Skip to content

Search the building code.

Every 2024 IRC section and the IBC as it loads, by number or topic, plus the local rules for your city. Free to search.

Detached houses, duplexes and townhouses up to 3 stories with their own exits use the IRC; every other building uses the IBC (IBC 101.2).

A random sample from 1,598 sections for San Antonio, TX, the 2024 IRC

Show another sample
  • R1001.3.1

    Vertical Reinforcing

    • Chimneys up to 40 in wide get four continuous No. 4 vertical bars, grouted but kept from bonding to the flue liner; add two bars for each extra flue or each extra 40 in of width or part of it.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 10, Chimneys and FireplacesRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

  • R404.1.3.2

    Reinforcement for Foundation Walls

    • Concrete basement walls are braced top and bottom and get a No. 4 bar within 12 in of the top plus one at mid-height (8 ft or less) or at the third points (taller).
    • Vertical bars come from the tables by wall type, thickness, height, backfill and soil; walls retaining 4 ft or more are braced before backfilling, and 'DR' cells need a design.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 4, FoundationsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

  • R302.14

    Combustible Insulation Clearance

    • Keep combustible insulation at least 3 in from recessed lights, fan motors and other heat sources unless the listing allows less.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 3, Building PlanningRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

  • R502.3

    Allowable Joist Spans

    • Floor joist spans come from the span tables by species, grade, size, spacing and load; other cases use the AWC span tables.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 5, FloorsRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

Searches all 4,276 IRC 2024 sections, 5,532 IBC 2024 sections and defined terms (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 so far) and each city's local rules as they are added. Section numbers and titles from the International Residential Code and International Building Code, 2024 editions, copyrighted by the International Code Council; the IRC's electrical chapters (34 to 43) follow NFPA 70, the National Electrical Code. Requirements are summarized in our words (IRC Chapters 3 to 43, IBC Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33); read the full text at the link on each result. Local values come from each city's published documents.

Check your plans against these codes

Start an application and get every flag with its section and fix.

Start an application