Architecture: Standards & Codes

For a general guide to standards see: Standards. Standards relevant to architecture include:

• ADA Standards for Accessible Design
  Standards for applying the Americans with Disabilities Act


• ASTM Compass
  A vast collection of industry-leading standards and technical information in a broad range of engineering disciplines.

Building codes set minimum standards for building construction or remodeling. Most cities and states base their codes on the publications of the International Code Council, which are generally published every three years. Most cities and states then add local codes of their own.

When building or remodeling in the City of Pittsburgh, see:

• Allegheny County Health Department Plumbing Program
  See link to Plumbing Code Article XV
   
• Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances
  Regulations that are unique to Pittsburgh. Title Eight addresses fire prevention, Title Nine addresses zoning, Title Ten addresses building, and Title Eleven addresses historic preservation.

• Uniform Construction Code (Dept. of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections, City of Pittsburgh)
  Indicates which editions of which codes are currently in effect and provides links to the codes.
  
  

For the most recent international codes and related ASHRAE standards as well as many local Pennsylvania codes see: MADCAD.com.