NFPA Introduces CodeFinder

As a former specifying engineer, I can attest to some of the challenges tracking down which codes and editions a particular jurisdiction enforces. I can remember every project I designed during that period in my career began with a search on the internet and a call sheet of questions to ask building officials. Granted, back then the internet was not as robust as it is now, but I can still imagine tracking down code information is still the bane of many designers.

NFPA has taken an interesting approach by launching a web-based tool that aims to consolidate code and standard information. CodeFinder currently contains information on what codes and standards are used by every U.S. state, count and city with a population over 250,000. Additional information is available for Canada, South America, Latin America and the Middle East. Maybe the most interesting feature of CodeFinder is the “Share Your Knowledge” function where industry members can supplement the database by adding information for a jurisdictional level that is not already listed. Before crowd-sourced information is uploaded to CodeFinder it will be vetted by NFPA to ensure the integrity of the data set.

Personally, I think this is a great idea and an opportunity for our industry to work together to push the bar higher and produce a better product. I look forward to watching the evolution of CodeFinder. Kudos NFPA!