Download: View full text: National Building Code of Canada: 1995 (PDF, 10 MB) View erratum part 1: National Building Code of Canada: 1995 (PDF, 1 MB) View erratum part 2: National Building Code of Canada: 1995 (PDF, 948 KB) View erratum part 3: National Building Code of Canada: 1995 (PDF, 893 KB). Dec 25, 2017 RESIDENTIAL CARE USER GUIDE (pdf doc) Updates to the Manitoba Building/Fire Code - Manitoba Regulation 221/2015 and Manitoba Regulation. Code of Canada (NBC) have been updated for the 2010 edition and are now available, free of charge, on the National Codes website www.nationalcodes.nrc.gc.ca.
Online building codes are becoming widely available due to their convenience and the ability to keep them updated without having to issue addenda. A list of the FREE codes that we are aware of is included below. If you know of any that should be added to this list, please let us know.
A new startup called Up.codes offers free searchable versions of the iCodes, ADA codes, and NYC codes.
The International Code Council provides free code references for a number of states, plus free access to the International Codes. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have modifications to the code.
The codes are updated every three years and the latest revision is the 2018 version. Keep in mind that your jurisdiction may not have adopted the most recent version of the ICC codes so an older version may apply to your project.
Don't see the International Code you need? Here is the full list of I-Codes so you can find what you are looking for.
Did you know that the iCodes are available for purchase on Amazon? We've added links below for the versions available for purchase. As an Amazon Associate Archtoolbox earns from qualifying purchases on this page.
The International Code Council provides other versions of their code books, which include code commentaries to help professionals understand the intent of the code. These are incredibly helpful for understanding complex code issues. Unfortunately, the code commentary versions are not available for free online.
You can purchase the commentaries directly through the ICC website or you can usually find them on Amazon.
The NFPA is the world's leading advocate for fire prevention. They provide free access to the latest edition of their codes (registration is required). Below is a list of some of the most referenced codes for architects:
The US Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for the disabled. They are responsible for maintaining the accessibility guidelines for public buildings and spaces in the United States. If you are interested in a more detailed overview of the United States accessibility law, check out our article: ADA Standards for Accessible Design. It is important to refer to the specific requirements for your local jurisdiction since many state and local agencies have more stringent requirements than the federal codes. Below are links to specific codes and laws:
The following codes in the building discipline are currently in force:
The accessibility standards set out the requirements for the safe design of accessible and barrier-free environments regulated under the Safety Codes Act. Municipal Affairs works in partnership with the Safety Codes Council to coordinate and encourage barrier-free design and access for any thing, process or activity regulated under the act.
In partnership with the Barrier-Free Sub-Council of the Safety Codes Council, Municipal Affairs has developed the Barrier-Free Design Guide to provide further interpretation and understanding of accessibility requirements under Section 3.8 of the Alberta Building Code.
A copy of the guide is available for a free download in pdf from the Safety Codes Council.
The ABC 2014 and the National Building Code 2019 – Alberta Edition (NBC-2019 AE) reference the following professional schedules.
Other documents related to building codes and standards.