Building codes:
- Are a set of legal requirements intended to ensure that a building will not pose a significant threat to the life and safety of its occupants.
- Provide the minimum criteria necessary for a building's safe design.
- Are not written to eliminate property loss; their main function is to ensure life safety.
Building codes are adopted and enforced by State and/or local governments.
Past earthquakes have shown that buildings that adhere to modern code requirements generally suffer less damage than buildings built before the adoption of seismic codes.
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