Buikhg codes, laboratory design, and high technology research and development By David Rainer H ave you read and are you familiar with your local building codes? In North Carolina, we have a state building code modeled after the Southern Building Code, and all new construction and building modifications are required to comply with code requirements. There are no exceptions for state facilities, and we too at NC. State University must comply with all code standards.
As with all building codes, the purpose of the N.C. code is to, "serve as a comprehensive regulatory document to guide decisions aimed at protecting the public's life, health, and welfare in the built environment."' The N.C. and other codes specify minimum design requirements.
Additional safeguards may be required for each project depending on the type of occupancy, structure, or type of hazards.
There are currently three "model" codes utilized by most states and or local jurisdictions in the United States. The term "model" is used, because most states adopt or use one of the three "model" codes or incorporate the fundamental organization and content of one of the model codes into respective state or local codes. When a model code is adopted by a state or