The International Building Code (IBC) is a model building code published by the International Code Council (ICC) that sets minimum requirements for the design and construction of buildings.
The IBC has no force on its own. States and cities adopt it by law, often with local amendments, and the local building official enforces it. The ICC publishes a new edition every three years, and jurisdictions often run one or two editions behind. It is part of the family of I-Codes, alongside the fire, mechanical, energy and plumbing codes. See building code.
Provisions that shape parking garages
- Open vs. enclosed garages, decided by the openness calculation, which drives ventilation and sprinkler requirements.
- Clear height, with a 7-foot minimum in vehicle and pedestrian areas.
- Vehicle barriers and guards at floor edges. See bumper wall.
- Construction type and allowable height and area, which depend on whether the garage is open or enclosed. See Type I construction.
- Accessibility, through referenced accessibility standards. See accessible parking.
Working with it
- Confirm which edition and which local amendments apply before design starts.
- Mixed-use buildings combine garage rules with the rules for the occupancies above.
- Recent editions have been tightening requirements around EV charging and fire safety in garages.
The Parkonomics view
The code tells you the least you must build. For a structure meant to last fifty years, the useful question is what the next two editions are likely to require.
Related terms: Building Code, I-Codes, International Code Council, Openness Calculation, International Fire Code, Authority Having Jurisdiction