Highlights of ICC 500-2014, ICC/NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters

This document summarizes the key provisions of ICC 500-2014, the national standard for the design and construction of tornado and hurricane storm shelters. It outlines requirements for administration, structural design, siting, occupancy, fire protection, ventilation, sanitation, and testing of both residential and community storm shelters. The 2014 edition introduces enhanced quality control, peer review, and special inspection requirements, and clarifies design criteria for shelters integrated within host buildings. The standard is referenced by the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) for storm shelter compliance.