How do I find out which building codes apply to my land?

NationwideReviewed October 2026

First confirm whether the property is inside a city, inside a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, or in an unincorporated part of the county. If it is in a city, contact that city's building or development services department and ask which code editions it has adopted, including any appendices. If it is in the county, contact the county's development, engineering or environmental health office and ask about residential code orders, septic, floodplain and driveway rules. Dallas County, for example, runs an unincorporated area services department. Many ICC codes can be read free online in view-only form. Ask for answers in writing and keep them with your records.

Check your local rule. This varies by state, county or city. Your permitting office has the final word; the official lookup pages below show you who that is.

Sources

Find the rule for your area

Official pages from the agencies and code bodies that set these rules.

Want help planning your site?

We can walk you through what your land needs before your home ships.

Call 800-259-1745

General information, written in our own words from the sources listed with each answer. It is not legal, engineering, tax or financial advice. Rules change and differ by state, county and city, so confirm with the office that issues your permit before you build. Last reviewed October 2026.