One of Google’s most common searches for any technical document is people searching for a FREE copy of it. This is no different for all the International Code Council’s (ICC) I-codes.
The good news is all the I-Codes including the IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IECC, and all the rest are all available FOR FREE! on the ICC website, so you don’t have to risk some shady pdf from a foreign site or feel like you are illegally downloading the document. I have conveniently organized below, literally all of the published available I-Codes into tables grouped by the specific code. The one drawback from the free versions on the website is that the text cannot be copy/ pasted or printed.
A lot people (like myself) prefer an old school paperback copy of the code book. I find it much easier to read and navigate. The code books will always reference you back and forth in the book so for me it is much easier to hold my spot, find the reference and come back to where I left off. These can be purchased on the ICC website, but I have posted below links to Amazon as I have found that many times they have a lower price, better selections of the older years, and even good quality used books for half the price. Books can also be rented on Amazon. This is a great option for an engineering or construction science student that needs the book for a certain class. For instance you can rent the 2015 IBC code book with commentary for a semester for about $55 or buy it used for $127.
Importance of Commentary
In addition I have included links to purchase the code commentaries. While ICC provides free access to all I-Codes they offer their Commentaries for sale. The commentary series are presented in an easy-to-understand format. Each chapter starts with “General Comments” and “Purpose” sections followed by code and commentary to subsequent sections, tables and figures. The commentaries are designed to suggest the most effective method of application, and the consequences of not adhering to the code. If you have ever spent much time reading code books you know, the value of having ICC further explain the intention of the section and even provides a lot of great examples and diagrams. I live by the commentary and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. Check out this sample of the 2018 IBC Commentary that ICC has on their website, so you can get a better idea of what to expect in the Commentaries.
International Building Code (IBC)
The International Building Code (IBC) is the foundation of the complete Family of International Codes. It is an essential tool to preserve public health and safety that provides safeguards from hazards associated with the built environment. It addresses design and installation of innovative materials that meet or exceed public health and safety goals.
The International Building Code (IBC) is in use or adopted in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Marianas Islands, New York City, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Building Code | 2021 IBC Book | ||
2018 International Building Code | 2018 IBC Online | 2018 IBC Book | 2018 IBC Commentary |
2015 International Building Code | 2015 IBC Online | 2015 IBC Book | 2015 IBC Commentary Vol 1 2015 IBC Commentary Vol 2 |
2012 International Building Code | 2012 IBC Online | 2012 IBC Book | 2012 IBC Commentary Vol 1 2012 IBC Commentary Vol 2 |
2009 International Building Code | 2009 IBC Online | 2009 IBC Book | 2009 IBC Commentary Vol 1 2009 IBC Commentary Vol 2 |
2006 International Building Code | 2006 IBC Online | 2006 IBC Book | 2006 IBC Commentary Vol 1 2006 IBC Commentary Vol 2 |
2003 International Building Code | 2003 IBC Online | 2003 IBC Book | 2003 IBC Commentary Vol 1 2003 IBC Commentary Vol 2 |
2000 International Building Code | 2000 IBC Online | 2000 IBC Book | 2000 IBC Commentary |
International Residential Code (IRC)
Internationally, code officials recognize the need for a modern, up-to-date residential code addressing the design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories above grade. The International Residential Code is designed to meet these needs through model code regulations that safeguard the public health and safety in all communities, large and small.
The International Residential Code (IRC) is in use or adopted in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Residential Code | 2021 IRC Book | ||
2018 International Residential Code | 2018 IRC Online | 2018 IRC Book | 2018 IRC Commentary Vol 1 2018 IRC Commentary Vol 2 |
2015 International Residential Code | 2015 IRC Online | 2015 IRC Book | 2015 IRC Commentary |
2012 International Residential Code | 2012 IRC Online | 2012 IRC Book | 2012 IRC Commentary |
2009 International Residential Code | 2009 IRC Online | 2009 IRC Book | 2009 IRC Commentary Vol 1 2009 IRC Commentary Vol 2 |
2006 International Residential Code | 2006 IRC Online | 2006 IRC Book | 2006 IRC Commentary Vol 1 2006 IRC Commentary Vol 2 |
2003 International Residential Code | 2003 IRC Online | 2003 IRC Book | 2003 IRC Commentary Vol 1 2003 IRC Commentary Vol 2 |
2000 International Residential Code | 2000 IRC Online | 2000 IRC Book | 2000 IRC Commentary |
International Fire Code (IFC)
The International Fire Code (IFC) is an up-to-date fire code addressing conditions hazardous to life and property from fire, explosion, handling or use of hazardous materials and the use and occupancy of buildings and premises. This comprehensive fire code establishes minimum regulations for fire prevention and fire protection systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. It is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and new system designs.
