The International Code Council (ICC) announced the updated ICC 1300, Standard for the Vulnerability-Based Seismic Assessment and Retrofit of One- and Two-Family Dwellings, has been finalized and accepted into the 2027 International Codes (I-Codes). The ICC 1300 establishes a nationally recognized, cost-effective framework for seismic retrofits by identifying and addressing the most common ways that homes fail during earthquakes.   

“The updated ICC 1300’s inclusion in the 2027 I-Codes reinforces our commitment to resilient, science-based building practices,” said Dr. Russ Manning, senior vice president of technical services, ICC. “The standard helps communities, policymakers and homeowners assess seismic risks, improve resilience and protect long-term housing value. It reflects the accumulated wisdom of communities, supported by expert consensus, on how best to protect homes and families from seismic events.” 

The voluntary design standard helps owners achieve meaningful safety and resilience outcomes without the expense of meeting new-construction requirements where they may not be warranted. The result is a more practical, affordable pathway to safer, more resilient buildings.  

The standard was developed through ICC’s ANSI Consensus Standards process, a collaborative effort involving engineers, code officials, industry stakeholders and public-sector partners. ICC 1300 represents the culmination of a multi-year FEMA-led effort to transform the Agency’s foundational seismic retrofit guidance— FEMA P-1100, Vulnerability-Based Seismic Assessment and Retrofit of One- and Two-Family Dwellings — into a consensus standard. Seismic retrofit projects conducted in accordance with ICC 1300 may qualify as eligible activities under FEMA’s BRIC and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), providing jurisdictions with federal funding streams that can help enable seismic retrofits at scale. 

“Americans deserve practical, proven standards that help make homes safer without unnecessary cost or complexity,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the FEMA Administrator Robert Fenton. “ICC 1300 gives homeowners, builders and communities a nationally recognized framework based on FEMA’s seismic research to strengthen existing homes. By providing a clear, voluntary design standard, this update helps State, Local, Tribal and Territorial governments invest dollars effectively.” 

For more information about ICC 1300, visit here.