Traditional Fire and Building Codes are considered prescriptive codes.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. Both

Answer: (A)

Prescriptive by nature, traditional fire and building codes specify exact materials, components, and installation methods to achieve safety outcomes. This approach provides clear, checkable requirements that inspectors can verify—things like specific fire resistance ratings, minimum means of egress dimensions, door construction details, and required fire protection features. Because the code tells you exactly what to use and how to install it, compliance is demonstrated by following the prescribed rules rather than by proving a chosen design meets overall safety goals.

In contrast, performance-based codes set safety objectives and allow alternative solutions as long as the design demonstrates the required level of safety through analysis, testing, or other justified methods. While many modern codes blend prescriptive and performance elements, traditional codes are described as prescriptive because their emphasis is on following predetermined requirements rather than achieving outcomes through flexible design.