The International Fire Code (IFC) is in use or adopted in 42 states, the District of Columbia, New York City, Guam and Puerto Rico.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Fire Code | 2021 IFC Book | ||
2018 International Fire Code | 2018 IFC Online | 2018 IFC Book | 2018 IFC Commentary |
2015 International Fire Code | 2015 IFC Online | 2015 IFC Book | 2015 IFC Commentary |
2012 International Fire Code | 2012 IFC Online | 2012 IFC Book | 2012 IFC Commentary |
2009 International Fire Code | 2009 IFC Online | 2009 IFC Book | 2009 IFC Commentary |
2006 International Fire Code | 2006 IFC Online | 2006 IFC Book | 2006 IFC Commentary |
2003 International Fire Code | 2003 IFC Online | 2003 IFC Book | 2003 IFC Commentary |
2000 International Fire Code | 2000 IFC Online | 2000 IFC Book |
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is the ICC’s energy conservation code addressing the design of energy-efficient building envelopes and installation of energy-efficient mechanical, lighting and power systems through requirements emphasizing performance. This code contains separate provisions for commercial buildings and for low-rise residential buildings (three stories or less in height above grade). Each set of provisions, IECC—Commercial Provisions and IECC—Residential Provisions, is separately applied to buildings within their respective scopes.
The International Energy Conservation Code is in use or adopted in 47 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, New York City and Puerto Rico.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Energy Conservation Code | 2021 IECC Book | ||
2018 International Energy Conservation Code | 2018 IECC Online | 2018 IECC Book | 2018 IECC Commentary |
2015 International Energy Conservation Code | 2015 IECC Online | 2015 IECC Book | 2015 IECC Commentary |
2012 International Energy Conservation Code | 2012 IECC Online | 2012 IECC Book | 2012 IECC Commentary |
2009 International Energy Conservation Code | 2009 IECC Online | 2009 IECC Book | 2009 IECC Commentary |
2006 International Energy Conservation Code | 2006 IECC Online | 2006 IECC Book | 2006 IECC Commentary |
2003 International Energy Conservation Code | 2003 IECC Online | 2003 IECC Book | 2003 IECC Commentary |
2000 International Energy Conservation Code | 2000 IECC Online | 2000 IECC Book (pdf) | 2000 IECC Commentary (pdf) |
1998 International Energy Conservation Code | 1998 IECC Online |
International Plumbing Code (IPC)
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) provides innovative plumbing regulations, addressing both prescriptive and performance-based objectives.
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) is in use or adopted in 35 states, the District of Columbia, NYC, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Plumbing Code | 2021 IPC Online | 2021 IPC Book | |
2018 International Plumbing Code | 2018 IPC Online | 2018 IPC Book | |
2015 International Plumbing Code | 2015 IPC Online | 2015 IPC Book Includes IPSDC | 2015 IPC Commentary Includes IPSDC |
2012 International Plumbing Code | 2012 IPC Online | 2012 IPC Book | 2012 IPC Commentary |
2009 International Plumbing Code | 2009 IPC Online | 2009 IPC Book | 2009 IPC Commentary |
2006 International Plumbing Code | 2009 IPC Online | 2006 IPC Book | 2006 IPC Commentary |
2003 International Plumbing Code | 2003 IPC Online | 2003 IPC Book | 2003 IPC Commentary |
2000 International Plumbing Code | 2000 IPC Online | 2000 IPC Book | 2000 IPC Commentary |
1997 International Plumbing Code | 1997 IPC Online | 1997 IPC Book | 1997 IPC Commentary |
1996 Supplement to the International Plumbing Code & International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 1996 IPC Online | ||
1995 International Plumbing Code | 1995 IPC Online | 1995 IPC Commentary |
International Mechanical Code (IMC)
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) provides minimum regulations for mechanical systems using both prescriptive and performance-related provisions.
