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.

Jul 19, 2012

NRCA: Roofing insulation performance, local climate keys to computing R-value

To minimize the loss of thermal resistance in design, the R-value of roof insulation should be computed based on the actual performance of the insulation material and the local climate, says the National Roofing Contractors Association.

Jun 28, 2012

Following spate of skyscraper balcony glass panel breakages, Ontario adopts code change

Ontario's housing minister announced new building code rules to help prevent glass panels from breaking off high-rise balconies during hot weather.

Jun 28, 2012

Factory worker deaths in Italy raise questions on building codes after earthquakes

Italian officials are questioning seismic building standards and inspection procedures in the aftermath of two damaging earthquakes.

Jun 21, 2012

String of shattered glass balcony panels prompts call for code reform in Ontario

Since last summer, glass balconies have shattered at 13 different buildings in Toronto.

Jun 21, 2012

California adds window film to building code

California is the first state to add window film into its building code. Window film, a polymer material, offers cost-effective energy savings.

Lynne Simnick | Jun 4, 2012

San Francisco skyscraper wired to measure tremors could lead to improved seismic codes

Earthquakes measured in a San Francisco skyscraper may provide advances in science and lead to…

Jun 1, 2012

New BD+C University Course on Insulated Metal Panels available

By completing this course, you earn 1.0 HSW/SD AIA Learning Units.

May 29, 2012

Reconstruction Awards Entry Information

Download a PDF of the Entry Information at the bottom of this page.

May 25, 2012

Las Vegas building codes may thwart innovative shipping container development

A developer wants to build a commercial development out of steel shipping containers in Las Vegas, but city codes would have to be altered or the project would have to obtain waivers for it to receive the city’s go-ahead.