Familiarization with building codes, permits, and inspections. This includes local and national building codes and how to ensure compliance while constructing a building.
Zoning Ordinances: These refer to regulations put in place by municipalities that govern the use of land within their boundaries. This includes things like permissible land use, setback requirements, lot coverage, building height restrictions, etc.
Building Codes: These are regulations that specify the minimum safety standards for construction and design of buildings. They lay down guidelines for safety and health of buildings, including structural design, fire safety, energy efficiency, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and accessibility (ADA) provisions.
Fire Codes: These codes include regulations for fire safety, emergency egress, fire alarm systems, fire-fighting equipment, fire suppression systems, and fire prevention requirements.
Energy Codes: These codes address the energy performance of buildings, including energy-efficient design techniques, insulation, HVAC systems, energy efficiency of lighting, and energy-efficient building practices. These codes are usually adopted and then adapted to suit the energy needs of a particular jurisdiction.
Accessibility Codes: These provisions related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are guidelines for architects, engineers, and builders for designing and constructing buildings that are usable and accessible by people with disabilities.
Plumbing Codes: These codes regulate the installation, design, and repair of plumbing systems, including sewer and drainage systems, water supply, water heaters, and other related equipment.
Mechanical Codes: These codes regulate the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems (HVAC), as well as other mechanical equipment.
Code Enforcement: This refers to the process of regulating and enforcing building codes, ensuring that they are adhered to properly. This may be carried out by internal teams, city inspectors or third-party inspectors.
Sustainability Codes: Standards and codes for green building practices, include provisions for water conservation, recycling, and the use of eco-friendly materials. Some jurisdictions have adopted their sustainability standards, whereas others may conform to broader schemes, such as LEED.
Permitting: Getting a building permit is required for all building work. The permit application process, standards required can vary by jurisdiction, but generally it involves submitting detailed plans to the relevant regulatory authorities and getting approval before construction can begin.
Enforcement Agencies: Regulatory bodies that ensure compliance with codes, which may vary based on the local jurisdiction.
Code Deciphering: Systems such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), which involves a 3D model of the building, can be used to simulate code compliance and improve building design.
Building codes: Building codes are a set of regulations that govern the construction, design, and safety aspects of buildings. They are essential for ensuring that buildings meet the necessary safety, and other standards for occupancy.
Fire codes: Fire codes are a set of regulations that govern the construction, design, and operational aspects of buildings to prevent fires and ensure the safety of occupants. These regulations enforce fire-resistive materials for construction, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems such as sprinklers or extinguishers, and other measures to prevent fire.
Energy codes: Energy codes are regulations aiming at reducing energy consumption through the use of efficient building materials, systems, and appliances. These regulations include minimum energy efficiency standards for appliances, windows, insulation, and HVAC systems.
Plumbing codes: Plumbing codes regulate the installation, operation, and maintenance of plumbing systems, so water and sewage can be properly delivered and disposed of in the building. These regulations ensure that the plumbing in a building is installed correctly and can effectively operate and maintain plumbing systems.
Mechanical codes: Mechanical codes are a set of regulations that govern the installation, operation, and maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in a building. These regulations ensure that HVAC systems are designed and installed correctly, operate safely, and maintain indoor air quality.
Accessibility codes: Accessibility codes regulate the minimum requirements for accessibility in buildings to make it easier for people with disabilities to maneuver through the building. These requirements include accessible routes of travel, parking spaces, restrooms, and adjustable equipment.
Zoning regulations: Zoning regulations define what land use is permissible in specific areas of a city or a community. These regulations are enacted to promote orderly and efficient development to maintain public health, safety, and welfare.
Sign codes: Sign codes regulate the size, location, and type of signs to avoid visual clutter in neighborhoods and to promote safety.
Historic preservation regulations: Historic preservation regulations protect historic buildings, sites, and districts from alteration or demolition to maintain the historical character and values of the city, state or country.