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building code

building code

14 3.5
Rules made by local government about how to design and build safe buildings
  • noun
  • /ˈbɪldɪŋ koʊd/
  • Formal
translation icon : código de construcción
  • Before starting construction, it's crucial to review the building code to ensure all safety standards are met.
  • local building code
  • building code regulations
  • building code safety

She said, if your house is on fire, you can say it's a really good idea to change the building code so we build houses that have less flammable material.

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Examples

  • Mostly, Japan does a great job at this with strong building codes, much better than the US does.

    Blog text (20)
  • The city has also requested that the pending revisions to the Ontario building code include these same energy performance standards.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Budget will reflect current building code requirements.

  • Are planning standards and building codes pushing up housing prices?

    Academic text (1992)
  • New Jersey has recently revised its state building code to make standards more flexible for older buildings.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Another missed opportunity is that the city has been slow to institute energy-saving building codes and regulations.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Building codes are very important documents when considering new and innovative building materials, appliances, practices, and techniques.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Many cities around the world use master plans, zoning, subdivision regulations, and building codes to control development.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Under the building code area, drafts and poorly weather-stripped openings such as doors and windows are a major concern.

    Academic text (2010)
  • CO alarm sales are projected to increase with the development of CO alarm building codes and ordinances (Frost & Sullivan, 2007).

    Academic text (2010)

Synonyms

code
vsbuilding code
  • Formal
492 3.9

A set of rules that people agree to follow in a job or group

is narrower and describes official local standards for structural design construction and safety

How Strict

statute
  • Formal
234 5.5
regulation
  • Formal
730 3.4
building code
  • Formal
14 3.5
standard
1.6
guideline
344 3.1
recommendation
553 2.5

Surface Forms

building code singular

Morphology

building + code

The meaning 'a set of official standards governing buildings' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'building' (a physical structure) with 'code' (a set of rules or regulations). This noun–noun compound follows a common attributive pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Building code comes from the idea of a code, a book of rules, for people who make buildings. Towns wrote these lists to stop fires and buildings from falling down, so a building code means the official 'safety rules' builders must follow today.