We’re excited to introduce Code Versions, a new way to find, compare, and interpret substantial code changes that occur mid-code cycle. This is the next iteration in our mission to integrate adoptions, amendments, supplements, and updates into one streamlined workflow. Now, you can select a finer granularity of effective dates for your projects.
Where we started
When we started UpCodes, we wanted to consolidate information into a single platform to make code research as seamless as possible. When it is not available, we work to integrate amendments to the base code. When combined with the updates happening across the jurisdictions, we update over 7,000 sections/month on average.
However, we’ve gotten more requests for granular versions of the code, like supplements, that better match the effective dates. This falls in line with our objective to reduce the friction and cost historically seen when information is distributed across multiple sources.
The hidden costs of manual supplement research
Unlike regular code updates, supplements group substantial changes across different codes within the same code cycle. AEC professionals have to identify the strictest requirement between the supplement and the original adoption. Until now, this required hours of manual research and the constant worry of missing critical changes.
The complexity doesn’t end there. Most jurisdictions don't release new amendments after a state supplement is issued. This leaves the public with the daunting task of piecing together codes across multiple sources to find the most restrictive requirement—a process that's incredibly time-consuming and error-prone.
A smarter way to handle supplements
We’re excited to introduce Code Versions: new capabilities that modernize code research for designers, builders, engineers, and owners. Much like amendments, we've integrated supplements into UpCodes, allowing users to leverage our robust toolset, like Search, Copilot, Code Compare, and Bookmarks, with supplements.
With this latest update, you can:
- Get notified when a supplement becomes available and receive immediate access (even as a free user).
- Switch between original adoptions and supplements in a jurisdiction.
- Compare supplements with original adoptions, surfacing the changes in a side-by-side comparison.
- Reference the latest supplement while searching UpCodes and when prompting Copilot.
- Organize your research with version-aware Bookmarks.
- Collaborate on supplement research using Projects and Comments.
Key features to accelerate your workflow
Streamlined navigation experience
Quickly toggle between the previous edition and any available supplement directly from the Code Viewer.
Automated code comparison
You no longer have to compare code changes across multiple tabs manually. Code Compare automatically highlights differences between the supplement and the original adoption, so you can focus on understanding the changes rather than finding them.
Intelligent integration with Search and Copilot
When working with supplements, both Search and Copilot automatically pull from the latest effective supplement. This ensures you're working with up-to-date code sources while researching.
Enhanced collaboration capabilities
Working across supplements and original adoptions can get confusing. Now, your Bookmarks clearly indicate which code you're referencing, making it easier to organize your research across different code versions.
We’ve also rolled out Comments for supplements, helping you consolidate code discussions where you’re conducting code research.
How can I access these features?
Code Versions is currently available in California, but we’re working to expand access to new jurisdictions. Request your jurisdiction to help us prioritize the rollout, and get notified when it’s available.
Building code compliance is complex enough without the added challenge of managing supplement research manually. Code Versions make it easier to stay current, compliant, and confident in your code research.