Free Online Building Codes Online building codes are becoming widely available due to their convenience and the ability to keep them updated without having to issue addenda. A list of the FREE codes that we are aware of is included below.
The Building Code of Australia (BCA), in the National Construction Code series, contains technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures.
The BCA addresses the following matters:
- structural adequacy
- fire resistance
- access and egress
- services and equipment
- energy efficiency and sustainability
- provisions for the health and amenity of occupants.
As part of its provisions, the BCA references a number of technical documents, including Australian Standards and Minister's Specifications.
The BCA is produced and maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board on behalf of the Australian government and state and territory governments.
View a copy of the Code
The BCA can be viewed for free on the Australian Building Codes Board website.
Australian Standards
Australian Standards referenced in the BCA are mandatory documents.
Australian Standards are published documents which set out specifications and procedures designed to ensure that a material, product, method or service is fit for its purpose and consistently performs the way it was intended.
Standards Australia has developed almost 7,000 Australian Standards and associated publications, on a wide range of matters. They are all available for purchase from Standards Australia in a variety of formats.
Standards Australia has developed almost 7,000 Australian Standards and associated publications, on a wide range of matters. They are all available for purchase from Standards Australia in a variety of formats.
Product accreditation
The compliance of building materials, forms of construction and designs are provided through the CodeMark certification scheme managed by the Australian Building Codes Board.
Products accredited through this scheme are recognised nationally as being compliant with specific requirements of the BCA. The Certificate of Conformity references the scope of product compliance and any limitations or conditions of certification.
Related information
Downloads
For an alternative version of these documents contact Building Policy.
Online building codes are becoming widely available due to their convenience and the ability to keep them updated without having to issue addenda. A list of the FREE codes that we are aware of is included below. If you know of any that should be added to this list, please let us know.
A new startup called Up.codes offers free searchable versions of the iCodes, ADA codes, and NYC codes.
International Code Council
The International Code Council provides free code references for a number of states, plus free access to the International Codes. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have modifications to the code.
The codes are updated every three years and the latest revision is the 2018 version. Keep in mind that your jurisdiction may not have adopted the most recent version of the ICC codes so an older version may apply to your project.
Don't see the International Code you need? Here is the full list of I-Codes so you can find what you are looking for.
Did you know that the iCodes are available for purchase on Amazon? We've added links below for the versions available for purchase. As an Amazon Associate Archtoolbox earns from qualifying purchases on this page.
International Building Code
- International Building Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Building Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Residential (One and Two Family) Code
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Residential (One and Two Family) Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Existing Building Code
- International Existing Building Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Existing Building Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Energy Conservation Code
- International Energy Conservation Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Energy Conservation Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Fire Code
- International Fire Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Fire Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Plumbing Code
- International Plumbing Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Plumbing Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
International Mechanical Code
- International Mechanical Code 2018 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2015 (buy on Amazon)
- International Mechanical Code 2012 (buy on Amazon)
ICC Code Commentaries
The International Code Council provides other versions of their code books, which include code commentaries to help professionals understand the intent of the code. These are incredibly helpful for understanding complex code issues. Unfortunately, the code commentary versions are not available for free online.
You can purchase the commentaries directly through the ICC website or you can usually find them on Amazon.
Building Code Of Australia Volume 2 Free Download
National Fire Protection Association (United States)
Building Code Australia Online
The NFPA is the world's leading advocate for fire prevention. They provide free access to the latest edition of their codes (registration is required). Below is a list of some of the most referenced codes for architects:
United States Access Board
The US Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for the disabled. They are responsible for maintaining the accessibility guidelines for public buildings and spaces in the United States. If you are interested in a more detailed overview of the United States accessibility law, check out our article: ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have more stringent requirements than the federal codes. Below are links to specific codes and laws:
- ABA Accessibility Standards (for projects built with Federal Funds)
- Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (for projects built with Federal Funds)