The 2027 International Codes® (I-Codes®), including the International Building Code® (IBC) and International Residential Code® (IRC), now incorporate key provisions that streamline the approval of offsite construction. By enabling greater use of modular and offsite building methods, these provisions support faster project delivery, reduced waste, and lower construction costs, helping address the nation’s housing affordability challenges.
The 2027 I-Codes incorporate the ICC/MBI 1200 series standards, including ICC/MBI Standards 1200, 1205 and 1210(opens in new tab). Together, these standards provide a comprehensive framework for offsite construction, supporting consistent compliance verification and approval processes across jurisdictions.
Already adopted in seven states, with recent adoptions in Maine and New Hampshire, the standards are helping drive greater efficiency and predictability in offsite construction. Their inclusion in the 2027 I-Codes gives jurisdictions a ready-made pathway to realize the affordability and productivity benefits of these construction methods.
“Offsite construction can play a significant role in expanding housing supply and improving affordability, but inconsistent approval processes often slow progress,” said Ryan Colker, Executive Director of Energy, Resilience, and Innovation at the International Code Council. “By incorporating the ICC/MBI standards into the I-Codes, we are creating greater consistency across jurisdictions, reducing barriers to adoption and helping unlock the full potential of offsite construction to deliver new homes faster and more efficiently.”
The ICC/MBI 1200 series has also been incorporated into the U.S. Department of War’s Uniform Facilities Criteria (UFC)(opens in new tab), which establishes design and construction requirements for military projects. The 2026 update reflects the Department’s growing interest in leveraging offsite construction to improve efficiency and scalability across military construction programs.
Learn more about offsite construction and its benefits here(opens in new tab) and the Credential of Learning Achievement on the ICC/MBI standards here(opens in new tab).
