The National Model Codes improve with each edition thanks to contributors such as building officials, designers, suppliers, contractors, researchers, instructors, and other stakeholders including the public. Code change requests can be submitted by anyone with an interest in the Codes.
Below is an overview of how code change requests fit into the code development process, how code change requests will be managed for the 2025 and 2030 code cycles, and information on how to submit them.
Do you have a suggestion to improve one of the codes? If so, please read the detailed guidelines, which explain how to submit a code change request and the required information for submission. Each code change request must be submitted separately using the online form provided. Acknowledgement of the guidelines is mandatory to access the code change request form.
How code change requests fit into the code development process
Code change requests are one of the inputs that the CBHCC uses to inform the development of its work plan for a code cycle. Code change requests can be submitted at any time.
Once received by the CBHCC, code change requests are reviewed for alignment with the strategic priorities set for that code cycle. Code change requests that align with prioritized tasks are generally advanced to code development committees for consideration, or may be considered in future code development cycles, depending on when code change requests are received and the capacity of committees to take on additional development work. Code change requests requesting minor and maintenance work are considered based on available capacity.
2025 code change request process
The 2025 code development cycle is underway and the work plan has been developed. Code change requests for the 2025 Codes can be submitted until the end of 2023.
In order to allow time for public review, the majority of proposed changes will be substantially drafted by the end of 2023. Given the limited time remaining for the development of changes for the 2025 Codes, only requests that align with prioritized tasks will be considered, as well as critical life safety issues, and minor and maintenance work on a case-by-case basis.
2030 code change request process
Work planning for the 2030 Codes is now underway and code change requests that were recommended by code development committees in previous cycles but not prioritized will be considered.
Those who submitted code change requests before 2022 that have not been considered will be asked to confirm whether they would like their request to be considered for the 2030 Codes.
The CBHCC asks that new code change requests be submitted by June 2024 to help inform work planning. Changes received after June 2024 may only be considered for later code cycles, depending on capacity.
Submitting a code change request
Code change requests should include:
- the existing code requirement, if applicable,
- the reasons for the change or addition,
- your proposed revision or new requirement,
- supporting documentation, including any information on costs and benefits,
- enforcement implications, and
- the related code objectives.
Some examples of common changes include:
- accommodating new construction techniques and systems,
- clarifying requirements,
- updating references to standards, and
- proposing expansion of scope or objective.