Permitting & Codes · Engineering Glossary
The International Building Code (IBC) is the model building code published by the International Code Council (ICC) that most U.S. states and municipalities adopt as the basis for their commercial building code. It establishes minimum requirements for structural design, fire protection, means of egress, accessibility, and material standards.
The IBC is updated on a three-year cycle; current widely-adopted editions include IBC 2018 and IBC 2021, though individual states may adopt earlier or later editions and add local amendments. The IBC references dozens of other standards — ASCE 7 for loads, ACI 318 for concrete, AISC 360 for steel, NDS for wood, and ASHRAE 90.1 for energy. Understanding which edition of the IBC a jurisdiction has adopted — and what amendments apply — is essential before beginning structural, MEP, or civil design. Apex Grid verifies the governing code edition and amendments with the AHJ at the start of every project.
Apex Grid Engineering maintains this glossary as a resource for architects, contractors, developers, and property owners who encounter unfamiliar engineering terminology on their projects.
View All Engineering TermsApex Grid's licensed PEs provide permitting & codes services across multiple jurisdictions — with fast quote turnaround and permit-ready documents.
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