• Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
  • ENGINEERS
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
  • RESOURCES
  • EMAGAZINE
  • SIGN UP!
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • CONTRACTORS
  • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
  • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • WATER TREATMENT
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • PMC COLUMNS
  • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
  • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
  • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
  • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
  • CONTINUING EDUCATION
  • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
  • FIRE PROTECTION
  • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
  • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
  • PME COLUMNS
  • PME COLUMNS
  • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
  • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
  • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
  • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
  • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
  • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
  • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
  • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
  • CODES
  • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
  • PROJECT PROFILES
  • COLUMNS
  • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • COLUMNS
  • Codes Corner
  • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
  • Guest Editorial
  • MEDIA
  • PODCASTS
  • VIDEOS
  • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
  • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
  • DIRECTORIES
  • EBOOKS
  • PM BOOKSTORE
  • CE CENTER
  • MARKET RESEARCH
  • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
  • EMAGAZINE
  • ARCHIVE ISSUES
  • CONTACT
  • ADVERTISE
  • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!
Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance

Misty Guard: What good are the base model codes?

An in-depth look at model codes in the United States.

By Misty Guard
PME 0723 Misty Guard slide 1

JuSun/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

July 4, 2023
✕
Image in modal.

There’s beauty in the blue of a summer sky, the flutter of petals in a summer breeze and the rolling thunder of a summer storm. Here’s to hoping your summer is in full swing and you’re experiencing all that brings you summer joy and happiness.

Some news to make your summer even more cheery is that many of the organizations we monitor have minimal new activity during these months. I utilize the lull by developing plans for work activities coming up this fall. In October 2023, the United States (U.S.) code development bodies will begin development activities for the 2027 versions of the U.S. model codes. You may recall that I discussed upcoming changes to ICC's code development process in my March 2023 column.

I monitor the activity of base model code development organizations for two main reasons:

Every jurisdiction in the U.S. uses some version of building and safety codes (BSC); and

Most products manufactured for the building and construction industries have requirements in the BSCs.

A client recently asked, "What good are the base model codes?" That started me thinking that some of my readers may have the same question, so I did some investigation. I took a deep look into the building, plumbing, mechanical and fire codes currently adopted in the U.S. states and by the District of Columbia (generically, the U.S. states). Specifically, I studied 1) how states use the base model codes, 2) how states amend the base model codes, 3) what publication years are adopted by the U.S. states, and 4) what publication years are currently used by U.S. states. As I share my findings with you, I hope you gain a deep appreciation for the value and purpose of base model codes.

Which U.S. states use base model codes as the foundation in the development of state BSCs?

The majority of U.S. states rely on the base model codes for the development of jurisdiction-specific BSCs. Four states have “homegrown” plumbing codes: Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts and Wisconsin.

PME 0723 Misty Guard slide 2

All maps courtesy of Regulosity

What is the likelihood that a U.S. state will amend a base model code?

The majority of U.S. states develop jurisdiction-specific versions of the BSCs. Forty-one U.S. states have a high or moderately-high likelihood of amending the base model codes with jurisdiction-specific requirements.

PME 0723 Misty Guard slide 3

Do U.S. states adopt the same publication year for multiple BSCs?

Most U.S. states adopt the same publication year for multiple BSCs, but 23 U.S. states adopt BSCs published in different years. The publication year of the BSC currently adopted by each jurisdiction must be checked.

PME 0723 Misty Guard slide 4

Which U.S. States have adopted the 2021 publication year of a BSC?

Twenty-five states have adopted at least one 2021 publication year of a BSC. Generally, states are not adopting the most current publication years of BSCs. Some states, like Indiana, require that BSCs be a minimum of five years past the publication year before the codes are eligible for adoption. Only 32% of the BSCs I reviewed were from the 2021 publication year.

PME 0723 Misty Guard slide 5

What is the publication year of the oldest code adopted by each U.S. state?

Indiana is currently using the 2006 publication year of the International Plumbing Code. Recently, I came across a city using the Western Plumbing Officials’ Plumbing Code, 1958 edition.

PME 0723 Misty Guard slide 6

What good are the base model codes?

Back to the question: What good are the base model codes? The value of the base model codes is that they provide the fastest way to ensure that states, counties, and cities discuss new products, technologies and system designs. Access to so many jurisdictions through a single published document makes it worth both time and investment. Although the base model codes have value, they also have usefulness limitations. Due to the high level of amendments, variation in different years adopted, and old BSC publication years in use, base model codes cannot be used as the basis for jurisdiction-specific building or systems design and will not ensure market access for products in the U.S. To reduce liability and manage risks, additional assessment is required to ensure there are no jurisdiction-specific requirements.