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) is in use or adopted in 46 states, the District of Columbia, NYC, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Mechanical Code | 2021 IMC Online | 2021 IMC Book | |
2018 International Mechanical Code | 2018 IMC Online | 2018 IMC Book | 2018 IMC Commentary |
2015 International Mechanical Code | 2015 IMC Online | 2015 IMC Book | 2015 IMC Commentary |
2012 International Mechanical Code | 2012 IMC Online | 2012 IMC Book | 2012 IMC Commentary |
2009 International Mechanical Code | 2009 IMC Online | 2009 IMC Book | 2009 IMC Commentary |
2006 International Mechanical Code | 2006 IMC Online | 2006 IMC Book | 2006 IMC Commentary |
2003 International Mechanical Code | 2003 IMC Online | 2003 IMC Book | 2003 IMC Commentary |
2000 International Mechanical Code | 2000 IMC Online | 2000 IMC Book | 2000 IMC Commentary |
1996 International Mechanical Code | 1996 IMC Online | 1996 IMC Book |
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
The International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) provides innovative regulations for the design and installation of fuel gas systems.
The International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) is in use or adopted in 42 states, the District of Columbia, NYC, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Fuel Gas Code | 2021 IFGC Book | ||
2018 International Fuel Gas Code | 2018 IFGC Online | 2018 IFGC Book | 2018 IFGC Commentary Vol 1 2018 IFGC Commentary Vol 2 |
2015 International Fuel Gas Code | 2015 IFGC Online | 2015 IFGC Book | 2015 IFGC Commentary |
2012 International Fuel Gas Code | 2012 IFGC Online | 2012 IFGC Book | 2012 IFGC Commentary |
2009 International Fuel Gas Code | 2009 IFGC Online | 2009 IFGC Book | 2009 IFGC Commentary |
2006 International Fuel Gas Code | 2006 IFGC Online | 2006 IFGC Book | 2006 IFGC Commentary |
2003 International Fuel Gas Code | 2003 IFGC Online | 2003 IFGC Book | 2003 IFGC Commentary |
2000 International Fuel Gas Code | 2000 IFGC Online | 2000 IFGC Book |
International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) regulates the minimum maintenance requirements for existing buildings. The IPMC is a maintenance document intended to establish minimum maintenance standards for basic equipment, light, ventilation, heating, sanitation, and fire safety.
The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) is in use or adopted in 40 states and the District of Columbia
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2018 International Property Maintenance Code | 2021 IPMC Book | ||
2018 International Property Maintenance Code | 2018 IPMC Online | 2018 IPMC Book | |
2015 International Property Maintenance Code | 2015 IPMC Online | 2015 IPMC Book | 2015 IPMC Commentary |
2012 International Property Maintenance Code | 2012 IPMC Online | 2012 IPMC Book | 2012 IPMC Commentary |
2009 International Property Maintenance Code | 2009 IPMC Online | 2009 IPMC Commentary | |
2006 International Property Maintenance Code | 2006 IPMC Online | 2006 IPMC Book | 2006 IPMC Commentary |
2003 International Property Maintenance Code | 2003 IPMC Online | 2003 IPMC Book | 2003 IPMC Commentary |
2000 International Property Maintenance Code | 2000 IPMC Online | 2000 IPMC Book |
International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
The 2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) provides the design and construction industry with the single, most effective way to deliver sustainable, resilient, high-performance buildings. The IgCC provides minimum requirements to address site sustainability, water and energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials and resources, building commissioning, construction and plans for operations and maintenance for new and certain types of existing buildings, building sites, and building materials, components, equipment and systems.
The IgCC is in use or adopted in 14 states, and the District of Columbia.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Green Construction Code | 2021 IgCC Book | ||
2018 International Green Construction Code | 2018 IgCC Online | ||
2015 International Green Construction Code | 2015 IgCC Online | 2015 IgCC Book | 2015 IgCC Commentary |
2012 International Green Construction Code | 2012 IgCC Online | 2012 IgCC Book | 2012 IgCC Commentary |
2009 International Green Construction Code | 2009 IgCC Online |
International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) intention is to provide flexibility to permit the use of alternative approaches to achieve compliance with minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and welfare as they are affected by the repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition and relocation of existing buildings.
The International Existing Building Code (IEBC) is in use or adopted in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Existing Building Code | 2021 IEBC Book | ||
2018 International Existing Building Code | 2018 IEBC Online | 2018 IEBC Book | |
2015 International Existing Building Code | 2015 IEBC Online | 2015 IEBC Book | 2015 IEBC Commentary |
2012 International Existing Building Code | 2012 IEBC Online | 2012 IEBC Book | 2012 IEBC Commentary |
2009 International Existing Building Code | 2009 IEBC Online | 2009 IEBC Book | |
2006 International Existing Building Code | 2006 IEBC Online | 2006 IEBC Book | 2006 IEBC Commentary |
2003 International Existing Building Code | 2003 IEBC Online | 2003 IEBC Book | 2003 IEBC Commentary |
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
The purpose of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) is to establish minimum standards to provide a reasonable level of safety and public welfare by regulating the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, locations and maintenance or use of pools and spas.
