
Residential Code Compliance Analyzer
Identify building code violations in residential designs before permit submission
What You Can Do
This skill cross-references your residential design specifications against jurisdiction-specific building codes (IBC, IRC, local amendments) to identify code violations, ambiguous details inspectors will challenge, and compliance documentation gaps. You can validate designs across multiple jurisdictions, evaluate design trade-offs (fire-rating vs. acoustic performance), and generate compliance narratives that support permit applications—all before formal submission.
Features
Identifies non-compliant building elements against IBC, IRC, and jurisdiction-specific amendments with severity ratings
Flags code differences across state and local regulations for projects spanning multiple areas
Generates narratives, checklists, and decision logs that demonstrate code adherence to inspectors
Analyzes conflicts between competing code requirements (fire-rating vs. acoustic vs. thermal performance) with alternatives
Flags ambiguous details and specification gaps that trigger RFI requests or re-submissions
Cross-checks designs against accessibility codes (ADA, local amendments) for aging-in-place or universal design projects
Evaluates contractor-provided materials and shop drawings for code alignment before inspector review
Produces jurisdiction-specific pre-submission checklists aligned with local Authority Having Jurisdiction requirements
Example Output
Example 1: Residential Addition Code Review
Input: Two-story addition with new bedrooms, egress windows, and roof deck. Local jurisdiction: California (Title 24 + IBC amendments).
Output:
- ⚠️ CRITICAL: Egress window sill height 36" from floor (code requires ≤36"); borderline—verify with AHJ
- ⚠️ MAJOR: Roof deck guardrail 42" height meets IBC but exceeds Title 24 setback distance from roof edge by 6"
- ✅ PASS: HVAC sizing, insulation values, electrical capacity exceed Title 24 requirements
- 📋 Compliance narrative prepared for permit application addressing trade-offs
Example 2: Accessible Dwelling Design Validation
Input: Single-story home with universal design features. Local code: ADA + state amendments.
Output:
- ✅ PASS: Main bathroom grab bars, clear floor space at fixtures, turning radius in bedrooms
- ⚠️ MAJOR: Kitchen counter height 34" (ADA requires 34-36"); existing design at 36"
- 📋 Accessibility compliance matrix generated; ready for submittal
Example 3: Multi-Jurisdiction Zoning Compliance
Input: Residential project near county/city boundary; setbacks, height limits, lot coverage differ.
Output:
- City Zone R-1: Setback 15', height limit 35'; design complies with 2' margin
- County Zone: Setback 20', height limit 40'; design falls short on setback by 3'
- 📋 Jurisdiction comparison table with alternatives (lot line adjustment, variance path, design modification)
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file with complete workflow:
- Code Compliance Checklist: Jurisdiction-agnostic template covering foundation through roofing systems
- Compliance Documentation Template: Narrative format for inspector correspondence and permit applications
- Multi-Jurisdiction Comparison Matrix: Side-by-side code requirement grid (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, occupancy)
- Design Trade-Off Worksheet: Evaluate competing code requirements and document design decisions
- Accessible Design Validation Checklist: ADA + state amendment cross-reference for universal design projects
- Permit-Readiness Pre-Submission Checklist: Authority Having Jurisdiction-specific template for final review
Who It's For
- Residential architects and designers — Validate designs against building codes before formal submission
- Design firms managing permit coordination — Accelerate code review cycles and reduce inspector RFIs
- Architects working across multiple jurisdictions — Flag code differences in regional or multi-site projects
- Architectural technologists and technicians — Support senior architects with systematic code analysis
- Design-build contractors — Review designs for code compliance before construction phase
Best For
- Pre-submission code compliance reviews for residential designs (single-family, multi-family, additions)
- Identifying code violations and compliance documentation gaps before permit applications
- Multi-jurisdiction code comparison (state, local, county variations)
- Accessible design and universal design validation (ADA, aging-in-place)
- Contractor submittals and shop drawing reviews for code alignment
- Design trade-off analysis (fire-rating vs. acoustic vs. thermal performance conflicts)







