency for low-rise residential buildings. Section 5 of the standard address the building envelope covering compliance paths, trade-off options, and inspection and verification.
Standard 100, Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings
Standard 100 addresses minimum requirements related to operation, design, and renewable energy resources for existing buildings. Section 6 of the standard address the building envelope and building systems including an operations and maintenance program to ensure that an energy efficiency program is implemented and maintained.
Department of Energy
The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) actively participates in the development, adoption, compliance, training and efficiency determinations of ASHRAE standard 90.1 and the IECC. DOE’s office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) also contracts the Pacific Northwest National Labs (PNNL) to provide technical assistance to achieve their mission. DOE’s EnergyCodes.gov provides a repository for much of the energy code work performed by the EERE office.
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Energy Code Development
The DOE develops and submits code change proposals which cost-effectively achieve energy efficiency improvements to the current model codes. After each new model code is published, the DOE is required by statute (EPCA) to determine if the new version (ASHRAE 90.1 for commercial and IECC for residential) saves energy relative to the old version. A positive determination triggers obligations for the states to review the new versions for adoption. For more information on DOE determinations.
Energy Code Adoption
The DOE provides technical assistance to state and local governments to support their adoption processes. The DOE responds to state and local requests and it also develops customized reports for every state detailing the benefits of upgrading to the current model codes. The DOE support also includes tracking state adoption status, coordinating activities among stakeholders, and technical analysis. For more information on state energy code adoptions.
Energy Code Compliance
The DOE’s code compliance software (REScheck and COMcheck) has been developed to simplify compliance with model energy codes and standards. The DOE also develops education and training materials that are available for energy code training across the country.
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