What can you do?

Monitor, monitor, monitor! Keep track of the activities of the code development organizations. Here are the three organizations I follow: the International Code Council (ICC), the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While I recommend that you personally monitor code development activities, you may request updates through your trade association.

Or, as always, simplify your life and call me at Regulosity!

KEYWORDS: codes codes and standards development

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Misty guard

Misty Guard, MSPP, is president of Regulosity in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She assists international and domestic companies to obtain and maintain market access for products worldwide. She creates solutions that support businesses to achieve compliance with laws, regulations, codes, standards and public policies. Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn. She can be reached by email at info@regulosity.com.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Worker using the Milwaukee Tool SWITCH PACK drain cleaner

    Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

    Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
  • Uponor employee, Arturo Moreno

    The reinvestment in American manufacturing and training

    Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke and Natalie Forster
  • March 2024 Women in Plumbing hero image of woman engineer overlayed by circle of hexagon shapes with numbers from 1 to 10

    Celebrating 10 Influential Women in the Plumbing Industry

    Celebrating Women's History Month and Women in...
    Plumbing News
    By: Nicole Krawcke
close

1 COMPLIMENTARY ARTICLE(S) LEFT

Loader

Already a Registered User? Sign in now.

Subscribe For Free!
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine
  • Manage My Preferences

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

Bell & Gossett Illustrates Path to Net-zero at AHR Expo

NIBCO Press Solutions

NIBCO Press Solutions

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

AI can boost efficiency and profitability for plumbing, HVAC contractors

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

IPEX celebrates grand opening of new Florida distribution center

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Plumbing & Mechanical audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Plumbing & Mechanical or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • J.J. Keller CMV vehicles on road
    Sponsored byJ. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

    The dash cam game-changer for small business safety

Popular Stories

Underfloor heating installation with drain sewer hole in bathroom close up on water floor heating.

Using hydronics to leverage time-of-use electrical rates

Watts Nexa mobile image

Behind the Wall: Where smart plumbing gets smarter

Six tankless water heaters that feed the nutraceutical manufacturer’s operations.

How to deliver large volumes of hot water quickly and intermittently

PMCE Home-X April 29 Free Webinar: From Legacy to Leadership: Preparing Your Home Services Business for the Next Generation

Events

November 13, 2024

Future Proofing MEP: Navigating the 2026 High Efficiency Water Heating Standards

Join our deep dive into DOE’s new standards so you can future-proof your MEP practice.

EARN: 0.1 ASPE CEU; 1 AIA LU/HSW; 0.1 IACET CEU*; 1 PDH

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Will business be up or down in 2025?

Do you anticipate business in 2025 to be up or down in comparison to 2024?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Water Came To A Stop

The Water Came To A Stop

See More Products

Download the FREE Water Conservation, Quality & Safety eBook: Plumbing Trends Increasing Safe Water Availability

Related Articles

  • code development process

    Misty Guard: Canadian Construction Codes: The new Federal-Provincial-Territorial Governance Model

    See More
  • compliance

    Misty Guard: Code development changes in 2023

    See More
  • Standards Development Organizations

    Misty Guard: Summer standards activity

    See More
×

Keep your content unclogged with our newsletters!

Stay in the know on the latest plumbing & piping industry trends.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Supply House Times
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing

search
cart
facebook instagram twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
  • CONTRACTORS
    • BATH & KITCHEN PRO
    • BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
    • HIGH EFFICIENCY HOMES
    • TECHNOLOGY
    • WATER TREATMENT
    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
    • CONTINUING EDUCATION
    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
    • FIRE PROTECTION
    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
    • THE GLITCH & THE FIX
  • INSIGHTS
    • CODES
    • GREEN PLUMBING & MECHANICAL
    • PROJECT PROFILES
    • COLUMNS
      • Codes Corner
      • Natalie Forster: Editorial Opinion
      • Guest Editorial
    • SPONSOR INSIGHTS
  • MEDIA
    • PODCASTS
    • VIDEOS
    • WEBINARS
  • RESOURCES
    • INDUSTRY CALENDAR
    • DIRECTORIES
    • EBOOKS
    • PM BOOKSTORE
    • CE CENTER
    • MARKET RESEARCH
    • CLASSIFIEDS
  • EMAGAZINE
    • EMAGAZINE
    • ARCHIVE ISSUES
    • CONTACT
    • ADVERTISE
    • PME EMAGAZINE ARCHIVES
  • SIGN UP!