2025 Building Code Adoption Tracking Overview

This overview explains the methodology behind FEMA's 2025 Building Code Adoption Tracking (BCAT) Fact Sheets, which assess the adoption status of hazard-resistant building codes across states and territories in each FEMA region. It details how jurisdictions are evaluated for code adoption in relation to five hazards: flood, damaging wind, hurricane wind, tornado, and seismic risk. The document outlines the criteria for designating areas as having higher, moderate, or lower resistance based on the adoption of the 2021 or 2024 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC), and participation in the National Flood Insurance Program for flood-prone communities. The resource is intended to support outreach, planning, and code enforcement efforts among FEMA, state, local, tribal, and territorial stakeholders.