Main Issues

BOMA International supports code proposals that offer clarity to promote consistent interpretation and enforcement of the code wherever they are adopted in the country. Additionally, BOMA promotes building codes that increase safety and energy efficiency, so long as the benefits outweigh the costs.

ICC International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

ASHRAE 90.1

ASHRAE 189.1

ASME Elevator Codes

ASME A17.1 is the primary safety code for elevators, escalators, moving walks, and dumbwaiters. It governs the design, construction, installation, operation, testing, maintenance, alteration, and repair of these systems. The latest edition was released in January 2026.

Note: The following states may have slight variations in their elevator codes via additions, subtractions, or adoption of certain versions of the International Building Code (IBC): DE, IL, ME, MD, MI, MT, NM, NY, ND, OK, PA, TX, UT, WA. Data Taken From KINGS III.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Signed into law in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act increased the protection and improvement of the rights of Americans with disabilities. As a result of this, accessibility has improved in buildings throughout the country. At the same time, some attorneys are exploiting the ADA in an attempt to make a profit rather than focusing on improving accessibility in commercial real estate buildings. While BOMA International fully supports the ADA, it aims to provide resources and information so that building owners and managers can improve accessibility in commercial real estate buildings as quickly and efficiently as possible without being taken advantage of.

The U.S. Department of Justice has frequently revised the Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines and published updated regulations. The most recent revised regulations were published on December 2, 2016 and took effect on January 17, 2017. For more information regarding ADA regulations and updates, visit the Americans with Disabilities Act homepage.

The Guide to ADA Standards explains the regulations that apply to Title II (state and federal buildings) and Title III (places of public accommodation, businesses, and commercial facilities)and describes the standards that apply under the ABA to all facilities receiving federal funding for any construction, alteration, or leased space.

BOMA International strongly supports the next generation of accessibility requirements in new buildings and alterations while grandfathering in conditions that meet current Department of Justice standards (2010 ADA Standards). BOMA continues to work to ensure that new regulations, codes, and standards provide increased consistency in accessibility requirements, more reasonable and clearer technical requirements, and more consistent interpretation, application, and enforcement.

Stay Up to Date on Building Codes

Building codes are constantly evolving, and compliance requires building owners and managers to remain diligent. BOMA International’s Codes Team provides members with an updated list of priorities during each step of the code development process to give all BOMA members a chance to offer feedback and raise concerns.