The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) is in use or adopted in 23 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code | 2021 ISPSC Book | ||
2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code | 2018 ISPSC Online | 2018 ISPSC Book | |
2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code | 2015 ISPSC Online | 2015 ISPSC Book | 2015 ISPSC Commentary |
2012 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code | 2012 ISPSC Online | 2012 ISPSC Book | 2012 ISPSC Commentary |
International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC)
The International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) is intended to mitigate the risk to life and structures from fire from wildland fire exposures and fire exposures from adjacent structures and to mitigate structure fires from spreading to wildland fuels.
The IWUIC is in use or adopted in 16 states.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link |
---|---|---|
2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code | 2021 IWUIC Book | |
2018 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code | 2018 IWUIC Online | 2018 IWUIC Book |
2015 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code | 2015 IWUIC Online | 2015 IWUIC Book |
2012 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code | 2012 IWUIC Online | 2012 IWUIC Book |
2009 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code | 2009 IWUIC Online | 2009 IWUIC Book |
2006 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code | 2006 IWUIC Online | 2006 IWUIC Book |
2003 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code | 2003 IWUIC Online |
International Private Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC)
The International Private Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC) provides minimum requirements for the installation of new or the alteration of existing private sewage disposal systems. Septic tank and effluent absorption systems or other treatment tank and disposal systems shall be permitted where a public sewer is not available to the property served.
The International Private Sewage Disposal Code (IPSDC) is in use or adopted in 17 states, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link |
---|---|---|
2021 International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 2021 IPSDC Book | |
2018 International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 2018 IPSDC Online | 2018 IPSDC Book |
2015 International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 2015 IPSDC Online | 2015 IPSDC Book |
2012 International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 2012 IPSDC Online | Included in 2012 IPC |
2009 International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 2009 IPSDC Online | 2009 IPSDC Book |
2006 International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 2006 IPSDC Online | 2006 IPSDC Book |
2003 International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 2003 IPSDC Online | 2003 IPSDC Book |
2000 International Private Sewage Disposal Code | 2000 IPSDC Online | 2000 IPSDC Book |
International Zoning Code (IZC)
The International Zoning Code (IZC) is a planning and community development document. The IZC is intended to provide for the arrangement of compatible buildings and land uses and establish provisions for the location of all types of uses, in the interest of the social and economic welfare of the community.
The International Zoning Code (IZC) is in use or adopted in 12 states.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link |
---|---|---|
2021 International Zoning Code | 2021 IZC Book | |
2018 International Zoning Code | 2018 IZC Online | 2018 IZC Book |
2015 International Zoning Code | 2015 IZC Online | 2015 IZC Book |
2012 International Zoning Code | 2012 IZC Online | 2012 IZC Book |
2009 International Zoning Code | 2009 IZC Online | 2009 IZC Book |
2006 International Zoning Code | 2006 IZC Online | 2006 IZC Book |
2003 International Zoning Code | 2003 IZC Online | 2003 IZC Book |
2000 International Zoning Code | 2000 IZC Online |
International Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities (ICCPC)
The ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities (ICCPC) is in use or adopted in 16 states.
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link |
---|---|---|
2021 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities | ||
2018 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities | 2018 ICCPC Online | 2018 ICCPC Book |
2015 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities | 2015 ICCPC Online | 2015 ICCPC Book |
2012 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities | 2012 ICCPC Online | 2012 ICCPC Book |
2009 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities | 2009 ICCPC Online | 2009 ICCPC Book |
2006 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities | 2006 ICCPC Online | 2006 ICCPC Book |
2003 ICC Performance Code for Buildings and Facilities | 2003 ICCPC Online |
International Solar Energy Provisions (ISEP)
Model Code | Free Online Link | Paperback Book Link | Commentary Link |
---|---|---|---|
2021 International Solar Energy Provisions | |||
2018 International Solar Energy Provisions | 2018 ISEP Online | 2018 ISEP Book | |
2015 International Solar Energy Provisions | 2015 ISEP Online | 2015 ISEP Commentary |