Plumbing News

2027 International Codes Add Provisions to Accelerate Off-Site Construction and Support Housing Affordability

The 2027 International Codes will be published later this year, and jurisdictions can adopt the ICC/MBI 1200 series standards now.

By Plumbing & Mechanical Editorial Staff

Image courtesy of ICC.

The 2027 International Codes (I-Codes), including the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), now incorporate key provisions that streamline the approval of off-site construction. By enabling greater use of modular and off-site building methods, these provisions support faster project delivery, reduced waste and lower construction costs, helping address the nation’s housing affordability challenges.

The 2027 I-Codes incorporate the ICC/MBI 1200 series standards, including ICC/MBI Standards 1200, 1205 and 1210. Together, these standards provide a comprehensive framework for off-site construction, supporting consistent compliance verification and approval processes across jurisdictions.

Already adopted in seven states, with recent adoptions in Maine and New Hampshire, the standards are helping drive greater efficiency and predictability in off-site construction. Their inclusion in the 2027 I-Codes gives jurisdictions a ready-made pathway to realize the affordability and productivity benefits of these construction methods.

“Off-site construction can play a significant role in expanding housing supply and improving affordability, but inconsistent approval processes often slow progress,” said Ryan Colker, Executive Director of Energy, Resilience and Innovation at the International Code Council. “By incorporating the ICC/MBI standards into the I-Codes, we are creating greater consistency across jurisdictions, reducing barriers to adoption and helping unlock the full potential of off-site construction to deliver new homes faster and more efficiently.”

The ICC/MBI 1200 series has also been incorporated into the U.S. Department of War's Uniform Facilities Criteria (UFC), which establishes design and construction requirements for military projects. The 2026 update reflects the Department's growing interest in leveraging off-site construction to improve efficiency and scalability across military construction programs.