Austin, Texas, adopts AI-driven building permit software

After a successful pilot program, Austin has adopted AI-driven building permit software to speed up the building permitting process.

Calif. governor signs limited extension to hospital seismic retrofit mandate

Some California hospitals will have three additional years to comply with the state’s seismic retrofit mandate, after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill extending the 2030 deadline.

San Francisco unveils guidelines to streamline office-to-residential conversions

The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection announced a series of new building code guidelines clarifying adaptive reuse code provisions and exceptions for converting office-to-residential buildings. Developed in response to the Commercial to Residential Adaptive Reuse program established in July 2023, the guidelines aim to increase the viability of converting underutilized office buildings into housing by reducing regulatory barriers in specific zoning districts downtown.

Codes and Standards

Navigating the intricacies of code compliance and authorities having jurisdiction

The construction of a building entails navigating through a maze of regulations, permits, and codes. Architects are more than mere designers; we are stewards of safety and navigators of code compliance.

Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019

Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban

Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.

Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019

Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots

Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.

Codes and Standards | Jul 15, 2019

USGBC calls for proposals for feedback, concepts for next LEED version

The move follows successful public input on LEED 4.1.

AEC Tech | Jul 15, 2019

Lack of standards hampers development of exoskeleton industry

Guidelines, common terminology, and testing methodology are needed, says expert.

Concrete | Jul 8, 2019

Concrete repair code requirements released

American Concrete Institute offers guidance on assessment, repair, rehab of existing concrete structures.

K-12 Schools | Jul 8, 2019

Collaborative for High Performance Schools releases 2019 Core Criteria Version 3.0 Update

The update adds credits to lower carbon footprints and to promote climate change resiliency.

Wood | Jul 8, 2019

Campaign launched to promote ‘climate-smart wood’

The Forest Stewardship Council and other groups aim to help buyers understand and make it easier to locate lumber that meets sustainable forestry standards.