On December 9, 2024, the state of Rhode Island’s Building Code Standards committee approved the adoption of the International Code Council’s and Modular Building Institute’s (MBI) Standards 1200, 1205 and 1210. Rhode Island is the first state to adopt ICC/MBI 1210 Standard for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation in Off-site Construction. The state joins Virginia, Utah and Montana in adopting ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 for off-site construction.

The Code Council and MBI developed ICC/MBI 1200-2021 Standard for Off-site Construction: Planning, Design, Fabrication and Assembly, ICC/MBI 1205-2021 Standard for Off-site Construction: Inspection and Regulatory Compliance and ICC/MBI 1210-2023 Standard for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Systems, Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation in Off-site Construction to provide best practices based on existing off-site construction programs and support consistency and efficiency in how off-site construction is approved and inspected. The ICC/MBI standards for off-site construction aid communities in advancing off-site construction while adhering to local building codes.

“Off-site construction has proven to be an effective solution to address multiple challenges including the affordable housing crisis,” said Code Council Vice President of Innovation Ryan Colker. “Rhode Island seized the opportunity to update their program to capture best practices in administering the state’s off-site construction program and highlights the state’s significant commitment to enhancing building safety and affordability.”

Off-site construction is a rapidly growing, innovative construction technique that creates affordable housing with greater speed to market than traditional construction methods. Off-site construction can also support jurisdictions in achieving their goals for sustainability, workforce development and jobsite safety.

More information about off-site construction can be found here.