Where to Find Free Online Access to Building, Energy and Electrical Codes

This course includes:

  • Anytime access to the recording of our live presentation plus supporting materials for 60 days - learn or reference the material when it's convenient for you.


You can explore an outline of the course curriculum below!

Building codes set the minimum standards for safety in our buildings (houses are buildings). Building codes govern all of us so it’s important to have a basic understanding of building codes. That understanding includes where to find free online access to building codes.


In this meeting, we’ll walk you through the following:

  • How model building codes are created.
  • The difference between building and energy codes.
  • Where to find free online access to model codes from the International Code Council.
  • Where to find free online access to model codes from the National Fire Protection Association.
  • State process example: how Georgia adopts and amends building codes.
  • State amendment example: how to find Georgia amendments.
  • Local process example: how counties and cities adopt and amend building codes.
  • Local process example: how to find county and city amendments.
  • Definition of “stretch-code” and “code-plus” programs and amendments.


When we finish our meeting, you’ll be able to look up building code language on your own. That means you’ll be empowered to confirm a person is correct when they tell you you can or can’t do something because of the building code(s).

Course curriculum

    1. 01:: Introduction

    2. 02 :: Acknowledgement

    1. 01 :: ICC + NFPA Model Codes

    1. Navigating ICC + NFPA Resources

    1. Examples of State Amendment + Adoption Processes

    1. Examples of Local Amendment + Adoption Processes

    1. Stretch Codes + Example of Jurisdiction Using Code-Plus Program

About this course

  • Free
  • 8 lessons

Access to the Presentation + Recording

Each person who views the presentation and has access to the recording must purchase (or have purchased for them) their own access to this course. Learners are not permitted to share access to courses.

What Happens After the Live Presentation?

We'll publish a recording of the live presentation in this learning management system. We'll notify you by email when the recording is available.

You may view the recording any time you choose and as many times as you wish within your enrollment period.

Your enrollment period (your access to the recording) is 60 days from the date of the live presentation. It typically takes three business days for the recording to be published.

Your Questions + Guidance

Please share your questions and guidance at any time through our Support page.

You Need An Account

You need an account to view a course. Setting up an account is free and easy to do - just click the "Enroll Now" button below.

If you're not currently signed in yet have an account, click the "Enroll Now" button and enter the email address you used for your account. The LMS will recognize your email address, prompt you for a password. Enter your password, click "Continue". The LMS will add the course to your account and open your dashboard to display all of your available courses.

If you're signed into the LMS, clicking the "Enroll Now" button will launch the course.

Give This Course as a Gift

You can give this course to a person using the gifting feature at checkout: Click the "Enroll Now" button and then check the box to the left of the text "This is a gift". 

You'll be prompted to provide the recipient's email and name plus a personalized message. The recipient will receive an introductory message with your personalized note. You'll receive an email with a link to the gift.

Our courses are a transformative gift of education: we teach people how to enjoy more healthy, comfortable and efficient homes and communities. Our courses are appropriate for all ages and backgrounds: homeowners, students, professionals, etc.

Terms of Service

Your participation in this course and all other RTA events is subject to RTA's Terms of Service.

Course Instructor

Advocate + Collaborator Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor is a registered architect. He’s also earned certifications in energy rating/performance verification, site design, disaster response, distance learning, etc. Ryan is active in community, legislative and building code issues. He’s been speaking/teaching since 2008 and is frequently invited to speak at community and industry events. His comments have been widely published.