Which codes specify standards for construction of new buildings and alterations to old ones?

• A. Subdivision Regulations
• B. Building Codes
• C. Health & Safety Codes
• D. Environmental Protection Laws

Answer: (B)

Building codes specify the standards for constructing new buildings and for alterations to existing ones. They cover the technical details that ensure a structure is safe and usable—structural integrity, fire resistance and means of egress, as well as the installation of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, and often energy efficiency and accessibility. When a project is planned, these codes guide design choices and are the basis for permits and inspections to verify compliance.

Subdivision regulations, by contrast, focus on dividing land into lots, laying out streets, and providing utilities—matters that relate to how land is developed rather than how structures are built. Health and safety codes deal with specific safety and health requirements in particular settings, but they don’t lay out the broad, comprehensive construction standards for buildings. Environmental protection laws govern impacts on the environment, such as pollution or resource use, rather than the technical construction standards of buildings.