The D.C. Construction Codes  specify the minimum acceptable level of safety for constructed objects such as buildings and non-building structures. The D.C. Construction Codes also contain property maintenance provisions that apply to lots and building sites, as well as any buildings or structures located on lots or sites. The main purpose of the Construction  Codes is to protect public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants or users of buildings and structures and the general public. When approved by the D.C. Council, the Construction Codes  become law. Although the Construction Codes contain the most extensive requirements governing construction and property maintenance in the District of Columbia, property owners must also be cognizant of and comply with other local laws and regulations, including but not limited to Zoning Regulations (11 DCMR), housing business licensing requirements, and laws governing unsafe structures and vacant properties.

Effective December 26, 2008, the District of Columbia adopted the 2006 edition of the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC), and the 2005 edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), subject to  changes, deletions and/or additions to the I-Codes or the NEC as set forth in Title 12 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR) (the D.C. Construction Codes Supplement).

For further information about the ICC and its code development process, please refer to the ICC’s website at www.iccsafe.org.  The I-Codes are copyrighted by the ICC or NFPA, as applicable, and are therefore not republished here. A copy of the ICC text may be obtained at: http://www.iccsafe.org/Store/Pages/Category.aspx.  A copy of the NEC text may be obtained at: http://www.nfpa.org. Copies of the codes  can also be purchased directly from these organizations.

Construction Codes and Regulations

• DCMR 12 D.C. Construction Codes Supplement (2008)
• 2005 National Electric Code
• 2006 International Building Code
• 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2006 International Fire Prevention Code
• 2006 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2006 International Mechanical Code
• 2006 International Plumbing Code
• 2006 International Residential Code
• 2006 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2006 International Existing Building Code
• DC Law 8-36 District of Columbia Environmental Policy Act of 1989
• DCMR Title 11 - Zoning Regulations
• Green Building Act of 2006