What is the general purpose of Building Codes?

The primary purpose of Building Codes is to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of building occupants. These codes establish minimum safety standards for construction and building practices, addressing structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and environmental impact, among other factors. By regulating these aspects, Building Codes aim to protect individuals from hazards and ensure a safe living and working environment.

The focus on occupant welfare encompasses not just physical safety, but also the overall quality of life within a building. This includes considerations for proper ventilation, sanitary facilities, and structural soundness. Effectively, Building Codes serve as a safeguard that mandates compliance with guidelines that have been developed through experience and research, thus promoting public confidence in the safety and quality of buildings.

While regulating construction materials, setting aesthetic standards, and determining property tax rates may be ancillary aspects associated with the construction industry, they do not encapsulate the primary objective of Building Codes, which is fundamentally centered on health and safety.