Building Code

What does Building Code mean in American Law?

The definition of Building Code in the law of the United States, as defined by the lexicographer Arthur Leff in his legal dictionary is:

A set of regulations, usually municipal but sometimes statewide, providing, in various degrees of detail, specifications for the construction of buildings, enacted to insure certain levels of safety and convenience. It is usually provided that a building permit must be procured before beginning construction, and that a certificate of occupancy will not be issued unless the building code is complied with, or noncompliances are formally approved.

Some (but only some) building codes are notoriously either out of date, excessively conservative, technologically irrational, slanted to protect vested construction interests (e.g., banning plastic piping to aid plumbers), or all of the above. Also, since some of their requirements are both unnecessary and expensive, building codes provide a rich medium in which to grow bribery and other forms of political corruption. See also housing code.

Concept of Building Code in the context of Real Property

A short definition of Building Code: A comprehensive set of laws which control the construction of buildings, including design, materials used, construction, use, repair, remodeling, and other similar factors.

Concept of Building Code in the context of Real Property

A short definition of Building Code: A comprehensive set of laws which control the construction of buildings, including design, materials used, construction, use, repair, remodeling, and other similar factors.