The requirement of building codes and permits may initially seem like a modern concept but building codes have actually been around since the B.C. era. The first evidence we have of a building code was found in the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, which bares striking parallels the Hebrew Old Testament. Proclaimed by the Babylonian king Hammurabi, who reigned from 1792 to 1750 B.C., the Hammurabi code contains 282 rules written in if-then form and carved onto a 7foot-5inch, black stone pillar weighing four tons. It established standard laws for commercial interactions and set fines and punishments to meet the requirements of justice at the time. Regarding construction, the Hammurabi code provided no guidance on how to build but stated guidelines and laws of retribution along the lines of “An eye for an eye”. The code stated, “If a builder builds a house for someone, even though he has not yet completed it; if then the walls seem toppling, the builder must make the walls solid from his own means.” As well as “If a builder builds a house for someone, and does not construct it properly, and the house which he built falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death.”

These rules were intended to keep builders honest and people safe in homes that were built by others. The harsh consequences probably resulted in large “factors of safety” and significant overbuilding but served a purpose in a world without licenses, permits, or standard regulations. Something that is notable is the code does not apply to people that built houses for themselves or their family.

Shortly after the Code of Hammurabi, Moses wrote the book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Old Testament. Deuteronomy contains the first building code requiring specific architectural elements as well as the original commandments given by God. Deuteronomy 22:8 states “When you build a new house, make a parapet around your roof so that you may not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from the roof.” It is clear that this command is to protect life (life safety) and deter negligence in the construction of a new home.

Living in this time period would have allowed greater freedoms in regard to building your own home, but at the expense of safety and material costs. How big would someone build your walls if they knew they could be put to death if they failed? How hard would it be to find someone to take on such a task?

Today many of our building codes and standards come from a place of concern for health and life safety. How will people escape (egress) a building in the event of a fire? Will this building fall down (structural integrity) in an earthquake or high snow load? Does this building deliver tempered fresh air (HVAC) to its occupants?

As a professional designer it’s important to know what codes are relevant to each project, as they can vary between jurisdictions. Adhering to building code requirements is not only necessary to obey the law, but also to produce the highest quality project to each of my clients. Your health, safety, and project success are all top priorities when we work together.

Sincerely,

-Brantley Miller
BM Design & Drafting