Scope:
The 2021 ICC Performance Code applies to all buildings and facilities where a performance-based compliance path is preferred over prescriptive requirements. It provides an alternative framework for achieving safety, health, and welfare objectives through measurable performance criteria.

Key Updates in the 2021 ICCPC:

• Code Alignment:
  Fully updated to coordinate with the 2021 IBC, IFC, and other I-Codes, ensuring consistency across code platforms.

• Administrative Structure:
  Refined structure across four parts: Administrative, Building Provisions, Fire Provisions, and Appendices.

• Design Documentation:
  Expanded requirements for Concept Reports, Design Reports, Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Manuals, and other submittals supporting performance-based approvals.

• Peer Review and Experts:
  Clarifies the authority and role of peer reviewers and special experts for evaluating performance-based proposals.

• Functional Statements and Objectives:
  Improved clarity and alignment of functional statements and performance objectives for both building and fire safety systems.

• Emergency Planning:
  Includes new provisions requiring emergency response documentation for certain performance-based fire protection systems.

• Damage Tolerance and Reliability:
  Introduces criteria for assessing system performance under damage conditions, with defined tolerances for continued use or occupancy.

• Maintenance and Inspection:
  Emphasizes long-term performance through periodic inspection and maintenance requirements.

• Appendix Materials:
  Updated appendices include new guidance on risk assessment, occupant behavior assumptions, and modeling protocols.

• Referenced Standards:
  Integrates updated references from ASCE, ACI, ASTM, NFPA, and other technical standards.

The ICCPC supports innovative design solutions while maintaining a codified approach to performance evaluation. It is intended to be adopted as a standalone performance code or in conjunction with the prescriptive I-Codes.

• Storm Shelters: Required occupant capacity is limited to the total load of classrooms, vocational rooms, and offices. The maximum travel distance requirement has been removed.
• Exterior Wall Modifications: When significant portions of the exterior wall envelope are added or replaced, compliance with IBC Chapters 14 and 26 is now required.
• Snow Load Requirements: Snow loads must be addressed in repairs involving substantial structural damage, regardless of whether the original damage was caused by snow.
• Classroom Acoustics (Group E): Additions, Level 3 alterations, and occupancy changes in educational buildings must now meet enhanced classroom acoustic standards per Section 808 of ICC A117.1.
• Roof Equipment Loads: New provisions allow additional equipment on roofs without a full structural analysis if each unit weighs under 400 lbs and represents less than 10% of the total roof dead load.
• Seismic Evaluation (Occupancy Change): A seismic analysis is required when changing occupancy from Group S or U to another occupancy classification.
• Permit Exemptions for Furniture: Freestanding furniture items (e.g., cubicles, reception desks, bookcases) are exempt from permit and not considered Level 2 alterations.
• Sprinkler Requirements: Revised criteria for sprinkler systems in Level 2 and Level 3 alterations, especially in areas of higher hazard.

• General Requirements: Updates to appliance access, installation clearances, condensate disposal, and temperature control provisions.
• Ventilation Standards: Includes comprehensive mechanical and natural ventilation requirements for occupiable and unoccupied spaces, with special conditions for healthcare and high-hazard environments.
• Exhaust Systems: Covers exhaust systems for kitchens, clothes dryers, laboratories, garages, and hazardous materials, including grease ducting and smoke control.
• Duct Systems: Regulates duct construction, fire and smoke damper installations, insulation, air filters, and smoke control interfaces.
• Combustion Air & Chimneys: Directs users to NFPA and IFGC standards for combustion air. Covers chimneys, vents, and flue systems for solid and liquid fuel appliances.
• Specific Appliances & Equipment: Installation standards for fireplaces, unit heaters, dryers, sauna heaters, commercial cooking appliances, and fuel cell power systems.
• Boilers & Pressure Vessels: Provides safety and installation requirements for boilers, water heaters, expansion tanks, and safety relief devices.
• Refrigeration Systems: Sets classification, design, piping, testing, and maintenance standards for mechanical refrigeration.
• Hydronic Systems: Covers hot/chilled water piping, valves, insulation, antifreeze, and embedded systems.
• Fuel Oil & Solar Thermal: Includes safety requirements for oil piping, tanks, and solar space/water heating systems.
• Appendices: Contains permit fee schedules, chimney pass-through diagrams, and board of appeals procedures.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Addresses exterior property areas, structures, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical systems, as well as occupancy limitations and fire safety systems for existing buildings.
• Integration with I-Codes: Fully compatible with the 2021 IBC, IFC, IEBC, IMC, IPC, and other I-Codes to support coordinated enforcement across jurisdictions.
• Administrative Provisions: Updated procedures for notices, hearings, appeals, and enforcement actions, including relocation and renumbering of several sections from the 2018 edition.
• Referenced Standards: Incorporates up-to-date references to relevant ANSI, ASTM, NFPA, and ICC standards.
• Code Development Markings: Includes marginal indicators to identify additions, deletions, and relocated provisions since the 2018 edition.
• Use Cases: Widely used by code officials, municipal inspectors, housing agencies, and property owners to evaluate and enforce standards for building upkeep and occupancy safety.

• Wildfire Risk Reduction: Defines construction standards, vegetation management, defensible space, and fuel modification strategies aimed at reducing structural vulnerability and fire spread in interface zones.
• Dual Approach to Compliance: Offers both prescriptive methods and performance-based alternatives, allowing jurisdictions and designers flexibility while ensuring minimum safety thresholds are met.
• Land Use and Building Standards: Includes requirements for ignition-resistant construction, fire-resistive roofing, exterior walls, and eaves, as well as access roads, water supply, and emergency responder support infrastructure.
• Integration with Other I-Codes: Fully coordinated with the 2021 I-Codes® (including IBC, IFC, IRC), supporting streamlined adoption and enforcement in multi-hazard, multi-agency code systems.
• Backed by Broad Stakeholder Input: Developed with participation from the AIA, IAFC, NASFM, and NAHB, ensuring balanced representation of design, fire safety, regulatory, and construction industry perspectives.