2021 International Building Code – IBC-2021

The 2021 International Building Code® (IBC) provides comprehensive regulations for commercial and multifamily buildings, excluding detached one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories. Developed by the International Code Council (ICC), this model code supports safe, accessible, and sustainable construction through coordinated design and enforcement standards.

Highlights:

• Classifies puzzle/escape rooms as special amusement areas with new egress rules (Section 411)
• Allows separate building treatment for control areas separated by fire walls
• Requires enhanced classroom acoustics in small Group E occupancies per ICC A117.1
• Simplifies requirements for Metal Composite Materials (MCMs); removes sprinkler trade-offs
• Introduces clear guidelines for using shipping containers as buildings
• Adds sprinkler mandates for Group S-2 parking garages over 48,000 sq ft
• Adopts 2017 edition of ICC A117.1 for accessibility standards
• Mandates minimum-height parapets on aggregate-surfaced roofs for safety
• Classifies large assembly buildings (2,500+ occupants) as Risk Category III
• Aligns snow load maps and rain load rules with ASCE 7-16
• Requires special inspection of mass timber anchorage and connections
• Adds inspection requirements for fire-resistant systems in large Group R areas
• Introduces frost protection for egress doors at foundation level
• References ACI 117 and ITG 7 for concrete construction tolerances
• Establishes new mass timber construction types IV-A, IV-B, and IV-C for taller, larger structures

Who It’s For:
Architects, engineers, contractors, code officials, and commercial building developers seeking 2021 code compliance, permitting support, and design reference.

IBC-2021