In Plain English
Quick Answer
The organization that writes the model building codes adopted by most states and cities across the U.S.
Definition
Definition
The International Code Council is a nonprofit membership association that develops the International Codes (I-Codes), including the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Fire Code, and International Mechanical Code. Most U.S. states and localities adopt some version of the I-Codes as the basis for their local building codes. ICC also provides code education, accreditation for building departments, and certification programs for code officials and inspectors.
Context
Why It Matters in Bidding
The ICC publishes the family of I-Codes that most U.S. jurisdictions adopt, so an estimator must know which I-Codes apply, the building, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and fire codes, to scope a project correctly. Knowing the governing code family also clarifies which inspections and certifications affect the schedule, and ICC certifications signal which trades and inspectors are qualified on prequalified bid lists.
Example
Example
Setting up the bid checklist, the estimator lists the applicable I-Codes—IBC, IMC, IPC, IECC, and IFC—so each discipline's takeoff is checked against the right code and required inspections are built into the schedule.
See Also
Related Terms
FAQ
Questions Contractors Ask
Which ICC I-Codes affect a typical commercial bid?
Commonly the International Building Code for structure and life safety, International Mechanical and Plumbing Codes for MEP, International Energy Conservation Code for envelope and systems efficiency, and International Fire Code for protection. Each shapes a different discipline's scope, so cross-checking the takeoff against the applicable I-Codes prevents costly omissions.
Why does the adopted I-Code family matter for estimating?
The specific I-Codes and editions a jurisdiction adopts, together with local amendments, determine the materials, assemblies, and systems you must price and the inspections that gate the schedule. Estimating to the wrong code family or edition risks under-scoping required work or pricing items the local code doesn't actually mandate.
How does ICC differ from the IBC in a bid context?
ICC is the organization; the IBC is one code it publishes. For estimating, you reference the specific adopted I-Codes (like the IBC, IMC, or IPC) rather than ICC itself. Knowing ICC matters mainly for understanding the code family relationships and for inspector and code-official certifications on prequalified projects.
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