
Architectural Code Compliance Analyzer
Audit architectural designs against building codes and zoning before permit submission
What You Can Do
You can conduct comprehensive compliance audits of architectural designs by cross-referencing your project parameters against IBC, local amendments, zoning ordinances, and ADA/ADAAG standards simultaneously. Claude identifies applicable code sections, flags specific violations, and generates detailed compliance documentation that accelerates permitting and reduces costly redesigns.
Features
evaluates designs against IBC, local zoning, accessibility standards, and project-specific requirements in one systematic review
adapts compliance analysis to local amendments and variations that differ from base IBC standards
flags specific code sections violated with explanations of why each violation occurs in your design
validates ADA/ADAAG compliance for egress, wayfinding, restrooms, elevators, and accessible routes
creates permit-ready compliance matrices and design review documentation to expedite municipal review
identifies where code variances or exceptions will be needed and suggests design alternatives
handles complex programs involving multiple code chapters and occupancy classifications
Example Output
Input: Schematic design for a 5-story mixed-use building (retail ground floor, 120 residential units, 8,000 sq ft office). Parking: 60 spaces. Local jurisdiction: Denver, CO.
Output:
✓ Occupancy Classification: IBC 2021 Section 302.1 — Mix-use building, primary: Group R-2 (residential), secondary: Group M (retail), Group B (office)
✗ VIOLATION FOUND: Parking ratio insufficient. IBC Table 406.4 requires 1.5 spaces/unit for residential = 180 spaces minimum. Current design provides only 60 spaces.
- Recommendation: Add structured parking or reduce unit count to 40 units
✓ Egress Analysis: Per IBC 1005.1, ground floor retail exit spacing adequate; two separate exits 60 ft apart provided
✗ VIOLATION FOUND: Residential accessible route. IBC 1104.2 requires minimum 8 accessible units in 120-unit building; current design shows only 4 wheelchair-accessible units.
- Recommendation: Modify units 204-207 and 304-307 to accessible specifications
What's Included
- SKILL.md instruction file: complete framework for conducting code compliance audits
- Jurisdiction checklist template: populate IBC version, local amendments, and project-specific code requirements
- Compliance audit checklist: organized by code chapter (occupancy, means of egress, fire-resistance, accessibility, etc.)
- Violation documentation matrix: template for recording specific violations, code citations, and design remedies
- Variance tracking worksheet: identifies required code variances and exception requests for permit submission
Who It's For
- Architects in schematic and design development phases validating designs before construction documents
- Design review coordinators preparing compliance documentation for municipal review boards
- Architects entering unfamiliar jurisdictions needing quick local code amendment and zoning analysis
- Project managers coordinating consultant teams requiring a shared compliance baseline
- Adaptive reuse and mixed-use specialists navigating complex multi-occupancy code requirements
Best For
- Code compliance audits on schematic and design development designs
- Jurisdiction-specific code research for unfamiliar local amendments and zoning variations
- Accessibility standards validation (ADA/ADAAG) across entire building programs
- Variance and exception documentation identifying where code relief will be required
- Permit preparation generating compliance matrices and design review narratives
- Multi-occupancy analysis for mixed-use, adaptive reuse, and complex program buildings
- Egress and life-safety validation reviewing exit spacing, stair dimensions, and emergency systems






