Code violations involve failure to meet requirements for stairs, handrails, lighting, egress, guardrails, and similar safety features. Codes apply prospectively, so structures built under earlier codes may be lawfully noncompliant with current requirements.
Violations may support negligence per se in some jurisdictions.
Alternative Names:
Code Violation, Building Code Noncompliance
Why it Matters?
The grandfathering question is the first defense inquiry, since a stairway built to the code in effect at construction is not a violation merely because current requirements differ. Renovation triggers are the exception, because substantial alterations frequently require bringing the affected areas to current code. Whether violation constitutes negligence per se or merely evidence of negligence varies and determines how much work the defense must do beyond compliance.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Does an older building violate current code?
Is a violation negligence per se?
