Building codes are a set of regulations that govern the design, construction, and alteration of structures. A general understanding of building codes helps all parties involved in design and ...

The wake of Hurricane Andrew in Dade County, Fla., in August 1992. Fifty-four people died in the storm, which caused over $27 billion in damages and led to Florida’s adoption of a statewide building ...

After Category 5 Hurricane Michael slammed into Mexico Beach, Fla., in 2018, there was a dramatic contrast in destruction: homes built at or beyond state building codes still stood, whereas many of ...

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, two feet of rain fell on western North Carolina, damaging or sweeping away thousands of houses in landslides and floods. At least 101 people died. In many cases, ...

King Hammurabi of Babylonia enacted the first known building codes. The first known written building code was enacted by King Hammurabi in Babylon in 1758 B.C. Literally written in stone, the harsh ...

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Paul Steinweg’s name. One year after the Summit Sustainable Building Code was implemented by Summit County and most towns, ...