Are you planning to remodel your home in the US? Before you start, it's important to understand the building codes that must be followed in your state. Building codes are minimum standards for construction that must be adopted by each state. They are designed to ensure safety and quality of buildings, and they vary from state to state. To get started, familiarize yourself with the building codes in your area.
You can find a list of building resources and building codes by state on the State Fire Marshal's office website. Additionally, you should talk to your local zoning office, city hall, or other local planning board for zoning information related to your lot. This will help you make sure that there are no restrictions or regulations preventing you from building in the desired location. In Maryland, the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) constitute the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS).
Local jurisdictions may have adopted the latest editions of these codes, but have modified certain critical safety requirements that have weakened the building code requirements. In Mississippi, resources on building codes for metal and steel buildings can be found in cities such as Jackson, Gulfport and Biloxi. It's also important to remember that each city has its own specific building codes, so check with your city's municipal office to make sure your building plans are up to date. If your home renovations require a permit, but you don't get one, the municipal building inspector can issue an order to suspend the work being carried out and you may be fined.
Finally, keep in mind that Local jurisdictions in Maryland may modify these codes to adapt them to local conditions, with the exception of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and the Maryland Accessibility Code (MAC). Local jurisdictions can make the Energy Code and the Accessibility Code more stringent, but not less.
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