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
  • R502.1.1

    Sawn Lumber

    • Sawn lumber carries a grade mark (or inspection certificate) from an agency accredited under DOC PS 20; treated lumber is marked per R304.2.

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

  • R1001.6

    Firebox Dimensions

    • The firebox is at least 20 in deep; the throat sits at least 8 in above the opening and is at least 4 in deep; the passage above the firebox is never smaller than the flue.
    • Rumford fireplaces are allowed if at least 12 in deep and one-third the opening width, with the throat at least 12 in above the lintel and at least 1/20 of the opening area.

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

  • R802.6.1

    Finished Ceiling Material

    • Factory-finished ceilings set before attachment get a compression strip over the top plate, at least half the plate width, if the finish can't take the load.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 8, Roof-Ceiling ConstructionRead the full text (opens UpCodes in a new tab)

  • R802.4.5

    Purlins

    • Purlins may shorten rafter spans if they're at least rafter size, continuous, and braced with 2x4s at 45 degrees or steeper, 4 ft apart, with unbraced length 8 ft or less.

    International Residential Code, 2024 · Chapter 8, Roof-Ceiling ConstructionRead 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