scope:

Introduction

Internationally, the design and regulatory community has embraced the need for a code that emphasizes performance requirements rather than prescriptive requirements. This need is not unique to the international community. As such, the ICCPerformance Code^® for Buildings and Facilities (ICCPC^®), in this 2012 edition, is designed to meet this need through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.

The ICC Performance Code^® for Buildings and Facilities clearly defines the objectives for achieving the intended levels of occupant safety, property protection and community welfare. The code provides a framework to achieve the defined objectives in terms of tolerable levels of damage and magnitudes of design events, such as fire and natural hazards.

The concepts covered by this code are not intended to be any different in scope than those covered by the 2012 edition of theInternational Codes^® (I-Codes^®) published by the International Code Council (ICC)^®. However, this code is distinctly different from the other International Codes, which, in many cases, direct the user to a single solution to address a safety concern for a building or facility. The ICCPC allows the user to achieve various solutions, systematically. It should be noted that the family of International Codes, including the International Building Code^®, International Energy Conservation Code^®, International Existing Building Code^®, International Fire Code^®, International Fuel Gas Code^®, International Green Construction Code^® (to be available March 2012),International Mechanical Code^®,International Plumbing Code^®, International Private Sewage Disposal Code^®, International Property Maintenance Code^®, International Residential Code^®, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code™ (to be available March 2012), International Wildland-Urban Interface Code^® andInternational Zoning Code^®, is considered to provide an acceptable solution that will comply with the ICCPC. Conversely, this code provides a procedure to address design and review issues associated with the alternative materials and methods sections of the codes cited above. 

It is strongly recommended that users of this code consult the user's guide located in the second portion of this publication to gain additional insight into the provisions of this code.

The ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilitiesprovisions provide many benefits, including the model code development process, which offers an international forum for design professionals, code officials and other interested parties to discuss performance code requirements. This forum provides an excellent arena to debate proposed revisions. This model code also encourages international consistency in the application of provisions.