A building code is a set of minimum legal requirements for the design and construction of buildings, covering structure, fire safety, egress, accessibility, energy and more.
In the U.S., most jurisdictions adopt the model International Building Code (IBC) and its companion I-Codes, often with local amendments. The local building official, the authority having jurisdiction, interprets and enforces it. Parking garages have their own provisions within the IBC.
How the IBC treats garages
- Open vs. enclosed. An open parking garage has enough wall openings to ventilate naturally; IBC criteria include openings on at least two sides totaling at least 20 percent of the perimeter wall area of each tier. Open garages get relief on sprinklers, ventilation and construction type. See enclosed parking garage.
- Clear height. A minimum of 7 feet in vehicle and pedestrian areas, more where van-accessible spaces are provided. See accessible parking.
- Vehicle barriers and guards at floor edges. See bumper wall.
- Construction type and height limits tied to whether the garage is open or enclosed.
Related codes
- International Fire Code and NFPA standards.
- International Mechanical Code for ventilation.
- Energy codes and reach codes for lighting and EV readiness. See reach code.
The Parkonomics view
Codes set the floor, not the target. Many garages built to an older code now face heavier vehicles, EV charging and new fire concerns that the code is still catching up with.
Related terms: International Building Code, I-Codes, Authority Having Jurisdiction, Enclosed Parking Garage, International Fire Code, Reach Code, OSHA