Architects
Building Code Compliance Checker
Systematically review a proposed design or building element against applicable building code requirements. This prompt guides an AI to identify potential code compliance issues, flag areas requiring further investigation, and structure a code analysis that can inform design decisions and permit preparation.
This prompt takes project parameters — occupancy classification, construction type, code edition, jurisdiction, and specific design elements — and returns a preliminary code compliance review organized across occupancy confirmation, height and area limits, fire and life safety egress requirements, accessibility flags, and items requiring jurisdiction verification. The output is an organized checklist the architect uses to structure their own code research and prepare for a pre-application meeting with the building department — not a final compliance determination. It is designed for licensed architects during schematic or design development phases who need to identify code compliance risks before they are locked into a design direction.
Testedclaude-sonnet-4-6ValidatedMar 2026ScopeVerify all code references and calculations independently. T…TierProfessional
Constraints
Verify all code references and calculations independently. This does not replace licensed professional review.
This is a preliminary review only — it does not constitute a formal code compliance determination. All code sections cited must be verified against the current jurisdiction-adopted code edition.
Local amendments to model codes are common and can materially affect compliance analysis — always verify against the jurisdiction's specific adopted code and any local amendments.
Structural, fire protection engineering, and accessibility compliance require review by qualified licensed professionals in those disciplines.
Tested Models
claude-sonnet-4-6
Uncertainty
If the occupancy classification or construction type is unclear or could be interpreted multiple ways, analyze the most restrictive interpretation and document the alternatives. Flag any code section where local amendment is likely but cannot be confirmed without jurisdiction research.
Last updated
2026-05-28 — Published
The prompt
You are a licensed architect with expertise in building code compliance, occupancy classification, and permit process management across multiple jurisdictions. Perform a preliminary code compliance review of the following project: Project information: - Project type / use: [PROJECT_TYPE] - Occupancy classification(s): [OCCUPANCY — e.g., B (Business), A-2 (Assembly), R-2 (Residential)] - Construction type: [CONSTRUCTION_TYPE — e.g., Type V-B, Type III-A] - Applicable code edition: [BUILDING_CODE — e.g., IBC 2021, CBC 2022] - Jurisdiction: [JURISDICTION] - Stories above grade: [STORIES] - Gross floor area: [GROSS_AREA] - Sprinkler system: [SPRINKLERS — yes/no/not yet determined] Design elements to review: [DESCRIBE THE DESIGN ELEMENTS OR CONDITIONS YOU WANT REVIEWED] Perform a code compliance review covering: ## Occupancy Classification Confirmation Verify that the stated occupancy classification is appropriate and identify any mixed-occupancy conditions. ## Height and Area Limitations Review against the applicable code table for the stated construction type and occupancy — note whether the design is within limits or requires sprinklers, area increases, or construction type upgrade. ## Fire and Life Safety Egress requirements (number of exits, travel distance, corridor widths), fire-resistance ratings for construction elements, and fire-rated separation requirements. ## Accessibility Key accessibility compliance items for this occupancy type — not a full ADA audit, but a flag of common issues. ## Identified Compliance Concerns Specific design elements that appear non-compliant or require verification with the jurisdiction. ## Items Requiring Jurisdiction Confirmation Code sections where the jurisdiction may have local amendments or where interpretation is required before design can proceed. Note: All code references must be verified against the current adopted edition in the applicable jurisdiction.
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How to use this prompt
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1. Gather all relevant project parameters (occupancy, construction type, code edition) before running the prompt — incomplete inputs produce generic output.
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2. Focus the review on specific design elements you are uncertain about rather than asking for a comprehensive compliance review of an entire project.
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3. Use the output as an organizational checklist for your own code research, verifying each cited section against the current adopted code.
Customization tips
Add 'The jurisdiction is [jurisdiction name] — research any known local amendments to [IBC/CBC/other code] for this occupancy type' to focus on jurisdiction-specific issues.
For existing building projects, add 'This is an alteration of an existing building — apply the provisions of [IEBC 2021 / Chapter 34 of the IBC] for existing buildings.'
Append 'The design includes [rooftop occupancy / underground space / large assembly areas] — focus the egress analysis on these elements specifically.'
Sample output
CODE COMPLIANCE REVIEW — 6-Story Mixed-Use Development
Portland, Oregon
PROJECT TYPE: 6-story mixed-use building (ground floor commercial/retail, floors 2-6 residential)
JURISDICTION: Portland, Oregon (City of Portland Bureau of Development Services)
REVIEW DATE: March 23, 2026
REVIEW STATUS: Preliminary — Schematic Design Phase
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION ANALYSIS:
Ground Floor Commercial: Business and/or Mercantile occupancy depending on tenant type. Mixed occupancy condition requires evaluation of separation requirements between commercial and residential uses.
Residential Floors 2-6: Residential occupancy — multi-unit residential classification. This is a significant driver of structural system, corridor configuration, and mechanical system requirements.
Parking (if below grade or at grade): Parking structure occupancy with required fire separation from both residential and commercial portions.
OCCUPANCY SEPARATION:
The interface between the ground floor commercial use and the residential floors above requires a fire-rated horizontal assembly. The required rating depends on the specific occupancy types present and the protection systems installed. Sprinkler protection throughout the building significantly affects the required separation rating — confirm the proposed structural deck construction and fire protection system approach with the structural engineer and fire protection consultant before design development.
EGRESS ANALYSIS — PRELIMINARY:
With 5 residential floors above the ground level, the building requires multiple stair enclosures. The number of required exit stairs depends on the floor area and occupant load of each level. At typical residential floor plates for a 6-story building, a minimum of two exits per floor is standard. Stair configuration must provide the required travel distance from any point on the floor to the nearest exit stair enclosure.
Ground floor commercial occupancy egress must be addressed independently — commercial tenants cannot rely on residential egress stairs for their required exits.
ACCESSIBILITY:
At 6 stories with commercial ground floor, a passenger elevator serving all floors is required. The elevator must be accessible and sized to accommodate a standard wheelchair and attendant. Ground floor commercial spaces require full accessible route compliance from the public right-of-way through all areas of the space.
PORTLAND-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS:
Portland requires compliance with Oregon structural specialty code requirements for seismic design. The Pacific Northwest seismic zone designation significantly affects structural system selection. Coordinate with structural engineer early in schematic design.
DISCLAIMER: This review is based on preliminary project information and reflects a general code analysis framework. It does not substitute for a formal plan review by the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services. Engage a code consultant for a jurisdiction-specific compliance analysis before proceeding to design development.
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Frequently asked questions
AI systems have a training data cutoff, meaning they may not reflect the most recent code editions, local amendments, or recent interpretive guidance from jurisdictions. Always verify code sections against the current published code edition adopted in your jurisdiction. For complex or novel code questions, consult with a building official or code consultant directly.
No. A pre-application meeting with the building official is valuable for projects with unusual conditions, mixed occupancies, or design elements requiring interpretation. The AI review helps you organize your questions and identify potential issues before that meeting, but it cannot substitute for the official's determination. Use it as preparation, not as a final compliance determination.
Treat flagged items as requiring further investigation, not as confirmed violations. Research the specific code section in the current adopted edition, determine whether a local amendment applies, and if the issue is material, consult with the building official or a code specialist. Document your research and conclusions in your project records.
Professional Disclaimer
This AI-generated content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace the professional judgment of a licensed architect. Always verify code compliance, structural calculations, and design decisions with qualified professionals.