Modem building codes and regulations ensure that your house or workplace is a safe structure. Showcase Business Services, Inc. works closely with Building Officials and Code Administrators to ensure its designs meet or exceed the latest building codes.

The roots of today's building codes can be traced back to the Code of Hammurabi, circa 2200-1800 B.C. The Code of Hammurabi provided for the death of a builder if the construction of a dwelling collapsed and caused the death of the owner.

Building regulations also can be found in the Bible: Make thee an ark of gopher wood. The length of the ark shall be 300 cubits, the breadth, 50 cubits and the height 30 cubits. The first building codes in the United States, established in 1625, addressed fire safety and specified materials for roof coverings. In 1630, Boston outlawed chimneys made with wood and thatch roof coverings.

In the late 1770s George Washington recommended that height and area limitations be imposed on wood frame buildings in his plans for the District of Columbia. In 1788, the first known formal building code was written in the United States (in German) in Old Salem, (now Winston-Salem) North Carolina.

Larger U.S. cities began establishing building codes in the early 1800s. In 1865, New Orleans was the first city to enact a law requiring inspections of public places.

The National Board of Fire Underwriters published its Recommended National Building Code in 1905. In 1915, the world's first model code organization, Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA), was established to provide a forum for exchange of ideas regarding building safety and construction regulations. BOCA published its first building code in 1950.

Building code history/Add One

Modem building codes regulate a myriad of safety issues including design and structural requirements, fire prevention, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems, property maintenance, energy efficiency and zoning. Historically, building codes can differ from state to state, and even from community to community.

The formation of the International Code Council in 1994, spearheaded by model code organizations, set out to establish a comprehensive, coordinated family of construction codes for use throughout America and around the world. These codes, known as the International Codes, were completed this year. Municipalities, counties and states can now adopt the International Codes, with or without local modifications to ensure building safety in their jurisdictions and consistent building regulations nationwide. The International Codes represent the most contemporary safe building and fire prevention standards available.

During the week of April 8-14, building departments around the world will mark International Building Safety Week to promote the use, enforcement and understanding of building codes.

SUPPLIED BY Southern Building Code Congress International, Inc.