Construction drawing code compliance checklist

How should you use this code compliance checklist?

Code compliance review is most effective when run discipline-by-discipline against the actual adopted code edition for the project jurisdiction. The lists below are organized by code family and assume the most common edition adopted in the U.S. Adapt to your jurisdiction's specific adoption and amendments before relying on this for any project.

What IBC general building provisions should you check?

Check occupancy classification, mixed-use separations, construction type, allowable height and area, and fire-resistance ratings on the code summary sheet.

• Occupancy classification and mixed-use separations identified on the code summary sheet
• Construction type and corresponding allowable height/area documented
• Fire-resistance ratings of structural elements shown
• Exterior wall fire ratings based on fire separation distance
• Opening protectives sized within allowable percentages
• Fire-rated assemblies tagged with UL or GA assembly numbers
• Penetrations through rated assemblies addressed with detail callouts
• Shaft enclosures rated and continuous
• Smoke barriers identified and detailed at floor and ceiling

What IBC egress items belong on the checklist?

Check occupant load for every room, egress capacity, common-path travel distance, and exit count against IBC Chapter 10.

• Occupant load calculation for every room
• Egress capacity per occupant load and component (door, corridor, stair)
• Common path of egress travel distance within limit
• Travel distance to exits within limit
• Dead-end corridor length within limit
• Number of exits per story and per room
• Door swing direction in egress direction where required
• Panic hardware specified where required
• Exit signs at every exit and along path of travel
• Emergency lighting in path of egress and at exit discharge

What ADA and A117.1 items belong on the checklist?

Check the accessible route from site arrival, parking counts, ramp slopes, and restroom clearances against ADA and ICC A117.1.

• Accessible route from site arrival to all required accessible spaces
• Accessible parking count and dimensions, including van spaces
• Ramp slopes, landings, and handrails
• Door clear width and maneuvering clearance
• Restroom clear floor space, grab bars, mirror height, lavatory clearance
• Accessible drinking fountain, including dual-height where required
• Counter heights and knee clearance at accessible service counters
• Elevator dimensions and operating controls within reach
• Tactile and Braille signage at permanent rooms and exits

What IFC and NFPA fire-protection items belong on the checklist?

Check sprinkler design per NFPA 13, fire-pump sizing, standpipe class, and fire-alarm coverage against IFC and the referenced NFPA standards.

• Sprinkler design per NFPA 13 with density curves and hazard classification
• Fire pump sized for hydraulic demand
• Standpipe locations and class per NFPA 14
• Fire alarm device locations, spacing, and audibility per NFPA 72
• Smoke detection in elevator lobbies, mechanical rooms, and elevator equipment rooms
• Fire department connection accessible from fire department vehicle access
• Fire department vehicle access path width and turning radius

What NEC electrical items belong on the checklist?

Check service-entrance sizing, working clearance at panels, branch-circuit calculations, and panelboard loading against the NEC.

• Service entrance sizing and short-circuit current rating
• Working clearance at panels, transformers, and switchgear
• Branch circuit calculations and panelboard loading
• Grounding and bonding
• GFCI protection in required locations (kitchen, bath, exterior, garage, rooftop)
• AFCI protection in required dwelling-unit locations
• Emergency, legally required standby, and optional standby separation
• Receptacle spacing in habitable rooms

What plumbing, mechanical, and fuel-gas items belong on the checklist?

Check fixture counts, drainage fixture units, venting, hot-water demand, and backflow prevention against IPC, IMC, and IFGC.

• Fixture count meets minimum plumbing fixture requirements
• Drainage fixture units and venting per IPC
• Hot water demand sizing
• Backflow prevention at all required locations
• HVAC ventilation rates per ASHRAE 62.1 / IMC
• Exhaust at restrooms, kitchens, parking garages
• Equipment combustion air, makeup air, and venting per IMC / IFGC
• Gas piping sizing and shutoff valve locations

What energy-code items belong on the checklist?

Check envelope U-values, fenestration SHGC, air-barrier continuity, HVAC efficiencies, and lighting power density against IECC or ASHRAE 90.1.

• Envelope U-values and continuous insulation requirements
• Fenestration U-value and SHGC
• Air barrier continuity
• HVAC equipment efficiencies
• Economizer requirements
• Demand-controlled ventilation in dense occupancies
• Interior and exterior lighting power density
• Automatic shutoff and daylight controls
• Service hot water insulation and circulation controls