A building code is the minimum acceptable standard used to regulate the design, construction, and maintenance of buildings for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the building’s users. 

Disasters don’t distinguish between borders separating counties, but many builders and contractors must do just that.  A uniform code eliminates the hodgepodge of requirements, and because such codes establish uniformity in design and construction techniques and product performance requirements, construction costs are actually kept down.

It’s not just about disaster protection, however.  Establishing a uniform statewide building code would set a minimum standard for every aspect of the construction process – including plumbing and electrical work. 

Learn more about the importance of enacting and enforcing statewide building codes in this September 2006 issue of the IBHS publication Insights by clicking the download option to the right.