The District of Columbia adopts the International Codes (I-Codes) published by the International Code Council (ICC), and the National Electric Code (NEC) published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), subject to any changes, deletions and/or additions to the I-Codes or the NEC as set forth in Title 12 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). The District of Columbia has adopted the 2006 I-Codes and NFPA’s 2005 NEC.

The I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes that have been adopted in fifty states and the District of Columbia. For further information about the ICC and its code development process, please refer to the ICC’s website at www.iccsafe.org.

The Construction Codes Coordinating Board (CCCB) reviews and accepts or rejects proposals for changes, deletions and/or additions to the District of Columbia’s Construction Codes.

The CCCB is currently considering the 2012 I-Codes, including the 2012 International Green Construction Code, and the 2011 edition of the NEC (together referred to as the “2013 I-Codes”).

 Technical Advisory Groups are established to support the work of the Board. Decisions by the Board are provided to the Mayor of the District of Columbia as proposed rulemakings subject to action by the City Council. Until approved by the City Council, changes to existing regulations are not effective and do not obligate any final decision made by the Code Official until adopted as a final notice of rulemaking.