flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

Building codes for existing buildings evaluated in new white paper

Codes and Standards

Building codes for existing buildings evaluated in new white paper

The paper examines implementation, enforcement challenges, and changes needed in new code editions.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | January 16, 2017

PIxabay Public Domain

The National Institute of Building Sciences National Council of Governments on Building Codes and Standards (NCGBCS) issued a white paper that analyzes how existing building codes can be improved and better enforced. 

“The Role of Existing Building Codes in Safely, Cost-Effectively Transforming the Nation’s Building Stock,” looks at how existing codes can be used to transform the U.S. building stock. Half of all states do not enforce existing building codes at the state level, the report says.

The document “examines effective strategies for promoting the adoption of existing building codes, as well as developing and implementing educational and training programs for owners, builders, contractors, design professionals and, most importantly, code enforcers,” according to a news release. The document also addresses implementation challenges and enforcement issues, and “the technical changes necessary to improve future editions of the codes.”

Related Stories

MFPRO+ News | Dec 11, 2023

U.S. poorly prepared to house growing number of older adults

The U.S. is ill-prepared to provide adequate housing for the growing ranks of older people, according to a report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. Over the next decade, the U.S. population older than 75 will increase by 45%, growing from 17 million to nearly 25 million, with many expected to struggle financially.

Office Buildings | Dec 11, 2023

Believe it or not, there could be a shortage of office space in the years ahead

With work-from-home firmly established, many real estate analysts predict a dramatic reduction in office space leasing and plummeting property values. But the high-end of the office segment might actually be headed for a shortage, according to real estate intelligence company CoStar Group. 

Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2023

New York City aims to spur construction of more accessory dwelling units (ADUs)

To address a serious housing shortage, New York City is trying to get more homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The city recently unveiled a program that offers owners of single-family homes up to nearly $400,000 to construct an apartment on their property.

MFPRO+ News | Dec 5, 2023

DOE's Zero Energy Ready Home Multifamily Version 2 released

The U.S. Department of Energy has released Zero Energy Ready Home Multifamily Version 2. The latest version of the certification program increases energy efficiency and performance levels, adds electric readiness, and makes compliance pathways and the certification process more consistent with the ENERGY STAR Multifamily New Construction (ESMFNC) program.

Market Data | Nov 27, 2023

Number of employees returning to the office varies significantly by city

While the return-to-the-office trend is felt across the country, the percentage of employees moving back to their offices varies significantly according to geography, according to Eptura’s Q3 Workplace Index.

Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2023

Hoboken, N.J.’s street design policies are saving lives

Transportation policies enacted in Hoboken, N.J. over the past several years are paying off in the form of fewer pedestrian deaths and injuries. The city has adopted daylighting, bike lanes, lower speed limits, and intersection redesigns to make its roads safer.

Resiliency | Nov 27, 2023

All levels of government need to act to cope with climate-driven flooding and sea level rise

The latest National Climate Assessment highlights the need for local, state, and federal governments to adopt policies to mitigate the effects of climate-driven flooding and sea level rise, according to a policy expert with the National Resources Defense Council.

MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023

California building electrification laws could prompt more evictions and rent increases

California laws requiring apartment owners to ditch appliances that use fossil fuels could prompt more evictions and rent increases in the state, according to a report from the nonprofit Strategic Actions for a Just Economy. The law could spur more evictions if landlords undertake major renovations to comply with the electrification rule. 

Codes and Standards | Nov 21, 2023

Austin becomes largest U.S. city to waive minimum parking requirements

Austin, Texas recently became the largest city in the United States to stop requiring new developments to set a minimum amount of parking. The Austin City Council voted 8-2 earlier this month to eliminate parking requirements in an effort to fight climate change and spur more housing construction as Texas’s capitol grapples with a housing affordability crisis.

Codes and Standards | Nov 10, 2023

Washington state building codes to protect structures from wildfire provoke controversy

New building codes in Washington state intended to protect structures from wildfires are provoking backlash from builders, cities, and environmentalists. Critics charge that the rules that are scheduled to take effect March 15 are confusing, will increase housing costs, and could cause too many trees to be cut down.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category



MFPRO+ News

Florida condo market roiled by structural safety standards law

A Florida law enacted after the Surfside condo tower collapse is causing turmoil in the condominium market. The law, which requires buildings to meet certain structural safety standards, is forcing condo associations to assess hefty fees to make repairs on older properties. In some cases, the cost per unit runs into six figures.


halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021