APA's active participation in the code development process gives members and the broader industry a direct voice in shaping the building code provisions that govern engineered wood construction. By translating research and real-world product performance into technically sound code language, APA helps ensure the codes builders, specifiers, and code officials rely on keep pace with innovation while protecting the market position of engineered wood products and supporting safe, efficient construction nationwide.
Building codes establish the minimum standards for safe, efficient, and durable construction — and they directly shape how engineered wood products are designed, specified, and used.
The three primary model codes that govern wood construction in the U.S. are the International Building Code (IBC), the International Residential Code (IRC), and increasingly, energy codes such as the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
These codes are developed and updated on a three-year cycle by the International Code Council (ICC) through a public process that includes technical proposals, hearings, and member votes.
APA actively participates in this process to ensure that the latest research on engineered wood performance is accurately reflected in code provisions.
Energy codes add another layer by regulating thermal performance, airtightness, and moisture management, areas where wood-frame construction and engineered wood products play a significant role.
Understanding the code landscape helps architects, engineers, builders, and code officials make informed decisions about product selection, system design, and compliance.
APA's code advocacy program works to advance code provisions that support the safe and efficient use of structural wood panels, engineered wood products, and wood-frame systems.
Our expert codes team monitors ICC code cycles and submits proposals to the IBC and IRC that reflect current research, test data, and real-world performance of APA-certified products.
We collaborate with other wood industry organizations, standards bodies, and code officials to develop and defend technically sound provisions, from shear wall and diaphragm design to cross-laminated timber (CLT) applications and tall wood construction.
APA also engages in the energy code process to ensure wood-frame construction methods remain viable and competitive as thermal and airtightness requirements become more stringent.
We provide technical resources and training to help design professionals and building departments understand and apply code requirements correctly.
When new research or product innovations arise, APA works proactively to introduce the supporting code and standard language needed to bring those solutions to market.
Building codes establish the minimum standards for safe, efficient, and durable construction — and they directly shape how engineered wood products are designed, specified, and used. Reference the latest versions of the three primary model building and energy codes below.
International Building Code (IBC)
International Residential Code (IRC)
International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
APA Product Reports® give AHJs, design professionals, and specifiers a trusted way to confirm code compliance and performance for engineered wood products and systems produced by APA members.
Director of Codes and Policy
Matt Brown leads APA’s work in energy policy and building codes, guiding efforts to support efficient, high-performance wood construction. With a background in construction management and energy-efficient building practices, he brings expertise in energy codes, building science, and industry education.
Technical Guides - L350
This publication provides design and construction recommendations for engineered diaphragm systems in floor, shear wall and roof systems
Technical Guides - E30
This publication provides a comprehensive overview of engineered wood construction systems for residential, commercial and industrial buildings
Design Standard
Provides criteria for proportioning, designing, and detailing engineered wood systems, members, and connections in lateral force resisting systems.
All three codes follow a three-year development cycle managed by the International Code Council. New editions are published every three years, though individual states and jurisdictions adopt updates on their own schedules — meaning the code in effect in your area may lag one or more editions behind the current published version.
APA staff submit code change proposals, testify at public hearings, and respond to public comments during ICC code cycles. We also engage with ICC committees and collaborate with allied organizations to build support for proposals that advance the use of engineered wood and reflect current performance research.
The IRC covers one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses and includes prescriptive provisions for common wood-frame construction, including wood structural panels and engineered wood lumber. The IBC applies to all other occupancy types and relies more heavily on engineered design. Both codes reference product standards, such as those published by APA and ANSI, to establish performance requirements for specific products.
Energy codes like the IECC set requirements for insulation, air sealing, fenestration, and moisture control that directly affect how wood-frame walls, floors, and roofs are designed and detailed. APA engages in the energy code process to ensure that wood construction methods can meet these requirements without compromising structural performance or creating moisture-related durability risks.
The ICC maintains an online code adoption map showing which edition of each model code has been adopted by state and local jurisdictions. APA's technical staff can also assist with questions about specific local requirements as they relate to engineered wood products.