Building Code AI
AI systems trained on building codes that can check designs and answer code questions.
Definition
Building Code AI refers to artificial intelligence systems specifically trained on building codes and regulations. These systems can answer questions about code requirements, check designs for compliance, explain code provisions, and help navigate the complex landscape of building regulations. With training on hundreds of codes including IBC, local amendments, and specialty codes, Building Code AI dramatically reduces the time required for code research and compliance checking.
In Depth
Building code AI is trained specifically on building codes — IBC, NFPA, ADA, IECC, ASHRAE, and their state and local amendments — so it can check designs against the actual code requirements rather than general safety principles. The distinction matters because building codes are precise and specific, and a general AI that advises "ensure adequate egress" is useless compared to one that says "IBC Section 1005.1 requires 0.2 inches of exit width per occupant for stairways; this stair serves 450 occupants and needs 90 inches minimum."
The code database management is a significant challenge. Building codes are updated on a three-year cycle, states adopt different editions with their own amendments, and cities add local amendments on top. A building in Chicago in 2025 needs to be checked against the 2021 IBC as adopted by Illinois with Chicago amendments — a specific combination that differs from neighboring jurisdictions. AI maintains these jurisdiction-specific code packages and applies the correct one for each project.
For design firms, building code AI shifts the compliance workflow from reactive (waiting for plan review comments) to proactive (checking before submission). The cost difference is significant — addressing a code issue during design might mean adjusting a dimension on a drawing. Addressing the same issue after plan review comments requires a formal revision, resubmission, and another review cycle, adding weeks to the permitting timeline.
Examples
Answering questions about egress requirements for specific building types
Checking stair designs against applicable code provisions
Explaining the differences between IBC editions
Nomic Use Cases
See how Nomic applies this in production AEC workflows:
Frequently Asked Questions
Building Code AI refers to artificial intelligence systems specifically trained on building codes and regulations. These systems can answer questions about code requirements, check designs for compliance, explain code provisions, and help navigate the complex landscape of building regulations. With training on hundreds of codes including IBC, local amendments, and specialty codes, Building Code AI dramatically reduces the time required for code research and compliance checking.
Answering questions about egress requirements for specific building types. Checking stair designs against applicable code provisions. Explaining the differences between IBC editions.
Automated Code Compliance: Check drawings against 380+ building codes and standards with cited answers.