Code Determination Number: 18

Date: 7/17/2026

Code Edition: International Existing Building Code (IEBC), as adopted by the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ

Subject: Application of the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) in Relation to UM System Design Guidelines

Applicability: Use of the IEBC for a UM System project requires approval from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or approved Code Official. This approval shall be requested during Schematic Design, and a copy of the approval shall be filed in the Unity 40.07 Codes Folder. 

Questions (from various UM Staff and Design Consultants)

  1. When a project is permitted to use the IEBC, are designers permitted to rely solely on IEBC allowances when those allowances are less restrictive than current UM System Design Guidelines?
  2. Does the use of IEBC reduce or eliminate the requirement to comply with UM System institutional standards related to life safety, durability, accessibility, fire protection and long-term building performance?
  3. When the IEBC permits existing conditions to remain, may those conditions be maintained even if they do not align with UM System Design Guidelines or long-term campus objectives? 

Answers (from UM AHJ)

  • The IEBC establishes minimum code requirements for work in existing buildings. For 91¶ÌÊÓƵ projects, the IEBC is an acceptable regulatory framework but is not a standalone design standard. 
  • All projects delivered under the IEBC shall continue to comply with UM System Design Guidelines, institutional standards and adopted policies. Use of the IEBC does not reduce or replace these requirements. 
  • Where the IEBC permits existing conditions to remain or allows reduced scope of work, the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ reserves the authority to require additional improvements to ensure consistency with institutional standards, risk management objectives and long-term campus planning goals. 
  • When multiple requirements apply, including UM System Design Guidelines, the most restrictive requirements shall govern. 
  • IEBC projects shall be designed and constructed in a manner that supports future upgrades and phased improvements (e.g. extend sprinkler piping to edge of work areas bordering unsprinkled areas). Work performed under the IEBC shall not preclude subsequent compliance with full code or UM System requirements. 
  • This Code Determination establishes that the IEBC shall be applied as a baseline regulatory code and shall not be used to justify reduced quality, reduced life safety, deferred accessibility or acceptance of conditions inconsistent with UM System standards.