Building and fire codes have been around for more than 4,000 years, stemming from the Babylonian king Hammurabi (1810 BC – 1750 BC), but have become more focused over time. Nowadays, these codes serve to provide occupant safety and avoid natural disasters and other calamities. 

As hospitality professionals, you most likely have some degree of familiarity with the International Code Council (ICC) and/or the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). These two major drafting organizations within the United States lay out various standards that can affect your hotel. When it comes to signage in particular, though, there are a couple of questions to consider. What laws apply? How do they apply? What happens if a state or local government has adopted both the ICC and NFPA codes? 

Upon reading this blog post, we hope you will better understand the role the ICC and the NFPA play in signage. Let’s get started.

What Are the ICC and NFPA?

The International Code Council—established in 1994—is arguably the leading global source of model codes and standards and other building safety solutions. Its operations revolve around developing a comprehensive set of building codes (i.e., the International Building Code®) and fire codes (i.e., the International Fire Code®)  that establish the same overall property standards. On the other hand, the National Fire Prevention Association—established in 1896—is a global, nonprofit organization dedicated to fire, electrical, and related safety. Together, the ICC and NFPA are the two leading drafting organizations in the U.S., with elements of its codes used by dozens of states.

Which Codes Should States Go With?

Since the ICC and NFPA are two separate sets of code standards, you may wonder how jurisdictions determine which one to go with. The answer is this: state and/or local governments are responsible for adopting and codifying their choice of codes. Upon codification, the given codes will serve as the rules manual for the given field (building, fire, etc.). No matter whether the state goes with the ICC or NFPA, building codes will deal with building issues, while fire codes relate to fire issues. Generally, your local fire marshal’s office governs fire inspection issues, while building inspectors handle building issues.

(Codify (v): to arrange (laws or rules) into a systematic code. Source: Oxford Languages)

While there are some overlaps, signage regulations must be derived from the prescribed codes a state or jurisdiction has adopted. Take the state of Florida, for example. Unlike many states, it has adopted model codes from both the ICC and the NFPA—the ICC Building Code by way of the 2020 FL Building Code, and the NFPA 1, Fire Code as well as the 101, Life Safety Code. (Note how Florida has elected to adopt NFPA 1 and 101 instead of the ICC Fire Code) As a result, the distinction is clear: when it comes to building issues, the 2020 FL Building Code takes precedent; when it relates to fire issues, the NFPA 1 (Fire Code) and the 101 (Life Safety Code) takes precedent. 

Whether a state has adopted the ICC or the NFPA in its entirety or with amendments, hoteliers need to focus on which rules applies to its exclusive jurisdiction. This means that whatever rule a jurisdiction adopts, that’s where the building or fire inspector bases its inspection from. As a result, when developing new construction or starting renovations, you will want to double-check that you are following the codes as adopted by your jurisdiction. 

Need Help? Consult a Regulatory Expert

This may seem like a mouthful, but the important thing to remember is that well-seasoned signage companies, like HOTELSIGNS.com, know these differences and, as a result, are adept in addressing your signage questions. Because we understand  the nuances of the law, you can have complete confidence that any hotel signage you order will comply with your jurisdiction’s codes without any need for sign replacement following a building or fire inspection. 

If you have additional questions about the ICC and/or NFPA and how they apply to your hotel building, just reach out to our HOTELSIGNS.com customer service and regulations teams—we’d love to help.