Code consulting is rooted in legislation and precedent. What version of what code applies, and how has that code been interpreted in similar situations?
For many years, states and cities developed their own building codes, often without any commonalities. This meant that adjacent cities or states could have wildly different requirements. Enter the International Building Code.
The International Code Council (ICC) was created in 1994 to develop uniform codes for a range of uses, including zoning, private sewage disposal, property maintenance, and even wildland urban interface. The most well-known uniform code to come out of the ICC is the International Building Code (IBC). It is in use now by every state and most major cities, whether adopted verbatim or used as the basis from which a local building code is developed.
Since 2020, New York City’s Building Code has been based on the IBC. Because Design 2147 is based in New York City, we’ve had the opportunity to deepen our expertise in the IBC and expand our practice beyond the five boroughs.
A finite land mass, multiple regulatory agencies, and cost make New York City one of the most difficult places in the United States to build in. Moreover, because the New York City Building Code needs to cover a wide range of building types and conditions, it is one of – if not the most – complicated building codes in the country and one of the most strictly and stringently enforced during plan review and construction.
We know that our decades of helping developers and architects design and build thousands of code-compliant properties positions us well to deliver the same caliber of service to projects outside New York City.
The more intricate a project, especially for public spaces like community facilities, performing arts centers, and colleges, the more important it is that your code consultant is not only familiar with the applicable code, but well-versed in precedent. Our code opinion library is one of the oldest in New York City, allowing us to easily research almost any building situation through the lens of the strictest interpretation.
No matter where in the country our clients are, we work intimately with them to provide personal service and code consulting that will benefit both their current and future projects. Just as we do with clients in New York City, we review preliminary plans and property surveys and meet with our clients virtually to discuss the needs and goals.
Our National Code Consulting practice is led by Code and Zoning Executive Lauren Babiak. Recent projects have included the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music in West Long Branch, New Jersey and The Master’s School Theater in Dobbs Ferry, New York.
Find out how our code consulting can benefit your next project.
