Our inspectors are challenged to ensure compliance with more than 1,000 pages of Code, and literally thousands of standards. That’s a lot.

Yet there’s a persistent myth out there that Codes change regularly … and that’s not quite accurate. In fact, some of the issues that arise on a regular basis are infringements of Codes that have been in place for decades.

Folks might remember the “top 10 infractions” of 2022 (https://snbsc-planning.com/top-10-code-infractions-of-2022/). Here’s when the relevant codes came into effect:

1: Improperly installed/missing Carbon Monoxide alarms: 2005
2: Columns not anchored: 1970
3: Improper window installation: 2000/2005 depending on the issue(s)
4: Emergency lighting requirements: 1975
5: Improper lintel construction (spaced, jacks not running to underside): 1970
6: Insulation for plumbing in exterior walls: 2010
7: Wood screws not permitted in structural connections: 1970
8: Incorrect beam splicing: 1975 or 1980 depending on the issue.
9: Truss-to-top plate connection (three nails/hurricane ties): 1970
10: fence posts (4×4) used as columns: Not permitted since 1970

Here is a more complete (but hardly exhaustive) list of infractions and when the Codes to govern them came into play: