CODES & REGULATIONS

COPING WITH BUILDING CODES The complex maze of regulations and regulators can set you back if you're not prepared. When engaged in design and construction of building facilities, codes and standards have become an integral part of the practice of architecture.  Architects in Texas are required by their licensing board to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal building codes/statutes when designing a project.  The cost of tearing out noncompliant work may be attributed to designer error.  Our staff of qualified code consultants is able to address and provide guidance to design professionals to achieve compliance with the different code requirements involved in a project.

For more information regarding code consultation or a preliminary code review please contact:

Jeromy G. Murphy jmurphy@acico.com

City of Houston

City of Houston - Code of Ordinances

2000 International Building Code with City of Houston Amendments

CodeWord ‘97 - various sections interpreted

2000 International Residential Code

2000 International Energy Conservation Code (with the 2001 Supplement)

2000 International Fire Code

2000 Uniform Mechanical Code

2000 Uniform Plumbing Code

2005 National Electrical Code

Harris County Fire Code

2003 International Fire Code with applic. provisions of 2003 International Building Code

STATE

Elimination of Texas Architectural Barriers Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 469

Technical standards -  Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS)

FEDERAL

Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ) of 1990: Title III Places of public accommodation & commercial facilities.

Technical standards -  American with Disabilities Act – Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988: Covered multifamily dwellings (four or more dwelling untis) built for first occupancy after March 13, 1991

Technical Standard – Fair Housing Design Guidelines (or other seven safe harbors)

Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - Section 504 : Projects using federal funds   

Technical Standard – Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards