The I-Codes, or International Codes, are a family of model building and safety codes published by the International Code Council (ICC) and adopted, often with local amendments, by most U.S. states and cities.
They are coordinated with each other and updated on a three-year cycle. A parking project usually touches several at once, and the edition and amendments in force locally are what count. See building code and authority having jurisdiction.
The codes that shape parking
- International Building Code (IBC): structure, construction type, open vs. enclosed garages, clear height, vehicle barriers and, in its Chapter 11, accessibility, which references the ICC A117.1 standard.
- International Fire Code (IFC): fire department access, fire protection systems and, increasingly, EV charging and battery storage.
- International Mechanical Code (IMC): ventilation of enclosed garages.
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC): lighting power and controls.
- International Plumbing Code (IPC): drainage and restrooms.
- International Existing Building Code (IEBC): repairs, alterations and changes of use, including adaptive reuse.
- International Green Construction Code (IgCC): optional sustainability requirements.
Working with them
- Confirm the adopted edition and local amendments for each code before design.
- Fire and building officials may read EV and battery provisions differently; involve them early.
The Parkonomics view
Parking structures sit where the building, fire and mechanical codes overlap. The projects that go smoothly are the ones that read all three together, early.
Related terms: International Building Code, International Fire Code, International Mechanical Code, International Code Council, Building Code, International Green Construction Code