Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to become more prevalent in many people’s daily lives, and the skilled trades are no exception. Engineers, designers and contractors are increasingly using AI to access information and solve problems quickly. While AI helps us move faster, it’s important that the information we’re accessing and applying on the job is accurate.
Generative AI tools are not without risks. They are known to deliver “hallucinations,” or answers that may seem correct, but are not fully accurate. For complex technical topics such as codes and standards, mainstream AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Gemini, may not interpret the contents as intended and may not use correct sources. This could potentially compromise building safety and put occupants at risk.
To mitigate these risks and better support professionals in the field, the International Code Council (ICC) developed ICC-AI Navigator, a proprietary, generative AI tool designed to find accurate, current building code information more quickly. ICC-AI Navigator is trained and tested by ICC technical experts, including engineers in product development and technical services, making it the authoritative source for current and accurate code information.
How ICC-AI Navigator works
While familiar AI tools are accessible and can be used to reference building codes, they are prone to drawing incorrect information from other sources. This can cause professionals to lose valuable time on the job at moments when they need quick, reliable answers to stay on schedule.
To avoid these issues, experts at the ICC have trained and tested the ICC-AI Navigator to respond using information exclusively from a “toolset” to ensure consistent and more precise answers. This toolset is built using a vector database, a machine-readable, tagged collection of authoritative content provided directly by ICC source material.
Because the tool draws exclusively from this database, it operates within a “closed loop” of content. By narrowing the output to this verified content, ICC AI-Navigator delivers precise, accurate answers to code questions for inquiring plumbing engineers, boosting confidence in compliance.
Since its introduction in 2023, the tool has since grown and evolved, supporting thousands of professionals in the field. ICC-AI Navigator has to date helped answer over 100,000 user questions, with growing use every month.
Using the ICC-AI Navigator
The ICC-AI Navigator functions as a chat tool that can surface the relevant code section and, when prompted, break it down in a way that is easier to understand. This tool is available as a part of Digital Codes Premium, and can be leveraged for several use cases, including:
• Easy International Code (I-Code) References: Users can quickly identify and access the specific location of a code or standard within the digital code book.
• State Building Codes: The tool can identify specific provisions for State Building Codes, which often include amendments to the model code.
• I-Code Summaries: The “summary” feature is a new addition that can surface a relevant code section or sections and provide a focused summary of the content.
ICC-AI Navigator continues to evolve its features to improve the user experience, and customer feedback is encouraged as it plays a key role in our development process and the improvements we make to the tool. The “Summary” feature is a prime example, as it was created in direct response to customer requests and feedback. It now enables use of the tool directly within the content.
The ICC continues to develop additional AI-enabled tools as well. Our Digital Codes platform now features an AI-enhanced image search that greatly improves the accuracy and relevancy of images discovered and returned to users.
Note: AI is not a replacement for the knowledge and judgment of trained professionals, it is instead a powerful tool. Just as ICC leverages the expertise of real people to power ICC-AI Navigator, we believe that there should always be a human in the loop, applying knowledge, verifying information and ensuring that decisions are made with safety and compliance in mind.
To support skilled trade professionals, ICC hosts AI education sessions for its chapters and presentations at industry conferences, such as the 2025 American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture & Design.
Looking ahead, the ICC anticipates that AI tools grounded in authoritative content will become standard practice across the industry, giving engineers, contractors and designers faster and more confident ways to work with the codes they depend on. As generative AI tools continue to evolve, the commitment to thoughtful, informed use will be essential to ensuring that technology strengthens, not substitutes, the skilled professionals who keep our built environment safe.
To learn more about the ICC-AI Navigator, visit https://bit.ly/44AkLJM. For more information on member resources, visit https://bit.ly/3MMkpcW.
Joan O’Neil is the Chief Knowledge Officer and Executive Vice President for the International Code Council, responsible for leading the overall strategy and execution of the company’s content and services business, including management of ICC’s Digital Solutions and Publishing, Codification, Community Development, and the ICC Innovation brand.
