ICC 75 key terms

The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing a code requirement and approving equipment, materials, installations, or procedures. The AHJ may be a building department, fire marshal, or other designated agency.

The officer or designated employee charged with administering and enforcing the adopted construction codes, including issuing permits, reviewing plans, conducting inspections, and pursuing enforcement action.

A comprehensive code developed by a national or international organization, such as the International Code Council, that local governments may adopt by reference rather than writing their own regulations from scratch.

A legal method of putting a published code into effect by citing its title and edition in an ordinance, which incorporates the entire document without restating it.

A change a jurisdiction makes to a model code before or after adoption, such as deleting, adding, or modifying a section to reflect local conditions, climate, or policy.

A technical document published by another organization, such as ASTM, NFPA, or ASCE, that an adopted code cites and thereby makes part of its enforceable requirements.

The dated version of a model code, such as the 2021 edition, that a jurisdiction has adopted; permits and inspections are measured against the edition in force at the time.

The category assigned to a building or space based on how it is used, such as assembly, business, or residential, which determines the construction, egress, and fire protection rules that apply.

A classification describing how much fire resistance a building's structural elements provide, ranging from heavily protected noncombustible types to unprotected combustible wood framing.

The maximum floor area a building of a given occupancy and construction type may have, adjusted for sprinklers, frontage on open space, and separation between buildings.

The measured distance from a building's exterior wall to the nearest lot line, centerline of a street, or other building, used to limit fire spread between properties.

A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from any point in a building to a public way, made up of exit access, the exit itself, and exit discharge.

Drawings, specifications, and other submittals that describe the work to be done and demonstrate compliance with code; they must be complete enough for the reviewer to verify conformity.

The pre-construction examination of construction documents by code staff to confirm the proposed work complies with adopted codes before a permit is issued.

Official written authorization to begin construction, alteration, or a specific activity, issued after the application and plans are found to satisfy applicable code requirements.

A portion of the design, such as fire sprinkler or truss shop drawings, that the code official allows the applicant to submit after the main permit is issued.

Converting a building or space to a different use classification, which triggers review to determine whether the new use requires upgraded construction, egress, or fire protection features.

A document issued after final inspection confirming a building complies with the approved plans and applicable code and may lawfully be occupied for its stated use.

A time-limited approval allowing occupancy of a building before all work is finished, granted when the portions in use are safe and remaining items are listed for completion.

An inspection performed after framing, piping, wiring, or ductwork is installed but before it is covered by finish materials, so concealed work can be verified.

The last inspection of a project, made when all permitted work is complete, to confirm the installation matches approved plans and code before a certificate of occupancy or completion is issued.

Inspection of specific materials, fabrication, or installation by a qualified inspector retained by the owner, required where work demands expertise beyond routine inspections, such as high-strength bolting or welding.

A testing laboratory or inspection firm that the code official has accepted as competent to perform specified tests or inspections, often through accreditation or prior evaluation.

A written directive from the code official requiring that construction halt because work is being done without a permit, contrary to approved plans, or in an unsafe manner.

A formal written notice informing a property owner or contractor of a code violation, the corrective action required, and the deadline for compliance and consequences of failing to comply.

A body appointed to hear challenges to decisions of the code official, such as interpretations or denial of a permit, and to grant limited relief where strict application causes hardship.

An approved departure from a specific code requirement granted by the board of appeals when strict compliance would cause practical difficulty, provided safety is not reduced.

A lawful use of a building or lot that existed before the current code took effect and does not meet present requirements, allowed to continue under stated limits.

A building or portion found to be dangerous to life or property because of structural decay, fire damage, or other hazard, allowing the code official to order repair, vacation, or demolition.

The authority of the code official to enter premises to inspect for code compliance, exercised with consent, at reasonable times, or through a lawfully obtained warrant when access is refused.

A court order authorizing an inspector to enter premises without owner consent, obtained when access for a lawful code inspection is denied.

A formal charge or monetary fine imposed for a code violation as an alternative or supplement to criminal prosecution, intended to gain compliance and deter repeat offenses.

The practice of keeping permit applications, plans, inspection records, and certificates for the period required by law or local policy so decisions can be verified later.

Required ongoing training that certified inspectors, plans examiners, and officials complete to maintain their credentials and stay current with code changes.

A proposed approach that differs from the code's prescribed solution but is accepted by the code official when evidence shows it provides equivalent safety and performance.

Acceptance by the code official of materials, equipment, or methods as meeting code requirements, often evidenced by a label, listing, or written acceptance.