Should building codes protect property?

Surprisingly, this question is being asked for the US IRC International Residential Code.  In currently ongoing revision proposals for this code, it is proposed to delete the word “property” from the codes purpose (currently it reads: “…provide … safety to life and property from fire and other hazards …”). This is justified by the suggestion that the word “property” could allow insurance companies to ask for code requirements to reduce their losses rather than “minimum requirements” (despite the words “minimum requirements” being included in the code purpose). Many other ICC (US International Code Council) codes do refer to protecting property (including codes on fire, plumbing, sewage disposal …) as does NFPA 5000 (US National Fire Protection Association Building Construction and Safety Code). Discussion is ongoing on this proposed IRC code wording change.

Information from Marcelo Hirschler’s editorial in Fire Safety & Technology Bulletin (FS&TB) August 2025 (vol. 18, n°8) https://www.gbhint.com/firesafety-and-technology-bulletin/