Construction Management

The International Building Code (IBC) either is in use or adopted in all 50 states of the United States of America, as well as the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. However, as it is the International Building Code, and part of a series of International Codes (“I-Codes”), it is used in multiple locations worldwide, including the 15 countries of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), Jamaica, and Georgia. Furthermore, the IBC has served as the basis for legislative building codes in Mexico, Abu Dhabi, and Haiti, among other places.

In general, the IBC is focused on means of egress facilities, stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, energy conservation, and safety to life and property from fire, explosion, and other hazards. These topics are addressed throughout the 35 chapters of the expansive IBC document, which each cover a separate topic like Types of Construction (Chapter 6) and Steel (Chapter 22), and Annexes A-N. While the International Building Code serves as the basis for laws and regulations in communities across the United States and in other countries, it is used in a variety of nonregulatory settings, including voluntary compliance programs, the insurance industry, certification of individuals and buildings, U.S. federal agencies, facilities management, best practices benchmarks, and reference works.

The International Code Council (ICC) promulgates a new International Building Code every 3 years through the ICC Code Development Process.

The library has the 2021 version in the Reference Collection and the 2018 version in the General Collection.

Every six years, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry adopts new building codes designed to promote cost-effective ways of ensuring building safety and efficiency. 

The Minnesota State Building Code is the minimum construction standard throughout all of Minnesota including all cities, townships and counties. Although it isn't enforceable by municipalities unless it is adopted by local ordinance, the State Building Code creates a level playing field for the construction industry by establishing the construction standard for all buildings in the state.

The links below are to online, read-only versions.  We currently have the 2020 set of codes in the Reference Collection on the first floor of Memorial Library.

In addition, there are links below to the Minnesota Administrative Rules. An administrative rule is a general statement adopted by an agency to make the law it enforces or administers more specific or to govern the agency's organization or procedure.  An agency may adopt a rule only after the legislature has enacted a law granting this authority to the agency. An agency rule that is adopted under the rulemaking provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 14, has the force and effect of law. Rulemaking in Minnesota: A Guide explains each step of the rulemaking process in Minnesota.

Adopted in all 50 states, NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) is the benchmark for safe electrical design, installation, and inspection to protect people and property from electrical hazards.

NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®), sets the foundation for electrical safety in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies around the world. It is consistently reviewed and updated, with input from active professionals in the field, to stay ahead of the constant changes in technology and safety that affect your job daily. The newest edition includes the latest requirements for electrical wiring, overcurrent protection, grounding, and installation of equipment. This commitment to up-to-date knowledge keeps you and your peers well prepared to meet professional challenges and take advantage of exciting opportunities.