Building codes and regulations provide the framework for the creation of safe, durable, and eco-friendly buildings and structures. International organizations develop these codes to ensure a consistent level of quality that people can depend on in industries worldwide. Businesses that follow these codes can achieve legal compliance and offer peace of mind to their clients.
Learn more about the main building codes that apply to commercial shade structures in this guide.
Read the full article or jump to a specific section:
- Understanding Building Codes, Regulations, and Standards
- Common Cantilever Building Codes
- Trust VPS for Compliant Cantilever Shade Structures
Understanding Building Codes, Regulations, and Standards
There are a variety of building codes, standards, and regulations to be aware of when designing and constructing buildings or structures, including cantilever shade structures. With so many rules, it’s helpful to understand the difference between the types:
- Codes: Building codes are a set of rules and minimum requirements that all businesses and industries should meet. They are either modal or adopted. Modal building codes are not laws, but industries generally accept them as the right way to do things. Modal building codes become “adopted” when legal entities and authorities incorporate them into the law.
- Regulations: Regulations refer to adopted or newly created building codes that are legally enforceable in their applicable jurisdictions. All industries must comply with building regulations to avoid negative consequences like fines, work stoppages, court proceedings, reputational damage, insurance cancellation, and repair expenses.
- Standards: A standard is either a voluntary or mandatory guideline that outlines best practices and methodology for building designs, processes, and techniques. It’s the “how” of a building code’s “what” and helps businesses achieve a consistent standard of quality in their work.
Professional and experienced non-profit organizations create building standards and codes using evidence-based science and technical expertise from industry professionals. Building standards typically form the foundation of building codes. Building regulations differ across the United States, so contacting local authorities is essential to understand their unique laws and requirements.
Common Cantilever Building Codes
National, state, and local governing bodies adopt building codes as law, but local authorities may modify them to suit their unique needs and requirements. Because of this, various versions of building codes exist across the country, but most are based on internationally recognized ones.
The most widely recognized and trusted building codes are the International Codes (I-Codes) developed by the International Code Council (ICC). The ICC is the largest independent building code organization with over 100 years of experience. They’ve developed a total of 15 I-Codes that ensure safe, sustainable, and affordable buildings and structures. However, other organizations — including the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and ATSM International — also create building codes and guidelines.
Below are some of the most common building codes businesses should consider when designing and constructing commercial cantilever structures.
Fire Safety
Fire safety building codes provide regulations to safeguard life and properties from fire, explosives, and hazardous materials. This is an important consideration for all buildings and structures, including parking lots and cantilever shade structures.
The International Fire Code (IFC) by the ICC is the most prominent fire safety code in the U.S., but there is also the NFPA Fire Code, which has similar codes for fire safety and prevention. These two codes cover requirements for fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and material fire resistance.
Structural Integrity
Structural integrity is a structure’s ability to support load without breaking. Cantilevers, in particular, need careful consideration regarding structural integrity, as they consist of an offset column on one side that supports a shade cover. Architects and engineers need to ensure the load-bearing column is structurally sound and able to support the weight of the shade.
The ICC’s International Building Code (IBC) contains reliable building regulations for structural integrity. The ASCE also has various structural integrity codes for designing structures with different building materials.
Electrical
Lighting, surveillance systems, and solar panels are popular commercial shade structure accessories. For designers looking to incorporate any type of electrical components and wiring into structural designs, following electrical codes and regulations is vital to protect buildings and people from electrical hazards.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) created by the NFPA provides regulations for the design, installation, and operation of electrical systems. This includes wiring, circuits, outlets, switches, grounding, and more. All 50 states have adopted versions of this code, meaning compliance is mandated.
