Today’s Major Building Codes
Rather than create and maintain their own codes, most states and local jurisdictions adopt the model building codes maintained by the International Code Council (ICC). In 2000, the three regionally-based model code organizations (BOCA Standard National Code, SBCCI Standard Code, and ICBO Uniform Code) combined together to form the ICC. The ICC family of International Codes includes:
- International Building Code (IBC): applies to all types of new buildings
- International Residential Code (IRC): applies to new one-and two-familydwellings and townhouses of not more than three stories in height
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC): applies to the alteration, repair, orchange in occupancy of existing structures.
The ICC publishes new additions of the International Codes every three years and many states and local jurisdictions have adopted them since the first editions were issued in 2000.
Modular homes manufactured in factories are subject to the same regulations and standards as site built homes. The basic difference between inspections of site built homes and manufactured modular homes is that for modular homes, the inspections are conducted by state regulators during the manufacturing process and again after delivery to the site and the installation of the home on its foundation.
Manufactured homes or HUD homes are subject to federal inspections during the in plant manufacturing process and to inspections by the local jurisdiction during the on-site installation process (see Figure 1.2). Manufacturers are held accountable for building homes that are compliant with HUD’s standards by agents of HUD who are referred to as Production Inspection and Primary Inspection Agencies (IPIA). The IPIA is responsible for certifying manufacturing plants before they can begin operations and for routinely inspecting manufacturing in the plants to ensure that they are in compliance with the HUD Code. There are 10 states, including Florida, in which a state agency acts as the IPIA. In the other states where mobile/manufactured home manufacturing occurs, the IPIA is a private company. In Florida, the IPIA is the Bureau of Manufactured Homes/Recreational Vehicle Construction, located in the Division of Motor Vehicles in Tallahassee, Florida.