Getting Started

Before you begin using the Code Comparison Tool, gather the applicable codes for your community. In most cases, your community will have more than one set of codes that cover health and safety in housing, e.g. building codes, fire codes, occupancy codes, and sanitation codes that cover different and overlapping aspects of building safety and occupant protection.

To obtain a copy of your codes, you can:

  1. Contact your local code department and request copies of your local code(s). We recommend obtaining electronic versions of the codes, where possible. This will make it easier for you to search the documents.
  2. Search online by the name of your state, county, city, or borough and “Property Maintenance Code” or “Housing Code.”

You can find additional guidance on how to locate your housing code here.